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>.



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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)....

In November, the United Nations Climate Change Conference is set to commence. The spotlight will shine brightly on one contentious issue: the negotiation of new payments from industrialized nations to their less affluent counterparts - especially using profits from oil and gas companies. 



The debate on the financing of these payments is, to put it mildly, a heated one. But now, a revelation from a study led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) could change everything.



It turns out, the windfall profits raked in by oil and gas companies during the energy crisis of 2022 were enough to fulfill the existing commitments of industrialized nations for almost five years. The researchers' solution? A tax on these so-called windfall profits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oil-profits-bridge-the-funding-gap">Oil profits bridge the funding gap</h2>



The funding for climate targets is a key item on the agenda at the forthcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29). 



Industrialized nations had pledged annually $100 billion from 2020 to 2025 to assist less developed countries in climate protection initiatives and adaptation to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-diversity-takes-a-hard-hit-near-offshore-platforms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. However, the promised funds have not fully been delivered. 



This leads us to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a follow-up agreement set to be passed. The NCQG commits to additional funding, yet there is no clarity on sourcing these funds. So, what do we do? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-windfall-profit-tax">Windfall profit tax</h2>



One proposed solution under consideration is a tax on windfall profits of companies dealing in fossil fuels. 



A windfall profit tax imposes a levy on profits that exceed normal expectations during a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crisis</a>. Think of it as a situation where the companies hit the jackpot owing to the crisis. 



Taking the energy crisis following Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022 as an example, international energy prices rocketed sky-high.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-oil-and-gas-profits">Using oil and gas profits</h2>



The research team meticulously scrutinized the profits reported by 93 of the world's largest oil and gas companies for 2022, and compared them with the analysts' predictions at the beginning of the year. 



The figures are staggering. The projected profits were about $753 billion. However, the actual profits earned exceeded this by a whopping $490 billion, totaling around $1.243 trillion. 



“These additional profits from just one year are close to the total amount promised to the poorer countries for a five-year period,” noted study leader Florian Egli, professor of Public Policy for the Green Transition at <a href="https://www.tum.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TUM</a>.



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



To consider the feasibility of redistributing these excess profits, the research team acknowledged the domicile countries of these companies and whether they were state-owned or private entities. 



A remarkable 42% of these windfall profits were reported by state-run companies, with the lion's share originating from Norway. 



“The governments have the ability to take direct action to skim off the profits earned due to a crisis and use them to fight the climate crisis,” said Dr. Anna Stünzi of the <a href="https://www.unisg.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of St. Gallen</a>.



On the other hand, the private enterprises that garnered windfall profits, which is a whopping 95%, were headquartered in nations that pledged towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> protection funding.



“With a tax on windfall profits from oil and gas, at least some industrialized countries could generate income to meet their commitments to the poorer countries,” said Professor Egli.



It is important to note that companies in the United States, the UK, France, and Canada collectively accounted for about half of these profits. Almost all of these companies are based in G20 countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-oil-profits-fund-climate-solutions">Can oil profits fund climate solutions?</h2>



Global greenhouse gas emissions are predominantly linked to burning oil and gas. Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry continues to rake in substantial profits.



“More than half of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions result from the burning of oil and gas. At the same time, the oil and gas industry has been one of the most profitable sectors for a long time,” said Professor Egli.



“It would undoubtedly be hard to reach an international agreement to tax these profits. But the agreement on a global minimum tax rate for companies, reached by more than 130 countries in 2023 under the auspices of the OECD and G20, could be a role model.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oil-profits-drive-clean-energy">Oil profits drive clean energy</h2>



The worldwide profits of oil and gas the industry are larger than those acknowledged in this study. 



Some of the industry giants - such as those in Russia, Iran, South Africa and Venezuela - do not disclose their figures and therefore, were not encompassed in the study.



“Taxing superprofits could tamper and phase down investment in oil and gas, building a stable and efficient clean energy market and helping to align financial flows with the goals of the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>,” noted Michael Grubb, professor at University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>).



“The reorientation of fossil fuel revenues for consistency with climate goals should be next on the global agenda.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14693062.2024.2424516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Policy</a>. 



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Oil profits could save the planet if governments tax them now

In November, the United Nations Climate Change Conference is set...

For more than six decades, Antarctica and its resources have stood as a symbol of peace and cooperation. This vast wilderness, untouched by war and unspoiled by human hands, has been a sanctuary for scientific curiosity and discovery.



<a href="https://www.ats.aq/e/antarctictreaty.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Antarctica Treaty</a>, established in 1961, provided a framework that has maintained this delicate balance. 



It encouraged peaceful exploration, enabling nations such as Britain, Argentina, Australia, Norway, France, New Zealand, and Chile to lay claim to territory, yet restricted these claims in favor of scientific research. 



The treaty has endured because defying it was simply too difficult or costly, noted Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy icebreaker captain.



However, Sharpe pointed out that as soon as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica's</a> vast resources become economically worth the risk of exploiting, things will change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-antarctica-s-resources">Controlling Antarctica's resources</h2>



For years, the Antarctic Treaty served as an exemplar of effective global cooperation. But now, this time-tested model is showing signs of wear and tear. 



Emerging heavyweights like China, Russia, and other nations are nudging the Antarctic Treaty into uncharted waters, threatening a new scramble for control of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-may-fully-recover-by-2066/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resource-rich continent</a>.



The United States, although still boasting the primary footprint in Antarctica, is seeing rapid competition from China. Just recently, China completed its fifth base on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-greening-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continent</a>, purportedly dedicated to 'scientific purposes'.



Meanwhile, Russia seems equally intent on increasing its presence. This move, according to Dr. Lyn Goldsworthy from the University of Tasmania, is part of their broader strategy to shake up the world's rule-based order.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loopholes-and-ambitions">Loopholes and ambitions</h2>



Despite a ban on mining until 2048, these new players are publicly advertising their ambitious plans for resource extraction from Antarctica.



Yet, what truly matters, as Sharpe warns, isn't just the overt ambitions. It's the more subtle maneuvers, such as using military personnel for peaceable purposes, that might one day translate into property rights. 



With countries like Russia, China, and India capitalizing on this - alongside Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran keen on securing a foothold - the Antarctic landscape is changing fast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modernizing-the-treaty">Modernizing the treaty</h2>



These unfolding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a> have led to calls for modernizing the Antarctic Treaty. Yet achieving the unanimous support needed for this overhaul seems a far cry away, considering the geopolitical stakes and reach of nations like Russia and China.



A coherent strategy, bolstered by people, inspectors, ships, and enforcement mechanisms, is needed more than ever to uphold the existing treaty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-antarctica-s-resources">Protecting Antarctica's resources</h2>



Amid growing geopolitical tensions, it is crucial not to overlook the pressing environmental concerns facing Antarctica. 



The continent is home to unique ecosystems and wildlife that are highly sensitive to human activities and climate change. The melting ice sheets are a stark reminder of the broader implications of global warming. 



Research indicates that Antarctica's ice holds enough water to raise global sea levels by several meters, emphasizing the urgent need for international collaboration in mitigating climate change effects. 



Sustainable environmental policies and practices must be prioritized to preserve Antarctica's pristine environment for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quest-for-peaceful-exploration">Quest for peaceful exploration </h2>



Science has long served as a unifying force in Antarctica, offering a neutral ground for collaboration and knowledge exchange. As geopolitical ambitions intensify, scientific cooperation assumes even greater significance. 



Research initiatives, such as climate studies and biodiversity assessments, provide invaluable insights while promoting diplomatic relations between countries. Strengthening scientific partnerships in Antarctica can serve as a pivotal means to diffuse tensions and refocus efforts on shared goals. 



By championing science-driven diplomacy, nations can uphold the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty and ensure that peaceful exploration and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> triumph over rivalry and exploitation.



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



The need for consensus, however, extends beyond the physical landscape. As Sharpe notes, if consensus seems elusive for issues like Ukraine, Gaza, the Arctic and the China Sea, how can we hope to achieve it for the remote, inaccessible Antarctic? 



Despite its flaws, the Antarctic Treaty has managed to keep the peace for more than 60 years. But the waters are getting murky, threatening a collapse that could trigger chaos in the polar south.



Only time will tell what lies ahead for Antarctica. For now, it remains a symbol of what we can achieve when we let shared curiosity and respect for our planet take precedence over national interests and territorial ambitions.



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Antarctica’s peace is at risk as nations race for resources

For more than six decades, Antarctica and its resources have...

A recent study has highlighted how plastics impact the environment, health, and human well-being in ways far more intricate and damaging than previously understood. 



The study uses the <a href="https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Boundaries framework</a> to examine the full life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/">plastics</a>, showing their impacts on global environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, and freshwater and land use.



“It’s necessary to consider the full life cycle of plastics, starting from the extraction of fossil fuel and the primary plastic polymer production,” explained lead author Patricia Villarrubia-Gómez, a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.stockholmresilience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm Resilience Center</a> at Stockholm University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plastic-overload">Global plastic overload</h2>



Currently, over 500 million tons of plastics are produced each year, yet only 9% is recycled. Plastics are pervasive, contaminating ecosystems from Mount Everest’s peak to the Mariana Trench’s depths.&nbsp;



The research team’s review reveals how plastic pollution affects fundamental Earth systems, contributing to almost every pressing global environmental challenge.



Plastics are complex synthetic materials, often combined with thousands of chemicals. Their effects extend throughout their life cycle, from raw material extraction to production, use, and release into the environment.



“Plastics are seen as those inert products that protect our favorite products or make our lives easier, that can be ‘easily cleaned up’ once they become waste. But this is far from reality,” noted Villarrubia-Gómez.



“Plastics are made out of the combination of thousands of chemicals. Many of them, such as endocrine disruptors and chemicals, pose toxicity and harm to ecosystems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a>.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-impacts-of-plastics">Interconnected impacts of plastics</h2>



Until now, most research and policy efforts have focused on specific aspects of plastic pollution, often treating it primarily as a waste management problem.&nbsp;



However, the research highlights that plastics’ impacts are interconnected, destabilizing the Earth system in ways previously overlooked.



“The impacts of plastics on the Earth system are complex and interconnected,” said co-author Sarah Cornell, an expert in global sustainability at the Stockholm Resilience Center. “This work clearly demonstrates how plastics are acting to destabilize the system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-system-impacts-of-plastic">Earth system impacts of plastic</h2>



To more effectively address these impacts, the researchers propose an impact pathway approach. This framework includes indicators at three main stages of plastics’ life cycle: extraction and production, environmental release, and systemic Earth impacts.&nbsp;



Rather than seeking a single quantitative threshold for plastic pollution within the Planetary Boundaries framework, they suggest a set of control variables that can better capture the multifaceted nature of plastics pollution.



“We emphasize the need to account for impacts at all stages along the life cycle of plastics,” Villarrubia-Gómez said. “We propose a set of control variables that together allow us to better understand and control plastics pollution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-data-transparency-nbsp">Challenges in data transparency&nbsp;</h2>



The research team examined publicly available data on plastic production, noting significant challenges in standardizing and reporting. In 2022 alone, at least 506 million tons of plastics were produced worldwide.&nbsp;



Since the 1950s, an estimated total of 11,090 million tons have been produced. However, inconsistent data reporting, lack of methodological detail, and missing metadata complicate reliable assessments.



The team noted that this data gap limits both research and policy responses. Even with current limitations, the available evidence demonstrates how plastics contribute to environmental harm at planetary scales.&nbsp;



Plastic pollution affects ecosystems directly, through physical contamination, and indirectly, by altering Earth’s biophysical processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-address-planetary-health">Solutions to address planetary health</h2>



For people across the globe, the impacts of plastic pollution are becoming more severe as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-exceeded-six-of-nine-planetary-boundaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary boundaries</a> are increasingly breached. 



Understanding how plastics interact within the Planetary Boundaries framework can support more sustainable strategies to address pressing environmental issues.



Study co-author Bethanie Carney Almroth, an expert in the environmental impact of plastics at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>, noted that plastics are now found in the most remote regions of the planet and in the most intimate - within human bodies.



“And we know that plastics are complex materials, released into the environment throughout the plastics life cycle, resulting in harm in many systems,” she said.&nbsp;



“The solutions we strive to develop must be considered with this complexity in mind, addressing the full spectrum of safety and sustainability to protect people and the planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reframing-plastic-pollution-policy">Reframing plastic pollution policy</h2>



With international Plastics Treaty negotiations approaching, the researchers urge experts and policymakers to view plastic pollution as more than a waste issue.&nbsp;



By focusing on the entire lifecycle and material flow, they hope policymakers can address the effects of plastic pollution on Earth's fundamental systems.



This shift in perspective could enable more precise tracking of plastic pollution’s impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>, biodiversity, and resources, allowing for timely, targeted responses.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.10.017" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>,



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Plastic pollution is changing the entire Earth system

A recent study has highlighted how plastics impact the environment,...

Droughts define the American West - dry, dusty, and unforgiving. Yet, these recurring droughts are not solely due to a lack of rainfall as previously thought.



A recent study indicates a different narrative, placing the blame on rising temperatures caused by human-induced climate change.



The study asserts that increased evaporation, driven by warmer temperatures, has played a more significant role than decreased precipitation in droughts across the American West, especially since 2000.



The study was conducted by scientists at UCLA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-heat-and-drought-severity">Rising heat and drought severity</h2>



The researchers concluded that during the 2020-2022 drought, evaporation accounted for 61 percent of the drought’s severity, while reduced precipitation contributed only 39 percent.



Study lead author Rong Fu, a <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, made an interesting clarification.



“Research has already shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-increasing-around-the-world-due-to-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures</a> contribute to drought, but this is, to our knowledge, the first study that actually shows that moisture loss due to demand is greater than the moisture loss due to lack of rainfall," noted Professor Fu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-in-perspective">A shift in perspective </h2>



Historically, drought in the West has been associated with reduced rainfall. However, warming temperatures caused by the burning of fossil fuels have intensified evaporative demand.



This clearly broadens our perspective on the causes of drought, highlighting the need to account for human activities and their impacts on the environment.



Veva Deheza, executive director of NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and co-author of the study, elaborated on this shift in understanding.



"For generations, drought has been associated with drier-than-normal weather. This study further confirms we’ve entered a new paradigm where rising temperatures are leading to intense droughts, with precipitation as a secondary factor," said Deheza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rain-that-never-falls">The rain that never falls</h2>



Our climate is a complex system. As the planet warms, evaporation rates increase. Even though a warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, it will not necessarily result in precipitation.



Heat keeps water molecules in constant motion, making condensation - and thus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-cause-a-major-delay-in-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> - difficult. This cyclic process suggests that droughts will last longer, cover wider areas, and be even drier with every bit that the planet warms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-evaporation-and-droughts">Heat, evaporation, and droughts</h2>



What happens when we analyze observational data over a 70-year period about "natural" droughts and those resulting from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-induced climate change</a>? 



Surprisingly, researchers found that climate change has accounted for 80 percent of the increase in evaporative demand since 2000. During the drought periods, that figure increased to more than 90 percent.



These figures reveal that climate change is the main driver increasing drought severity and expansion since 2000.



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



The researchers made a dramatic comparison of drought patterns. Before 2000, only 26 percent of droughts were caused by high evaporative demand. Since 2000, this figure jumped to 66 percent.



Professor Fu highlighted the impact of climate change on the drought severity. 



"Though the drought began through a natural reduction in precipitation, I would say its severity was increased from the equivalent of ‘moderate’ to ‘exceptional' on the drought severity scale due to climate change.”



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



The study concludes with a warning. If the emission of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> continues unabated, what we once considered severe droughts will become more frequent events in the not-so-distant future.



“Even if precipitation looks normal, we can still have drought because moisture demand has increased so much and there simply isn’t enough water to keep up with that increased demand," said Professor Fu.



"This is not something you could build bigger reservoirs or something to prevent because when the atmosphere warms, it will just suck up more moisture everywhere. The only way to prevent this is to stop temperatures from increasing, which means we have to stop emitting greenhouse gases.”



The research was supported by NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and Climate Program Office, and the National Science Foundation.



The findings highlight the urgent need to address climate change. The future of the American West depends on us - on our actions and our commitment to preserving the environment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn9389" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Climate change is now the driving force behind droughts

Droughts define the American West - dry, dusty, and unforgiving....

Hot days, cool salads, and refreshing tomato slices - sounds like summer, doesn't it? But have you ever wondered - how do tomatoes survive intense heat?



Under the scorching sun, as the mercury rises, some tomato varieties keep on thriving. A team of biologists based at <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> decided to investigate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tomatoes-surviving-the-heat">Tomatoes surviving the heat</h2>



The experts wanted to identify the specific growth cycle phase when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-tomatoes-are-ready-for-an-unprecedented-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomatoes</a> buckle under heat, as well as the molecular mechanisms that shield them.



The findings could be a crucial key to protecting our food supply in the age of climate change. Indeed, agricultural productivity is already dancing on thin ice.



Our rising temperatures could slash crop yields by up to 16% with every additional degree Celsius of seasonal warming.



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



Study co-author Sorel V. Yimga Ouonkap is a research associate in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry at Brown.



Ouonkap noted that the scientists took some lessons from evolution to experiment with how best to speed up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-acylsugars-parallel-universe-plant-kingdom-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation process</a> for varieties of tomato plants.



According to the researchers, it would take a long time to wait for evolution to weed out the vulnerable tomato varieties like Heinz in favor of those that can handle extreme heat - a process that might also jeopardize the qualities that make vulnerable crops commercially desirable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-tomatoes-more-tolerant-of-heat">Making tomatoes more tolerant of heat</h2>



“We’re trying to figure out thermoregulation at a molecular and cellular level, and identify what and where we need to improve so that we can target those in commercial plant cultivars and conserve everything about them except for this one aspect that makes them vulnerable to extreme heat,” explained Ouonkap.



“Over time, you can start accumulating different resistance mechanisms as the growing conditions continue to change.”



Thermotolerance, or the ability of a plant to withstand extreme temperatures, could be a promising way to confront climate change, noted study author Mark Johnson, a professor of biology at Brown.



"Imagine if you could just make a Heinz <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-talk-to-one-another-to-signal-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomato</a> more resilient to temperature stress without affecting the flavor profile or the way people experience the tomato," Johnson said. "That would be a great advantage."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-stress-and-plant-reproduction">Heat stress and plant reproduction</h2>



Johnson's lab has studied plant reproduction for years. Yet, a gap remained: no studies examined what happens after pollen lands on the stigma during this crucial phase - a key to understanding how tomatoes survive extreme conditions.



Undeterred, Ouonkap dived into this unexplored area for his thesis project. He focused on the pollen tube growth phase of the plant reproductive cycle, studying different tomato varieties known for thriving in extra-hot growing seasons. 



Collaborating with scientists from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, the experts learned that heat stress during just this phase limits fruit and seed production more in heat-sensitive than heat-tolerant tomato varieties.



It’s not all bad news. Ouonkap discovered that the heat-tolerant Tamaulipas tomato variety showed exceptional growth under high temperatures. His molecular analysis helped the team uncover the mechanisms that let this tomato survive intense heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-tomatoes-to-beat-the-heat">Creating tomatoes to beat the heat </h2>



The researchers focused on tomatoes because different varieties can adapt to a range of extreme climates - providing clues to how species respond differently to environmental conditions.



Tomatoes are a valuable commercial crop all over the world, including some regions that are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat conditions.&nbsp;



Having identified the beneficial molecular mechanisms, the next step is to determine specific techniques to enable tomatoes to grow in diverse climates. 



One possible avenue? Creating a molecule that could prepare the pollen in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> to withstand a heat wave, as Johnson explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-more-tomatoes-survive">Can more tomatoes survive?</h2>



"When the weather forecast showed two weeks of high temperatures during the pollen tube growth phase, the farmer would apply a product to plants that would change the gene expression so that the pollen would be resilient to heat," said Johnson.



While this level of manipulation is still a vision and not yet a reality, the experts said this area of research is ripe for exploration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01379-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Tomatoes have a molecular trick to survive in extreme heat

Hot days, cool salads, and refreshing tomato slices - sounds...

A new study sheds light on a not-so-pleasant truth: the smallest countries in the world, which contribute the least to climate change, face its most dire consequences. And it's only set to get worse for these small island nations.



According to research led by the University of Bristol, on average, one in five people in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is now exposed to both coastal and inland flooding.



That's about 8.5 million people living in these countries that are toe-to-toe with possible disaster. 



In the Bahamas, Guyana, and Tuvalu, this percentage triples, with over 60% of their populations exposed to the risks of flooding. The threats extend from the Pacific and the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.



To put things in perspective, think of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/valencia-floods-a-tragedy-fueled-by-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catastrophic scenes in Valencia</a>, Spain, due to record-breaking rainfall. Now, imagine this as a regular occurrence, not just for Spain, but for people across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-exposure-of-small-islands">Flood exposure of small islands</h2>



Study lead author&nbsp;Leanne Archer is a research associate at the University’s Cabot Institute for the Environment.



“Flooding is now an alarming real-world threat for so many people globally. This study demonstrates that the often-overlooked Small Island Developing States are already subject to a disproportionate level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood exposure</a>, despite contributing the least to climate change,” said Archer. 



But, why these islands? The United Nations (UN) recognizes these nations as being especially exposed to the effects of climate change. With populations ranging from around 1,000 to 7,000,000 people, inhabitants of the small island nations are often most concentrated along coastlines.



Indeed, the risk of coastal flooding is a significant concern. But it's the inland flooding that's the silent enemy. It accounts for the vast majority of overall population exposure at 81 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-climate-adaptation-on-small-islands">Supporting climate adaptation on small islands</h2>



Projections show that even in the best-case scenario, where global warming is kept at a minimum, significant growth in the number of people affected by rising sea levels, storm surge, and extreme rainfall events is expected.



The reach of these weather anomalies even overshadows the level of flooding exposure in developed nations like the US and UK, where around 13% and 8% of the populations are impacted, respectively.



"The findings should be a call to action to support these nations in adapting to and mitigating against these extreme repercussions, even under the lowest emissions scenario, which put life and livelihoods in peril," notedLeanne.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-projections-for-small-islands">Flood projections for small islands</h2>



Depending on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> levels, more than a fifth (21%) of SIDS populations can expect to face flooding if we manage to restrict the increase to 1.5°C by 2100. 



In the worst-case scenario, where the world warms by more than 4°C, this figure could rise to nearly a quarter (23%), the study suggests.



Globally, we're not doing enough. A UN report last month warned that we're staring at a possible 3.1°C warming if governments do not take more action to reduce carbon emissions. 



Even with these stark warnings, the countries most at risk remain the same, including Belize, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Maldives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-action-is-needed">Urgent action is needed</h2>



This research was conducted in partnership with the University of Southampton and used data from water risk intelligence firm Fathom's Global Flood Map. 



A high-resolution global hydrodynamic flood model combined with worldwide population datasets was used to paint a comprehensive picture of flood risk across all 57 Small Island Developing States.



Study co-author Paul Bates is a professor of hydrology at the University of Bristol and co-founder of Fathom.



""The results are a timely warning to the world’s political leaders and policy makers that global commitments to significantly reduce carbon emissions must be backed up by action, in order to reduce potential loss and damage from flooding in Small Island Developing States, which contribute least to harmful carbon emissions,” said Bates. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fundamental-threat-to-humanity">Fundamental threat to humanity</h2>



As we discuss these grave realities, the research echoes the essence of the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>’s mission - finding bold answers to big questions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerning global challenges</a>.



The Cabot Institute has a strong focus on tackling pressing environmental change, natural hazards, and disaster risk.



In conclusion, climate change remains a fundamental threat to humanity, and no one bears its brunt more than the inhabitants of Small Island Developing States. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad78eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Small countries that play no role in climate change will be hardest hit

A new study sheds light on a not-so-pleasant truth: the...

Microplastics have been found in some of the world’s most remote environments, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Everest to the ocean depths of the Mariana Trench, infiltrating ecosystems and even human bodies.&nbsp;



Now, new research led by scientists at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> (Penn State) reveals that these tiny plastic particles may also be affecting the atmosphere and climate.&nbsp;



The study shows that microplastics can act as ice nucleating particles, potentially altering cloud formation, precipitation, and even global climate patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-as-ice-nucleators">Microplastics as ice nucleators</h2>



Microplastics - tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> less than 5 millimeters in size - were found to act as ice nucleating particles, which are microscopic aerosols that allow ice crystals to form in clouds.&nbsp;



“Throughout the past two decades of research into microplastics, scientists have been finding that they're everywhere, so this is another piece of that puzzle,” said Miriam Freedman, a professor of chemistry at Penn State and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



“It’s now clear that we need to have a better understanding of how they're interacting with our climate system, because we’ve been able to show that the process of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud formation</a> can be triggered by microplastics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



In their experiments, the researchers examined four types of microplastics: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).&nbsp;



By suspending each plastic in small water droplets and slowly cooling them, the team observed how these particles influenced ice formation.&nbsp;



They found that droplets containing microplastics froze at temperatures between -22 and -28 degrees Celsius, much warmer than the typical -38 degrees Celsius required for droplets without defects to freeze.



“Any kind of defect in the water droplet, whether that’s dust, bacteria, or microplastics, can give ice something to form - or nucleate - around,” said study lead author Heidi Busse, a graduate student at Penn State.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-weather-patterns">Microplastics and weather patterns </h2>



The ability of microplastics to initiate ice formation in clouds could have widespread consequences for weather and climate. When clouds contain more ice, it can affect precipitation patterns, often leading to heavier rainfall events as water droplets are delayed in their descent until they reach a larger size.&nbsp;



“In a polluted environment with many more aerosol particles, like microplastics, you are distributing the available water among many more aerosol particles, forming smaller droplets around each of those particles,” said Busse.&nbsp;



“When you have more droplets, you get less rain, but because droplets only rain once they get large enough, you collect more total water in the cloud before the droplets are large enough to fall and, as a result, you get heavier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> when it comes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-cloud-structure">Microplastics and cloud structure </h2>



The influence of microplastics on cloud structure may also affect how much solar radiation is reflected back into space or retained in Earth’s atmosphere.&nbsp;



Clouds at higher altitudes can help trap heat emitted from the Earth, which in some cases can contribute to warming. Freedman emphasized that the ratio of liquid water to ice within clouds plays a crucial role in determining whether clouds have a net cooling or warming effect.&nbsp;



As microplastics accumulate in the atmosphere, their potential influence on mixed-phase clouds may mean they are already impacting global climate in ways that are not yet fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-behavior-of-aging-microplastics">Changing behavior of aging microplastics</h2>



The researchers also investigated how “environmental aging” -the natural processes that particles undergo when exposed to sunlight, ozone, and other elements in the atmosphere - affects the ice-nucleating properties of microplastics.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that aging generally reduced the ice-forming ability of LDPE, PP, and PET, while PVC’s ice-forming potential actually increased due to changes on its surface caused by environmental aging.&nbsp;



This variation suggests that over time, as microplastics are exposed to the atmosphere, their impact on cloud formation may change.



“We know that the fact that microplastics can nucleate ice has far-reaching effects; we’re just not quite sure yet what those are,” Busse said.&nbsp;



“We can think about this on many different levels, not just in terms of more powerful storms but also through changes in light scattering, which could have a much larger impact on our climate.”



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



Next, the team plans to study common additives found in plastics, such as plasticizers, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how these substances might further influence atmospheric behavior.&nbsp;



Many plastics contain a variety of additives that can affect their physical and chemical interactions within the environment. Analyzing these additional factors may reveal more about how microplastics in the atmosphere could influence weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/looking-to-earths-ancient-climate-to-predict-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> dynamics.



“We know the full lifecycle of these plastic items we use every day could be changing the physical and optical properties of the Earth’s clouds and, therefore, changing the climate in some way, but we still have a lot to learn about exactly what they are doing,” Busse said.&nbsp;



As scientists continue to unravel the atmospheric behavior of microplastics, new findings may add to the growing list of impacts these particles have on global systems - from terrestrial and marine ecosystems to human health and now, potentially, the climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-area-of-concern-nbsp">A growing area of concern&nbsp;</h2>



Microplastics are a relatively new area of concern within atmospheric and climate science, and researchers like Freedman are now beginning to connect their widespread presence in the atmosphere to possible impacts on large-scale weather patterns and climate systems.&nbsp;



The study highlights the importance of understanding the full life cycle and environmental behavior of plastics, especially as evidence mounts that microplastics influence processes fundamental to Earth’s climate.&nbsp;



While much is still unknown, Freedman’s team hopes to advance climate models that incorporate microplastics, allowing scientists to better predict how these particles could alter the planet’s delicate atmospheric balance.



As studies like this continue, microplastics might not only reshape our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-deadly-and-widespread-environmental-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental pollutants</a> but also inform future regulations aimed at reducing their release and mitigating their long-term impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsestair.4c00146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science and Technology: Air</a>.



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Microplastics trigger cloud formation and alter weather patterns 

Microplastics have been found in some of the world’s most...

Tree planting has often been seen as an affordable, effective way to combat global warming due to trees' ability to capture large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. 



Yet, a new study warns that large-scale tree planting at high latitudes may actually worsen global warming rather than mitigate it.&nbsp;



 As climate change enables the planting of trees further north, initiatives to establish forests in Arctic regions have gained support. 



But according to a team of international scientists, led by assistant professor Jeppe Kristensen from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, this approach could have unintended climate consequences in sensitive northern ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-in-arctic-soils">Carbon storage in Arctic soils </h2>



The Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are unique in their ecological characteristics, and Kristensen emphasizes that these areas are unsuited to afforestation as a climate mitigation strategy.&nbsp;



“Soils in the Arctic store more carbon than all vegetation on Earth,” said Kristensen. “These soils are vulnerable to disturbances, such as cultivation for forestry or agriculture, but also the penetration of tree roots."&nbsp;



"The semi-continuous daylight during the spring and early summer, when snow is still on the ground, also makes the energy balance in this region extremely sensitive to surface darkening, since green and brown trees will soak up more heat from the sun than white snow.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-disturbances-are-intensifying-nbsp">Natural disturbances are intensifying&nbsp;</h2>



Regions around the North Pole, including parts of North America, Asia, and Scandinavia, are already prone to natural disturbances, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> and droughts, which can kill vegetation. Climate change has only intensified these threats. 



Kristensen warns that northern forests are at particular risk: “This is a risky place to be a tree, particularly as part of a homogeneous plantation that is more vulnerable to such disturbances.”&nbsp;



If these trees burn, the stored carbon is likely to be released into the atmosphere within decades, reversing any intended climate benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-solar-reflection-and-carbon-storage">Balancing solar reflection and carbon storage</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> is a common focus in climate solutions, the researchers argue that at high latitudes, managing solar reflection (albedo) is even more crucial. 



“Climate change results from the balance between solar energy entering the atmosphere and how much leaves again,” Kristensen said.&nbsp;



The albedo effect is essential in polar and subpolar regions because light-colored snow and ice naturally reflect solar energy. Dark tree canopies, however, absorb it, converting sunlight into heat, which impacts the energy balance more than carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-climate-solutions">A holistic approach to climate solutions</h2>



Rather than solely emphasizing carbon storage, the study calls for a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics.&nbsp;



“A holistic approach is imperative if we’re going to make a difference in the real world,” said co-author Marc Macias-Fauria, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute.&nbsp;



Macias-Fauria adds that while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> may be valuable for timber production or self-sufficiency, it should not be marketed as a climate mitigation strategy without accounting for its environmental impact.



“Forestry in the far North should be viewed like any other production system and compensate for its negative impact on climate and biodiversity,” he said. “By selling northern afforestation as a climate solution, we’re only fooling ourselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-populations-of-large-herbivores">Sustainable populations of large herbivores</h2>



If tree planting is not ideal for high latitudes like the Arctic, what nature-based strategies could help mitigate climate change in these areas? 



The researchers suggest an alternative: supporting sustainable populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large herbivores</a>, like caribou, which could offer a more viable climate solution. 



“There is ample evidence that large herbivores affect plant communities and snow conditions in ways that result in net cooling,” Macias-Fauria said.&nbsp;



Large herbivores keep tundra landscapes open and prevent excess snow buildup, which insulates the soil and accelerates permafrost thaw.&nbsp;



Their activity, including winter grazing, helps lower soil temperatures and preserve the permafrost layer, which plays a crucial role in regulating global temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritizing-biodiversity-and-local-communities">Prioritizing biodiversity and local communities</h2>



Finally, the study underscores the importance of considering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and the needs of local communities when developing climate solutions. 



Large herbivores not only aid in reducing climate-driven biodiversity loss in Arctic ecosystems but are also a key food source for Indigenous and local communities.&nbsp;



“Biodiversity and local communities are not an added benefit to nature-based solutions: they are fundamental,” said Macias-Fauria, emphasizing that these efforts must be community-led, particularly by those directly affected by climate change.



In sum, while tree planting remains valuable in many contexts, implementing it in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions could inadvertently increase warming.&nbsp;



Instead, focusing on nature-based solutions that respect and work with local ecosystems and communities offers a more balanced and effective path to mitigating climate impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01573-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Why planting trees in the Arctic is not a good climate solution

Tree planting has often been seen as an affordable, effective...

Air pollution involves more than just a mix of gases; it's a complex interplay between these gases and the surface of liquid droplets in the atmosphere. 



At this interface, that is one hundred thousand times narrower than a human hair, gases and liquids move and interact in mind-blowing ways. And these tiny transitions between the media shape our air quality and, ultimately, our climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nitty-gritty-of-air-pollution">The nitty-gritty of air pollution</h2>



Deep within the intricate world of air pollution, researchers armed with cutting-edge analytical tools have been exploring the microscopic boundary where liquids meet gases.



Complex chemical transformations take place in this nearly invisible domain that are critical to our understanding of air pollution and climate change.



In an international collaboration, scientists have been studying these reactions, known as acid-base equilibria, both within the heart of the liquid (in this case, an aqueous solution) and right at the point where the liquid meets the surrounding gas.



The goal? To gain crucial insights that would allow for the development of more accurate models predicting the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> and their impact on climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-dynamics-of-air-pollution">Molecular dynamics of air pollution </h2>



Much of this study focused on the transformation of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a common pollutant that is produced when fuels containing sulfur are burned.



The researchers used a combination of spectroscopic methods to dissect the complex chemical changes that occur when sulfur dioxide dissolves in water.



Under acidic conditions, the balance or "tautomeric equilibrium" between the two resulting chemicals - bisulfite and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sulfonate</a> - is heavily tilted in favor of sulfonate. 



Molecular dynamic simulations also showed that both the sulfonate ion and its acid (sulfonic acid) are more stable at the interface due to ion pairing and higher dehydration barriers, respectively. This explains why the balances shift at the interface.



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



The behavior of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-breathing-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-our-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> at the interface is significantly different from that inside the bulk environment. 



This difference shapes how sulfur dioxide absorbs and reacts with other pollutants, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen oxides</a> (NOx) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the atmosphere.



These findings have profound implications - they provide us with a better understanding of the mechanics that occur in the microscopic zone between liquids and gases, and can help guide us in finding effective strategies to mitigate air pollution and its harmful effects on our health and the environment.



This research wouldn't have been possible without the combined efforts of scientists from esteemed institutions around the globe including the <a href="https://www.fhi.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society</a> in Berlin.



Every step towards understanding the chemistry of our atmosphere aids us in our battle against the global problem of air pollution, as we move forward towards creating a healthier world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-applications-in-climate-modeling">Real-world applications in climate modeling</h2>



Understanding the molecular dynamics of air pollution isn't just an academic exercise - it directly influences climate modeling.



By refining how we model interactions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-air-pollutants-contribute-to-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> (such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) and water particles, scientists can create more accurate simulations of how these substances behave under various atmospheric conditions.



This improvement in climate models could help predict the long-term effects of pollutants on both global warming and localized weather patterns, enabling us to understand better how pollution might influence future climate scenarios.



As models grow more precise, policymakers and environmental agencies can make informed decisions based on realistic projections, and can guide climate action on both local and global scales.



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



With new insights into the molecular behavior of pollutants, researchers are also exploring innovative ways to mitigate air pollution before it disperses into the atmosphere. 



For example, developing materials or coatings that react with specific pollutants to neutralize them could provide a proactive approach to air quality management. 



Additionally, by identifying the chemical triggers that promote pollutant transformations, scientists could design more targeted filters for industrial emissions, thereby ensuring that harmful substances are neutralized at the source.



These advances in pollution control could pave the way for cleaner air in urban and industrial regions, which would ultimately reduce the health and environmental impacts of airborne pollutants.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53186-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Understanding how air pollution forms may help us prevent it

Air pollution involves more than just a mix of gases;...

2024 may be a record-shattering year of intense heat, not just for us humans, but also for our planet. In this very year, we are "virtually certain" to break a new temperature record: humanity's first year living in a world 1.5 °C (34.7 °F) warmer than pre-Industrial times.



This is according to a report from the European climate monitor, Copernicus, which came out just a few days before the crucial UN climate talks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inescapable-heat-records-in-2024">Inescapable heat records in 2024</h2>



Copernicus stressed that the world is passing a "new milestone" in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/#:~:text=2024%20is%20shaping%20up%20to,in%20temperatures%20across%20the%20globe." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature records</a>. And the bar keeps getting higher.&nbsp;



Last month was the second hottest October in recorded history, marked by deadly flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton in the United States. The global temperatures were second only to the highs in the same period in 2023.



According to Copernicus, 2024 will likely be more than 1.55 degrees Celsius (approximately 34.7 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter than the 1850-1900 average. For context, this was the period before we started burning fossil fuels on an industrial scale.



This does not mean that we have violated the Paris Agreement. This treaty strives to limit global warming to below 2°C (35.6 °F), and preferably 1.5 °C (34.7 °F), measured over decades and not individual years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rise-in-global-temperatures">Rise in global temperatures </h2>



"It is now virtually certain that 2024 will be the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmest year on record</a> and the first year of more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels," said Samantha Burgess, the Deputy Director of Copernicus Climate Change Service (<a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C3S</a>).



The claims don't stop there. Burgess added that this significant rise in global temperature should serve as a catalyst to spur ambitious action during the forthcoming Climate Change Conference, COP29.



The crucial UN climate negotiations taking place in Azerbaijan next week will lay the foundation for future carbon-cutting targets. 



These talks coincide with the United States' recent presidential election victory by Donald Trump, a notoriously public skeptic of climate change.



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



But, it's not all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/september-2024-was-the-second-hottest-month-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">about the heat</a>. Global warming brings along a slew of knock-on effects. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, leading to greater evaporation from warmed oceans and resulting in more intense downpours and storms.



According to Copernicus, October witnessed above-average rainfall across swathes of Europe, as well as parts of China, the United States, Brazil, and Australia. 



Meanwhile, the U.S. is also grappling with an ongoing drought, affecting record numbers of people.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-surface-temperatures">Sea surface temperatures </h2>



Sea surface temperatures weren't spared either. Averaged across the region monitored by Copernicus, October of 2024 saw the second-highest sea surface heat temperatures on record.



With billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations under their belt, C3S provides trusted calculations. 



Their records date back to 1940, but by leveraging ice cores, tree rings, and coral skeletons, scientists can explore deeper into Earth's climatic past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effects-on-biodiversity">Effects on biodiversity</h2>



As global temperatures rise, the impact on biodiversity is becoming clear. Ecosystems are struggling as species find it hard to adapt to fast-changing climates. 



Many animals are moving to cooler areas, changing the makeup of ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. This can disrupt food chains and habitats, increasing the risk of extinction for vulnerable species. 



Changes in timing for flowering and breeding also create new challenges. It’s crucial to act on conservation strategies now, as these shifts are altering life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-mitigation-strategies">Climate mitigation strategies</h2>



Cities around the world recognize their role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-just-experienced-its-hottest-day-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, both as contributors and victims. Urban areas, with their heat-absorbing structures, contribute to increased temperatures.



In response, cities are implementing strategies to address these issues while promoting sustainable development. Solutions like green roofs, trees, and reflective materials help cool cities and manage rainwater.



Additionally, urban planners are focusing on public transportation and renewable energy to lower emissions. These efforts aim to reduce cities' environmental impact and improve their resilience to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-records-signal-warmest-era">Heat records signal warmest era</h2>



Today's climate scientists say we're currently living through the warmest period the Earth has experienced in the last 100,000 years, since the start of the last Ice Age. 



So, do we accept this as our new normal? Or do we heed the warming warning and work tirelessly to reverse this course?



Remember, the temperature of the planet affects not only us but all life forms that share this world with us. 



As we step into an era of record-setting heatwaves and catastrophic climate events, the time for decisive action is now. And the power to ignite this change lies with all of us. 



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2024 shatters heat records: Earth's hottest year is here

2024 may be a record-shattering year of intense heat, not...

Tremendous,Formation,Of,Permafrost,-,Amazing,Mountain,Landscape,In,The

A few decades ago, it was established that the farthest corners of our planet had conserved carbon in frozen permafrost for many years. However, recent studies led by experts at NASA suggest that Arctic permafrost is approaching a tipping point.



As it thaws, the permafrost is releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane - both of which accelerate global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frozen-arctic-permafrost">Frozen Arctic permafrost</h2>



Permafrost is ground that remains permanently frozen, typically year-round, for extended periods - often spanning decades, centuries, or even millennia.



Found mostly in the Earth’s northern regions, such as the Arctic and parts of Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, permafrost serves as a natural storehouse of carbon. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abrupt-permafrost-thaw-releases-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frozen ground</a> traps organic matter like dead plants and animal remains that have not fully decomposed due to the low temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-carbon-safe">Underground carbon safe</h2>



Over time, these materials accumulate vast amounts of carbon, effectively locking it underground in what has long been considered a "carbon safe."



However, as the Arctic warms at an accelerated rate - up to four times faster than other regions - permafrost begins to thaw. This thawing process releases previously stored greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere.



These heat-trapping gases contribute to global warming, turning permafrost from a carbon sink into a source of emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gases-released-from-permafrost">Greenhouse gases released from permafrost </h2>



A recent study led by scientists at NASA and <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> provides intriguing insights into this vast permafrost region.



The study meticulously accounts for where and how greenhouse gases are making their escape as the Arctic warms up. 



The researchers discovered that, between 2000 and 2020, emissions from the land nearly overshadowed the carbon dioxide absorbed by it.



The permafrost region, thus, is increasingly contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-permafrost-thaw-in-alaska-threatens-global-climate-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. This phenomenon is also linked to another greenhouse gas - methane. While not as long-lived as carbon dioxide, methane can pack quite a punch within its short lifetime, trapping heat much more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-the-balance-of-permafrost">Tipping the balance of permafrost</h2>



Abhishek Chatterjee is a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California and a co-author of the study.



"We know that the permafrost region has captured and stored carbon for tens of thousands of years,” said Chatterjee.



“But what we are finding now is that climate-driven changes are tipping the balance toward permafrost being a net source of greenhouse gas emissions."



Perhaps the concept of permafrost needs a bit more unpacking. A slice from the core of permafrost unveils layers upon layers of icy soils. These soils are chock-full of dead plant and animal matter, which can be carbon-dated using various techniques.



This is the organic carbon that microbes feed on when permafrost thaws and decomposes, expelling some of it as greenhouse gases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-permafrost-emissions">Tracking permafrost emissions</h2>



Scientists have been using an array of methods to track emissions - from ground-based instruments and aircraft to satellites.



NASA's Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (<a href="https://above.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABoVE</a>) zeroes in on Alaska and western Canada. However, taking measurements across the vast northern expanses is anything but straightforward.



The new study, part of the Global Carbon Project’s RECCAP-2 effort, monitored three greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide - across 7 million square miles of permafrost terrain from 2000 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-release-across-arctic-ecosystems">Carbon release across Arctic ecosystems </h2>



The experts found that forests absorbed slightly more carbon dioxide than they released. However, this was largely offset by carbon dioxide emissions from lakes and rivers as well as from forest and tundra fires.



The findings suggest that greenhouse gases contributed to planetary warming over the 20-year period. But over a 100-year timeframe, emissions and absorptions would primarily balance each other out.



Thus, the region has been oscillating between serving as a carbon source and a weak carbon sink.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-complex-picture-has-emerged">A complex picture has emerged</h2>



To reach these conclusions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-exposing-the-dangers-of-melting-permafrost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thawing</a> permafrost and its greenhouse gas emissions, the scientists had to use a combination of methods.



"Bottom-up” methods estimated emissions using ground and air-based measurements as well as ecosystem models, whereas “top-down” methods used atmospheric measurements from satellite sensors, including NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite.



“This study is one of the first where we are able to integrate different methods and datasets to put together this very comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-melting-arctic-sea-ice-could-disrupt-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> budget into one report,” Chatterjee said. “It reveals a very complex picture.”



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Thawing permafrost is becoming an enormous source of global warming

A few decades ago, it was established that the farthest...

Satellite,Photo,Of,Ice,Pattern,,Aerial,Top,View,Of,Blue

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice age, Earth was a giant frozen snowball. As the ocean chemistry started to change and the ice began to melt, Earth's surface transformed into what scientists are calling a "slushy" planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-last-global-ice-age">Understanding the last global ice age</h2>



During a period of time ranging from 635 million to 650 million years ago, Earth went through an intense global ice age known as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth</a>." 



During this time, glaciers covered almost the entire planet, from the poles all the way to the equator. The oceans were capped with thick layers of ice, and the continents were buried under massive ice sheets. 



It was so extreme that if you were looking at Earth from space, it would have looked like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-complete-record-of-snowball-earth-found-in-rock-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant snowball</a>, hence the nickname.



Life back then was pretty simple, mostly microscopic organisms living in the oceans. These tiny life forms had to survive under the ice, where some sunlight could still filter through. 



Volcanic activity continued beneath the icy surface, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-a-giant-snowball-700-million-years-ago-and-now-scientists-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tens of millions of years</a>, this buildup of greenhouse gases eventually warmed the planet enough to start melting the ice. 



That's how Earth reached the "slushy" planet phase, which is the topic of this research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-and-plumeworld-ocean">Slushy Earth and "plumeworld ocean"</h2>



Thankfully, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, much like its current inhabitants, has a knack for adaptation and survival.



A recently concluded study led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> has given us an icy peek into the past, one that unveils a fascinating era known as the "plumeworld ocean" epoch.



This time slot on our planet's timeline marked a significant moment. Imagine high levels of carbon dioxide acting like an invisible blowtorch, coaxing the frozen Earth into a vast, rapid meltdown. 



“Our results have important implications for understanding how Earth's climate and ocean chemistry changed after the extreme conditions of the last global ice age,” said lead author Tian Gan, a former Virginia Tech postdoctoral researcher. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-before-turning-slushy">Earth before turning slushy</h2>



Let's shift our attention back to the Snowball Earth period of around 635 to 650 million years ago. As mentioned, this was the time when our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth was deep-frozen</a>, and polar ice caps started encircling the planet like an icy belt.



This expansion of ice had a reflective effect, bouncing sunlight away from Earth and sending our temperatures on a downward spiral.



“A quarter of the ocean was frozen due to extremely low carbon-dioxide levels,” said co-author <a href="https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/04/science-nas-xiao-rock-reader.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shuhai Xiao</a>, who recently was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effect-of-inactivity">Effect of inactivity</h2>



Imagine someone pressing the pause button on the planet. That's pretty much what happened. 



The surface ocean sealed up, and a chain reaction of inactivity followed. First, the water cycle locked up -- no evaporation, not much precipitation.



Without water, a fundamental carbon-dioxide consuming process known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-marine-mass-extinctions-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical weathering</a>, which essentially involves rocks eroding and disintegrating, slowed down dramatically. 



The result? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carbon dioxide</a> began to pile up in the atmosphere, turning into a thermal blanket of sorts.



Like a tightly wound spring, pressure built until the high levels of carbon dioxide were enough to shatter this ice age. When that happened, it wasn't just a slow thaw -- it was a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic catastrophe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plumeworld-ocean-epoch">"Plumeworld ocean" epoch</h2>



The Earth took a sudden U-turn and became "slushy". 



As the heat built up, the ice caps began retreating, and our climate started shifting back towards the warmer side. 



And when we say warmer, we're talking about a scorching swing from minus 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (that's minus 45 to 48 degrees Celsius).



The ice didn't gently melt into the sea. Instead, think of it as reverse tsunamis of glacial water charging from land into the sea, creating vast pools over the extra salty, extra dense ocean water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-we-know-this-is-true">How do we know this is true?</h2>



How did the researchers uncover this prehistoric tale of the slushy Earth? The answer lies in a set of carbonate rocks that formed as the global ice age was wrapping up. 



Upon analyzing the relative abundance of lithium isotopes within these rocks, a geochemical signature was found that supported the "plumeworld ocean" theory.



The data showed that the signatures of freshwater were stronger in rocks formed under nearshore meltwater than those formed offshore, deep under the salty sea. 



This finding falls perfectly in line with what our researchers had theorized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-s-resilience">Slushy Earth's resilience</h2>



To sum it all up, these findings bring the limits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental change</a> into sharper focus, as Xiao mentions.



They also shed light on the frontiers of biology and the incredible resilience of life under extreme conditions -- be it hot, cold, or slushy.



In the end, probing into Earth's slushy past isn't a mere indulgence in nostalgia. It's a way to understand our present and prepare for our future. 



In understanding how our planet has weathered past climatic earthquakes, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the potentially stormy climate shifts in our future.



Can the lessons from our past guide us towards a more resilient future? Let's hope so.



-----



Collaborators include Ben Gill, a Virginia Tech associate professor of sedimentary geochemistry; Morrison Nolan, a former graduate student now at <a href="https://denison.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denison University</a>; and other significant contributors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407419121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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"Slushy" Earth: The slightly warmer cousin of the infamous Snowball Earth

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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