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)....

Once a year, over the icy desolation of the Antarctic, an ominous hole forms in the ozone layer. However, the 2024 story has taken a rather hopeful turn as the annual ozone hole was smaller compared to previous years.



Scientists at NOAA and NASA project that, if we keep up the momentum, we could see a full recovery of the ozone layer by 2066.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seventh-smallest-ozone-hole">Seventh-smallest ozone hole</h2>



The 2024 ozone hole, as observed during the peak of the depletion season from September 7 to October 13, held the historic rank of the seventh-smallest. 



The Montreal Protocol, an environmental treaty that phased out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-in-ozone-depleting-chemicals-is-an-encouraging-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone-destroying chemicals</a>, was ratified in 1992 and has proven to be a significant achievement.



Over the years, the ozone-depleted region has been alarmingly large, with 2024's size averaging nearly three times the size of continental United States.



The worst of the ozone hole was seen on September 28, when it swelled to 8.5 million square miles - only to later shrink.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-of-the-ozone-hole">Recovery of the ozone hole</h2>



The experts attribute this year's improvement to two key drivers - the continued decline of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) after the Montreal Protocol and a serendipitous surge of ozone carried by air currents from north of the Antarctic.



Paul Newman, leader of NASA's ozone research team and a chief scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, elaborated on the state of the ozone hole. 



"The 2024 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic hole</a> is smaller than ozone holes seen in the early 2000s. The gradual improvement we've seen in the past two decades shows that international efforts that curbed ozone-destroying chemicals are working," said Newman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-shield-against-solar-rays">Our shield against solar rays</h2>



Existing way up in Earth's atmosphere, an ozone-rich layer serves as a planetary parasol, safeguarding us from the sun's harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uv-radiation-played-a-role-in-earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultraviolet</a> (UV) rays. 



When the ozone layer thins out, more UV radiation seeps through, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to aquatic ecosystems, as well as a reduction in agricultural yields.



Back in the 1970s, the scientific community was deeply concerned about CFCs - chemicals that were widely used in refrigerants, aerosols, insulating foams and even in some fire suppression systems. 



These chemicals were gnawing away at the ozone layer. By the mid 1980s, the ozone layer over the Antarctic was drastically depleted. 



It was then that the world came together to sign the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1987-ozone-treaty-had-an-unexpected-benefit-for-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montreal Protocol in 1987</a>, pledging to phase out CFCs and replace them with eco-friendly alternatives by 2010. Today, we are witnessing the success of this global commitment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-to-ozone-recovery">The road to ozone recovery</h2>



Stephen Montzka, a senior scientist with NOAA's Global Monitoring Laboratory, urges caution.



"For 2024, we can see that the ozone hole's severity is below average compared to other years in the past three decades, but the ozone layer is still far from being fully healed," said Montzka.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cfcs-are-not-the-only-culprit-bushfire-smoke-may-also-destroy-ozone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CFCs</a> that are already in our atmosphere will take several decades to disintegrate. As their levels gradually drop, we can expect the ozone layer to bounce back, leading to the slow but certain reduction of ozone holes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-our-progress">Monitoring our progress</h2>



NASA and NOAA scientists monitor the ozone hole yearly, noting that variations in atmospheric conditions, including transport of ozone-rich air from other regions, can influence its size and depth each year.



The scientists rely on a suite of systems to keep a close eye on the ozone layer. These include instruments on NASA's Aura satellite and NOAA's polar orbiting satellites.



<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> also uses weather balloons, released from the South Pole Baseline Atmospheric Observatory, to measure ozone concentrations in Dobson units.



The 2024 concentration hit its lowest measurement at 109 Dobson units on October 5th.



"This is well below the 225 Dobson units that was typical of the ozone cover above the Antarctic in 1979,” said NOAA research chemist Bryan Johnson. "So, there’s still a long way to go before atmospheric ozone is back to the levels before the advent of widespread CFC pollution.”



Nonetheless, it's crucial to remember that every small step toward recovery brings us closer to a healthier planet.



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Antarctic ozone hole may fully recover by 2066

Once a year, over the icy desolation of the Antarctic,...

Fish,School,Underwater:,Snappers,And,Goatfish

In the vast ocean, you might think there's safety in numbers for fish consider to be "prey" as they seek to elude predators. Recent observations suggest, however, that for some fish, grouping together can actually spell trouble.



During the height of capelin spawning season off the coast of Norway, scientists witnessed a dramatic encounter that challenges our understanding of survival strategies in the sea.



Professor Nicholas Makris, a mechanical and ocean engineering expert at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, led the team that captured this remarkable event. 



Alongside his colleagues, he observed how the behavior of tiny fish can have big consequences when ocean predators <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">are on the prowl</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-fish-called-capelin">Arctic fish called capelin</h2>



Every February, billions of capelin -- a small Arctic fish about the size of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmed-salmon-diet-would-be-beneficial-for-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anchovy</a> -- embark on a long journey. 



They migrate from the edge of the Arctic ice sheet down to the Norwegian coast to lay their eggs. This migration is not just crucial for their reproduction but also plays a significant role in the Arctic food web.



Capelin are a key food source for many marine animals, including seabirds, whales, and larger fish. Their journey supports the diets of these predators, making capelin an essential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-sardines-may-be-signaling-major-shifts-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link in the ecosystem</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atlantic-cod-are-ocean-predators">Atlantic cod are ocean predators</h2>



Hot on the tails of the capelin are Atlantic cod, their primary predators. 



As the cod migrate southward, they take advantage of the spawning season to feed extensively on capelin. 



This annual feast is a critical time for cod to build up energy reserves.



It's a natural cycle: capelin spawn, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-safe-havens-may-no-longer-protect-pacific-cod/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cod feed</a>, and the balance of the ecosystem is maintained. But what happens when this balance is disrupted?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sonic-imaging-sees-underwater">Sonic imaging sees underwater</h2>



To understand these underwater dynamics, Makris and his team used a cutting-edge sonic imaging technique called Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (<a href="https://acoustics.mit.edu/faculty/makris/new_website_2022/ONR2018ViewgraphsApril8.2018.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OAWRS</a>). 



This system sends sound waves deep into the ocean, bouncing off fish and other obstacles, allowing scientists to create real-time maps over vast areas.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ocean-predation-event_acoustic-mapping_capelin-fish_MIT_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ocean-predation-event_acoustic-mapping_capelin-fish_MIT_1s.webp" alt="Researchers used a wide-scale acoustic mapping technique to track capelin, left, and cod populations. Credit: MIT" class="wp-image-1949403"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers used a wide-scale acoustic mapping technique to track capelin, left, and cod populations. Credit: MIT</figcaption></figure>



Previously, researchers could map fish movements but couldn't tell which species they were observing. 



This time, they applied a new multispectral technique that differentiates species based on how their swim bladders resonate with sound.



"Fish have swim bladders that resonate like bells," Makris explains. "Cod have large swim bladders that have a low resonance, like a Big Ben bell, whereas capelin have tiny swim bladders that resonate like the highest notes on a piano."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-gathering-begins">Massive gathering begins</h2>



On February 27, 2014, at the peak of the capelin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-season-fishing-may-shrink-the-size-of-salmon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spawning season</a>, the team witnessed something astonishing. 



In the early morning, capelin moved individually in loose clusters along the Norwegian coast. But as the sun rose, they began descending to deeper waters, possibly searching for spawning grounds.



As they dove, the capelin started to group together. Individual fish aligned with their neighbors, and soon, a massive shoal formed. This shoal spanned over six miles and included about 23 million fish moving in unison.



"What we're finding is capelin have this critical density, which came out of a physical theory, which we have now observed in the wild," Makris says. 



"If they are close enough to each other, they can take on the average speed and direction of other fish that they can sense around them, and can then form a massive and coherent shoal."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-predators-assemble">Ocean predators assemble</h2>



But the capelin weren't the only ones gathering. Individual cod began to notice the enormous shoal and started grouping together themselves. 



In response to the capelin, a cod shoal formed, amounting to about 2.5 million fish.



Over just a few hours, this shoal of cod overtook the capelin. The predators consumed over 10 million capelin -- more than half of the gathered prey -- across miles of ocean. 



Then, just as quickly as they formed, both shoals dissolved, and the fish scattered.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predator-vs-prey-ocean-battle">Predator vs. prey ocean battle</h2>



"It's the first time seeing predator-prey interaction on a huge scale, and it's a coherent battle of survival," Makris remarks. 



"This is happening over a monstrous scale, and we're watching a wave of capelin zoom in, like a wave around a sports stadium, and they kind of gather together to form a defense. It's also happening with the predators, coming together to coherently attack."



This event is the largest recorded predation event in terms of the number of individuals and the area covered. It offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic interactions that shape marine ecosystems.



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



While this one event represents just 0.1 percent of the capelin that spawn in the region, it raises concerns about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-pushes-arctic-marine-predators-northward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">future impacts</a>. 



As climate change causes the Arctic ice sheet to retreat, capelin will have to swim farther to reach their spawning grounds. This extra distance can stress the fish, making them more vulnerable to predation.



"In our work we are seeing that natural catastrophic predation events can change the local predator-prey balance in a matter of hours," Makris notes. 



"That's not an issue for a healthy population with many spatially distributed population centers or ecological hotspots. But as the number of these hotspots decreases due to climate and human stresses, the kind of natural 'catastrophic' predation event we witnessed of a keystone species could lead to dramatic consequences for that species as well as the many species dependent on them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-ocean-predator-events-matter">Why ocean predator events matter</h2>



Understanding these massive interactions is crucial. Capelin are a keystone species, meaning their health directly affects many other species in the ecosystem. 



Continuous monitoring at a scale that captures individual fish behavior across thousands of square miles can inform conservation efforts.



"It's been shown time and again that, when a population is on the verge of collapse, you will have that one last shoal. And when that last big, dense group is gone, there's a collapse," Makris warns. 



"So you've got to know what's there before it's gone, because the pressures are not in their favor."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-predators-climate-change-and-the-future">Ocean predators, climate change, and the future</h2>



Makris and his team, including co-authors Shourav Pednekar and Ankita Jain at MIT, and Olav Rune Godø of the Institute of Marine Research in Norway, hope to use OAWRS to study other species. 



By capturing these large-scale dynamics, scientists can better understand and protect the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/striped-marlin-demonstrate-the-advantages-of-group-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delicate balance of marine life</a>.



So, what does this mean for the future of our oceans? It's a reminder that even the smallest creatures play a big role. 



By paying attention to these intricate relationships, we can make more informed decisions about how to protect marine ecosystems.



Next time you think about the phrase "there's safety in numbers," consider the capelin and their journey. 



Sometimes, grouping together can create risks, especially when hungry predators are nearby. It's a delicate balance, one that scientists are only beginning to understand.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06952-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications Biology</a>.



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Largest predator-prey feast ever seen in the ocean was massive, altering the food chain

In the vast ocean, you might think there's safety in...

Each year on November 3rd, World Jellyfish Day is celebrated to raise awareness about jellyfish, their ecological importance, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.&nbsp;



Jellyfish are often seen as simple - and even bothersome - creatures. World Jellyfish Day presents an opportunity to educate people about their complex life cycles, unique adaptations, and surprising resilience. The goal is to shift perspectives and promote respect for these ancient animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jellyfish-a-story-of-survival-nbsp">Jellyfish: A story of survival&nbsp;</h2>



Jellyfish are some of the oldest known multicellular organisms on Earth. They have existed in our oceans for over 500 million years - predating dinosaurs by at least 250 million years.&nbsp;



Some fossil evidence suggests that jellyfish might have existed as far back as 700 million years.



Jellyfish fossils are rare due to their soft, gelatinous bodies, which decompose quickly and lack hard parts like bones or shells.&nbsp;



However, under specific conditions - such as rapid burial in fine sediment with low oxygen levels - jellyfish can fossilize. These fossils offer insights into ancient marine ecosystems and the evolution of early life in the ocean.



Jellyfish have survived through several mass extinction events, adapting and thriving through shifts in climate and ocean chemistry that have occurred over millions of years.



Their simple body structure, lack of a brain, and ability to reproduce in various ways contribute to their longevity and success in diverse ocean conditions.



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



Despite their resilience, jellyfish still face significant threats from both human activities and natural changes in their environment.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution">Pollution</h3>



Chemical pollutants, plastic waste, and other forms of marine pollution negatively impact marine ecosystems. Plastics, in particular, are harmful because jellyfish may mistake small plastic particles for food, which can harm their health.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



Rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> are causing shifts in marine ecosystems that promote jellyfish growth in some areas. Warmer water may boost jellyfish metabolism and reproduction rates, increasing their presence in certain regions.&nbsp;



However, extreme warming can also damage jellyfish habitats, especially in regions where they rely on specific environmental conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overfishing">Overfishing</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overfishing</a> depletes populations of fish that compete with or prey on jellyfish. This reduction in competition allows jellyfish populations to grow unchecked in some areas, leading to jellyfish blooms, which can disrupt marine ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-loss">Habitat loss</h3>



Coastal development and habitat degradation often impact the habitats of jellyfish - particularly shallow coastal waters where some species breed. Changes in coastal habitats can disrupt jellyfish life cycles and reduce their reproductive success.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean acidification</h3>



As oceans absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere, the resulting acidification can drastically impact marine life.&nbsp;



Although jellyfish are more tolerant to acidic conditions than many marine species, ocean acidification disrupts the food chains they are part of, potentially affecting their prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indicators-of-ecosystem-health-nbsp">Indicators of ecosystem health&nbsp;</h2>



Jellyfish serve as indicators of ecosystem health. They are particularly sensitive to changes in ocean conditions, and their population dynamics often reflect shifts in environmental balance.&nbsp;



When jellyfish populations increase significantly - often forming large "blooms" - this indicates an imbalance in the marine ecosystem.&nbsp;



These blooms are sometimes linked to issues like overfishing, pollution, and nutrient runoff from agriculture, which disrupt food webs and create favorable conditions for jellyfish growth.



Jellyfish populations respond quickly to changes in water temperature, which makes them good indicators of climate change. Warmer waters, for instance, can promote jellyfish reproduction and metabolism, leading to more frequent blooms in some regions.&nbsp;



Jellyfish can thrive in low-oxygen (hypoxic) zones, which many other marine organisms cannot tolerate.&nbsp;



When oxygen levels decrease due to pollution or excess nutrient runoff, conditions become hostile for fish and invertebrates, but jellyfish often flourish. Their presence in high numbers can signal poor water quality and oxygen depletion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-jellyfish-unique">What makes jellyfish unique?</h2>



Jellyfish have a simple anatomy - no brain, heart, bones, or even a central nervous system. Instead, they have a network of nerve cells that helps them respond to their environment.



Some jellyfish can glow in the dark through a process called bioluminescence. This ability is used to deter predators, attract prey, or communicate with other jellyfish.&nbsp;



A species called Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the "immortal jellyfish," can revert to its juvenile form after reaching adulthood. This unique ability allows it to theoretically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aging-in-reverse-comb-jellies-can-transform-from-adult-to-juvenile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bypass aging</a>, potentially granting it biological “immortality” in the absence of disease or predation.



Jellyfish come in a wide range of sizes. The Irukandji, one of the smallest jellyfish, measures less than an inch, while the lion’s mane jellyfish can have tentacles stretching over 100 feet - longer than a blue whale.



Many jellyfish species have tentacles lined with specialized cells called cnidocytes, which contain venomous stingers known as nematocysts. These can deliver painful or even deadly stings, especially in species like the box jellyfish.



Jellyfish are about 95% water, giving them a jelly-like consistency. Their bodies are so delicate that they can disintegrate in rough water or when washed ashore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-jellyfish-day-nbsp">World Jellyfish Day&nbsp;</h2>



Ultimately, World Jellyfish Day is a call to protect our oceans, celebrate marine diversity, and deepen our understanding of these ancient and remarkable creatures.



World Jellyfish Day is important because it raises awareness about jellyfish and their critical role in marine ecosystems, while highlighting environmental issues affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-shifts-in-ocean-health-less-oxygen-more-heat-and-acidity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean health</a>.



Jellyfish are an integral part of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jellyfish-more-than-just-a-snack-for-predatory-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean food web</a>, serving as both predators and prey. Understanding jellyfish helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of marine species and the delicate balance needed to maintain healthy oceans.



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World Jellyfish Day 2024: Protecting the health of our oceans

Each year on November 3rd, World Jellyfish Day is celebrated...

The world is gripped by relentless heat as global warming accelerates at an alarming pace. In the midst of this crisis, coral reefs are severely suffering from widespread bleaching. 



Scientists, governments, and the UN itself, have collectively sounded an urgent plea for increased funding to protect the world's coral reefs, which are teetering on the brink of extinction.



Alarming research has revealed that a staggering 77 percent of global coral reefs are notably affected by bleaching, primarily due to warming ocean waters.



The culprit? Human-induced climate change. According to the UN Capital Development Fund, this year's global bleaching event is the largest on record, significantly impacting both hemispheres.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-in-a-state-of-emergency">Coral reefs in a state of emergency</h2>



The findings on the state of coral reefs prompted a UN special emergency session, which is typically called to address escalating conflicts or natural disasters. The session was convened on the sidelines of COP16, the UN biodiversity summit, in Colombia.



Coral reefs are much more than just beautiful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater structures</a>. They are crucial ecosystems, acting as a support system for over 25 percent of marine life.



Almost a billion people depend on these reefs for food security, coastal protection, or for maintaining their livelihoods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-desperate-call-for-coral-reef-protection">A desperate call for coral reef protection </h2>



The emergency session led to new commitments from the governments of New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. 



Together, they pledged around $30 million to the UN fund for coral reefs, established in 2020. By 2030, the fund seeks to leverage up to $3 billion in public and private finance to support coral reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protecting-coral-reefs-is-a-matter-of-humans-rights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>. Thus far, around $225 million has been raised.



“Protecting our ocean and its precious habitats is fundamental to life on earth,” said U.K. Minister for Nature Mary Creagh. “But without urgent action, the world’s coral reefs face extinction from global heating, acidification, disease, and pollution; a vital ecosystem lost within our lifetime.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-coral-conservation">Technology and coral conservation </h2>



As coral conservation evolves, new approaches and technology are becoming key in combating reef degradation. 



Scientists are looking into coral gardening and assisted evolution, where strong coral species are grown in nurseries and then moved to reefs. 



Advances in marine biotechnology are helping to develop stress-resistant coral strains that can survive rising sea temperatures and acidification.



These innovative methods, which are still being researched, show the diverse efforts needed for long-term reef restoration and sustainability.



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



Successful coral reef <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> depends on the active involvement and education of local communities. 



Educational programs that raise awareness about coral reefs and the effects of human activities can encourage communities to adopt practices like sustainable fishing and reducing pollution. 



By creating a global community of informed citizens, we can work together to protect these vital marine habitats for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-coral-reefs-from-extinction">Saving coral reefs from extinction </h2>



“In 2024, climate change and other human impacts triggered the fourth mass coral reef bleaching event, the most extensive and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-barrier-reef-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating</a> on record,” said Peter Thomson, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean. “With the window to protect these ecosystems closing rapidly, world leaders must act now.”



“We must secure a sustainable future for coral reefs and the countless lives that rely on them - before it’s too late."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-running-out-of-time-to-save-corals">Running out of time to save corals</h2>



A change in water temperature can cause coral to drive out the nutrition-giving algae, lose color, and become stressed. Coral might bleach for other reasons, such as extremely low tides, pollution, or overexposure to sunlight. 



Ecosystems like the Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the Florida Coral Reef have already experienced significant bleaching.



During the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.N.</a> emergency session at COP16, Kenyan marine ecologist David Obura noted that coral bleaching events are lasting more than one year at a time, which is very concerning. 



So what does all this mean? Well, it’s simple. It means we’re running out of time. 



"We're approaching this point where the planet may lose its first planetary ecosystem," said Thomson. "Coral is the first to go if we continue down the track that we're on at the present."



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Extreme coral bleaching event prompts emergency UN session

The world is gripped by relentless heat as global warming...

Marine heatwaves are posing a new threat to the ocean’s delicate balance, affecting even its tiniest yet most vital inhabitants - phytoplankton.



These microscopic algae provide food for countless marine species and play a crucial role in regulating our planet’s climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-heroes-of-the-ocean">Phytoplankton: Heroes of the ocean</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a> are the unsung heroes of our oceans, working behind the scenes to keep marine ecosystems thriving. 



Though invisible to the naked eye, these microscopic algae are constantly at work, producing organic carbon through photosynthesis and supporting nearly every level of the marine food web. 



They also play a vital role in the ocean's carbon cycle, contributing significantly to the regulation of Earth’s climate.



Spring has traditionally been their peak season. As winter fades, nutrient-rich waters from the ocean’s depths rise to the surface, sparking an explosion of growth known as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton bloom</a>. 



But now, a recent study suggests that these essential phytoplankton blooms are facing serious and potentially long-lasting threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-heatwaves-disrupt-spring-blooms">Marine heatwaves disrupt spring blooms</h2>



The study was conducted by experts at the <a href="https://www.ricercamarina.cnr.it/en/ismar.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Marine Sciences of the National Research Council of Italy</a> (CNR-ISMAR) as part of ESA’s CAREHeat project.



The researchers examined phytoplankton blooms in the North-Western Mediterranean Sea. They found that marine heatwaves, periods of prolonged unusually warm seawater, have been disrupting the timing and intensity of these essential spring phytoplankton blooms.



Winter marine heatwaves are particularly menacing as they intensify the stratification of ocean water. In other words, they prevent nutrients from the deep-sea layers from mixing with surface waters.



The warmer water can lead to a significant reduction in the phytoplankton's carbon biomass - up to 70% during the spring bloom. This drastic reduction means there are fewer nutrients available, leading to a change in the balance of the marine food web.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-across-the-food-chain">Ripple effects across the food chain</h2>



"We observed that intense winter marine heatwaves delay the timing of phytoplankton blooms. This shift causes a mismatch in the availability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zooplankton-are-rapidly-escalating-the-threat-of-nanoplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton</a>, which rely on these blooms for food, potentially affecting fish and other marine species that depend on zooplankton," explained study co-author Emanuele Organelli.



Moreover, severe marine heatwaves can also impact an ecosystem's ability to sequester carbon, which is crucial for global climate regulation. 



If these disruptions continue, the balance of marine biodiversity could be thrown off, impacting both local habitats and global processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-marine-heatwaves-and-ocean-health">Tracking marine heatwaves and ocean health</h2>



To better understand and address this growing problem, the researchers turned to technology. They used sea surface temperature data from ESA’s Climate Change Initiative (ESA CCI) and various satellite platforms, like the Copernicus Sentinel-3’s Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer.



This allowed the experts to track and categorize heatwave events in the Mediterranean from 2012 to 2022.



"Ongoing satellite monitoring by ESA is crucial for tracking and addressing these growing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-escalate-coral-bleaching-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">threats</a> to marine biodiversity," said ESA scientist Marie-Helene Rio.



"The increasing frequency of marine heatwaves may further compromise vital ocean services, such as fisheries and the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon – processes that are key to both marine ecosystems and global climate stability.”



These tiny marine allies need our help, and monitoring of marine heatwaves could be our first step towards preventing a potentially catastrophic ripple effect through marine ecosystems.



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



Marine heatwaves don’t just affect phytoplankton - they disrupt entire ocean ecosystems. 



As these tiny algae struggle to bloom, animals higher up in the food chain, like fish, seabirds, and even marine mammals, may find less food. The food shortage can lead to shifts in where species live and how they interact. 



For coastal communities, this disruption also hits close to home. Many rely on fishing to support their families, and fewer fish could mean a harder life for these communities.



With phytoplankton absorbing less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-may-flip-plankton-into-carbon-emitters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> due to heatwaves, there’s also a risk that climate change could speed up even more.



By keeping a close eye on marine heatwaves, scientists hope to protect our oceans. Their work will help guide efforts to protect sensitive areas and to develop new strategies to tackle climate change.



Image Credit: Copernicus Sentinel data (2024), processed by ESA



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How marine heatwaves impact ocean health

Marine heatwaves are posing a new threat to the ocean’s...

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly shook things up, changing our daily routines and lifestyles, including our means of transportation.



With mask mandates and lockdowns, many of us bid farewell to our daily commutes, while countries restricted international travel to curb the virus's spread. 



Four and a half years on, we are learning to coexist with the virus and starting to understand the impact of pandemic-related changes.



A recent study investigated how the pandemic reshaped energy consumption in the transportation sector across Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-post-pandemic-shifts-in-transportation">Post-pandemic shifts in transportation </h2>



The study was led by Helena Patiño, a PhD student from the <a href="https://www.uoc.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universitat Oberta de Catalunya</a> (UOC). The research sheds light on the transportation transition during and after the pandemic.



The team examined how changing travel habits have affected energy consumption and emissions.



"Overall, Europeans have reduced car use since the pandemic, but have flown much more frequently," said Patiño. 



"However, trends vary considerably between countries. Some have resumed previous transport patterns, while others have managed to maintain a moderate reduction in transport use."



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



Transportation, heavily reliant on nonrenewable energy sources, contributes about 37% of our global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-hidden-carbon-footprint-of-long-distance-travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> dioxide (CO2) emissions, the primary greenhouse gas. 



Therefore, altering our travel behavior is critical to global climate strategies, like the European scheme for a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030.



"Achieving lasting changes in people's behavior is not easy," said Patiño. "Governments should support environmentally friendly transport options, such as bicycles and electric cars, and lead campaigns to change behavior, so that sustainable transport is not just an option, but the preferred choice for everyone."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-studies-from-different-countries">Case studies from different countries</h2>



Post-lockdown transport habits across Europe have displayed a contrasting recovery. In countries like Austria, Germany, and the United Kingdom, the impact has been less pronounced with only minor shifts in car and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flying-has-never-been-safer-and-continues-to-improve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plane use</a>.



On the other hand, countries with stricter government regulations such as Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Spain saw a significant surge in travel post-lockdown.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transport-policies-and-behavioral-changes">Transport policies and behavioral changes</h2>



Interestingly, some countries managed to maintain changes brought on by the pandemic. Sweden, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, for instance, saw lasting effects. 



"Sweden already had a relatively high percentage of remote workers before the pandemic, but the number has continued to grow since then. Furthermore, since 2010, the country has been promoting outdoor leisure activities, facilitating access to places of natural beauty and promoting outdoor exercise," noted Patiño. 



"Denmark, in turn, has continued to invest in cycling infrastructure and electric bicycles. A recent survey found that Copenhagen residents are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cycling-could-dramatically-cut-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cycling</a> to work more than before the pandemic."



While it's unlikely a uniform shift towards less travel will occur across Europe, as per Patiño, the experiences of these three countries offer insights into how robust transport and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-countries-are-lagging-behind-in-the-shift-to-green-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy policies</a> can help sustain behavioral changes and reduce CO2 emissions, reshaping the future of mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinventing-urban-spaces-for-sustainable-transit">Reinventing urban spaces for sustainable transit</h2>



The transformation of travel habits during the pandemic has opened doors to reimagining urban spaces to better support sustainable transit. 



European cities are increasingly prioritizing infrastructure that favors low-carbon transport, such as dedicated cycling lanes, pedestrian-friendly areas, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biden-lays-out-plan-for-electric-vehicle-charging-stations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electric vehicle charging stations</a>. 



Urban planners now have the opportunity to encourage greener modes of transportation by redesigning cities around sustainable travel. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initiatives-for-sustainable-transportation">Initiatives for sustainable transportation </h2>



Cities like Paris, with its "15-minute city" model, aim to reduce reliance on cars by ensuring that residents can access most of their daily needs within a short walk or bike ride.



These initiatives are critical for a sustainable future as they encourage a shift from car dependency to more environmentally friendly alternatives. 



The success of such urban redesigns can serve as a blueprint for other cities aiming to curb emissions while promoting healthier, more resilient communities. 



With proper policies and infrastructure, Europe could set a global example for post-pandemic mobility that aligns with climate goals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead-for-sustainable-mobility">The road ahead for sustainable mobility</h2>



As Europe continues to adapt to new mobility trends, the challenge lies in making these sustainable shifts permanent. 



Policymakers and urban planners are now focused on reinforcing eco-friendly practices, from expanding public transport networks to promoting zero-emission zones in major cities. 



By embracing these changes, Europe has the potential to lead a global movement towards greener, more resilient urban transport systems that meet both environmental and community needs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421524002246?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Energy Policy</a>.



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Did the pandemic change our transportation habits?

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly shook things up, changing our daily...

By now, most of us are well aware of the severe damage inflicted by plastic on our environment. As the United Nations noted, 46% of plastic waste is landfilled, while 22% is mismanaged and becomes litter. 



"Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade. It can take up to 1,000 years to break down, so when it is discarded, it builds up in the environment until it reaches a crisis point," said the UN.



"This pollution chokes marine wildlife, damages soil and poisons groundwater, and can cause serious health impacts."



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



A recent study, funded by paper packaging company <a href="https://www.dssmith.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DS Smith</a>, presents an eye-opening revelation.



The research suggests that over half (51%) of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/9936-chemicals-found-in-plastic-products-used-for-food-packaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a> used for grocery items could either be minimized or eliminated altogether in the United Kingdom and most other countries in the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-used-in-food-packaging">Plastic used in food packaging</h2>



To reach this conclusion, scientists scrutinized plastic utilization on an extensive scale. 



They studied 1,500 food and drink products sold by the top five food retailers across six European countries -- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the United Kingdom.



The team uses two distinct approaches -- a "basket analysis" and a "store inventory analysis."



The basket analysis assessed the percentage of regularly bought items in a typical shopping basket containing plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/who-is-responsible-for-the-burden-of-plastic-packaging-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">packaging</a>.



The store inventory analysis focused on the proportion of food and drink items packaged in plastic across various store sections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reliance-on-plastic-packaging">Reliance on plastic packaging </h2>



The study revealed that the bulk of plastic packaging in an average shopping basket originated from processed foods, including ready-meals and meal kits (90%); bread, rice, and cereals (89%), dairy products (83%), and meat and fish (80%).



The experts found that the UK leads the pack as the most reliant on plastic packaging, with 70% of all food and drink items on British shelves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">containing plastic</a>.



Spain was not far behind at 67%, followed by Italy and Germany (66%), Poland (62%), and France (59%).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commitments-for-sustainable-packaging">Commitments for sustainable packaging </h2>



Adding another layer to the study, the researchers interviewed 300 food and drink industry professionals occupying senior positions linked to packaging. 



Most respondents (98%) expressed their companies' commitment to reduce plastic packaging. Interestingly, 60% of these have fewer than two years to fulfill their voluntary goals.



However, 40% of the respondents cited the cost of raw materials as a major hurdle, and there's apprehension that consumers might reject the changes.



A significant 72% of industry professionals felt that consumers wouldn't want to pay more for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whats-the-most-sustainable-packaging-the-answer-will-surprise-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable packaging</a>, and 65% believed consumers would not sacrifice convenience for sustainability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmentally-conscious-brands">Environmentally conscious brands </h2>



Nonetheless, these concerns might be misguided. A 2023 Harvard Business Review study suggests that Gen Z and Millennial customers, who perceive a brand to be conscious of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fashion-industrys-plastic-waste-is-a-major-environmental-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> and social impact, are 27% more likely to choose it over others.



These generations' spending power is predicted to overtake that of Baby Boomers by 2030, translating to a wealth transfer of up to $68 trillion.



"We think the government can and should be more demanding of us all. Phasing out certain plastics to help create a level playing field that encourages innovation, investment and generates healthy competition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-retailers-are-replacing-plastic-bags-with-eco-friendly-paper-bags/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">replace plastic</a>," said DS Smith CEO Miles Roberts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-use-plastic-packaging-scourge">Single-use plastic packaging scourge</h2>



This type of plastic packaging is also referred to as "single-use plastics" because after you consume what's inside the packaging, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-plastic-straws-degrade-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">use the straw</a> that came with a drink, the plastic is immediately thrown away and never used again. 



Humans are ingrained with the attitude "out of sight, out of mind," but just because you toss plastic into a bin, that's far from the end of it. 



Discarded plastics accumulate in landfills, litter our streets, and find their way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">into the oceans</a> where they enter the food chain.



Wildlife in every corner of the world is taking a big hit from all this plastic pollution. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, birds get tangled in discarded fishing lines, and marine animals ingest bits of plastic thinking it's food. It's heartbreaking to see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">images of animals</a> suffering because of our throwaway culture.



The issue gets worse when you consider how long these plastics stick around. They can take thousands of years to break down, and even then, they're not truly gone. 



Instead, they break into tiny microplastics and nanoplastics that can be ingested by humans and wildlife, eventually entering the water supply and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-every-semen-sample-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infiltrating the cells in our bodies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-policies-for-a-plastic-free-future">Policies for a plastic-free future</h2>



While industry leaders acknowledge the importance of reducing plastic packaging, significant change may require stronger government intervention, ultimately leading to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-treaty-talks-slow-progress-yet-restored-hope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global plastics treaty</a>.



Regulatory frameworks, such as plastic taxes, bans on single-use plastics, or incentives for sustainable packaging, could accelerate progress. 



Countries like France have already enacted laws to reduce plastic use in supermarkets, aiming to phase out disposable plastics by 2040. 



These policies hold companies accountable and encourage innovation in eco-friendly materials and waste reduction strategies.



In the UK, policymakers have introduced initiatives like the Plastic Packaging Tax, yet experts argue that more comprehensive regulations are needed to drive lasting impact. 



Setting clear goals for plastic reduction could stimulate a competitive market that favors recyclable and biodegradable alternatives.



As consumer awareness grows, the pressure on both government and industry is mounting. Future policy directions could determine the pace and success of the journey toward a more sustainable grocery sector, balancing the demands of convenience, cost, and environmental impact.



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Plastic use in food packaging could be, and should be, drastically reduced

By now, most of us are well aware of the...

Welcome to the fascinating, albeit daunting, world of climate action. While it may seem like a constant barrage of distressing news, it is not all grim.



Some promising developments have emerged from the front lines of climate action, offering hope amid the crisis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoupling-economic-growth-from-emissions">Decoupling economic growth from emissions</h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a> (PIK) in Germany found that 30% of global regions have successfully managed to decouple economic growth from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>.



"Historically, economic growth has been closely coupled to carbon emissions responsible for climate change, but to stabilize global mean temperature, net-zero carbon emissions are necessary," wrote the researchers.



"Some economies have begun to reduce emissions while continuing to grow, but this decoupling is not fast enough to achieve global climate targets."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-progress-in-climate-action">Global progress in climate action</h2>



It is a commonly held notion that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-temperature-variability-linked-to-slow-economic-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">economic growth</a> is inevitably intertwined with carbon emissions. 



This belief has long been a significant barrier in the fight against climate change, as many fear that robust economic development comes at an environmental cost. However, recent studies have been proving this wrong.



“Regions with high incomes and a history of carbon-intensive industries, as well as those with significant shares of service and manufacturing sectors were particularly successful in reducing carbon emissions while still experiencing economic growth,” said study co-author Anders Levermann.



“A stabilization of the global mean temperature is only possible with net-zero carbon emissions. That means that if economies want to grow, they need to be decoupled from CO2 emissions.”



This decoupling is a significant breakthrough, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve economic prosperity without further harming the planet. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-local-climate-action">The power of local climate action</h2>



The researchers have not been focusing solely on nations or individual cities, as is the norm. They have taken a more granular approach while keeping their scope global.



The team analyzed 1,500 subnational regions, accounting for a whopping 85% of global emissions. The experts identified significant global patterns of decoupling.



The analysis reveals that local climate action has emerged as a powerful force in driving decoupling efforts. Regions that have prioritized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mature-forests-play-a-surprising-role-in-climate-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate mitigation</a> through strategic planning and targeted funding are leading the way, showing that focused local initiatives can fuel broader progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-decoupling-trends">Global decoupling trends</h2>



"Specifically, EU cities that have implemented climate mitigation plans and regions that have received increased financial support for climate actions tend to show higher rates of decoupling," said lead author Maria Zioga.



"Notably, Europe consistently outperforms other parts of the world, with many of its regions showing a continuous decoupling trend over the past 20 years." 



"In contrast, North America and Asia have seen more fluctuating decoupling patterns over the decades, but there's been an improvement trend in the last decade.”



This success highlights the importance of empowering local governments and communities to take initiative in climate action. 



By tailoring strategies to local conditions and needs, regions can achieve more effective and efficient outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-net-zero-emissions">Achieving net-zero emissions</h2>



Despite the progress, the road ahead remains challenging. The PIK scientists estimate that if current decoupling rates persist, less than half of the subnational regions will be able to achieve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/residual-emissions-must-be-addressed-to-reach-net-zero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">net-zero carbon emissions</a> by 2050.



The challenge is formidable, as it requires a comprehensive transformation of energy systems, industrial processes, and societal behaviors.



"Developed countries appear likely to fulfill these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-meet-climate-targets-with-carbon-capture-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">targets</a> ahead of others, but overall recent trends appear inadequate for achieving the net-zero by mid-century in most regions," said study co-author Max Kotz.



"Therefore, all levels of government need to step up and developed countries in particular should increase their efforts and investment in the energy transition in the countries of the global south in order to meet net-zero targets globally.”



The science is clear, and the path is laid out. We must invest in renewable energy, innovate in technology, and strengthen international cooperation to ensure that the gains made in decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions are expanded and sustained.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2411419121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Climate action: Economies can grow while cutting emissions

Welcome to the fascinating, albeit daunting, world of climate action....

October 2024 will be remembered by the locals around Pyramid Lake, Nevada, for a rather unusual display of nature's colors and patterns. 



The usually serene waters of the lake unleashed a stunning exhibition of blue-green algae, dancing and swirling across the surface. 



For the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=944807254356712&amp;set=pb.100064823373179.-2207520000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water Quality Program</a>, this bloom was arguably the most active in recent times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-pyramid-lake-from-space">Studying Pyramid Lake from space</h2>



The bloom, which added a touch of mystery to the lake, was so expansive that it was visible from space. The locals, bemused by this phenomenon, couldn't help but talk about it. 



Luckily, providing a better look at this spectacle was the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landsat 9 satellite</a>, which snapped astonishing natural-color images on October 8, 2024. 



Looking at the images captured by Operational Land Imager-2 (<a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a>), you could see the mesmerizing swirling, whirlpool patterns created by the algae.



Nodularia spumigena, a type of cyanobacteria, is the culprit that is responsible for the bloom. 



This particular species thrives in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warm, saline waters</a> and can pull nitrogen right out of the atmosphere -- handy skills that ensured its survival in Pyramid Lake over the years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-beautiful-but-stay-away">It's beautiful, but stay away</h2>



What's fascinating about Nodularia spumigena, aside from its beauty, is its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. This means it can create its own nutrients and outcompete other organisms when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-overlooked-component-eutrophication-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen levels in the water</a> are low.



But there's a flip side. Nodularia spumigena can produce a toxin called nodularin, which is harmful to both animals and humans. If you come into contact with water contaminated by this toxin, it can lead to serious health issues, especially affecting the liver. 



That's why when blooms of this cyanobacterium occur, health authorities often warn people to steer clear of the water until things return to normal.



Respectively, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe raised a safety flag on October 15, 2024, advising people to avoid contact with the water until it returned to its normal state.



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



Phytoplankton and cyanobacteria are both tiny organisms that live in water, but there's a key difference between them. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyanobacteria</a>, also called blue-green algae, are actually bacteria that can photosynthesize -- they use sunlight to make food, much like plants do. Despite their name, they're not true algae.



These little guys have been around for billions of years, and you can find them almost everywhere: in oceans, lakes, soil, and even in extreme environments like hot springs. Cyanobacteria are actually responsible for producing a lot of the oxygen that made life possible on Earth.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Phytoplankton</a>, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes any microscopic organisms in the water that can photosynthesize. This group encompasses a variety of species, including algae and, interestingly enough, cyanobacteria. 



So, in a way, cyanobacteria are a type of phytoplankton, but not all phytoplankton are cyanobacteria.



Now, here's where it gets a bit tricky. While cyanobacteria are crucial for ecosystems and the oxygen we breathe, some species can produce toxins that are harmful to animals and humans. If you've ever heard about beaches closing because of harmful algal blooms, cyanobacteria are often the culprits. 



So, they play a double role: they're essential for life, but under certain conditions, such as this toxic bloom in Pyramid Lake, they can pose some serious health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pyramid-lake-past-present-and-future">Pyramid Lake: Past, present and future</h2>



Pyramid Lake is a piece of history. It's a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, created during the last ice age. 



Scientists speculate that the cyanobacteria Nodularia spumigena has been a part of this ecosystem since that era.



This lake isn’t just about the water or the spectacular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-turning-green-thanks-to-climate-change-algae-blooms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algae blooms</a>. It's home to the endangered cui-ui fish (Chasmistes cuius) -- a species held in high regard by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. 



Anglers will also recognize it as the site where a world-record Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) weighing a whopping 41 pounds was caught in 1925.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-bloom">Monitoring the bloom</h2>



To keep a pulse on these blooms and their implications, scientists and environmental organizations utilize various tools. 



For instance, the <a href="https://www.sfei.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco Estuary Institute</a>'s water quality analysis tool indicated a surge in levels of chlorophyll-a between late September and mid-October. 



This invaluable data helps researchers understand the occurrence and potential impacts of such blooms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-pyramid-lake-for-the-future">Preserving Pyramid Lake for the future</h2>



This beautiful, toxic bloom underscores the importance of monitoring and conserving our aquatic ecosystems. 



Factors like temperature shifts, nutrient levels, and changes in water conditions can spark cyanobacteria growth almost anywhere on Earth.



The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is keeping residents and visitors up-to-date on the lake's condition. 



By heeding safety recommendations and staying informed, we can all play a part in safeguarding ourselves and this delicate ecosystem.



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NASA Earth Observatory image by <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/about/wanmei-liang" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wanmei Liang</a>, using Landsat data from the <a href="http://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey</a>. Photo by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lukegordon/3377729218/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke H. Gordon</a>. Story by <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/about/lindsey-doermann" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lindsey Doermann</a>.



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Pyramid Lake water turns dark green with beautiful swirling whirlpool currents

October 2024 will be remembered by the locals around Pyramid...

As we move forward in the 21st century, it's becoming clearer that the air we breathe is having an impact on us, well beyond just our lungs. 



In a new study from the University of Southern California (USC), experts found that a particular component of air pollution is linked to poor learning and memory in children. The same component is also associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia in adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pm2-5-and-its-components">PM2.5 and its components</h2>



So, what is this worrying part of our air? It is most commonly known as PM2.5. This refers to particulate matter that is less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles are a mixture of dust, soot, organic compounds, and metals.



Due to their small size, PM2.5 particles from air pollution can travel deeply into our lungs, bypass the blood-brain barrier, and potentially cause serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-air-pollution-impacts-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">memory and health problems</a>.



One particular component of PM2.5, called ammonium nitrate, has caught the attention of scientists. It forms when ammonia gas, which is produced by agricultural activities, and nitric acid, produced by burning fossil fuels, react in the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-s-impact-on-memory">Air pollution's impact on memory</h2>



The research was led by Megan Herting, an associate professor of population and public health sciences at the <a href="https://keck.usc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keck School of Medicine</a> at USC.



"Our study highlights the need for detailed research on particulate matter sources and chemical components," said Herting. "It suggests that understanding these nuances is crucial for informing air quality regulations and understanding long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurocognitive effects</a>."



How did this study come about? Herting has been working with data from the largest brain study across America, known as the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD), for several years. 



The goal of the research was to understand the potential effects of air pollution on the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sources-of-pollution">Sources of pollution</h2>



The primary source of PM2.5 is fossil fuel combustion, especially within urban areas. However, other sources such as wildfires, agriculture, marine aerosols, and chemical reactions also play a critical role. 



Herting and her team previously studied the overall impact of PM2.5 on cognition in children and didn't find a significant connection.



In this recent study, the team used statistical techniques to look at 15 chemical components in PM2.5 and their sources individually. That's when ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound usually resulting from agricultural and farming activities, emerged as a surprising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culprit</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ammonium-nitrate-and-memory">Ammonium nitrate and memory</h2>



"No matter how we examined it, on its own or with other pollutants, the most robust finding was that ammonium nitrate particles were linked to poorer learning and memory," said Herting. “That suggests that overall PM2.5 is one thing, but for cognition, it's a mixture effect of what you're exposed to.”



This revelation highlights the need for reducing the overall quantity of PM2.5, as well as understanding its composition and the effects of its specific components.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-children-from-air-pollution">Protecting children from air pollution</h2>



The findings carry substantial implications for public health policies. Considering the diverse components of PM2.5, blanket regulations may not be as effective as policies that target specific pollutants like ammonium nitrate.



Policymakers could consider enforcing stricter emission controls on agricultural practices and industries known for high ammonia emissions. 



Furthermore, implementing educational programs to heighten public awareness about the sources and risks associated with particulate matter can empower communities to support and adapt to these regulatory changes. 



These informed approaches can pave the way for improved air quality standards and, consequently, better health outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-on-air-pollution-and-memory">Research on air pollution and memory</h2>



The study opens new avenues for research into the molecular mechanisms by which ammonium nitrate impacts cognitive functions. 



Future studies could explore the biological pathways affected by this compound in air pollution and delineate its interactions within the memory and overall brain. Longitudinal research initiatives might help uncover how exposure to different PM2.5 components over a lifetime contributes to cognitive decline in old age. 



Additionally, exploring geographic and seasonal variations in particulate matter composition can provide insights into regional vulnerabilities and help tailor interventions more effectively. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-public-well-being">Mental health and public well-being </h2>



These scientific endeavors will be crucial for crafting policies that effectively safeguard mental health and public well-being in an era of rapidly changing environmental dynamics.



So what's next for these researchers? They intend to explore how these mixtures and sources of air pollution may link with individual memory variations and brain phenotypes during child and adolescent development.



This research is important for our children's health and the future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>. The findings could lead to changes in air quality and public health policies. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP14418" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>.



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Air pollution is harming kids’ memory and learning

As we move forward in the 21st century, it's becoming...

Hidden deep in the frosty expanse of the Greenland Ice Sheet, an intriguing secret has been lurking - a significant amount of meltwater temporarily held within its icy mantle during the summertime.



It's a discovery that not only challenges our existing understanding of ice sheets and their role in sea-level rise but also signals the need for a paradigm shift in climate change models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-mystery-on-the-greenland-ice-sheet">A mystery on the Greenland ice sheet</h2>



Despite being the largest single contributor to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>, scientists have so far been unable to answer how the storage of meltwater within the Greenland Ice Sheet evolves throughout the summer melt season. 



However, a unique approach has now offered significant insight into the movement and storage of this meltwater. The research was led by Jiangjun Ran, a professor in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the <a href="https://www.sustech.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern University of Science and Technology</a> in China.



"During the melt season, we found that a significant fraction of meltwater mass is stored temporarily within the ice sheet. This water buffering effect peaks in July and slowly recedes in the following weeks," noted Professor Ran.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-dynamics-within-the-ice-sheet">Water dynamics within the ice sheet</h2>



"Understanding how water is stored and released within the ice sheet has always been a challenge," said Pavel Ditmar, a scientist in the Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing at <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delft University of Technology</a>.



To overcome this, the team turned to data from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-loss-tracked-by-new-gps-system-on-a-daily-basis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland GPS Network</a> (GNET). The network consists of tens of stations around Greenland, providing continuous positioning data. 



The data was used to develop a method capable of interpreting the detected vertical displacements of the bedrock caused, among other things, by the mass of melting water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reshaping-climate-models">Reshaping climate models</h2>



This discovery could revolutionize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a>, which often fail to capture the intricacy of water storage within ice sheets.



Especially in warmer years, these models may underestimate the process of water runoff towards the ocean. 



The researchers found that the predictions could require scaling adjustments of up to 20% for the warmest years.



"These findings are crucial for improving forecasts of the Greenland Ice Sheet's contribution to future sea-level rise," said Michiel van den&nbsp;Broeke, a scholar from Utrecht University.



"With climate change making the Arctic warmer than ever, accurate predictions are essential for preparing coastal regions for potential sea-level rise."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-ice-sheet-dynamics">Understanding ice sheet dynamics </h2>



This significant breakthrough in understanding the behavior of polar ice wasn't an overnight success. It required years of meticulous preparation and arduous expeditions to remote corners of the planet.



Shfaqat Abbas Khan, a scholar from the Technical University of Denmark noted: "The work we've done not only improves our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a> dynamics but also opens the door to new measurement techniques and campaigns."



In the grand scheme of things, the discovery highlights the importance of international collaboration in confronting our shared environmental challenges, as we continue our journey to protect the delicate balance of life on this planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-insights-from-greenland-s-ice-sheet">Climate insights from Greenland's ice sheet</h2>



The impact of these new findings extends beyond Greenland's icy borders. If similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-meltwater-sediments-speed-up-ice-loss-in-greenland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meltwater</a> storage mechanisms exist in other ice-covered regions, such as Antarctica or the Himalayas, climate models may need further adjustments.



By factoring in these complex water storage processes, scientists can refine global sea-level rise predictions and provide more accurate timelines. 



This broader understanding can help nations better prepare for climate impacts on coastal communities and freshwater supplies, highlighting the Greenland Ice Sheet’s role in shaping the global climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tools-reveal-greenland-s-hidden-waters">New tools reveal Greenland's hidden waters</h2>



This breakthrough would not have been possible without advancements in technology. 



Tools like the Greenland GPS Network (GNET) have revolutionized the way scientists gather data, providing real-time insights into changes deep within the ice. 



The use of these advanced techniques, from GPS-based monitoring to satellite imagery, is paving the way for further discoveries in polar research. 



With these tools, researchers hope to continue uncovering Greenland’s secrets and apply these findings to other remote and difficult-to-study ice sheets, accelerating the pace of climate science. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08096-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Greenland Ice Sheet discovery transforms sea-level predictions

Hidden deep in the frosty expanse of the Greenland Ice...

Lake Erie, known for its rich aquatic life, has been facing some challenges. Interestingly, the current regulations limiting nutrients from agriculture flowing into Lake Erie may be too restrictive for some fish species.



However, these restrictions are anticipated to maintain healthy fisheries until at least mid-century when taking our warming climate into consideration, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://umich.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-action-now-for-the-future">Taking action now for the future</h2>



"Hitting the target for the future is the right thing to do now," said&nbsp;<a href="https://seas.umich.edu/research/faculty/don-scavia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Don Scavia</a>, professor emeritus at U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability. "Even though the proposed limits are too much for now, I don't think they should be relaxed because it takes a decade or longer to affect change."



This intriguing study is the result of combined efforts from scientists across the United States and Asia. 



The team integrated climate projections, historical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-illuminates-fish-interactions-in-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishery</a> data, and innovative mathematical modeling of the lake's nutrient load. The researchers also looked at an important indicator of water quality - the oxygen levels in the lake's depths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrients-in-lake-erie">Nutrients in Lake Erie</h2>



With all of these elements in the mix, the researchers found that the situation is even more complex than one might expect.



Reducing nutrient flows does indeed improve water quality, but this doesn't automatically translate into a boon for all fish species. 



"There are tradeoffs," said Scavia. He noted that as the planet continues to warm, temperature - not nutrient load - will be the primary influence over Lake Erie's oxygen levels and other similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-fish-populations-are-boosted-by-ocean-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-for-a-wicked-problem">Solutions for a "wicked problem"</h2>



Does this complexity mean we're in a no-win situation? Not at all. Instead, it simply means that management strategies will need to adapt as conditions change. 



Because there isn't a single, perfect solution for these ecosystems, our approach must remain flexible to accommodate new realities. In the world of land management, this is known as a "wicked problem."



The nutrients used in fertilizers, while incredibly beneficial for crops, pose a problem when they enter our water systems. They act as a buffet for microorganisms like algae and cyanobacteria, leading to algal blooms in places like Lake Erie, the northern Gulf of Mexico, and Chesapeake Bay.



As these blooms decompose, they create hypoxic, or low-oxygen, conditions that are disastrous for many fish species. 



While cyanobacteria thrive in nutrient-rich waters, so do the plankton that provide food for larger fish species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-nutrients-in-lake-erie">Balancing nutrients in Lake Erie</h2>



Stuart Ludsin, a professor in the Aquatic Ecology Laboratory at Ohio State University (<a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU</a>), explained that hypoxia is bad news for lake whitefish that prefer the cold bottom water of Lake Erie.



However, not all fish live in depths where hypoxia is a concern. Yellow perch, for instance, actually benefit from nutrient-rich waters, noted Professor Ludsin.



Currently, nutrient levels in Lake Erie are also beneficial to walleye. Achieving the right balance for both water quality and fish populations is a delicate, moving target.



The goal is not to encourage pollution to support fisheries but rather to find a level of nutrients that can balance water quality goals and support the lake's suite of fisheries.



Anna Michalak, founding director of Carnegie Science's Climate and Resilience Hub, suggests that determining this level should involve the system's managers and stakeholders.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptive-tactics-to-tackle-the-issue">Adaptive tactics to tackle the issue</h2>



Michalak, who has been working with Scavia for a decade studying Lake Erie and other aquatic ecosystems, advocates for a systems-level approach. She emphasizes that the optimal choices for one aspect, such as water quality, might come with a cost to another, like fisheries.



According to Professor Dan Obenour of North Carolina (NC) State University, the study provides a template and prior knowledge that can be applied to other systems.



Pointing out that the climate-hypoxia model has proven robust and reliable over long time periods, Professor Obenour reinforces the need for adaptive tactics to tackle this wicked problem.



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



Climate change further complicates the web of challenges faced by Lake Erie nutrient limits and similar water systems. Rising global temperatures alter precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency of intense rainfalls that wash more nutrients into bodies of water. 



This not only exacerbates the existing nutrient management issues but also demands more dynamic solutions. Scientists are beginning to incorporate climate resilience into their models to predict more accurately how these aquatic systems will change over time. 



By understanding and planning for these shifts, policymakers and stakeholders can better devise strategies that preemptively address the changing environmental conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-in-environmental-policy">Innovation in environmental policy</h2>



Advancements in technology and data analytics are playing pivotal roles in shaping effective environmental policies. By leveraging satellite imagery and real-time sensor data, researchers can monitor nutrient loads and algal blooms with greater precision than ever before. 



These innovative tools allow for the rapid assessment of water quality and the development of more targeted mitigation strategies. 



As environmental challenges become increasingly complex, the integration of cutting-edge science with proactive policy measures stands to offer a beacon of hope for maintaining Lake Erie's ecological balance and preserving its invaluable natural resources.



Indeed, determining the best management solutions is a challenging task. Even after reaching a consensus, future changes will require continued <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reassessments</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2322595121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Balancing the nutrient load in Lake Erie is a 'wicked problem'

Lake Erie, known for its rich aquatic life, has been...

<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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