<p>Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. </p>



<p>In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-retailers-are-replacing-plastic-bags-with-eco-friendly-paper-bags/">waste</a> ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-in-the-deep-sea">Plastic in the deep sea</h2>



<p>Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but previously, most of the research has concentrated on floating plastic or beach trash. That changed with this latest study, which took a closer look at what is occurring on the ocean floor. </p>



<p>Scientists discovered that the Levant Basin - a deep section of the eastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/two-continents-meet-along-the-mediterranean-coastline/">Mediterranean</a> off the coasts of Israel, Egypt, and Turkey - is among the world's most contaminated deep-sea areas.</p>



<p>“We used trawls to survey the seafloor and we mainly found plastic bags and packaging that dominate the debris,” said Xing-Yu Li from the <a href="https://www.haifa.ac.il/?lang=en">University of Haifa</a>, the study’s lead author.</p>



<p>This raised a question: how does something so light - something meant to float - end up nearly a mile underwater?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-forensic-approach-to-trash">A forensic approach to trash</h2>



<p>To answer that, the team decided to treat each plastic item like a crime scene. Every piece of debris was carefully examined using a method called multi-marker analysis. </p>



<p>This approach looks at everything about the plastic - size, shape, color, material, surface features, and even what kinds of things are stuck to it, like tar or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/">marine organisms</a>.</p>



<p>“In the multi-marker approach anything that is found on a piece of plastic is an evidence,” said Xing-yu. “We extracted as many evidence as possible from every piece of waste, more than many previous studies, to build a fuller, more detailed view of the bottom waste.”</p>



<p>Instead of just counting how much trash was found, this method helped researchers understand how it got there, why it sank, and where it might have come from.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-some-plastic-doesn-t-sink">Why some plastic doesn’t sink</h2>



<p>Most of the plastics found were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/everyday-kitchen-tool-that-could-be-leaching-toxins-into-your-food-polypropylene-cutting-board/">polyethylene</a> - the same material used in grocery bags. Normally, this kind of plastic floats. But when additives like calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are mixed in during manufacturing, the plastic becomes heavier. </p>



<p>Those with CaCO₃ sank closer to the shore. Others, without these additives, drifted farther out before eventually settling on the seafloor.</p>



<p>The study also revealed that the deep basin at over 3,000 feet deep acts like a trap. Pressure and fine sediments help keep the plastic down. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biofilms-could-change-the-way-we-track-plastic-pollution/">Biofilms</a>, which are slimy layers formed by microbes, usually help weigh plastics down too, but they don’t grow well in this part of the sea. Instead, things like tar, sand, and tiny shells helped plastics stay put.</p>



<p>The scientists noted that these plastic films - while thin and lightweight - are ending up where they can do the most long-term damage. </p>



<p>Even more troubling, the team found that some of this plastic could become buoyant again if disturbed, but because of how the deep sea works, that rarely happens. Once the plastic settles, it stays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-trash-is-coming-from">Where the trash is coming from</h2>



<p>The plastic pollution isn’t only from local beaches. According to the research, land-based sources from Egypt, Israel, and Turkey are a big part of the problem. </p>



<p>Shipping also plays a role, especially in deeper waters. Surprisingly, fishing was not a major contributor - possibly due to strict Israeli regulations.</p>



<p>For years, scientists noticed high levels of plastic at the seafloor, but they didn’t fully understand why. </p>



<p>“For years in our monitoring reports we have reported a high concentration of plastic debris in this area. It was an unsolved mystery as we know that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/">plastic debris</a> should remain floating on the sea surface. Now we have a deep understanding of how it happens,” said Dr. Yael Segal from Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IOLR). </p>



<p>“The Eastern Mediterranean is the most polluted area in the world, and we must take action for the sake of the next generation.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-risks-to-marine-life">Long-term risks to marine life</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic packaging</a> is cheap, easy to produce, and used globally - but it doesn’t go away. It breaks into smaller pieces and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years. </p>



<p>Deep-sea habitats are already fragile, and adding plastic into the mix could disrupt food webs, introduce toxins, and harm species that haven’t even been fully studied yet.</p>



<p>“As the head of the national monitoring program, I see firsthand how plastic pollution is impacting the entire sea environment: beaches, water, sea bottom, and even local turtle populations,” said Dr. Segal.</p>



<p>Professor Revital Bookman said that the discovery is fascinating in the worst possible way. </p>



<p>"The eastern Mediterranean is quietly turning into a deep-sea landfill. Plastics that we use for only a few minutes are ending up trapped for centuries, threatening deep marine ecosystems we barely understand," noted Professor Bookman. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-needs-to-happen-next">What needs to happen next</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, this study changes how we should think about ocean pollution. Plastic doesn’t just float around until it hits a beach. It travels far, interacts with other pollutants like tar, and ends up in hidden places. </p>



<p>“This previously overlooked dynamic necessitates a broader perspective on pollution processes in marine environments,” said Professor Bookman. </p>



<p>“Without systematic deep-sea accounting, we risk underestimating the true environmental footprint of plastic pollution and misallocating mitigation efforts by neglecting offshore and deep-sea sinks.”</p>



<p>To deal with this, the experts call for coordinated efforts across the region. Countries that share the sea need to work together on monitoring, cleanup, and prevention. </p>



<p>Without a shared strategy, plastics will continue piling up, silently choking one of the planet’s most mysterious ecosystems.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X25009671?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Pollution Bulletin</a></em>.</p>



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Hidden plastic graveyard uncovered in the deep Mediterranean Sea

Plastic may not always float where we expect it. The ocean’s surface might look clean in some places, but far beneath the waves, a different story is unfolding. In the southeastern Mediterranean, the deep seafloor is turning into a massive storage ground for plastic packaging, especially bags. A new study shows how this waste ends up thousands of feet below the surface, and the answer isn’t as simple as trash just “sinking.” Plastic in the deep sea Plastic debris has entered every corner of the ocean, but...

<p>You may have felt the comforting chill of fall rolling in this September, but not everyone was sharing the same sentiment.</p>



<p>Taking a peek into official documents from the European Union's Climate Change Programme, the global average temperature for September 2024 stood at a staggering 61.1°F (16.17°C). This makes it the second-hottest September that we have on record. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-september-2024-record-in-the-making">September 2024: Record in the making</h2>



<p>In fact, this temperature was a hair's breadth away from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-just-experienced-its-hottest-day-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record set</a> in September 2023, which read a blistering 61.4°F (16.38°C). The scientists point unerringly at human-induced greenhouse gas emissions as the chief culprit.</p>



<p>Some spots on our planet bore the brunt of this heat in September 2024 more than others. When we compare these temperatures to records of the last three decades, the upward trajectory of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a> is all too clear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historic-temperature-perspective">Historic temperature perspective</h2>



<p>The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (<a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C3S</a>) - a dedicated climate watchdog located in Bonn, Germany - has a few stark figures to share. </p>



<p>The September 2024 temperature rose a scary 2.77°F (1.54°C) above the average temperature noted between 1850-1900. Given that we consider this period the "pre-industrial" era, these numbers tell a sobering story of our rapidly changing climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-rainfall-in-september-2024">Extreme rainfall in September 2024 </h2>



<p>"September 2024 was the second warmest both globally and for Europe," said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of C3S.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the escalation in global air temperatures kicked off a series of unusually wet weather. This phenomenon is tied to a warmer atmosphere's capacity to hold more moisture. But what does this mean in our daily lives?</p>



<p>"The extreme rainfall events of this month, something we are observing more and more often, have been made worse by a warmer atmosphere, leading to more intense rainfall with months’ worth of rain falling in just a few days," said Burgess. </p>



<p>"The risk of extreme rainfall will continue to increase with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising temperatures</a>; the sooner we reach net zero emissions, the sooner we can mitigate this risk."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-year-of-extremes">A year of extremes </h2>



<p>The comprehensive temperature readings from C3S suggest that 2024 was a year of extremes. The first half of the year, from January to June, saw each month outdoing its predecessor to become the hottest for that period. </p>



<p>However, July 2024 dialled it down a notch, falling short of its record-breaking counterpart from 2023. And while September 2024 did not break any records, it was still considerably warmer than what we were used to 20-30 years ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-thermometer">Rising thermometer</h2>



<p>Taking stock of the situation, C3S emphasizes a trend that is perhaps the most troubling - the sustained increase in the global average temperature.</p>



<p>Looking at the data from October 2023 to September 2024, we find the global average temperature to be the second-highest on record for any 12-month period. </p>



<p>The last 12 months were a heated 1.33°F (0.74°C) above the average temperature between 1991 and 2020 and an alarming 2.91°F (1.62°C) above the pre-industrial average of 1850 to 1900.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-and-rain-in-europe">Heat and rain in Europe </h2>



<p>Europe had its own unique brush with extreme weather. September 2024 was the second warmest on record for the continent, just trailing September 2023. </p>



<p>Along with the heat wave, the continent also saw a surge in rainfall, culminating in flooding and significant damage in Central and Eastern Europe.</p>



<p>Beyond the borders of Europe, excessive temperatures were noted in Canada, the central and western United States, South America, northeast Africa, China, and Japan.</p>



<p>The global average sea surface temperature was pinned at 20.83°C in September 2024, making it the second highest for that month (after September 2023).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uk-s-weather-story-in-september-2024">UK’s weather story in September 2024</h2>



<p>The UK experienced variable temperatures and continuous showers in September, starting off warm and sticky but taking a cooler turn by the 11th. While it was the wettest September for some counties, including Bedfordshire and Oxfordshire, no national monthly records were broken.</p>



<p>The facts lay it bare - our planet is heating up at an alarming pace, fueled by human activities. It's time we <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indoor-heating-and-cooling-systems-affect-city-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">take action to rein in emissions</a> and put the brakes on global warming.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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September 2024 was the second-hottest month ever recorded

You may have felt the comforting chill of fall rolling...

<p>As we edge into the latter half of 2024, an unsettling trend has taken hold around the globe. Temperatures have soared to unseen heights, pushing the global average to an unprecedented 17.16°C (62.89°F) in July and intensifying drought conditions worldwide.</p>



<p>This blazing escalation in global heat is not an isolated even t- its implications reverberate through ecosystems, economies, and the everyday lives of millions of people.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-global-drought">Impacts of global drought</h2>



<p>Such extreme heat has culminated in the accelerated evaporation of soil water, leaving vegetation in a fragile state and stressing biodiversity in numerous regions worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Coupled with atypically low rainfall, major river basins like the Amazon, La Plata, and Zambezi have witnessed dwindling water flows - greatly impacting the broader ecosystems and economies tied to them.</p>



<p>A bizarre fusion of climate factors, namely El Niño, the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole, and the warm phase of the Tropical North Atlantic, has exacerbated drought conditions in select regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Consequently, South America, southern Africa, and parts of Mediterranean and eastern Europe are grappling with severe water scarcity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-temperature-anomalies">Widespread temperature anomalies </h2>



<p>The European Commission's Joint Research Center&nbsp;(<a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/joint-research-centre_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JRC</a>) recently published a report entitled "Global Drought Overview.- September 2024," which offers a detailed analysis of temperature and rainfall anomalies. </p>



<p>The paper reveals that several regions of the world have experienced very pronounced warm temperature anomalies. </p>



<p>In July 2024, temperature anomalies exceeded 3°C in north-western North America, eastern Canada, the Mediterranean, eastern Europe, south-eastern and central Africa, Iran, western and central Russia, Japan, and Antarctica.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prolonged-drought-events">Prolonged drought events</h2>



<p>The time period from August 2023 to July 2024 witnessed 52 individual prolonged meteorological drought events. </p>



<p>The most grievous and enduring droughts coursed through South America, central and eastern Asia, central Africa, and North America.</p>



<p>With droughts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-are-fueling-more-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a>, and warm spells plaguing many parts of the world, crop productivity has taken a significant hit. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-of-drought">Ripple effects of drought</h2>



<p>Drought-stricken areas are now contending with dwindling crop yields and outright crop failures, influencing income levels and local economies.</p>



<p>This domino effect has dangerously ramped up food stress to crisis levels across the world. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-help-reduce-food-insecurity-in-rural-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scarcity of food</a>&nbsp;leaves the most vulnerable populations exposed to heightened hunger and malnutrition risks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In southern Africa, for instance, millions are likely to rely on food aid in the near future. The lethal combination of a prolonged lack of rain and high evaporation has sent water sources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs on a steep descent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-power-and-water-shortages">Power and water shortages</h2>



<p>The Amazon River's alarmingly low water levels are threatening agriculture, drinking water supplies, transportation, and hydropower production in South America.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Simultaneously, southern Africa is grappling with power shortages and blackouts courtesy of the extremely low water flow of the Zambezi River.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/running-dry-water-shortages-in-the-colorado-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water shortages</a>&nbsp;have forced governments in Morocco, Spain, Italy, and South Africa to implement water use restrictions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a result, disputes over water rights in the Nile Basin and some parts of South America are pressing issues.</p>



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



<p>Despite predictions that Central Africa and northern Europe could experience wetter-than-average conditions in the coming months, the general trend will be persistent dry and warmer-than-average conditions across the majority of the affected regions. This is likely to further reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-have-altered-river-flow-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river flows</a>&nbsp;and strain water resources.</p>



<p>Efficient water management, which includes reducing water loss throughout grid pipelines, sustainable irrigation systems, and investing in rainwater harvesting and desalination, can contribute to building water resilience in these trying times.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-proactive-measures">Need for proactive measures </h2>



<p>Such a grim forecast highlights the urgent need for international cooperation and swift interventions, particularly in the most affected regions. </p>



<p>For example, more than 30 million people - primarily in southern Africa - will require food assistance between October 2024 and March 2025.</p>



<p>Proactive measures like drought monitoring can equip farmers and policymakers with crucial evidence to anticipate and prepare for drought events. </p>



<p>The use of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-weed-may-lead-to-drought-resistant-crops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought-resistant crops</a>, which require less water and have a higher tolerance for heat, can also help reduce food loss.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additional proactive measures include agricultural practices like agroforestry techniques, conservation tillage, and crop rotation.</p>



<p>The report is published by the <a href="https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139423" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Commission</a>.</p>



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Global drought has caused crisis levels of food and water scarcity

As we edge into the latter half of 2024, an...

<p>Celebrated each year on October 8th, World Octopus Day is a time to honor one of the most intelligent animals in the ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<p>World Octopus Day highlights the complexities of protecting marine animals as environmental threats like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-the-distribution-of-marine-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and pollution continue to evolve.</p>



<p>Protecting marine habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, is crucial for the survival of octopus species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-intelligence-of-octopuses-nbsp">Remarkable intelligence of octopuses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Research has shown that octopuses have both short-term and long-term memory. They can learn from experience and adapt their behavior to new challenges.</p>



<p>Octopuses have a highly developed nervous system with approximately 500 million neurons. Most of these neurons are located in their arms, which allows for complex motor control and independent movement.</p>



<p>Some octopus species have been observed using tools, such as using coconut shells or rocks for shelter or defense, indicating a level of cognitive sophistication.</p>



<p>Octopuses can rapidly change color and texture to blend into their surroundings. This requires advanced visual processing and environmental awareness.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-importance-of-octopuses-nbsp">Ecological importance of octopuses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Octopuses play a vital role in marine ecosystems due to their various ecological functions.</p>



<p>As both predators and prey, octopuses help maintain the balance of marine food webs. They hunt various species, including crabs, fish, and mollusks, which helps control the populations of these organisms. In turn, they are prey for larger marine animals such as sharks, larger fish, and sea birds.</p>



<p>Some octopus species create dens in the ocean floor by using rocks, shells, and other materials. These dens can serve as habitats for other marine organisms, increasing local biodiversity.</p>



<p>Through their feeding and excretion, octopuses help cycle nutrients in the marine ecosystem. Their predation on benthic invertebrates can affect nutrient dynamics and promote a healthy seabed.</p>



<p>Octopuses serve as an indicator species, reflecting the health of their marine environments. Changes in their population or behavior can signal shifts in ecosystem health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-octopuses-nbsp">Threats to octopuses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite their ecological importance and remarkable intelligence, octopuses face an uncertain future due to several interconnected factors.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Rising ocean temperatures and acidification affect marine ecosystems and can disrupt octopus habitats and prey availability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A recent study showed that rising ocean temperatures may also cause <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-seas-impair-octopus-vision-to-a-critical-extent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision impairment</a> in octopuses - a direct threat to their survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that warmer ocean water alters the chemistry within their bodies, specifically affecting the proteins essential for proper vision.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Octopuses are targeted for their meat, leading to overfishing in some regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unsustainable fishing</a> also removes large quantities of fish and other marine species from the ecosystem, leading to a decline in the availability of food for octopuses. This can affect their growth, reproduction, and survival.</p>



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



<p>Overfishing leads to habitat degradation, particularly when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-fishing-method-of-bottom-trawling-harms-both-the-ocean-and-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bottom trawling</a> and other destructive fishing methods are used. This can destroy the environments where octopuses and their prey thrive.</p>



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



<p>Pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals accumulate in the marine environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Octopuses, being at the top of the food chain, accumulate these toxins in their bodies, leading to health issues such as weakened immune systems, reproductive problems, and even death.</p>



<p>Octopuses ingest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> either directly or through the consumption of contaminated prey. These tiny plastic particles can cause physical harm and may also release harmful chemicals into their systems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limited-research">Limited research</h3>



<p>Octopuses are still relatively understudied compared to other marine species, making it challenging to assess their population health and develop effective conservation strategies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-world-octopus-day">Celebrating World Octopus Day</h2>



<p>Today, make an effort to educate yourself and others about marine ecosystems and the threats they face. Share your knowledge with friends and family to raise awareness about marine conservation issues.</p>



<p>You can also honor World Octopus Day by reducing plastic waste. Minimize single-use plastics by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In addition, choose seafood that is sustainably sourced. Look for certifications like the <a href="https://www.msc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Stewardship Council</a> (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to support responsible fishing and farming practices.</p>



<p>Furthermore, you can contribute to organizations that are working hard to protect marine environments, such as the <a href="https://oceanconservancy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Conservancy</a>.</p>



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World Octopus Day: The intelligent creatures of the sea

Celebrated each year on October 8th, World Octopus Day is...

<p>Half of the world's population currently lives in cities, and this proportion is expected to increase to 70% by 2050. Due to large populations, a lack of green spaces that can mitigate warming, and aging infrastructure vulnerable to floods and extreme weather, many of the world's cities are unprepared for climate change.</p>



<p>Proactive measures are needed to make cities more resilient to climate change and capable of protecting community health, according to a new report by the <a href="https://ysph.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale School of Public Health</a> (YSPH), the <a href="https://resilientcitiesnetwork.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resilient Cities Network</a>, and The Rockefeller Foundation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-climate-related-health-threats">Preparing for climate-related health threats </h2>



<p>The report is based on a survey of nearly 200 leaders in 118 cities across 52 countries regarding their preparedness for responding to climate-related health threats.</p>



<p>Less than half of the cities reported having a climate resilience plan, and only one in four indicated that their plan addressed both climate and health. </p>



<p>The research was funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, which also announced that it will invest more than $1 million to help cities implement the report's recommendations. The announcement was made during <a href="https://www.climateweeknyc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Week NYC</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-centered-response-to-climate-change">Health-centered response to climate change </h2>



<p>The Urban Pulse report highlights the need for city leaders to recognize the impact of climate change on residents' health, including mental health.</p>



<p>Professor Jeannette Ickovics, lead author of the report, noted that resources, infrastructure, and collaboration are needed to ensure that these profound health threats are limited. She said that a health-centered response to climate change by cities is crucial for global health.</p>



<p>“We call on the global community to put health at the heart of the urban climate change agenda, to amplify and scale-up evidence-based solutions, and to invest in new financing models that prioritize rapid disbursement to cities so that they can build and sustain resilience,” said Professor Ickovics.</p>



<p>Ickovics and her team of faculty and students at the Yale Center for Climate Change and Health, the Yale Institute for Global Health, and Yale Planetary Solutions are working with the Resilient Cities Network to address climate, health, and equity challenges in low- and middle-income countries, as city populations rise across the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impacts-on-cities">Climate impacts on cities</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, cities like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam likely will experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-may-slow-the-spread-of-dengue-fever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dengue fever</a> outbreaks due to larger mosquito populations. </p>



<p>Coastal cities like Miami and Dubai will likely face more frequent and severe flooding from rising sea levels.</p>



<p>“Cities are acutely aware that climate change poses serious health risks, which disproportionately affect populations that face vulnerabilities,” said Lauren Sorkin, executive director of the Resilient Cities Network. </p>



<p>“The R-Cities network of chief resilience officers is at the forefront of addressing these challenges, driving cross-sector collaboration to pilot and scale equitable, innovative solutions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-climate-resilience-in-cities">Recommendations for climate resilience in cities</h2>



<p>Based on their survey data and interviews with city leaders in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, Professor Ickovics and the Resilient Cities Network assembled ten recommendations to guide local government leaders in making their communities more climate resilient. These include: </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Identifying unique climate shocks and stressors that pose the largest threats to vulnerable populations</li>



<li>Implementing data-driven, community-focused adaptation programs like greening initiatives and population-based mental health support to address health, climate, and equity</li>



<li>Investing in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green energy</a> and other energy-efficient systems that contribute to a zero-carbon economy</li>



<li>Establishing and reinforcing early-warning mechanisms for climate-related catastrophic events like hurricanes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-heat-waves-in-europe-can-be-predicted-by-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a>, and floods</li>



<li>Fostering city-to-city collaborations to share best practices in the fight against climate threats</li>
</ul>



<p>The Rockefeller Foundation's investment will empower the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group - a global coalition of nearly 100 mayors - to address climate change and support the Resilient Cities Network in implementing the report's recommendations through city-led action plans. </p>



<p>Examples include Rio de Janeiro's recent push to forecast dengue outbreaks and a community-engagement initiative for cholera vaccine uptake in Lusaka, Zambia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-led-action-can-save-lives">City-led action can save lives</h2>



<p>“As these cases make clear, city-led action can save lives,” stated The Rockefeller Foundation. </p>



<p>If the plan championed by this report were implemented for just one heat wave in Dhaka, Bangladesh, preliminary estimates found a $1 to $7 return on investment in terms of lives saved among the most vulnerable - illustrating the tremendous economic value at stake, the foundation reported.</p>



<p>The investment announcement at Climate Week NYC followed a panel discussion about climate and health resilience in cities, led by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Resilient Cities Network, and Yale.</p>



<p>“We must leverage this research to unite in a vision of urban resilience - harnessing our collective wisdom and strength to build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable urban environment for all,” Professor Ickovics concluded.</p>



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Cities are largely unprepared for the effects of climate change

Half of the world's population currently lives in cities, and...

<p>Liquefied natural gas (LNG) might not live up to its reputation as a cleaner energy alternative as many people believe.</p>



<p>A new study discloses that, taking into account factors like processing and shipping, LNG's greenhouse gas emissions are 33 percent more harmful than those of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-use-is-not-declining-fast-enough-to-slow-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal</a>.</p>



<p>This finding questions the long-standing belief that liquefied natural gas is a climate-friendlier option, revealing its significant ecological impact.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-truth-about-liquefied-natural-gas">Hidden truth about liquefied natural gas</h2>



<p>This new evidence emerged in a study recently published in the journal <em>Energy Science &amp; Engineering</em>.</p>



<p>"Natural gas and shale gas are all bad for the climate. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is worse," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>The team was led by Robert Howarth, a professor of ecology and environmental biology at <a href="https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/10/liquefied-natural-gas-carbon-footprint-worse-coal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a>. The researchers set out to uncover the true environmental cost of LNG by examining its entire lifecycle, from extraction to transportation.</p>



<p>The findings, published in a paper titled "The Greenhouse Gas Footprint of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exported from the United States," reveal some striking new insights.</p>



<p>The team discovered that about half of LNG’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-methane-emissions-threaten-earths-habitability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> and carbon dioxide released during its extraction, processing, transportation, and storage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coal-vs-liquefied-natural-gas">Coal vs. liquefied natural gas</h2>



<p>The research suggests that over a 20-year period, when measured against the global warming potential, LNG's carbon footprint is a third larger than that of coal.</p>



<p>This measurement evaluates the atmospheric impact of various greenhouse gases, and shockingly, even on a 100-year timescale, the carbon footprint of liquefied natural gas either matches or exceeds that of coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-liquefied-natural-gas-in-the-u-s">Liquefied natural gas in the U.S.</h2>



<p>As the world’s largest exporter of LNG, the U.S. finds itself in an unsettling position considering its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circular-economy-needed-to-reduce-americas-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>.</p>



<p>The study highlights that the majority of the increase in natural gas production in the U.S. since 2005 stems from shale gas, primarily sourced from Texas and Louisiana.</p>



<p>But, LNG is more than just natural gas. It's cooled to a frigid minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit, enabling easier transport but at an alarming environmental cost.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-emissions-from-natural-gas">Hidden emissions from natural gas</h2>



<p>The experts report that even the seemingly harmless tasks of transporting and storing LNG hide an environmental threat.</p>



<p>Contemporary LNG tankers powered by two- or four-stroke engines might have lower carbon dioxide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> than older steam-powered ships, but they inadvertently discharge methane into the atmosphere during the transportation and storage of natural gas.</p>



<p>Given the potency of methane, which is over 80 times more impactful than carbon dioxide, even these minute emissions can severely affect our climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-the-invisible-enemy">Methane: The invisible enemy</h2>



<p>The research discloses that significant methane emissions arise during the natural gas liquefaction process - nearly 8.8% of the total when evaluated against global warming potential. Depending on the ship, methane emissions from tankers range from 3.9 to 8.1 percent.</p>



<p>"Almost all the methane emissions occur upstream when you're extracting the shale gas and liquefying it," noted the study authors.</p>



<p>"Liquefied natural gas will always have a bigger climate footprint than natural gas, regardless of the assumptions of being a bridge fuel. It still ends up markedly worse than coal."</p>



<p>Given these startling findings, it's essential for us to reconsider the role of natural gas in our energy systems and its environmental repercussions. The choices we make today will have lasting impacts for generations to come.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-our-perspective">Shifting our perspective </h2>



<p>These revelations about LNG should drastically shift our perspective. It has often been considered a "bridge fuel" in the transition to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bamboo-plants-shows-great-potential-to-become-the-next-big-renewable-energy-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>, but this recent research forces us to question that notion as the environmental cost seems too high.</p>



<p>As we plan our future, our focus must shift towards truly sustainable energy solutions without concealed climate costs or long-term damage.</p>



<p>The choices we make, from our energy sources to our policies, will shape the future. As we move forward, we should take responsibility and strive for a cleaner, greener planet. Liquefied natural gas might have brought us this far, but it's not the path forward we need.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ese3.1934">Energy Science &amp; Engineer</a><a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ese3.1934" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in</a><a href="https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ese3.1934">g</a></em>.</p>



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Natural gas isn’t as clean as we think

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) might not live up to its...

<p>We all knew that Hurricane Helene was coming. But when the storm raged across the Southeast U.S., claiming over 220 lives and wiping out entire communities, we could not help but feel a jolt of surprise and shock.</p>



<p>Florida's Big Bend, untouched by hurricanes for decades, has now seen three in a year. The western region of North Carolina, once acclaimed as a safe haven from climate change, is currently in the grips of paralyzing floods.</p>



<p>At least 115 people were killed in the state of North Carolina alone, and hundreds are still missing. Many lost their lives after being trapped by floodwaters in their homes and vehicles. </p>



<p>Some residents were completely disconnected from the rest of the world by mud-covered highways and washed out roads. In some mountain towns like Asheville, supplies had to be delivered by aircraft and even by mule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-disasters-fueled-by-global-warming">Natural disasters fueled by global warming</h2>



<p>Across the nation, natural disasters fueled by global warming have become costlier and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-helene-aging-infrastructure-in-a-dangerous-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more frequent</a>. They're not just typical weather events anymore, and they're striking where it hurts - in communities where millions of people live.</p>



<p>"Pretty much 50% of the population lives within miles of the sea, more exposed to hurricanes and with an aging infrastructure that is not set for today's climate," said Mari Tye, a scientist and civil engineer at the <a href="https://ncar.ucar.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Center for Atmospheric Research</a> based in Boulder, Colorado.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-toll-of-hurricanes">Rising toll of hurricanes</h2>



<p>North Carolina once saw an average of just one or two billion-dollar disasters per year. Now, with a growing population nearing 400,000 since April 2020, this number has jumped to six or seven annual calamities.</p>



<p>What does this mean for the residents? Weeks without water and power, physical isolation, and a daunting recovery ahead.</p>



<p>"Our roads, dams, and electrical grids were designed and built for a world that no longer exists," said Tye, pointing out the struggle to adapt to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricanes-cause-thousands-of-deaths-that-are-unaccounted-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasingly frequent and disruptive storms</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calculating-the-damage-of-natural-disasters">Calculating the damage of natural disasters </h2>



<p>The economic impact of weather disasters like hurricanes is increasingly hard to gauge. However, with the nation’s median home price more than doubling since 2000, and car prices also rising, it’s now easier to reach a billion-dollar damage bill.</p>



<p>AccuWeather reports that Hurricane Helene might become one of the costliest storms in U.S. history, with damages reaching up to $250 billion. However, only time will tell the full extent of the losses incurred.</p>



<p>Texas takes the lead as the state most vulnerable to extreme weather, with 186 weather disasters costing $1 billion or more since 1980. Other states don't even come close.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-temperatures-on-the-rise">Global temperatures on the rise</h2>



<p>A key factor behind more destructive weather is our planet's rising temperature. As the Earth continues to warm, extreme heatwaves are becoming more intense, widespread, and longer lasting. This causes increased use of air conditioning, which strains our power grid.</p>



<p>Shifting weather conditions are putting pressure on agriculture, utilities, ecosystems, and people, all of which are battling to adjust to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-warning-strong-solar-storm-headed-to-earth-auroras-expected-sept-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new extremes</a>.</p>



<p>Daniel Swain, a climatologist at UCLA, views Hurricane Helene as a sobering sign that "the ceiling on how bad things can get essentially has risen."</p>



<p>Jennifer Francis, a senior scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Massachusetts, noted that major hurricanes are now more likely because of the extra fuel they can extract from warmer oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-toll-of-natural-disasters">Psychological toll of natural disasters</h2>



<p>Beyond the economic and physical devastation wrought by storms like Hurricane Helene, the psychological toll on affected communities is often overlooked.</p>



<p>Residents facing frequent evacuations, loss of property, and disruption of their social networks may experience heightened stress, anxiety, and trauma. </p>



<p>Such mental health challenges can persist long after the physical rebuilding is completed, influencing community dynamics and individual well-being. </p>



<p>Social scientists emphasize the importance of robust support systems and mental health resources to help communities recover comprehensively, acknowledging that healing is not merely about repairing structures but also about nurturing resilient spirits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-facing-the-future-of-natural-disasters">Facing the future of natural disasters </h2>



<p>Let's face it: the discussion about an increasingly erratic weather system is one we can no longer ignore. </p>



<p>Swain said it's important to start having conversations about whether other communities are prepared to face their own versions of Helene.</p>



<p>"We have to be honest about why things unfolded as they did," said Swain. "Part of that conversation is about the role of climate change, which is not insignificant in cases like this."</p>



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Hurricane Helene: A glimpse into the future of natural disasters

We all knew that Hurricane Helene was coming. But when...

<p>You might be surprised to learn that marine heatwaves represent one of the most pressing threats to our oceans.</p>



<p>With 2023 etching itself into history as the first year that ocean temperatures exceeded 1°C over pre-industrial levels, we find ourselves facing a significant challenge.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peculiar-nature-of-marine-heatwaves">Peculiar nature of marine heatwaves</h2>



<p>Marine heatwaves, quite simply, are episodes of unusually high sea temperatures that either inhabit local hotspots or stretch across more substantial portions of ocean basins. These heatwaves last at least five days, but some persist for months or even years in extreme cases.</p>



<p>The impacts of marine heatwaves are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-heatwaves-escalate-coral-bleaching-threats/">far-reaching and often devastating</a> for ecosystems, the economy, and coastal communities.</p>



<p>Coral bleaching in the tropics and the subsequent losses to the tourism industry are perhaps the most vivid representation of this. Effects also ripple through to our fisheries and natural capital, both of which undergo significant changes due to the wave.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooler-waters-of-the-uk">Cooler waters of the UK</h2>



<p>Interestingly, prior to 2023, major marine heat waves had largely bypassed the UK. However, June of that year saw a brief yet intense marine heat wave around UK and Ireland shores.</p>



<p>This event in UK waters revealed a critical gap in our understanding of the characteristics and potential future effects of marine heatwaves.</p>



<p>In an effort to close this gap, researchers set out to characterize both marine heatwaves and their counterparts, known as marine cold spells, around the UK. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-heatwave-trends">Regional heatwave trends</h2>



<p>Despite not standing out as a major hotspot in the wider North Atlantic, UK waters display marked regional diversity, particularly in terms of marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/">heatwaves</a>.</p>



<p>The southern North Sea and the English Channel tend to witness longer and moderately intense heatwaves, while episodes in the eastern North Sea are typically shorter but considerably intense.</p>



<p>Marine heatwaves occur throughout the year. The location, intensity, duration, and occurrence time show substantial variation. This might be why chlorophyll-a, a proxy for phytoplankton abundance, shows an inconsistent response to these events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emergence-of-greenwaves-and-bluewaves">Emergence of greenwaves and bluewaves</h2>



<p>Within the wider North Atlantic, "greenwaves" (highly productive events) are more prevalent in the southern North Sea and closer to the coast.</p>



<p>On the other hand, marine heatwaves are more likely to coincide with "bluewaves" (low chlorophyll-a extremes) in the tropics and subtropics. Meanwhile, cold spells are usually associated with greenwaves at higher latitudes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-marine-heatwaves">Impacts of marine heatwaves</h2>



<p>The timing and location of marine heatwaves can dramatically affect marine ecosystems. When these events occur in summer, they cause stress for species like seaweed and seagrass.</p>



<p>On the flip side, if they occur in winter or spring, the warm temperatures may trigger phytoplankton blooms, which could either enhance productivity or result in harmful algal blooms.</p>



<p>Given these complexities, targeted research is critical to understand the future impact of marine heatwaves on marine ecosystems and society. </p>



<p>There is an urgent need to identify at-risk regions so that the resilience of species and coastal communities can be assessed and properly managed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-heatwaves-in-the-uk">Future heatwaves in the UK</h2>



<p>The June 2023 marine heat wave should serve as a wake-up call. Even though these events do not seem as long-lasting or intense as other heat waves around the world, they are projected to increase.</p>



<p>With the silent crisis growing beneath the surface of the seas, the UK is in a unique position to use this head start and learn from the experiences of other nations. </p>



<p>As we continue to understand and discover more about our oceans, the role we play in shaping its future becomes&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-was-the-cause-of-earths-largest-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasingly evident</a>.</p>



<p>"It is also worth noting that summer terrestrial heatwaves in the UK have recently caused excess deaths, among other adverse health impacts," wrote the study authors. </p>



<p>"Given the link between the June 2023 marine heat wave and the coincident terrestrial heatwave, understanding interactions and feedbacks between marine and terrestrial heatwaves is another important research direction."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2024.1434365/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Marine Science</em></a>.</p>



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Marine heatwaves are expanding their reach across the globe

You might be surprised to learn that marine heatwaves represent...

<p>Forty years ago, vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula was extremely limited due to the harsh climate conditions. The region was dominated by ice, snow, and cold temperatures, which made it inhospitable for most plant life.</p>



<p>A new study reveals that, compared to 40 years ago, vegetation cover across the Antarctic Peninsula has increased more than tenfold. But what's behind this green explosion in one of the world's whitest landscapes?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greening-of-antarctica">Greening of Antarctica</h2>



<p>The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter, the University of Hertfordshire, and the British Antarctic Survey, utilized satellite data to analyze how climate change has driven "greening" across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-will-antarctica-contribute-to-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> Peninsula.</p>



<p>The findings show that the region's vegetation cover grew from less than one square kilometer in 1986 to nearly 12 square kilometers by 2021.</p>



<p>“Antarctica has experienced significant increases in temperature over the past 60 years, with rates of warming highest in the West Antarctic and Antarctic Peninsula (AP) regions and occurring much faster than global average warming,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-rate-of-greening-in-antarctica">Accelerated rate of greening in Antarctica </h2>



<p>The report uncovers more about this greening trend. It's not just growing - it's accelerating - with a 30% growth spurt in the past five years compared to the original study period. We're talking about an additional 400,000 square meters of greens every year during this period.</p>



<p>The satellite findings echo a previous study. Core samples from moss-covered ecosystems on the peninsula told a similar tale - plant growth rates have skyrocketed in the recent past.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-is-antarctica-greening">How is Antarctica greening?</h2>



<p>How does plant life find a way to thrive in such harsh terrains? "The plants we find on the Antarctic Peninsula - mostly mosses - grow in perhaps the harshest conditions on Earth,” said Dr Thomas Roland from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>.</p>



<p>“The landscape is still almost entirely dominated by snow, ice and rock, with only a tiny fraction colonized by plant life. But that tiny fraction has grown dramatically - showing that even this vast and isolated ‘wilderness’ is being affected by anthropogenic climate change.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-next-for-the-peninsula">What next for the Peninsula?</h2>



<p>While the green invasion might seem like a victory for biodiversity, it might not be all rainbows and butterflies - or in this case, moss and algae.</p>



<p>Dr. Olly Bartlett from the <a href="https://www.herts.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hertfordshire</a> warns that as these ecosystems grow and the climate continues to warm, alien species could crash the party. </p>



<p>These unwanted guests might hitch a ride with eco-tourists, scientists, or other Peninsula visitors, potentially upsetting the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-dynamics-in-a-greener-landscape">Ecosystem dynamics in a greener landscape </h2>



<p>The flourishing plant life on the Antarctic Peninsula introduces significant changes to the local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem dynamics</a>. </p>



<p>As these mosses and other vegetation expand their presence, they invest in new biological interactions with existing species, creating a mini-ecosystem in what was once considered a barren wasteland. </p>



<p>Lichen, flying insects, and even some bird species might find new niches or food sources amidst these changes. However, as these networks grow in complexity, they also become susceptible to disturbances. </p>



<p>The addition of invasive species or sudden shifts in climate could disrupt the balance, leading to unforeseen ecological consequences that researchers are racing to understand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-impacts-of-climate-change">Broader impacts of climate change </h2>



<p>The greening of the Antarctica is an alarming indication of the broader impacts of climate change on the world's ecosystems.</p>



<p>While the phenomenon is localized, it serves as a microcosm for planetary transformations that suggest far-reaching consequences on a global scale. As the ice sheets thaw and vegetation extends its reach, there are implications for global sea levels and carbon cycling.</p>



<p>Antarctica's transition highlights the need for international cooperation, driving a unified response to mitigate climate change and its cascading effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-landscape-of-antarctica">Shifting landscape of Antarctica</h2>



<p>The research serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration, urging humanity to embrace innovative solutions for a sustainable future, lest we allow our world's delicate balance to unravel.</p>



<p>The blooming trend calls for more in-depth research into the climatic and environmental driving forces behind it. </p>



<p>The changing biology and landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula, according to Dr. Roland, could be a bellwether for the impact of future anthropogenic warming. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01564-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.</em></p>



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Antarctica is greening at an unprecedented rate

Forty years ago, vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula was extremely...

<p>Picture this for a moment - a wind that sweeps across southern Africa, picking up tiny particles of dust and hurling them across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.</p>



<p>This seemingly common act of nature had surprising and unexpected effects in 2019, causing the largest phytoplankton bloom in two decades, and at a time of year when these blooms are rarely seen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traveling-nutrient-buffet">Traveling nutrient buffet</h2>



<p>Dust, though often regarded as nothing more than a household nuisance, has hidden virtues. Dust clouds can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saharan-dust-supports-ocean-life-far-from-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">voyage great distances</a>, even crossing oceans. </p>



<p>A significant example of this is the Sahara Desert's dust which frequently voyages across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. </p>



<p>As these minute particles settle on land or water, they deliver essential nutrients which spur plant growth and enhance ocean productivity - a much-needed buffet for marine phytoplankton.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-dust-deserts-and-oceans-connect">How dust, deserts, and oceans connect</h2>



<p>Despite recognizing the voyages of dust and its potential effects, the intricate relationship between desertification, dust emissions, and ocean fertilisation still remains somewhat of a mystery. </p>



<p>A research paper recently published in the journal <em>PNAS Nexus</em>, however, marks notable progress in unlocking these complex links.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-and-remarkable-bloom">Rare and remarkable bloom</h2>



<p>A team of scientists from ESA's Living Planet Fellowships Poseidon and Pyroplankton traced an exceptional phytoplankton bloom off the eastern coast of southern Africa.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Drhl62eyp0-3891132-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>This proliferation, triggered by "dust wet deposition" (or rain), occurred in the nutrient-scarce waters southeast of Madagascar.</p>



<p>The study was led by Dr. John Gittings from the <a href="https://en.uoa.gr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Athens</a>. The research has contributed immensely in shedding light on this extraordinary event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trail-of-dust-to-the-ocean">Trail of dust to the ocean</h2>



<p>Dr. Gittings and his team employed an array of satellite data from multiple projects led by ESA, including the Climate Change Initiative Ocean Colour project, the Climate Change Initiative Soil Moisture project, and the Science for Society Biological Pump and Carbon Exchange Processes project.</p>



<p>Further contributing to the research were the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service and the Copernicus Marine Service. </p>



<p>This rich pool of satellite data enabled the team to accurately trace the expanse of this colossal bloom and identify the dust events that caused it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-anomalies-oceans-and-climate-change">Dust anomalies, oceans and climate change</h2>



<p>Dr. Gittings noted that although this extensive phytoplankton bloom was highly unusual, recent trends of increasing air temperatures, aridity, and dust emissions in southern Africa could signify that such events may become more common in the future.</p>



<p>Together with recent discoveries of ocean fertilization caused by mega-fire induced droughts in Australia, these findings hint at a possible link between climate change, drought, aerosols, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/zinc-plays-an-overlooked-role-in-ocean-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean blooms</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dual-role-of-dust-in-ecosystems">Dual role of dust in ecosystems</h2>



<p>While dust plays a pivotal role in natural fertilization processes, it also poses challenges to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. </p>



<p>On the one hand, nutrient-rich dust contributes to plant growth on land and supports plankton blooms, which form the foundation of the marine food web. </p>



<p>On the other hand, excessive dust can lead to oppressive air pollution, impacting human health and reducing visibility. </p>



<p>Recognizing this dual role of dust is crucial in understanding its comprehensive impact on ecosystems and developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects while leveraging its benefits.</p>



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



<p>The study by Dr. Gittings and his team marks significant progress in understanding the complex interactions between dust, climate change, and oceanic ecosystems.</p>



<p>However, more research is needed to investigate the long-term implications of dust-related events and their potential to alter ecological and climatic dynamics.</p>



<p>Expanding international collaboration, enhancing satellite monitoring capabilities, and incorporating more sophisticated climate models will be vital to unraveling the intricacies of dust's influence on our planet's future. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnectedness-of-our-world">Interconnectedness of our world </h2>



<p>Marie-Helene Rio of ESA emphasized the critical role of our oceans. Covering two-thirds of our planet, oceans are integral to the health of our ecosystems.</p>



<p>Unraveling how climate change is altering their biological processes is not a mere scientific curiosity - it's a matter of survival for life on Earth.</p>



<p>"Having access to such rich satellite datasets enabled us to clearly track the extent of this massive bloom and pinpoint the dust events responsible for it," said Dr. Gittings.</p>



<p>This research highlights the interconnectedness of our world, reminding us that even the smallest of particles can have massive, <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-brilliant-sombrero-galaxy-hints-at-an-expanding-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surprising effect</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-brilliant-sombrero-galaxy-hints-at-an-expanding-universe/">s</a> in the grand scheme of things.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/10/pgae386/7795948?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PNAS Nexus</a></em>.</p>



<p>Video Credit: ESA</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Dust from Africa sparked a massive phytoplankton bloom

Picture this for a moment - a wind that sweeps...

<p>In the United States, hurricanes and tropical storms carry a deadly legacy that extends far beyond the immediate destruction they cause.</p>



<p>Contrary to the official statistics that usually only account for immediate fatalities, new research suggests that these damaging weather phenomena, collectively known as “tropical cyclones,” lead to a surge in deaths that extends over a period of nearly 15 years post-storm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncovering-hidden-hurricane-deaths">Uncovering hidden hurricane deaths</h2>



<p>Traditionally, official fatality statistics linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical cyclones</a> only account for direct deaths, which typically occur through drowning or other traumatic incidents. </p>



<p>According to official reports, these direct fatalities average 24 persons per storm. However, new research presents a far more disturbing picture of the aftermath of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-disasters-are-on-the-rise-but-hazard-plans-are-inadequate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural disasters</a>.</p>



<p>"In any given month, people are dying earlier than they would have if the storm hadn’t hit their community," said study senior author Solomon Hsiang, a professor of environmental social sciences at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thousands-of-excess-hurricane-deaths">Thousands of excess hurricane deaths</h2>



<p>Professor Hsiang explained that after a big storm, there are cascading effects where cities are rebuilding, households are displaced, or social networks are broken. "These cascades have serious consequences for public health."</p>



<p>Hsiang and study lead author Rachel Young estimate that the average U.S. tropical cyclone indirectly causes between 7,000 to 11,000 excess deaths.</p>



<p>The researchers further estimate that tropical storms since 1930 have contributed to between 3.6 million and 5.2 million deaths across the United States.</p>



<p>This is a far greater toll than the 10,000 deaths officially attributed to these storms by government statistics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-impact-of-hurricanes">Understanding the impact of hurricanes</h2>



<p>The study estimates are derived from the statistical analysis of data from 501 tropical cyclones that hit the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from 1930 to 2015.</p>



<p>The experts considered mortality rates for various populations before and after each cyclone.</p>



<p>The research reflects an accumulation of ideas from previous studies that have noted the long-term economic impact of tropical cyclones and the underestimation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-related-deaths-on-the-rise-especially-in-vulnerable-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm-related deaths</a> in the immediate aftermath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-struggle-of-unequal-burdens">The struggle of unequal burdens</h2>



<p>The research serves as the first to hint that hurricanes play a significant role in the distribution of overall mortality risk across the country.</p>



<p>The experts found that more than 3 in 100 deaths nationwide are related to tropical cyclones. However, the burden is disproportionally higher for certain groups.</p>



<p>Black individuals, for example, are found to be three times more likely to die post-hurricane compared to their white counterparts. </p>



<p>This highlights the unequal experience faced by many Black communities in the aftermath of natural disasters.</p>



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



<p>The long-term surge of cyclone-related deaths tends to be significantly higher in areas that have historically experienced fewer hurricanes. </p>



<p>"Because this long-run effect on mortality has never been documented before, nobody on the ground knew that they should be adapting for this and nobody in the medical community has planned a response,” said Young.</p>



<p>This highlights the urgent need for better preparedness and more proactive planning across affected communities and the medical field.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-driving-the-long-term-fatalities">What is driving the long-term fatalities?</h2>



<p>After this eye-opening study, researchers are now working to understand why tropical storms and hurricanes cause these long-term fatalities. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in dissecting the intricate chains of events that follow a cyclone and can eventually affect human health.</p>



<p>The knowledge gained from this research could provide invaluable insights for future policy making, disaster management and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-climate-adaptation-lacks-coordination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change adaptation efforts</a>. It is crucial for us to learn as much as we can from these past events. </p>



<p>“With climate change, we expect that tropical cyclones are going to potentially become more hazardous, more damaging, and they’re going to change who they hit," said Young.</p>



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



<p>As tropical cyclones become more frequent and intense due to climate change, the long-term public health consequences may worsen. </p>



<p>Warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-were-a-driving-force-behind-2023s-record-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> fuel stronger hurricanes, which can lead to even more devastating long-term impacts on affected communities. With the increasing severity of storms, there could be an even greater surge in indirect fatalities in the coming decades.</p>



<p>The study highlights the importance of improving the ability to predict and prepare for the long-term effects of hurricanes, not just in the immediate aftermath but for the years and decades that follow. </p>



<p>The scope of these fatalities highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive recovery efforts and stronger healthcare systems in regions at risk.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07945-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Hurricanes cause thousands of deaths that are unaccounted for

In the United States, hurricanes and tropical storms carry a...

<p>No one enjoys a rude awakening, especially if it's a jarring climate change alarm clock. Plants, like humans, need time to adjust to new conditions. But what happens when climate change hits the snooze button on the slow pace of evolution?&nbsp;</p>



<p>We're about to unravel the story of the Arctic Siberian primrose, a hardy plant whose existence is threatened by rapid global warming and its struggle to adapt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-siberian-primrose">Arctic Siberian Primrose</h2>



<p>Perched on the frosty edges of the Bothnian Bay and Arctic Ocean, the Siberian primrose has been battling the odds for centuries, ever resilient.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, climate change is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-are-struggling-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formidable enemy</a>. How can plants adapt if they're nailed to the ground, unable to shift to more favorable environments, and evolution seems to be moving in slow motion?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threatened-by-rapid-climate-change">Threatened by rapid climate change </h2>



<p>Researchers from the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> set out to investigate. </p>



<p>"The Siberian primrose is a good example of a species threatened by rapidly advancing climate change. It cannot migrate to more favorable conditions due to geographic constraints, leaving adaptation in its current habitat as its only survival option," said study co-author Professor Marko Hyvärinen.</p>



<p>The team found out that the survival of the Siberian primrose hinges on one crucial condition - we must slow down climate change fast enough to give the flowers the time they need to evolve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lifeline-for-wild-species">A lifeline for wild species</h2>



<p>Now, you might be wondering, how do we put the brakes on climate change? Enter the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>. Our prime suspect, climate change, can only be contained if we can stick to the targets established in this global climate accord. But that's no easy feat.</p>



<p>"Our research suggests that the evolutionary potential of wild species is seriously limited in the face of rapidly advancing climate change. This means that the future of many species is at stake, unless climate change is effectively curbed," said study lead author Anniina Mattila.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geographical-constraints-and-climate-change">Geographical constraints and climate change</h2>



<p>Species limited to specific geographical regions, like the Siberian primrose, have particularly high stakes in this game of climate change roulette. They're boxed in by unsuitable habitats, often with no option but to adapt or perish.</p>



<p>Proactive conservation measures, such as targeted translocations and adaptive capacity studies, can offer a lifeline, but they can only go so far. Ultimately, the battlefront is climate change mitigation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptive-management-strategies">Adaptive management strategies </h2>



<p>As the clock ticks on climate change, adaptive management offers hope for species confined by geographical limits. </p>



<p>This proactive approach is a dynamic strategy that involves continuously revisiting and adjusting conservation practices based on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-climate-change-affect-deer-its-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest data and developments</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For the Siberian primrose, this could involve habitat restoration, managing genetic diversity, or even assisted migration to new locales where they can thrive. By doing so, conservationists aim to bolster the plant's resilience against the looming threat of environmental shifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advocacy-and-climate-change-awareness">Advocacy and climate change awareness</h2>



<p>In the global climate crisis, public engagement is key to driving change. Raising awareness about endangered species like the Siberian primrose isn't just for scientists and policymakers; everyone can help.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By sharing knowledge and fostering a sense of urgency, people worldwide can contribute to conservation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This can include supporting eco-friendly policies, joining citizen science projects, or sharing information in their communities. Together, our collective actions can create significant momentum for a more sustainable planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-a-global-call-to-action">Climate change: A global call to action</h2>



<p>Here's the ultimate reality check. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that the global temperature has already risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius (2.0 degrees Fahrenheit) since the pre-industrial era, with the Arctic warming up to four times faster. </p>



<p>Turning down the heat on climate change isn't just about saving our human homes. It's also about giving the silent flora and fauna - the Arctic Siberian primroses of the world - a fighting chance to adapt and thrive as nature intended.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-research">Learning from the research</h2>



<p>So, what active steps can we take today? It's not just about recycling and using less plastic. It's a much broader viewpoint. Eating less meat, conserving water, reducing air travel, and switching to renewable energy sources are all powerful ways to fight climate change.</p>



<p>Every little action counts. Every degree we can dial down on global warming could be the lifeline species like the Arctic Siberian primrose need to survive and continue their evolutionary journey. And that could be the most significant legacy we leave behind.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1351" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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Climate change is happening too fast for some species to adapt

No one enjoys a rude awakening, especially if it's a...

Flask,In,Scientist,Hand,With,Dropping,Liquid,To,Test,Tube

<p>Have you ever wondered what it takes to generate water? Scientists have been at it for years. But now, it seems, we are really on to something.</p>



<p>For the first time ever, scientists have observed the birth of water right from its atomic constituents - hydrogen and oxygen -- joining hands to form tiny bubbles of water.</p>



<p>This all happened in a <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a> lab where a team of scientists was trying to unravel the secret of how a metallic element, palladium, aids the gases in reacting to form water. </p>



<p>The exciting part? They noticed all this at a nanoscale.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimal-conditions-for-water-generation">Optimal conditions for water generation</h2>



<p>What's even more astonishing is that this reaction doesn't require harsh conditions, making it a potentially useful tool to generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-water-molecules-will-force-chemistry-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> quickly in dry areas, even including other planets.</p>



<p>The study is set to be published in the journal <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>. So, what's all the excitement about?</p>



<p>Study senior author Vinayak Dravid is a professor at Northwestern’s <a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McCormick School of Engineering</a> and founding director of NUANCE Center.</p>



<p>"By directly visualizing nanoscale water generation, we were able to identify the optimal conditions for rapid water generation under ambient conditions," explained Dravid.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-applications-of-rapid-water-generation">Applications of rapid water generation </h2>



<p>According to Dravid, the findings have significant implications for practical applications, enabling rapid water generation in deep space environments using gases and metal catalysts, without requiring extreme reaction conditions.</p>



<p>“Think of Matt Damon’s character, Mark Watney, in the movie ‘The Martian.’ He burned rocket fuel to extract hydrogen and then added oxygen from his oxygenator," said Dravid. </p>



<p>"Our process is analogous, except we bypass the need for fire and other extreme conditions. We simply mixed palladium and gases together.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-secret-of-palladium">Hidden secret of palladium</h2>



<p>In the early 1900s, scientists knew that palladium could help generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collecting-water-from-the-air-to-tackle-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> quickly. However, the exact process remained a mystery, noted study first author Yukun Liu, a PhD candidate in Dravid’s laboratory.</p>



<p>“It’s a known phenomenon, but it was never fully understood,” said&nbsp;Liu. “Because you really need to be able to&nbsp;combine the direct visualization of water generation and the structure analysis&nbsp;at the atomic scale in order to figure out what’s happening with the reaction and how to optimize it.”</p>



<p>And that was impossible until nine months ago when Dravid’s team introduced a method to analyze gas molecules in real time. They essentially created a super-thin glassy membrane with a honeycomb design to hold gas molecules so they could be viewed within high-vacuum transmission electron microscopes.</p>



<p>The result was remarkable. Researchers could now look at samples in atmospheric pressure gas at a resolution of just 0.102 nanometers - a significant leap from the 0.236-nanometer resolution offered by other leading tools.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakthrough-the-smallest-bubble">Breakthrough: The smallest bubble!</h2>



<p>Using their new technique, the team observed the reaction on palladium. As hydrogen atoms entered the palladium, expanding its square lattice, they saw <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planets-are-hiding-much-more-water-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tiny water bubbles</a> forming at the metal's surface.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Iem4jt7h9m-3889533-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>"We think it might be the smallest bubble ever formed that has been viewed directly. It's not what we were expecting. Luckily, we were recording it, so we could prove to other people that we weren't crazy," said Liu.</p>



<p>"We were skeptical. We needed to investigate it further to prove that it was actually water that formed," another researcher, Kunmo Koo, points out.</p>



<p>The researchers used electron energy loss spectroscopy to analyze these bubbles. By examining the energy loss of scattered electrons, they detected oxygen-bonding characteristics unique to water. </p>



<p>To confirm that the bubbles were indeed water, they were heated to evaluate the boiling point.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fastest-way-to-generate-water">Fastest way to generate water</h2>



<p>After the experts confirmed that the palladium reaction was generating water, the next challenge was to optimize the process. They tried different combinations of hydrogen and oxygen to determine the quickest rate of water generation.</p>



<p>The team discovered that adding hydrogen first, followed by oxygen, led to the fastest reaction rate. After filling the palladium with hydrogen, they then introduced oxygen gas - resulting in a swift reaction.</p>



<p>"When we stored hydrogen in the palladium first, and then added oxygen, the reaction started. Hydrogen comes out of the palladium to react with the oxygen, and the palladium shrinks and returns to its initial state," explained Liu.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-system-for-space-exploration">Sustainable system for space exploration</h2>



<p>The Northwestern team envisions a future where this process could be put to good use. The idea is to prepare hydrogen-filled palladium before traveling into space and then add oxygen to generate water for drinking or watering plants.</p>



<p>Although the study focused on studying bubble generation at nanoscale, larger sheets of palladium would generate much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-a-focus-on-prosperity-and-peace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger quantities of water</a>.</p>



<p>"Palladium might seem expensive, but it's recyclable," said Liu. "Our process doesn't consume it. The only thing consumed is gas, and hydrogen is the most abundant gas in the universe. After the reaction, we can reuse the palladium platform over and over."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2408277121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.</em></p>



<p>Video Credit: Vinayak Dravid/Northwestern University</p>



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Water captured on video forming out of thin air for the first time

Have you ever wondered what it takes to generate water?...

<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"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, 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.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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<p>—–</p>

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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%.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



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



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

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>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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



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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>



<p>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?</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>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.</em></p>



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



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> 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.</p>



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



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



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> 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.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> 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></p>



<p>-----</p>



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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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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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<p>A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. </p>



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



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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...

<p>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. </p>



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



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



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



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



<p>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. </p>



<p>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).</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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;</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

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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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

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



<p>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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

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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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

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



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

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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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>“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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



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



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>"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.</p>



<p>"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."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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

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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