<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grapevines-could-offer-a-breakthrough-alternative-to-plastic-packaging/">Plastic</a> bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent.



The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-ran-the-study">Who ran the study</h2>



The research was coauthored by <a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/faculty/kimberly-oremus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly L. Oremus</a> of the University of Delaware’s School of Marine Science and Policy (<a href="https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/departments/smsp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UDEL</a>). 



Oremus and her collaborator set out to measure litter, not just shopping behavior, so the results speak to what ends up in nature.



The team relied on citizen science, meaning trained volunteers recorded what they collected during beach, river, and lake cleanups. 



They drew on <a href="https://www.coastalcleanupdata.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TIDES</a>, a public database that stores those counts in one place so researchers can analyze patterns across time and place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-plastic-bag-policies">Studying plastic bag policies</h2>



To isolate the effect of bag policies, the authors used a Difference-in-Differences (<a href="https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/research/population-health-methods/difference-difference-estimation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DiD</a>) approach that compares places with and without new laws over the same period. 



That design helps rule out unrelated trends that affect everyone, such as national shifts in shopping or packaging.



The headline result is simple. In communities with full bans or fees, the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/">plastic</a> bags in the litter mix fell relative to similar places without policies, and the decline grew in the years after a law took effect.



State level rules tended to be more reliable in the data than city or county policies. Effects looked similar along coasts and rivers, with hints of larger gains along lakes where winds and currents spread litter differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-policy-fees-vs-bans">Plastic policy: Fees vs. bans</h2>



Fees change the default at every checkout and discourage taking a bag when you do not need one, which reduces both thin and thicker bag use.



Other <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carrier-bag-charge-summary-of-data-in-england/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-charge-data-for-england-2024-to-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence</a> points in the same direction outside the United States. England reports an almost 98 percent drop in single use carrier bags at major retailers since its charge began.



Policies that only restrict thin bags often allow thicker <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-soil-is-now-the-worlds-biggest-plastic-dumping-ground/">plastic</a> labeled as reusable. 



Those partial bans showed the smallest and least precise effects in the analysis, which is consistent with shoppers substituting one kind of plastic for another.



Some states also pass preemption <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/environment-and-natural-resources/state-plastic-bag-legislation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws</a> that block cities and counties from regulating bags at all. When local governments cannot act, the study’s data suggest statewide policies become especially important.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-and-entanglement">Wildlife and entanglement</h2>



The cleanup records include notes on animals found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-99-percent-sea-turtles-organ-tissue-reproductive-system/">entangled in debris</a>. 



In areas with bag policies, the presence of entangled animals dropped by roughly 30 to 37 percent, although the authors caution that the estimates are imprecise and more data are needed.



That finding aligns with what we know about <a href="https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-use-plastics</a>. Thin bags linger in water and along shorelines, where they can snag, smother, or be eaten by turtles, birds, and fish.



Many studies track what happens at store checkouts, but fewer track what ends up outdoors. Shoreline cleanups offer a window into that last step in the chain from purchase to pollution.



Across the study period, the share of bags among collected items rose overall, but it rose less where bag laws existed. That pattern is exactly what you want to see if policies are slowing the flow of litter into the environment.



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



A small, universal fee is a simple tool that nudges behavior without banning choices. Full bans can work too, and the analysis shows both approaches reduce the share of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glass-bottles-contain-more-microplastics-than-plastic-containers/">plastic</a> bags found during cleanups.



The mix of policies should match local conditions. In places with more bag litter to begin with, impacts were largest, so targeting high problem areas with fast action can deliver quick gains.



Plastic bag rules are only one part of the picture. Negotiators from 175 countries are working toward a plastics treaty under <a href="https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a> that could standardize action on a wider set of products and chemicals.



The study notes that bottles, caps, and other items did not decline when bag policies passed. That is a signal that targeted rules for other single use products would be needed to curb overall litter.



Adopt a modest fee or a full ban that applies across retail and restaurant settings, and keep the text simple so it is easy to enforce. Pair the policy with clear signs at checkout and with retailer reporting that tracks compliance.



Measure results in the same way the researchers did. Recruit volunteers, log items in TIDES, and watch how the litter mix changes year over year so the policy can be adjusted as needed.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adp9274" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Studies confirm that a small tax definitely helps curb plastic pollution

Plastic bags are everywhere, and too many slip into rivers and onto beaches. A new analysis finds that policies that either charge a small fee per bag or prohibit them outright cut the share of bags found during shoreline cleanups by 25 to 47 percent. The study combed through hundreds of city, county, and state rules passed between 2017 and 2023. It matched those policies to more than 45,000 volunteer cleanups across the United States to see what actually changed on the ground. Who ran the study...

Let’s dive into the captivating realm of coral reefs, the kaleidoscopic underwater cities that currently are on the edge of a critical collapse. The chief culprits: swiftly rising ocean temperatures and coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/60-percent-global-coral-reefs-face-bleaching-rising-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bleaching</a>. 



However, there's more to it than meets the eye. A recently published essay spins the spotlight around to the unappreciated roles of the coral reefs' tiniest inhabitants. The true heroes, or occasionally villains, in this tale are not who we typically expect.



A marine scientist duo from UC Santa Barbara and <a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> delves deeper into how these small yet integral players could make or break the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fate</a> of entire reefs, highlighting the complex dynamics between these varied aquatic dwellers. The research was led by Adrian Stier, a marine biologist at <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-and-their-inhabitants">Coral reefs and their inhabitants </h2>



Adrian Stier’s passion lies in understanding the fundamental mechanisms guiding the assembly of ocean ecosystems, as he ardently seeks sustainable strategies for their management.



“It’s like a bustling city teetering on the edge,” explained <a href="https://msi.ucsb.edu/people/faculty/adrian-stier" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stier</a>. “We’re only now realizing that it’s a microcosmic battleground where seemingly insignificant creatures can be the difference between a reef thriving or succumbing to human impacts.”



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



Let's consider the humble damselfish. According to a study published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0208545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>, corals that are humble abodes to these tiny fish exhibit higher resilience against heatwaves, thanks to the crucial nutrient boost provided by the fish's ammonia-rich waste.



Additionally, research published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.16480" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a> demonstrated how damselfish foster the symbiosis between corals and their photosynthesizing zooxanthellae, helping the corals resist bleaching.



Other research published in <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0208545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a> lays bare the defensive role of territorial damselfish, acting as coral bodyguards fending off predators - giving the corals a breather to focus on growth and survival.



“This new research serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest creatures can play a significant role in the health of our planet," Stier says. However, not all that glitters is gold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-culprits">Hidden culprits</h2>



While some residents work towards coral health, others don the villain's cap. For instance, a study published in Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution describes how parasitic snails weaken their coral hosts, leaving them more susceptible to bleaching. 



The vermetid snail, as noted in <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.3215" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>, disrupts the reef's delicate balance by outcompeting corals for space and resources.



“It’s a constant dance between beneficial partnerships and harmful interactions. Deciphering this intricate web of life is critical if we want to effectively protect coral reefs,” said Stier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guardians-of-coral-reefs">Guardians of coral reefs</h2>



Sweeping away the silt and detritus, some creatures play the role of meticulous housekeeping staff in these underwater cities. At the forefront is the cleaner wrasse, a small yet remarkably effective fish that removes parasites and dead tissue from larger fish, promoting overall reef health. 



The presence of cleaners can significantly enhance fish diversity and abundance, fostering a balanced reef ecosystem. Without these tireless workers, the reefs could succumb to an overgrowth of harmful algae and pathogens, underscoring their indispensable role within the reef environment.



“Cleaner fish demonstrate the mutual benefits of symbiosis. Larger fish get a clean bill of health, while the cleaners receive both nourishment and protection,” noted Stier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-pathways">Future pathways</h2>



As we gaze into the future, the battle for these underwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metropolises</a> continues, bolstered by remarkable research and conservation initiatives. 



Innovative techniques such as assisted coral evolution and detailed monitoring of reef health offer promising avenues to reinforce coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-reveal-the-health-of-coral-reefs-in-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resilience</a>. The deployment of artificial reefs and marine protected areas further exemplifies the confluence of science and policy aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems.



With interdisciplinary approaches and global cooperation, we can devise strategies that not only address immediate threats but also pave the way for long-term sustainability of coral reefs. Our efforts today will shape the seascape that future generations inherit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-coral-reefs-through-their-inhabitants">Saving coral reefs through their inhabitants </h2>



Science has only begun to uncover the veiled intricacies of coral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-largest-coral-bleaching-event-is-now-underway/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. As we continue to illuminate the nuances of these underwater cities, we edge closer to unlocking their secrets, and in doing so, finding new hope for their survival amid a rapidly changing world.



While combatting climate change remains the paramount solution to safeguarding coral reefs, understanding these complex dynamics offers an alternate lifeline. 



By identifying and protecting the heroes and mitigating the damage from the villains, we may just manage to tip the scales in favor of coral reef survival. Will we rise to the challenge? Only time will tell.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)00748-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Coral reefs' fate lies in the hands of their tiny inhabitants

Let’s dive into the captivating realm of coral reefs, the...

As climate change advances, the ocean’s overturning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-paradox-ocean-current-collapse-could-plunge-europe-into-cold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circulation</a> is predicted to weaken significantly. With this slowdown, scientists estimate the ocean will pull down less carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 



At the same time, slower circulation should also dredge up less carbon from the deep ocean that would otherwise be released back into the atmosphere. On balance, the ocean should maintain its role in reducing carbon emissions from the atmosphere, albeit at a slower pace.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-circulation-and-carbon-storage">Ocean circulation and carbon storage</h2>



However, a new study by an MIT researcher suggests that scientists may need to rethink the relationship between the ocean’s circulation and its long-term capacity to store <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-hinder-oceans-ability-absorb-carbon-worsening-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a>. As the ocean gets weaker, it could release more carbon from the deep ocean into the atmosphere instead.



The reason has to do with a previously uncharacterized feedback between the ocean’s available iron, upwelling carbon and nutrients, surface microorganisms, and a little-known class of molecules known generally as “ligands.”&nbsp;



When the ocean circulates more slowly, all these players interact in a self-perpetuating cycle that ultimately increases the amount of carbon that the ocean outgases back to the atmosphere.



“By isolating the impact of this feedback, we see a fundamentally different relationship between ocean circulation and atmospheric carbon levels, with implications for the climate,” said study author Jonathan Lauderdale, a research scientist in MIT’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. “What we thought was going on in the ocean is completely overturned.”



The findings suggest that we cannot rely on natural ocean processes to mitigate climate change. “We must be proactive in cutting emissions now, rather than relying on these natural processes to buy us time to mitigate climate change,” said Lauderdale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-interactions-and-phytoplankton-growth-nbsp">Ocean interactions and phytoplankton growth&nbsp;</h2>



In 2020, Lauderdale led a study that explored ocean nutrients, marine organisms, and iron, and how their interactions influence the growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-resilient-nutrient-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> around the world. Phytoplankton are microscopic, plant-like organisms that live on the ocean surface and consume a diet of carbon and nutrients that upwell from the deep ocean and iron that drifts in from desert dust.



The more phytoplankton that can grow, the more carbon dioxide they can absorb from the atmosphere via photosynthesis, and this plays a large role in the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon.



For the 2020 study, the team developed a simple “box” model, representing conditions in different parts of the ocean as general boxes, each with a different balance of nutrients, iron, and ligands - organic molecules that are thought to be byproducts of phytoplankton.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modeling-ocean-circulation-nbsp">Modeling ocean circulation&nbsp;</h2>



The team modeled a general flow between the boxes to represent the ocean’s larger circulation - the way seawater sinks, then is buoyed back up to the surface in different parts of the world.



The modeling revealed that, even if scientists were to “seed” the oceans with extra iron, that iron wouldn’t have much of an effect on global phytoplankton growth. The reason was due to a limit set by ligands. It turns out that, if left on its own, iron is insoluble in the ocean and therefore unavailable to phytoplankton.&nbsp;



Iron only becomes soluble at “useful” levels when linked with ligands, which keep iron in a form that plankton can consume. Lauderdale found that adding iron to one ocean region to consume additional nutrients robs other regions of nutrients that phytoplankton there need to grow.&nbsp;



This lowers the production of ligands and the supply of iron back to the original ocean region, limiting the amount of extra carbon that would be taken up from the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weak-ocean-circulation-increases-atmospheric-carbon-nbsp">Weak ocean circulation increases atmospheric carbon&nbsp;</h2>



Once the team published their study, Lauderdale worked the box model into a form that he could make publicly accessible, including ocean and atmosphere carbon exchange and extending the boxes to represent more diverse environments, such as conditions similar to the Pacific, the North Atlantic, and the Southern Ocean. In the process, he tested other interactions within the model, including the effect of varying ocean circulation.



He ran the model with different circulation strengths, expecting to see less atmospheric carbon dioxide with weaker ocean overturning - a relationship that previous studies have supported, dating back to the 1980s. But what he found instead was a clear and opposite trend: The weaker the ocean’s circulation, the more CO2 built up in the atmosphere.



“I thought there was some mistake,” Lauderdale recalls. “Why were atmospheric carbon levels trending the wrong way?”



When he checked the model, he found that the parameter describing ocean ligands had been left “on” as a variable. In other words, the model was calculating ligand concentrations as changing from one ocean region to another.



On a hunch, Lauderdale turned this parameter “off,” which set ligand concentrations as constant in every modeled ocean environment, an assumption that many ocean models typically make. That one change reversed the trend, back to the assumed relationship: A weaker circulation led to reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide. But which trend was closer to the truth?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unexpected-discovery">An unexpected discovery</h2>



Lauderdale looked to the scant available data on ocean ligands to see whether their concentrations were more constant or variable in the actual ocean. He found confirmation in <a href="https://www.geotraces.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEOTRACES</a>, an international study that coordinates measurements of trace elements and isotopes across the world’s oceans, that scientists can use to compare concentrations from region to region. 



Indeed, the molecules’ concentrations varied. If ligand concentrations do change from one region to another, then his surprising new result was likely representative of the real ocean: A weaker circulation leads to more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.



“It’s this one weird trick that changed everything,” Lauderdale said. “The ligand switch has revealed this completely different relationship between ocean circulation and atmospheric CO2 that we thought we understood pretty well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-important-role-of-phytoplankton-nbsp">The important role of phytoplankton&nbsp;</h2>



To see what might explain the overturned trend, Lauderdale analyzed biological activity and carbon, nutrient, iron, and ligand concentrations from the ocean model under different circulation strengths, comparing scenarios where ligands were variable or constant across the various boxes.



This revealed a new feedback: The weaker the ocean’s circulation, the less carbon and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrients</a> the ocean pulls up from the deep. Any phytoplankton at the surface would then have fewer resources to grow and would produce fewer byproducts (including ligands) as a result. 



With fewer ligands available, less iron at the surface would be usable, further reducing the phytoplankton population. There would then be fewer phytoplankton available to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and consume upwelled carbon from the deep ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-biology-and-climate-change-nbsp">Ocean biology and climate change&nbsp;</h2>



“My work shows that we need to look more carefully at how ocean biology can affect the climate,” Lauderdale explained. “Some climate models predict a 30 percent slowdown in the ocean circulation due to melting ice sheets, particularly around Antarctica.”&nbsp;



“This huge slowdown in overturning circulation could actually be a big problem: In addition to a host of other climate issues, not only would the ocean take up less anthropogenic CO2 from the atmosphere, but that could be amplified by a net outgassing of deep ocean carbon, leading to an unanticipated increase in atmospheric CO2 and unexpected further climate warming.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-49274-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Weaker ocean will release more carbon into the atmosphere

As climate change advances, the ocean’s overturning circulation is predicted...

In 2022, an international research team aboard the MARIA S. MERIAN made a remarkable hydrothermal field discovery. They found it 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) below the ocean surface.



The team uncovered the first known hydrothermal field along the 500-kilometer (310-mile) Knipovich Ridge. 



This ridge is near Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Scientists have long studied this region for its harsh climate and unique ecosystems.



This finding revealed a hidden underwater landscape teeming with intense geological activity and unique marine life. 



The discovery of such a vibrant ecosystem in the deep, cold waters of the Arctic challenges our understanding of where life can thrive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-hydrothermal-fields">Science behind hydrothermal fields</h2>



Essentially, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-new-hydrothermal-vents-discovered-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal vents</a> are underwater leaks, spewing hot, mineral-rich fluids back into the ocean. These vents play a crucial role in the Earth's geochemical cycles and support diverse ecosystems.



According to a key figure in the expedition, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-hydrothermal-vents-an-unlikely-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vents</a> occur as water seeps down into the ocean floor, gets heated by magma, and later resurfaces carrying its mineral loot.



The ascending fluid becomes enriched with minerals and other materials from the crustal rocks before exiting through tube-like chimneys known as "black smokers". 



These smokers are responsible for the precipitation of metal-rich minerals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jotul-field-in-knipovich-ridge">Jøtul field in Knipovich Ridge</h2>



The investigated field, christened "Jøtul" after a Nordic mythological giant, is nestled within the Knipovich Ridge. 



The Ridge is part of a larger geological network formed by Greenland, Norway, and Svalbard, at the boundary of the North American and European tectonic plates. 



Dubbed as a "spreading ridge," this boundary is characterized by the gradual separation of two tectonic plates. 



Intriguingly, the Jøtul Field is located on a slow-spreading ridge, which adds more significance to its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hydrothermal-vents-earths-first-living-beings-hydrogen-gas-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discovery</a>.



The expedition's chief scientist from the <a href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bremen</a>, Gerhard Bohrmann, reveals the Jøtul Field's scientific significance.



Its unique location and high methane concentrations attribute it an invaluable role in climate studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-link-to-climate-change">Link to climate change</h2>



The Jøtul Field’s intense methane concentrations suggest an intense interaction between magma and oceanic sediments. 



As methane travels through the water column, it is converted into CO2, thereby increasing oceanic CO2 concentration and contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-acidification-endangers-ecologically-important-seaweed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean acidification</a>.



Additionally, when it reaches the atmosphere, it behaves like a greenhouse gas impacting climate change. However, the exact magnitude of methane from the Jøtul Field reaching the atmosphere is yet to be closely studied.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-absence-of-light">In the absence of light</h2>



Notably, the Jøtul Field provides a home for special organisms that rely on chemosynthesis for survival. 



In the complete absence of sunlight at such profound depths, it's the hydrothermal fluids that form the base for a unique ecosystem thriving in the dark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-exploration-at-the-jotul-field">Future exploration at the Jøtul field</h2>



To understand the Jøtul Field much better, a new expedition is set to sail in the upcoming summer, once again under the leadership of Professor Gerhard Bohrmann. 



The primary goal is to explore and sample unknown areas of the Jøtul Field. With comprehensive data from the field, researchers aim to draw comparisons with other known hydrothermal fields in the Arctic province.



The findings of the study form a part of the Bremen Cluster of Excellence titled "The Ocean Floor -- Earth's Uncharted Interface", aimed at exploring complex processes on the sea floor and their impacts on global climate.



Certainly, the Jøtul Field will continue to be a center of attention in future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/five-new-hydrothermal-vents-discovered-in-the-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> endeavors within the Cluster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-innovations">Technological innovations</h2>



The exploration of the Jøtul Field and similar hydrothermal realms has been made possible by remarkable advancements in deep-sea technology. 



State-of-the-art remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with high-definition cameras, sophisticated sensors, and sampling tools allow scientists to delve into previously unreachable underwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-giant-riftia-tubeworms-survive-on-deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">territories</a>.



These innovations provide real-time data collection and enable high-resolution mapping of the seafloor, crucial for understanding the complex interactions within hydrothermal systems. 



The integration of advanced laboratory techniques onboard research vessels further facilitates immediate analysis and interpretation of samples. 



As technology advances, we're discovering incredible new insights into the ocean's depths. This progress is leading us into an exciting new era of marine science.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-60802-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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New hydrothermal field in the Arctic has intense geological activity

In 2022, an international research team aboard the MARIA S....

Rooftop,Garden,In,Urban,Setting

When tackling the heat of urban environments, a fresh approach is making waves: cool roofs.



This innovative and low-tech solution could be the key to managing rising city temperatures, as found in a recent study overseen by researchers at <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roofing-solutions-vary">Roofing solutions vary</h2>



The study, which leveraged a cutting-edge, three-dimensional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-urban-heat-experts-plan-to-cool-a-desert-city-by-4-5c/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban climate</a> model of Greater London, investigated the thermal effects of a variety of urban heat management systems.



The models examined included painted cool roofs, green roofs, rooftop solar panels, ground level tree vegetation and air conditioning. 



They were simulated to run during the two hottest days of the summer in 2018, which set a record high temperature for the city.



The results were revealing. Widespread implementation of cool roofs had the potential to reduce outdoor temperatures across the entire city by an average of 1.2 degrees C (2.2 degrees F), peaking up to 2 degrees C (3.6 degrees F) in some locales.



Other systems, including extensive street-level vegetation and solar panels, produced a smaller net <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-need-resilient-electricity-networks-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling effect</a>, reducing temperatures by just about 0.3 degrees C (0.54 degrees F) on average throughout the city.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-cost-of-air-conditioning">Hidden cost of air conditioning</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-conditioning-is-both-a-cause-and-effect-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air conditioning</a> is a popular and seemingly effective solution, it carries with it a significant drawback.



The process transfers heat from within buildings to the outside, potentially warming the outdoor urban environment by about 0.15 degrees C (0.27 degrees F) for the city as a whole. 



In the densely populated center of London, this increase could be as much as 1 degree C (1.8 degrees F).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winning-advantage-of-cool-roofs">Winning advantage of cool roofs</h2>



Discussing the research findings, Dr. Oscar Brousse, the lead author, emphasized the effectiveness of cool roofs in combating urban heat. 



He noted, "We comprehensively tested multiple methods that cities like London could use to adapt to and mitigate warming temperatures, and found that cool roofs were the best way to keep temperatures down during extremely hot summer days." 



Dr. Brousse also mentioned that while other strategies offered various important advantages, they were not as effective in reducing outdoor urban heat as cool roofs.



Clearly, the climate is changing, and urban dwellers are particularly vulnerable. 



Cities are notorious for trapping heat, leading to the Urban Heat Island effect that heightens discomfort and can even increase mortality rates during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-are-threatening-the-health-of-people-in-the-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a>.



Adapting to this reality has become a pressing concern for city planners and architects, spurring them to explore options like cool roofs, green roofs, expanded urban vegetation and interior methods like air conditioning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-every-solution-has-its-place">Every solution has its place</h2>



Though cool roofs emerged as the clear overall winner, other methods also have their merits. 



For instance, green roofs contribute to water drainage and wildlife habitats, even though their net cooling efficiency was negligible on average. 



Similarly, photovoltaic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-increase-the-value-of-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar panels</a> could theoretically power an extensive distribution of air conditioning units if installed to their maximum extent.



As cities continue to search for solutions to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures, cool roofs appear to be a promising and effective tool to maintain a comfortable, sustainable urban environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investing-in-cool-roof-technology">Investing in cool roof technology</h2>



As we move towards broader implementation, the economic and environmental benefits of cool roofs are becoming increasingly evident. 



Not only do they reduce urban temperatures, but they also lead to substantial energy savings for building owners. By reflecting more sunlight and absorbing less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-exposure-to-extreme-heat-has-tripled-since-the-80s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a>, cool roofs decrease the need for air conditioning, thus lowering electricity bills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.



Moreover, cool roofs can extend the lifespan of roofing materials by reducing thermal expansion and contraction, which typically degrade conventional roofs over time. This results in lower maintenance costs and less frequent replacements, delivering long-term financial benefits.



Policy makers and urban planners are encouraged to consider incentives for cool roof installations, such as tax breaks or grants. These initiatives could accelerate adoption and amplify the positive impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humidity-increases-urban-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban climates</a>. 



Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in educating homeowners and businesses about the advantages of cool roofs, driving community-wide efforts to combat rising city temperatures.



Communities, businesses, and governments can adopt cool roof technology. This collective effort can create cooler urban environments. It also promotes sustainability in cities.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109634" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Cool roofs on city buildings are the secret to beating urban heat

When tackling the heat of urban environments, a fresh approach...

Recent research highlights the accelerating melt of the Antarctic ice sheet, particularly in West Antarctica, driven by global warming.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciation-of-antarctica-nbsp">Glaciation of Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



An international team led by the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute </a>has discovered that the permanent glaciation of Antarctica began around 34 million years ago, initially confined to East Antarctica. 



Sediment samples and climate modeling indicate that West Antarctica remained ice-free until at least seven million years later.&nbsp;



These findings suggest that East and West Antarctica responded differently to external climatic changes, with East Antarctica glaciating first due to conducive climatic conditions and topography, while West Antarctica only later experienced ice sheet advances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transition-to-an-icehouse-world-nbsp">Transition to an icehouse world&nbsp;</h2>



The transition from a greenhouse world to an icehouse world around 34 million years ago marks one of Earth's most significant climate shifts, leading to the formation of the Antarctic ice sheet.&nbsp;



However, data gaps, especially from West Antarctica, have left uncertainties about the exact timeline and mechanisms of this glaciation.&nbsp;



The experts filled these gaps by analyzing a drill core retrieved offshore from the Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers. The findings show that East Antarctica saw the first large-scale glaciation while West Antarctica remained ice-free, characterized by dense forests and a temperate climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-west-antarctica-s-ice-sheet-lagged-behind">West Antarctica's ice sheet lagged behind</h2>



Combining new sediment data with climate models, the researchers demonstrated that the conditions necessary for permanent ice formation were present only in East Antarctica's coastal regions, particularly Northern Victoria Land.&nbsp;



Here, moist air masses and the rise of the Transantarctic Mountains facilitated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> accumulation and ice cap formation, which then spread inland. 



In contrast, West Antarctica's ice sheet formation lagged by millions of years, requiring significantly colder conditions to develop due to its below-sea-level topography in many areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-differing-responses-to-climate-change-nbsp">Differing responses to climate change&nbsp;</h2>



These findings underscore the differing responses of East and West Antarctica to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic changes</a>. Even slight warming can trigger significant ice melt in West Antarctica, a concern given current global temperature trends. 



The research provides crucial insights into the historical climate transition from greenhouse to icehouse conditions and improves climate models that predict the interactions between ice, ocean, and atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-closing-critical-knowledge-gaps-nbsp">Closing critical knowledge gaps&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers utilized advanced technology, including the MARUM-MeBo70 drill rig, during the 2017 expedition PS104 on the research vessel Polarstern, to extract sediment cores from previously inaccessible hard seabed off West Antarctica.&nbsp;



These technological advancements enabled them to uncover new data, closing critical knowledge gaps about Antarctica's glaciation history and enhancing our understanding of future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-in-distress-the-escalating-consequences-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate dynamics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study</h2>



Dr. Johann Klages of the Alfred Wegener Institute, who led the research team, emphasized the significance of these findings for contemporary climate studies.&nbsp;



“Even a slight warming is enough to cause the ice in West Antarctica to melt again - and that's exactly where we are right now,” Klages said. This knowledge is vital as the world faces potential fundamental climate changes akin to those experienced millions of years ago.



The integration of geological data with sophisticated climate models offers a more detailed and accurate picture of how Antarctica's ice sheets have evolved and how they might respond to future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worst-case-climate-scenarios-are-no-longer-plausible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate scenarios</a>. 



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adj3931" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, not only illuminates past climate dynamics but also informs strategies to mitigate and adapt to ongoing and future climate impacts.



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Antarctic ice sheet: Past, present, and future

Recent research highlights the accelerating melt of the Antarctic ice...

Arctic glaciers are retreating at alarming rates due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-on-arctic-ice-may-help-fight-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, revealing vast new landscapes. These barren territories soon become active ecosystems, bursting with unseen life and playing a crucial role in our planet's carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-architects-of-the-arctic">Unseen architects of the Arctic</h2>



Our story takes us far north, to the island archipelago of Svalbard, significantly above the Arctic Circle. This frosty location is experiencing climate change seven times faster than the global average, leading to rapid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacial melting</a>.



The newly exposed, nutrient-poor landscapes seem inhospitable and lifeless at first. However, they quickly become colonized by microscopic organisms like bacteria and fungi, which are instrumental in turning these bare rock terrains into fertile soil that is capable of storing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric carbon</a>.



A team of scientists from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, including Dr. Thomas Bell and Dr. Emily Roberts, sheds light on this natural process. The researchers collaborated with scholars from Germany, the United States, and Switzerland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-arctic-glaciers">Retreating Arctic glaciers</h2>



The experts set out to investigate the Arctic soil formation process in areas previously covered by ice.



Specifically, the team observed the area of Midtre Lovénbreen, a shrinking valley glacier on Spitsbergen Island, to understand how microbes contribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-carbon-sinks-may-be-appearing-in-the-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil formation</a>&nbsp;once the glacier melts.



“A decade ago, I was walking on top of the ice and drilling ice cores into the glacier. When we returned in 2021, the glacier had shrunk, and instead of ice, there were barren, seemingly lifeless soils," said Dr. Bell.



However, lab analysis revealed an incredibly diverse array of microbes - the smallest and simplest forms of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungal-communities-as-ecosystem-engineers">Fungal communities as ecosystem engineers</h2>



The team's main focus was on fungi, specifically yeast, a group of microorganisms known to store carbon effectively. More fungi mean more carbon in the soil, while more bacteria generally lead to the soil emitting more CO2.



These findings are especially important because, in high Arctic ecosystems, the variety of fungi is particularly high compared to that of plants. This suggests that fungal communities could play a critical role there as ecosystem engineers, leading to more effective carbon storage.



According to the study, yeast fungi play a decisive role in stabilizing assimilated carbon in soil. They are the first to colonize the harsh Arctic landscapes, providing a foothold for soil to develop by building up a base of organic carbon - a resource that later life forms can utilize. As the soil ages, bacteria populations rise leading to an increase in CO2 emissions from respiration.



The team’s seminal conclusion is that "fungi will play a critical role in future carbon storage in Arctic soils as glaciers shrink further and more of Earth's surface area is covered by soil."



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



To many, the retreating Arctic glaciers represent a dire picture of our planet's future under the pressures of climate change.&nbsp;



Yet, hidden within these same Arctic landscapes, tiny&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-microbes-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a>&nbsp;are hard at work, making the soil fertile and storing carbon.



Such resilience and adaptation in the face of drastic environmental change give us clues about how our ecosystems might respond and adapt to the challenges of a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneers-of-soil-creation">Pioneers of soil creation</h2>



The journey into the Arctic's newly exposed terrains revealed unsung heroes: the pioneering microbes. These tiny organisms adapt quickly to the harsh, cold environments, playing pivotal roles in the initial stages of soil formation.



When the ice retreats, bacteria and fungi appear almost instantaneously, laying the groundwork for ecosystems to thrive.



Bacteria start the process by breaking down minerals, while fungi like yeast contribute organic matter, creating a more hospitable environment for other life forms. 



The resilience and rapid colonization of these microorganisms highlight nature's incredible ability to adapt and renew itself, even in extreme conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-the-shrinking-arctic-glaciers">Lessons from the shrinking Arctic glaciers </h2>



While the phenomenon of glacier melting often conjures images of loss and irreversible change, the resilient microbial communities of the Arctic tell a more hopeful story. 



These microbes demonstrate that even in the face of drastic environmental shifts, life finds a way to persevere and adapt. The ability of these microorganisms to create fertile soil from barren rock suggests possibilities for mitigating some impacts of climate change. 



This research not only deepens our understanding of microbial ecology but also inspires optimism about nature's potential to heal. 



By recognizing and harnessing these natural processes, we can better prepare for and perhaps alleviate some of the challenges posed by a warming planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2402689121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Retreating glaciers unleash a world of ecological potential

Arctic glaciers are retreating at alarming rates due to global warming,...

Microscopic organisms might be our new secret weapon in the war against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>.



Recent studies have revealed that certain bacteria can disintegrate plastic into small particles, which can then find their way back into the recycling process. 



This promising discovery offers fresh hope in combating plastic waste, which is one of the most pronounced environmental crises of the 21st century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-titans-of-plastic-consumption">Tiny titans of plastic consumption</h2>



The groundbreaking research originated from <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden University</a>, where scientists had compiled a vast repository of Streptomyces bacteria.



Initially intended as a resource for the discovery of novel antibiotics, PhD candidate Jo-Anne Verschoor found another compelling use for these microorganisms.



As she neared the completion of her doctorate program, Verschoor embarked on a unique exploration into how the microscopic organisms could tackle our macroscopic plastic problem.



She discovered that a substantial 20% of the bacterial strains could degrade specific forms of plastic. This groundbreaking finding reinforces the idea of turning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbes-found-that-can-digest-plastic-in-freezing-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> into environmental allies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neutral-set-of-bacteria">Neutral set of bacteria</h2>



Importantly, this scientific breakthrough didn’t emerge out of nowhere. Verschoor's prior research had led her to suspect that these bacteria could potentially digest plastic. 



However, much like us, these bacteria don’t perform tasks in a vacuum - they require the right conditions. The bacteria analyzed in the study were not initially collected with plastic degradation in mind.



This neutral set of bacteria offered an opportunity to observe the effects of various substances and conditions on their ability to break down <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-can-break-down-pet-pollution-in-ocean-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PET plastic</a>, which is commonly found in food packaging and drink bottles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hungry-bacteria-have-motivation">Hungry bacteria have motivation </h2>



A plastic bottle doesn't just disappear when left in the soil. Much like humans, bacteria require motivation to exert effort. This means that the external conditions are crucial for bacteria to initiate the breakdown process.



"Bacteria are just like people," said Verschoor. An example of this is our natural reaction to run from danger. Similarly, the bacteria in this study showed a heightened level of activity when "hungry."



This behavior was observed in lab settings as the researchers introduced plastic models to bacteria-filled plates. The results were pretty clear - starving bacteria would indeed devour plastic pieces presented to them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-puzzle-solved">Plastic puzzle solved</h2>



In a pivotal step in her research, Verschoor made two major discoveries. First, she found that 18% of the bacterial strains could degrade plastics if the conditions were right.



Interestingly, the presence of a gene called Lipase A boosted this process significantly. Organisms with abundant Lipase A were seen breaking down plastic more quickly.



In light of these findings, the horizon of bacteria-based plastic recycling looks pretty promising. 



The extensive gamut of bacteria that can ingest plastic is now expanded exponentially, paving the way for innovative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-cheaper-method-of-recycling-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic recycling</a> methods.



An exemplar of this promising future is the French enterprise Carbios, embarking on a pioneering voyage to test large-scale recycling of plastics using bacteria and their enzymes. 



As this method is further developed, we can envision a future where plastic pollution is not an insurmountable challenge, but a problem with a tangible and biological solution.



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



While these lab-based discoveries are groundbreaking, translating them into real-world applications presents its own set of challenges. 



The transition from controlled environments to dynamic and variable conditions in nature requires meticulous planning and testing. Scaling up bacterial plastic degradation involves scientific innovation as well as logistical and economic considerations.



To bridge this gap, interdisciplinary collaborations are key. Engineers, environmental scientists, and policymakers need to work hand-in-hand to create effective systems for deploying these bacteria on a large scale. 



Potential applications include introducing these bacteria into waste management facilities, creating bio-reactors designed for plastic breakdown, and developing consumer products that incorporate bacterial enzymes.



Moreover, public awareness and education are crucial. For these innovations to be effective, societies must be informed about the benefits and limitations of bacteria-based plastic degradation. 



While the journey from lab to landfills is fraught with complexities, the potential for bacteria to revolutionize plastic recycling is immense. 



With continued research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public support, we might soon witness a significant leap towards a cleaner, more sustainable planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-06414-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>.



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'Hungry' bacteria will devour plastic waste

Microscopic organisms might be our new secret weapon in the...

Tropical,Jungle,With,Small,Waterfall

Tropical forests – our verdant guardiansl against climate change, our shelters of unmatched biodiversity – are paying a higher price for human activity than we previously understood.



Eberhard Fritz from Max Planck Society and his team of global scientists have connected the dots between human activity and the ongoing degradation of these vital spaces, and their findings suggest we must rethink our understanding of the situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-footprint-on-tropical-forests">Human footprint on tropical forests</h2>



Fritz and his team embarked on a challenging quest, leveraging multiple remote sensing data streams and cutting-edge data analysis tools to survey the landscape of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-forests-2024-new-solutions-for-a-better-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical moist forests</a> and assess the long-term impacts of our activities.



The result is a perspective rarely seen before – the unfiltered reality of human-driven forest degradation, its long-lasting effects, and the urgency of the situation.



Their study reveals surprisingly high levels of degradation and fragmentation directly caused by human activities. 



But the team didn't stop at the boundaries of the forest; they dug deeper, exploring the intricacies of forest ecosystem dynamics and the consequences of our actions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ramifications-of-degradation">Ramifications of degradation</h2>



Fritz and his team used Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (<a href="https://gedi.umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEDI</a>) technology from the International Space Station (ISS) to observe forest cover changes from 1990–2022. Their findings were illuminating.



They found that human activities like road and agricultural expansion or selective logging often reduce the height and biomass of the forest canopy by 20–30%. 



These "edge effects" can also extend deep into the forest, leading to smaller canopy heights and reduced biomass even 1,500 meters inside what seems to be intact forest.



The impact is not only limited to the physical structure of the forest but also affects the biodiversity within these areas. 



Species that depend on tall canopies and dense biomass for survival may find their habitats increasingly fragmented and inhospitable, creating further ecological imbalances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-forest-climate">Human activities and forest climate</h2>



Furthermore, the disruption caused by these activities can significantly alter microclimates, leading to potential changes in temperature and humidity levels within the forest. 



These shifts may have cascading effects on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-tree-species-are-moving-to-colder-and-wetter-regions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse flora and fauna</a> that thrive there.



Understanding these impacts is crucial, as it highlights the intricate balance of ecosystems and the profound influence human activities can have on our natural world. 



Unsurprisingly, these activities result in significant carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. Yet, our policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gases often overlook forest degradation, focusing instead on the more obvious signs of deforestation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-of-humans-on-tropical-forests">Domino effect of humans on tropical forests</h2>



"Cumulative human disturbances, e.g. due to unsustainable logging, fire, and edge effects are particularly important," says Gregory Duveiller, co-author and project group leader at the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a> for Biogeochemistry in Jena, Germany.



Such disturbances increase the likelihood of complete deforestation once 50% of the canopy height is lost. This significant reduction in canopy height disrupts the ecosystem, leading to a cascade of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/single-degree-temperature-warming-boreal-forests-wreak-havoc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative effects</a> on biodiversity and soil health.



Moreover, degraded forests are more vulnerable to additional disturbances. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> extremes, including severe droughts and intense storms, threaten their potential resilience and long-term future. 



The compounded effects of these disturbances can lead to a vicious cycle of degradation. This makes recovery increasingly difficult.



"Taken together, the study shows that the degradation impacts on canopy structure are greater than previously reported," adds Duveiller.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-call-for-forest-protection">Urgent call for forest protection</h2>



In response to these alarming findings, Fritz and his team have called for a surge in efforts to prevent further degradation and protect our already degraded forests.



Their study serves as a clarifying lens, highlighting the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to meet the conservation pledges made at the recent <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/climate-solutions/biodiversity-and-nature-based-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Climate Change and Biodiversity</a> conferences.



Can we rise to this challenge? Can we redefine our relationship with tropical forests and implement measures that will ensure their survival? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the clock is ticking. 



So let's roll up our sleeves, put our heads together, and work to protect these crucial ecosystems for the sake of our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07629-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Human destruction of tropical forests is much worse than believed

Tropical forests – our verdant guardiansl against climate change, our...

Ever noticed how birds fly south for the winter, or how your favorite sushi fish is harder to find during certain months? Shifting habitats and migration patterns of species is a common natural occurrence, but what if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2024-the-tide-may-finally-be-turning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these changes</a> are becoming more drastic and more unpredictable because of climate change? That's what a team of researchers at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> is investigating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-species-and-their-habitats">Climate, species, and their habitats</h2>



Leading the charge in this compelling research is Jake Lawlor, a Ph.D. student at McGill University. His recent study delves deep into the effects of climate change on species’ movements. Lawlor's focus is on the range shifts of species - how far and which direction they move in response to a changing environment.



Broadly speaking, there's a general anticipation that with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-deja-vu-oceans-may-slow-down-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming climate</a>, species might pack their bags and move towards cooler environments.&nbsp;



However, the results from Lawlor’s study, which tracked the movements of around 26,000 species through a global database called BioShifts, offers a fascinating perspective that challenges this assumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-not-just-about-temperature">Climate change: Not just about temperature</h2>



The McGill study revealed that 59% of species did indeed move towards cooler environments, consistent with the basic assumption about global warming. 



But that's not the entire story. What about the remaining 41%? These species exhibited movements that either didn't occur at all or were in directions inconsistent with expectations based on warming temperatures.



So, this begs the question – is temperature the only major player in the game of climate change? If not, what else could be influencing species to change their habitats? 



Lawlor and his team stepped up to this investigative challenge, trying to decipher the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underlying causes</a> behind these unexpected movements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-of-species-habitats">Shifting of species' habitats</h2>



The team dug deeper into species-specific and climate-specific factors to better understand this puzzle. Could the specific life cycle of a species affect its reaction to warming? Would the features of the landscape influence the routes they take? Such questions form the basis of Lawlor's research.



"Understanding these temperature-inconsistent shifts will be especially important in helping researchers create models that predict when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a> is likely to lead to range shifts, as well as when it won't," noted Lawlor.



"For example, the type of life cycle of a particular species, or their sensitivity to warming, or the features of the landscape might help us to predict how likely the species in those habitats are to shift, and even the routes they might take."



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



While the study provides valuable insights into the shifting habitats of various species due to climate change, the researchers caution that significant data gaps remain. 



Most existing data on range shifts are concentrated in Europe and North America, leaving large portions of the globe underrepresented. Additionally, the data greatly overlook marine species, which are just as affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental changes</a>. 



The researchers also point out that data collection has been uneven across different plant and animal groups, making it challenging to draw comprehensive conclusions.



This uneven distribution and lack of marine data highlight the need for more extensive, globally inclusive research to better understand the full impact of climate change on biodiversity.



"In other words, trends like averaged rates and directions of range shifts that we calculate based on observations of birds and insects might not tell us what to expect for shifts of kelp, or crops, or fish. Nor, as the climate changes, would they be sufficient to inform many conservation-management plans," noted study senior author Jennifer Sunday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-eyes-on-the-field">More eyes on the field</h2>



With the acknowledgment of these data disparities, the McGill team stresses the need for enhanced monitoring of species shifts. This can help improve our understanding of the factors at play, leading to better strategies to preserve biodiversity in the face of climate change.



Lawlor's study is a stark reminder that climate change isn't a one-size-fits-all phenomenon. It affects different regions and communities in distinct ways, presenting unique challenges that require tailored solutions. Addressing these issues demands our collective attention and action to ensure a sustainable future for all.



So, the next time you spot a new bird species in your backyard or notice a different kind of fish in your local market, remember – climate change doesn’t just affect humans; it's reshaping the entire natural world.



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43017-024-00527-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth and Environment</a>.



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Most species are shifting their habitats due to climate change

Ever noticed how birds fly south for the winter, or...

Plastic pollution is a burgeoning global crisis that leaves no corner of our planet untouched. From the deepest corners of our oceans to the otherwise pristine Norwegian coastlines, traces of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> are an unfortunate sight.



This waste not only marks the invasion of an unnerving pollutant but reflects a far-reaching systemic problem that demands global attention.



For many years, scientists worldwide have been sounding the alarm on the consequences of unrestrained plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention. Despite this, we've continued to witness a surge in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global plastic</a> production and consumption.



Norway, known for its rigorous environmental advocacy, has been pushing for a global agreement to halt the relentless flow of plastics into the environment.



However, it's essential to note that even Norway has a role to play in generating plastic pollution. 



Based on a high-resolution study conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.ntnu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)</a> along with the <a href="https://nilu.no/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwegian Air Research Institute (NILU)</a>, we now have a comprehensive mapping of the intricate plastic cycle within Norway, right down to individual product and polymer types.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-norway-s-plastic-footprint">Unraveling Norway's plastic footprint</h2>



Despite its green reputation, Norway discharges approximately 15,000 tons of plastic into the environment annually. 



The new study reveals that a staggering 758 kilotons (kt) of plastics find their way into the Norwegian market every year, with 632 kt ending up as waste.



While nearly half of this waste is incinerated, a seemingly minor 2.4% ends up in the environment. Yet, this "minor" percentage equates to a significant 15 kt, which translates to an average of 2.8 kg per capita.



To put this into perspective, Norwegians consume 21% more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-win-the-battle-of-planet-vs-plastic-drastic-changes-are-needed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> compared to Europeans and generate twice the amount of plastic pollution as their Swiss counterparts.



This level of plastic consumption corresponds to a concerning 1.5 billion plastic bottles reaching the environment annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consumer-packaging-and-tire-wear-rubber">Consumer packaging and tire wear rubber</h2>



The researchers identified consumer packaging, including bottles and bags, as the most significant source of macroplastics. Moreover, tire wear, particularly from electric and hybrid vehicles, emerged as a leading contributor to microplastic pollution.



Despite efforts to limit the release of these products, high consumption rates prevail. We simply use more than we can collect. As such, it's essential to reduce plastic consumption to curb the pollution at its source.



Tire wear, on the other hand, poses a unique challenge due to the nature of these emissions.



Approximately 6 kt of tire wear rubber is released annually, calling for a rethinking of our mobility and transport choices. Public transport and designing lighter vehicles suggest possible solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-impact-of-marine-plastic-pollution">Devastating impact of marine plastic pollution</h2>



Given the high population concentration along fjords and long coastlines, land-based plastics in Norway easily find their way into the ocean.



While most of the plastic waste released to the environment ends up in the soil, nearly one-third infiltrates the marine environment, causing irreversible impacts on ecosystems.



Marine animals, for instance, often ingest or become entangled in plastic fragments. Moreover, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic debris</a> interferes with the marine carbon cycle, further exacerbating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxicity-of-plastic-pollution">Toxicity of plastic pollution</h2>



Adding to the growing list of concerns, plastic products often contain a myriad of toxic additives introduced during production, such as phthalate esters and organophosphate esters. 



Through field studies, high amounts of these toxic additives have been found in the livers of Norwegian herring gulls after ingesting plastics. Furthermore, these high additive amounts make their way into recycling processes.



This means recycled plastics can contain elevated levels of additives, posing an additional risk to human health and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward-urgent-action-needed">The path forward: Urgent action needed</h2>



The research underscores the urgent need to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>, consumption, and the use of hazardous chemical additives.



Achieving this will require the implementation of stringent policies to mitigate the catastrophic environmental consequences of the plastic economy.



"We emphasize that upstream measures, such as consumption reduction and changes in product design, would result in the most positive impact for limiting plastic pollution," wrote the study authors. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c09176" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



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Norway's battle against plastic pollution represents a global plague

Plastic pollution is a burgeoning global crisis that leaves no...

Humans always hunted and fished. In some societies, this was, and still is, necessary for survival. But in industrialized nations, hunting and fishing have taken on a new mantle -- a recreational sport. 



A recent study delves into the ethical and practical implications of this increasingly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-can-help-stabilize-wildlife-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">popular practice</a>, exploring its benefits and potential impacts on different aspects of our daily lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-the-team">Meet the team</h2>



<a href="https://www.igb-berlin.de/en/profile/robert-arlinghaus" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Robert Arlinghaus</a> from the IGB, along with a team of philosophers, social scientists, and environmentalists, explores this phenomenon from a fresh lens. 



They look at the emotional intensity that recreational hunting and fishing can provoke in individuals. Through their study, they bring our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recreational-fishing-got-a-boost-during-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attention to its potential impact</a> on environmental stewardship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-stewardship">Environmental stewardship</h2>



The team proposes that the deep emotional connection forged between hunters, anglers, and the wild can lead to a strong sense of responsibility. 



They argue that these feelings often translate into lifelong commitment towards environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-summer-fishing-shrinks-atlantic-salmon-size-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species protection</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-sides-of-the-spectrum">Two sides of the spectrum</h3>



However, not all outdoor experiences are catalysts for this kind of stewardship. The researchers clearly differentiate between intensive nature interaction, which can foster environmental responsibility, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decline-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">superficially conducted hunting</a> and fishing practices, which may not have the same effect.



Charles List, professor emeritus of philosophy at <a href="https://www.plattsburgh.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUNY Plattsburgh University</a>, New York, and co-author of the study, explains the idea well.



"Hunting and fishing generally require an intensive engagement with natural processes, ecosystems, the living creature and the annual and daily cycles," List explains.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-nature-connections-made-by-hunting-and-fishing">Deep nature connections made by hunting and fishing</h3>



This deep connection to nature can foster a strong sense of responsibility to protect wildlife and fish, known as stewardship.



Through activities like searching, finding, catching, killing, and processing wild animals, hunters and anglers become part of the natural food web.



This deep connection with nature can foster a strong sense of responsibility to protect wildlife and fish, known as stewardship.



"Hunting and fishing generally require an intensive engagement with natural processes, ecosystems, the living creature, and the annual and daily cycles," said Prof. Arlinghaus, a sustainability researcher and fisheries professor at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-fishing-and-the-empathy-gap">Hunting, fishing, and the empathy gap</h2>



Just as there are two sides to every coin, the researchers also shed light on practices that might not foster a sense of responsibility.



Unfortunately, some hunting and fishing experiences are dominated by a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hunting-reduces-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desire for quick rewards</a> rather than fostering a connection with nature.



According to Dr. Sam Shephard of <a href="https://www.avemaria.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ave Maria University</a> in Florida, these superficial experiences do not allow for an intensive examination of one's relationship with nature and the impact on the lives of animals.



"There are examples of hunting and fishing experiences being dominated by market logic," explained Dr. Shephard. He pointed to small put-and-take fishing ponds and canned hunting as examples.



These practices offer only superficial experiences of nature. They cater to the desire for a quick reward. Often, there is no deep examination of personal relationships with nature or the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on the lives of animals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psycho-emotional-triggers">Psycho-emotional triggers</h2>



The team also explores the skills and knowledge that hunting and fishing can impart. However, they emphasize that the critical factor is not just the practice but the psycho-emotional triggers that the activities stir in the individuals.



Catch-and-release fishing, for instance, can heighten the sense of responsibility towards the life of the fish. However, if executed for purely economic reasons, it does nothing to foster a sense of stewardship.



"Stewardship arises when people become aware of the consequences of their own actions and draw personally binding conclusions that lead to the sustainable management of animal populations, including to self-constraint about how many animals to take and how," explained associate professor Erica von Essen of <a href="https://www.stockholmresilience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm Resilience Center</a>.



She suggests that true stewardship arises when individuals comprehend the consequences of their actions and take binding decisions for the sustainable management of animal populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-societal-pressures-on-traditional-practices">Societal pressures on traditional practices</h2>



In their study, the researchers also delve into the impact of societal pressures on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/prehistoric-women-were-not-just-gatherers-they-were-hunters-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traditional practices</a>. 



With societal taboos around killing wild animals in recreation, hunters and anglers often distance themselves from the emotional dimensions of their activities. Unfortunately, this shift undermines <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental stewardship</a>. 



Professor Arlinghaus explains, "An important basis for this is to remove the social taboo on killing wild animals in the context of recreational fishing and hunting."



He believes such practices can build intense emotional connections and awareness of the consequences of one's actions, which may lead to pro-environmental behavior and support for conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stewardship-s-role-in-hunting-and-fishing">Stewardship's role in hunting and fishing</h2>



The study led by Professor Robert Arlinghaus examines recreational hunting and fishing. It highlights how these activities can promote environmental stewardship.



The intense engagement hunters and anglers have with nature is crucial. This interaction often leads to a deep emotional connection and a commitment to protect wildlife and the environment.



However, not all hunting and fishing experiences foster this connection. Some are superficial and driven by quick rewards. These do not result in a strong sense of responsibility towards nature.



The researchers argue for the importance of psycho-emotional engagement. They propose that true stewardship comes from understanding the impact of one's actions and making sustainable choices.



While the act of hunting and fishing can be controversial, it is important to comprehend the potential for fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.



As society continues to grapple with issues of conservation and environmental protection, the findings of this study offer a unique perspective that invites us all to explore our relationship with nature more deeply.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-024-01379-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Does hunting and fishing connect humans with nature or reinforce superiority complex

Humans always hunted and fished. In some societies, this was,...

Have you ever thought about how life could sustain in a desert, where the average annual rainfall is as little as 17 millimeters? Researchers from the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoenvironment (<a href="https://www.senckenberg.de/en/institutes/shep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHEP</a>) at the <a href="https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tübingen</a> and the <a href="https://museumgoerlitz.senckenberg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senckenberg Natural History Museum</a> in Görlitz might have cracked the code of how a desert grass survives.



The research team has discovered an astonishing adaptation of the desert grass Stipagrostis sabulicola in Africa's Namib Desert. This adaptation enables life in such a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-seeds-go-dormant-to-avoid-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harsh environment</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-grass-in-namib-desert">Desert grass in Namib Desert</h2>



The Namib Desert, known for its hyper-arid conditions and vast sandy expanses, hosts a surprising number of plant and animal species that have adapted to its extreme surroundings. One such species is the Namib dune bushman grass, Stipagrostis sabulicola.



Dr. Huei Ying Gan from the University of Tübingen, along with co-authors Dr. Karin Hohberg and Dr. Clément Schneider, set out to investigate the function of this grass in fostering a rich desert ecosystem, even in the face of such extreme conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-survival-mechanism-of-desert-grass">Survival mechanism of desert grass</h2>



Stipagrostis sabulicola extends a wide network of shallow roots, anchoring itself firmly into the desert dunes. But it's the plant's specialized leaf structures that enhance its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a>. These leaves excel in condensing moisture from the air in the form of fog and dew.



In the arid Namib Desert, where rain is a rare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aral-sea-dust-emissions-have-doubled-with-major-climate-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">event</a>, the grass relies heavily on fog for its moisture. Atlantic fog, providing an average of 39 millimeters of moisture per year, becomes its lifeline. 



This fog forms as the warm Atlantic air cools down over the cold ocean surface and travels many kilometers into the desert's interior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-role-of-fog-plants">Crucial role of fog plants</h2>



The research shows that this fog-harvesting grass, by capturing and channeling moisture into the sand, creates what the researchers have termed "fog plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oases</a>." 



"As soon as the fog touches the ground, the endemic desert grass captures the moisture from the fog and channels it into the sand," notes Hohberg.



These oases play a vital role in the desert's food chain. They serve as the primary carbon source, as was revealed by measuring natural variations in stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) of invertebrates.



"Our results show that the bushman grass of the Namib Desert promotes carbon flow in the food web," said Schneider.



"We were able to demonstrate that the plant is the primary food source for above-ground invertebrates such as ants, spiders, pseudoscorpions, and mites - we found 12 species of arthropods on the leaf surface and in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-leaf-diversity-shape-plant-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leaf</a> sheaths alone, along with an additional seven species that we did not study in detail."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-beyond-grass">Life beyond grass</h2>



In the words of Schneider, the grass promotes carbon flow in the food web, serving as the primary food source for above-ground invertebrates like ants, spiders, pseudoscorpions, and mites. 



"Overall, however, it can be said that the importance of Stipagrostis sabulicola goes far beyond the invertebrate food web," noted Gan.



"This is because numerous arthropods, such as weevils and black beetles, which are dependent on the grass as an energy source and therefore live in close relationship with the plants, serve as a vital food source for more mobile predators such as sand lizards, nursery web spiders, or the dune lark."



"In the higher food chain, the lizards, in turn, are an important food source for the adder species Bitis peringueyi. Our analyses underline the crucial role of fog plants in the hyper-arid Namib dunes."



At the end of the day, the desert ecology depends heavily on this unassuming desert grass, Stipagrostis sabulicola. In the harsh conditions of the Namib Desert, these "fog plants" are vital life-sustaining links, ensuring the survival of the diverse life forms in these hyper-arid dunes.



The mighty desert grass serves as a keystone species in the Namib Desert. It demonstrates nature's incredible adaptability, fostering a complex and thriving ecosystem in an otherwise inhospitable environment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-61796-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Desert grass survives by capturing moisture from fog

Have you ever thought about how life could sustain in...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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