<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...

Astronomers have recently discovered an asteroid that tags along with our planet during its annual journey around the sun. Dubbed 2023 FW13, this asteroid is considered by experts to be a “quasi-moon” or “quasi-satellite.” 



The asteroid was given this classification because it orbits the sun in a similar time frame as the Earth does. However, it is only slightly influenced by our planet’s gravitational pull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asteroid-2023-fw13">Asteroid 2023 FW13</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-will-crash-a-spacecraft-into-an-asteroid-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> measures only 50 feet (15 meters) in diameter. It is located at a distance of about nine million miles (14 million kilometers) from the Earth. 



2023 FW13 was first spotted on March 28, 2023 by the <a href="http://www2.ifa.hawaii.edu/research/Pan-STARRS.shtml">Pan-STARRS</a> survey telescope. This telescope is located on the top of Haleakalā, a dormant volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui.&nbsp;



Soon after, its presence in the Earth’s vicinity was confirmed by the <a href="https://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/">Canada-France-Hawaii telescope</a> and two observatories in Arizona (the <a href="https://kpno.noirlab.edu/">Kitt Peak National Observatory</a> and <a href="https://skycenter.arizona.edu/content/visit-skycenter">Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter</a>). 



On April 1, it was officially listed by the <a href="https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/mpc.html">Minor Planet Center</a> at the International Astronomical Union. This is an organization responsible for designating new planets, moons, and other astronomical objects in our solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-classifying-2023-fw13-as-a-quasi-moon">Classifying 2023 FW13 as a quasi-moon</h2>



This news caught the attention of journalist and astronomer Adrien Coffinet, who used an orbit simulator developed by amateur astronomer Tony Dunn to map the asteroid’s path. 



The model showed that 2023 FW13 travels around the sun in the same amount of time the Earth does. However, it also circles around our planet. This led Coffinet to classify it as a “quasi-moon.”&nbsp;



However, as Alan Harris – a senior research scientist at the <a href="https://www.spacescience.org/index.php">Space Science Institute</a> in Boulder, Colorado – stresses, since the Earth plays essentially no role in the asteroid’s motion, its classification as a “quasi-satellite” may be a bit far-fetched.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-cosmic-companion-nbsp">Our cosmic companion&nbsp;</h2>



Regardless of its classification, 2023 FW13 seems to have been our planet’s cosmic companion since at least 100 BCE. It will most likely continue to follow the Earth in its orbit around the sun until around 3,700 CE. “It seems to be the longest quasi-satellite of Earth known to date,” Coffinet said.



Fortunately, despite hovering relatively close to our planet, this asteroid is unlikely to be on a collision course with the Earth. “The good news is, such an orbit doesn’t result in an impacting trajectory ‘out of the blue,’” Harris said.



According to Richard Binzel, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT), astronomical objects such as this one could act as “stepping stones” to Mars. 



This means that spacecraft could soon access them due to their relatively low velocity. Their near-match to the Earth's orbit causes their speed.



A space mission trying to reach such asteroids “makes sense as a way to practice deep-space missions. Committing a crew and hardware to a longer mission to Mars needs practice. It’s a shakedown cruise,” Binzel concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-quasi-moon">What is a quasi-moon?</h2>



A quasi-moon refers to a celestial object that, while not directly orbiting a planet, nonetheless shares a similar orbital path and maintains a steady, if not strict, relative position to that planet. 



Unlike true <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-in-the-moon-craters-are-200-million-years-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which maintain a relatively consistent distance from their planet, quasi-moons may travel in complex paths relative to the planet. This is due to the combined gravitational influences of the planet and the Sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Orbital characteristics</h3>



Quasi-moons undertake a horseshoe or tadpole-like orbit. This means they are observed to move ahead of or behind a planet in its orbit around <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-water-older-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Sun</a>. 



This unusual orbit occurs because the gravitational pull between the quasi-moon, the planet, and the Sun creates a complex dynamic. This leads to a delicate balance in the trajectory of the quasi-moon.



When quasi-moons move ahead of the planet in its orbit, they gradually slow down and eventually fall behind, due to the planet's gravitational influence. 



Similarly, when they fall behind, they eventually speed up and move ahead. This constant shifting creates a horseshoe shape when viewed from a fixed point in space, while the orbits appear as tadpole shapes when viewed from the perspective of the planet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Known quasi-moons</h3>



Earth has two recognized quasi-moon. The first one discovered is named <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/lagrangian-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3753 Cruithne</a>. 



First-observed in 1986, Cruithne is about 5 kilometers in diameter and takes approximately 770 years to complete one horseshoe-shaped orbit around the Earth. 



Although it shares an orbital period with Earth, it is not considered a true moon due to its complex, non-elliptical orbit.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Observation and research</h3>



Quasi-moons present unique research opportunities for scientists. Their distinctive orbits make them ideal for studying the intricacies of celestial mechanics and gravitational influences. 



Additionally, their proximity to their parent planets may also offer insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems.



In the future, quasi-moons may also serve as stepping stones for space exploration. Missions to quasi-moons could provide valuable information about these celestial bodies and pave the way for further exploration of the solar system.



In summary, quasi-moons, though not true moons, play an important role in our understanding of the solar system. 



Their distinctive orbits and interactions with their parent planets provide a wealth of information about gravitational dynamics and planetary system formation. As we continue to explore the cosmos, these celestial bodies will undoubtedly remain objects of great interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about asteroids</h2>



Often described as minor planets or planetoids, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-asteroid-to-strike-earth-was-up-to-15-miles-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> are rocky, airless remnants left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. 



These celestial bodies mainly populate the Asteroid Belt, a region of space situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Characteristics</h3>



Asteroids vary greatly in size, from tiny specks of dust to large bodies nearly 1000 kilometers in diameter. These celestial objects often have irregular shapes, particularly the smaller ones, while some larger asteroids may have a more spherical shape.



Unlike planets, asteroids do not have a structured layered system. They consist of different kinds of rocks and metals with no atmospheric covering. 



Some asteroids have moons, and there are even binary (double) systems where two asteroids of similar size orbit each other.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Classification</h3>



Asteroids divide into three primary classes based on their composition: C-type (carbonaceous) asteroids, S-type (silicate) asteroids, and M-type (metallic) asteroids. C-type asteroids, the most common kind, have a dark, carbon-rich surface. 



S-type asteroids, mainly composed of stony materials and nickel-iron, are slightly brighter. M-type asteroids are metallic (nickel-iron). The diverse composition of asteroids offers valuable insights into the early solar system's makeup and history.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Asteroid Belt</h3>



The Asteroid Belt, located between Mars and Jupiter, hosts most of the asteroids in our solar system. The belt likely contains millions of asteroids, ranging widely in size. 



Despite the large number of these objects, their wide spread across the vastness of space makes a spacecraft's chance of a collision relatively low.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Asteroids and Earth</h3>



While most asteroids remain in the Asteroid Belt, some do make their way closer to Earth. These are known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/near-earth-asteroid-may-actually-be-a-miniature-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs)</a>. 



Scientists <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-protect-earth-major-asteroid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monitor these NEAs</a> closely due to the potential risk they pose. Historical evidence suggests that asteroid impacts have significantly affected Earth's ecosystem, including a leading theory that an asteroid impact led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Research and exploration</h3>



Studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/near-earth-asteroid-may-actually-be-a-miniature-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> has become a major focus of modern space exploration. These old celestial bodies provide information about the solar system's history, potentially contributing to our understanding of the origin of life. 



NASA and other international space agencies have sent several missions to investigate asteroids, including the notable <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/osiris-rex-will-soon-bid-farewell-to-asteroid-bennu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> and <a href="https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/hayabusa-2/in-depth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayabusa2</a> missions, which aimed to retrieve samples from asteroids and return them to Earth for study.



In summary, asteroids, the rocky remnants from the solar system's formation, offer a window into the past. Their diverse compositions and locations provide vital clues about the early solar system and the materials that contributed to planet formation. 



As our exploration capabilities continue to grow, our understanding of these intriguing celestial objects will undoubtedly expand.



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Earth's new 'quasi-moon' will stick around for thousands of years

Astronomers have recently discovered an asteroid that tags along with...

Ice sheets, the massive frozen expanses covering Antarctica, are harboring a hidden threat beneath their surface. Recent research has uncovered a new tipping point in the melting of these colossal ice formations, potentially leading to more rapid sea level rise than previously anticipated.



The discovery could revolutionize our understanding of global warming's impact on coastal areas worldwide.



The study, conducted by scientists at the British Antarctic Survey (<a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BAS</a>), sheds light on a critical process that current climate models have overlooked.



"We have identified the possibility of a new tipping-point in Antarctic ice sheet melting. This means our projections of sea level rise might be significant underestimates," said Dr. Alex Bradley, an ice dynamics researcher at BAS and lead author of the paper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-sheet-dynamics-the-grounding-zone">Ice sheet dynamics: The grounding zone</h2>



The research focuses on a crucial area beneath ice sheets known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/petermann-glacier-melting-has-tripled-due-to-warm-ocean-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grounding zone</a>. This is where land-based ice meets the sea, initiating a slow but steady process of ice movement into the surrounding ocean. Over time, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/this-natural-process-is-making-antarcticas-ice-melt-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice melts</a>, contributing significantly to global sea level rise.



What makes this study particularly noteworthy is its novel approach to modeling how seawater interacts with the ice sheet at this critical juncture. 



The researchers examined how water seeps between the land and the ice sheet, affecting localized melting and potentially lubricating the bed. This lubrication could dramatically influence the speed at which ice slides towards the sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-changes-big-consequences">Small changes, big consequences</h2>



"Ice sheets are very sensitive to melting in their grounding zones. We find that grounding zone melting displays a 'tipping point like' behavior, where a very small change in ocean temperature can cause a very big increase in grounding zone melting, which would lead to a very big change in flow of the ice above it," explained Dr. Bradley.



This tipping point occurs due to a feedback loop: as warm water melts the ice in the grounding zone, it creates new cavities. 



These cavities allow more warm water to enter, leading to further melting and larger cavities. The process snowballs, with even small temperature increases potentially causing dramatic changes in melting rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-ice-sheet-models">Improving ice sheet models</h2>



Perhaps most concerning is that this newly discovered process is not currently accounted for in the models used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/">IPCC</a>) and other leading climate research organizations.



This oversight may explain why ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland appear to be shrinking faster than expected.



Dr. Bradley and his team are now working to incorporate these findings into existing models. "This is missing physics, which isn't in our ice sheet models. They don't have the ability to simulate melting beneath grounded ice, which we think is happening. We're working on putting that into our models now."



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



The implications of this research extend far beyond the realm of scientific inquiry. As our understanding of ice sheet dynamics improves, so too must our preparations for the future. 



Coastal communities worldwide may need to reassess their adaptation strategies in light of potentially accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-a-greener-greenland-reveals-shocking-reality-of-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>.



By incorporating this new tipping point into climate models, researchers hope to provide more accurate projections. This enhanced accuracy could prove crucial for policymakers and urban planners as they work to protect vulnerable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal areas</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-race-against-ice-sheet-melt">The race against ice sheet melt</h2>



The warming of our planet has intensified the urgency to understand and mitigate climate change impacts. This groundbreaking study highlights the intricate and often concealed processes shaping Earth's ice sheets.



While the newly discovered tipping point is concerning, it also presents an opportunity for scientific advancement. By refining our models and deepening our comprehension of ice sheet <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/west-antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-will-accelerate-regardless-of-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a>, we can enhance our preparedness for future challenges.



As climate change realities unfold, this knowledge becomes crucial. It will guide the development of robust, adaptive strategies for coastal communities worldwide, helping them navigate the uncertainties of rising sea levels.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01465-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Antarctic ice sheet melting: New tipping point discovered

Ice sheets, the massive frozen expanses covering Antarctica, are harboring...

Iceland, known for its breathtaking landscapes and geothermal wonders, is facing a new era of volcanic activity that could reshape its southwestern region for years to come.



Recent research suggests that the ongoing eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula may continue intermittently for decades, posing significant challenges to the country's most populated area and critical infrastructure.



A team of international scientists, including researchers from the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a>, Uppsala University in Sweden, University of Iceland, <a href="https://www.avcr.cz/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Czech Academy of Sciences</a>, and UC San Diego, published their findings in the journal Terra Nova on June 26.



The study builds upon earlier research published in Nature Communications that examined the initial Reykjanes eruptions in 2021.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reykjanes-peninsula-awakens">The Reykjanes Peninsula awakens</h2>



The Reykjanes Peninsula, home to 70% of Iceland's population, its only international airport, and several vital geothermal power plants, had been dormant for 800 years. 



However, since 2021, the region has experienced a series of eight eruptions, forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency and evacuate residents and tourists multiple times.



"Almost all of Iceland's island is built from lava," noted Professor Ilya Bindeman, a volcanologist involved in the study.



Binderman explained that Iceland's unique position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-volcanic-events-linked-to-the-slowing-of-tectonic-plates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic plates</a> are drifting apart, is the primary cause of its volcanic activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-magma-mystery">Unraveling the magma mystery</h2>



To understand the nature and potential duration of Iceland's eruptions, the researchers employed advanced techniques to analyze the magma's composition and origin.



Bindeman, specializing in isotopic analysis, described the process: "In the air we breathe, there's a mixture of these oxygen isotopes and we don't feel the difference. Their differences are usually not important for chemical reactions but are important to recognize as their relative abundances in magma can differentiate one magma source from another."



By examining lava rock samples from different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-captures-eruption-of-icelands-svartsengi-volcano-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> on the peninsula, the team discovered similar "fingerprints," suggesting a shared magma storage zone beneath the region. 



Seismic imaging further supported this theory, revealing a reservoir about 5.5 to 7.5 miles deep in the Earth's crust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-nature-of-iceland-s-eruptions">Unique nature of Iceland's eruptions </h2>



The unique nature of Iceland's eruptions provides scientists with a rare opportunity to study active volcanic processes up close. Bindeman described the experience as both "astonishing and chilling."



"When you witness a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruption</a>, you can feel that these are the massive forces of nature, and you yourself are very small," he said. "These events are ordinary from the geological scale, but from the human scale, they can be devastating."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-unpredictable">Predicting the unpredictable</h2>



While the research offers valuable insights into the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a>, precise predictions remain challenging.



Bindeman emphasized the inherent irregularity of natural phenomena. "Nature is never regular. We don't know how long and how frequently it will continue for the next ten or even hundred years. A pattern will emerge, but nature always has exceptions and irregularities."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-a-new-volcanic-reality">Adapting to a new volcanic reality</h2>



As Iceland faces this new chapter in its geological history, communities and authorities must prepare for potential long-term disruptions. 



The recurring eruptions threaten economic stability and force evacuated residents to face uncertain futures.



Scientists are now discussing plans to safely drill into the volcanic sites, hoping to gain deeper insights into the geological processes driving these eruptions. 



This research could prove crucial in developing better prediction models and mitigation strategies for the years to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceland-s-fiery-future-of-eruptions">Iceland's fiery future of eruptions </h2>



As Iceland's volcanic landscape continues to evolve, the world watches with a mix of awe and concern.



The Reykjanes Peninsula's awakening serves as a powerful reminder of our planet's dynamic nature and the need for resilience in the face of geological change.



"Our findings are important in light of the threat to human settlements and vital infrastructure from volcanic activity as there is a need for an improved understanding of the magma supply system that feeds the ongoing eruptive events," noted the study authors.



While challenges lie ahead, this unprecedented event also offers a unique opportunity for scientific discovery and a deeper understanding of Earth's powerful forces.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ter.12733" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terra Nova</a>.



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Iceland's volcanic eruptions may continue for decades

Iceland, known for its breathtaking landscapes and geothermal wonders, is...

Human-caused mass extinctions can be prevented if we take action now, according to an international coalition of ecologists and conservationists.&nbsp;



In a new study published in the  journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1349350" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>, the experts identified crucial biodiversity hotspots that house rare wildlife and outlined an achievable plan to protect endangered species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safeguarding-the-last-wilderness-areas-nbsp">Safeguarding the last wilderness areas&nbsp;</h2>



Incorporating these “Conservation Imperatives" into the 30 by 30 initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the Earth’s surface by 2030, could safeguard the world's last wilderness areas and maintain essential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.



The article, authored by representatives from 20 organizations including the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA) in the UK, shows that preserving Earth's remaining biodiversity requires conserving just a small percentage of the planet's surface. 



This plan would help save the most endangered species from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>, securing Earth’s wildlife for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-the-sixth-mass-extinction-nbsp">Preventing the sixth mass extinction&nbsp;</h2>



“Most species on Earth are rare, meaning that species either have very narrow ranges or they occur at very low densities or both,” said lead author Eric Dinerstein, a scientist at the NGO <a href="https://www.resolve.ngo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Resolve</a>. 



“And rarity is very concentrated. In our study, zooming in on this rarity, we found that we need only about 1.2% of the Earth’s surface to head off the sixth great extinction of life on Earth.”



“There is a dwindling window of opportunity to protect what is left of the wild across Earth's ecoregions,” added co-author Carlos Peres, a professor of conservation ecology at UEA.&nbsp;



“Our analysis shows that setting aside a critical threshold of only 1.2% of all terrestrial areas - identified as nearly 17,000 sites - to ensure the persistence of endemic, threatened, and rare species is a financially viable proposition, but I'm afraid this viability will rapidly decline over time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remaining-habitats-for-rare-species">Remaining habitats for rare species</h2>



Between 2018 and 2023, an additional 1.2 million square kilometers of land were protected.&nbsp;



However, Dinerstein and his colleagues estimated that this expansion only included 0.11 million square kilometers with range-limited and threatened species. Effective planning for protected areas is essential to ensure resources are used effectively.



The scientists used six layers of global biodiversity data to map the entire world. By combining these layers with maps of existing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-are-failing-to-safeguard-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> and a fractional land cover analysis, they identified remaining habitats for rare and threatened species. 



This enabled them to pinpoint the most critical, currently unprotected biodiversity areas, termed Conservation Imperatives, which serve as a global blueprint for local-level conservation planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-sites-to-prevent-mass-extinctions">Key sites to prevent mass extinctions</h2>



Protecting these 16,825 sites, covering approximately 164 million hectares, could prevent all predicted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-crisis-entire-branches-of-earths-tree-of-life-are-vanishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinctions</a>. 



Moreover, protecting the sites in the tropics alone could prevent most predicted extinctions. Some 38% of Conservation Imperatives are near already-protected areas, which could facilitate their integration into existing conservation zones.



“These sites are home to over 4,700 threatened species in some of the world's most biodiverse yet threatened ecosystems,” said co-author Andy Lee, a manager at Resolve.&nbsp;



“These include not only mammals and birds that rely on large intact habitats, like the tamaraw in the Philippines and the Celebes crested macaque in Sulawesi Indonesia, but also range-restricted amphibians and rare plant species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cost-of-avoiding-mass-extinctions">The cost of avoiding mass extinctions </h2>



The researchers estimated the cost of this protection using data from hundreds of land protection projects over 14 years, considering the type and amount of land and country-specific economic factors.&nbsp;



The figures are approximate, as various land purchase or long-term lease options might be suitable for protecting Conservation Imperatives.



Stakeholders worldwide, including indigenous peoples, communities with jurisdiction over Conservation Imperative sites, and other civil society members, will need to decide which options work best for them.



“Our analysis estimated that protecting the Conservation Imperatives in the tropics would cost approximately $34 billion per year over the next five years,” Lee said.&nbsp;



“This represents less than 0.2% of the United States' GDP, less than 9% of the annual subsidies benefiting the global fossil fuel industry, and a fraction of the revenue generated from the mining and agroforestry industries each year.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-earth-for-future-generations">Protecting Earth for future generations </h2>



Preserving wildlife is also crucial for addressing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>. Biodiversity conservation means protecting Earth's forest cover, which acts as a carbon sink. 



By conserving carbon-rich, wildlife-rich forested regions, we protect both threatened species and humans. Securing Conservation Imperatives is only the first critical step in this effort, as further actions are needed to address issues like poaching.



“What will we bequeath to future generations? A healthy, vibrant Earth is critical for us to pass on. So we’ve got to get going. We’ve got to head off the extinction crisis. Conservation Imperatives drive us to do that,” Dinerstein concluded.



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Mass extinctions can be prevented by protecting key sites

Human-caused mass extinctions can be prevented if we take action...

If lakes could talk, they'd probably be telling us they're not feeling so hot. A remarkable new study, the first of its kind, has revealed that nearly half of the world's major lakes are struggling to show resilience and bounce back from the stresses of modern life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-resilience-of-lakes-look-like">What does "resilience" of lakes look like?</h2>



Resilience&nbsp;in this context means the ability of a lake to recover from disturbances. Such disturbances can include pollution, temperature changes, and extreme weather events. A resilient lake can bounce back, maintaining its clarity, health, and ability to support life.



However, when we pour in too much pollution, it becomes difficult for the lake to maintain its health. Pollutants come from various sources like agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and untreated sewage. These contaminants can harm fish and plants, disrupt the ecosystem, and degrade water quality.



Next, consider <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change. As the planet warms, so do our lakes. Increased temperatures can lead to more algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and can be toxic to aquatic life. Warmer water also holds less oxygen, further stressing the lake's inhabitants.



Lastly, extreme weather events like heavy rains, storms, and droughts can overwhelm even the most resilient lakes. Heavy rains wash in more pollutants, while droughts lower water levels, concentrating harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrogen-overlooked-component-eutrophication-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substances</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-lakes-have-greater-resilience">Some lakes have greater resilience</h2>



Densely populated areas,&nbsp;particularly in eastern North America and northern Europe,&nbsp;are seeing the worst of it.&nbsp;Think of it as a lake's version of city stress - too many people,&nbsp;too much waste,&nbsp;and not enough room to breathe.



But it's not all doom and gloom.&nbsp;The study also found some glimmers of hope.&nbsp;Some high-altitude lakes, which receive increased flow from melting glaciers, are showing greater resilience. 



Despite the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-tsunamis-are-an-emerging-climate-linked-hazard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, these lakes are adapting and improving their ability to recover from disturbances. This finding highlights nature's remarkable capacity to adjust and thrive even in changing conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-lakes-are-approaching-a-tipping-point">Many lakes are approaching a tipping point </h2>



The research didn't just look at a single snapshot in time.&nbsp;They tracked lake health over nearly two decades,&nbsp;from 2000 to 2018.&nbsp;And what they found was a bit of a rollercoaster ride.



In the early 2000s,&nbsp;things seemed somewhat balanced.&nbsp;Roughly the same number of lakes were gaining resilience as losing it.&nbsp;But by the late 2010s,&nbsp;things took a turn for the worse.&nbsp;More lakes were losing resilience than gaining it,&nbsp;a trend particularly pronounced in those densely populated areas we mentioned earlier.



“While we anticipated that human activities would significantly impact lake resilience, the extent of resilience decline - nearly half of the studied lakes - was alarming,” said Ke Zhang, the lead author of the study.



This rapid decline has scientists worried that many lakes might be approaching a tipping point.&nbsp;Once they cross that threshold,&nbsp;there might be no turning back.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wealthier-regions-healthier-lakes">Wealthier regions, healthier lakes</h2>



Interestingly, the study also found a connection between a country's wealth and the health of its lakes. Wealthier regions tended to have more resilient lakes, likely because they invest more in conservation efforts and environmental protection measures. 



This underscores that safeguarding our environment often requires substantial financial resources. However, the study suggests that the expense of implementing these protective measures is justified, as the long-term cost of neglecting environmental protection could be much higher. 



This highlights the importance of investing in environmental sustainability to ensure the resilience and health of natural ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action-for-our-lakes">A call to action for our lakes </h2>



This study is more than just a collection of alarming statistics.&nbsp;It's a wake-up call,&nbsp;a reminder that our lakes are not just pretty scenery – they're vital ecosystems that support countless species,&nbsp;including our own.



“This trend is concerning and underscores the urgent need for effective management and restoration efforts to mitigate these impacts,” Zhang said.



But there's hope. By understanding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-make-your-hometown-feel-like-somewhere-else/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">factors</a> that influence lake resilience, we can develop effective strategies to protect these vital resources. 



This finding serves as a call to action for governments, scientists, and everyday citizens to collaborate in safeguarding our lakes. Collective efforts can ensure that our lakes remain vibrant and healthy for future generations. 



Such efforts might include stricter pollution controls, habitat restoration projects, and community-led conservation initiatives. By working together, we can make significant progress in maintaining the resilience and health of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential ecosystems</a>.



After all,&nbsp;a world without healthy lakes is like a life without laughter - a little less vibrant,&nbsp;a little less alive.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL109298" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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Half of the world's largest lakes are losing their resilience

If lakes could talk, they'd probably be telling us they're...

Over the past two decades, the world has seen a dramatic escalation in the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires, a trend driven largely by human-induced climate warming.



An extensive analysis of satellite records led by Calum Cunningham, a researcher from the <a href="https://www.utas.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania</a> in Australia, revealed that the occurrence of wildfires with significant "radiative power" increased by more than double from 2003 to 2023.



Even more concerning, the intensity of the 20 most extreme fires each year has also more than doubled - a consistent trend that appears to be accelerating.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-results-of-the-study">Alarming results of the study</h2>



"Climate change is exacerbating wildfire conditions, but evidence is lacking for global trends in extreme fire activity itself," wrote the researchers.



"Here we identify energetically extreme wildfire events by calculating daily clusters of summed fire radiative power using 21 years of satellite data, revealing that the frequency of extreme events (≥99.99th percentile) increased by 2.2-fold from 2003 to 2023, with the last 7 years including the 6 most extreme." 



"Although the total area burned on Earth may be declining, our study highlights that fire behavior is worsening in several regions - particularly the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-changes-what-happens-to-boreal-forests-after-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boreal</a> and temperate conifer biomes - with substantial implications for carbon storage and human exposure to wildfire disasters."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-hotspots">Wildfire hotspots</h2>



The geographical spread of extreme fires is extensive, predominantly affecting North America, northern Eurasia, and Australia.



Specifically, temperate conifer forests in the western United States have witnessed an 11-fold increase in extreme fires, while Earth’s northernmost forests covering regions like Alaska, Canada, and Russia have seen more than a seven-fold rise.



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



The repercussions of energetically extreme fires are vast and multifaceted. As forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, the loss of trees due to fires not only releases stored CO2 back into the air but also exacerbates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-climate-turns-tundra-from-carbon-sink-to-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, creating a detrimental feedback loop.



This cycle of destruction and warming continues to dry out landscapes, making them more susceptible to future fires.



In addition to environmental damage, the health implications are severe. The smoke from these fires blankets large regions, leading to significant health issues and premature deaths which far exceed those caused directly by the flames.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-management-and-climate-change">Wildfire management and climate change</h2>



The increasing severity and regularity of wildfires highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies to cope with a climate more prone to such extremes.



Effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-forests-rapidly-changing-repercussions-looming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest management</a> at the local level is crucial to mitigate the risk and impact of severe fires. This involves not just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-suppression-methods-increase-the-severity-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">firefighting strategies</a> but also preventive measures to manage and maintain forest health.



The implications of this study, though alarming, are a call for action. The research is a reminder that the effects of climate change are not a distant threat - but a present reality impacting ecosystems and communities globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-in-a-hotter-world">Wildfires in a hotter world</h2>



In a hotter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>, fires will continue to become more frequent and intense. Higher temperatures dry out vegetation, making it more flammable and increasing the likelihood of wildfires. 



Prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions further exacerbate the issue, reducing the moisture content in forests and grasslands. Additionally, warmer climates can extend the fire season, leading to longer periods of heightened fire risk. 



The combination of these factors means that when fires do ignite, they spread more rapidly and are harder to control, often resulting in larger and more destructive wildfires. 



This trend is being observed worldwide, with notable increases in fire activity in regions like California, Australia, and the Mediterranean.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02452-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>.



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Extreme wildfires have doubled in the last 20 years

Over the past two decades, the world has seen a...

The impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change are increasingly evident worldwide, but how will it specifically affect your hometown? 



A new interactive web application from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a>’s Center for Environmental Science allows users to search 40,581 places and 5,323 metro areas globally to find future climate analogs, comparing expected future climates to current conditions in other locations. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hometown-climate-in-the-coming-years">Hometown climate in the coming years</h2>



This tool provides a relatable forecast of what your city's climate could be like in the coming decades, offering insight into temperature changes and potential scenarios based on emission levels.



For example, to experience the projected 2080 climate of Washington, D.C., you would need to travel to northern Louisiana, where summers are anticipated to be 11.5°F warmer. Similarly, Shanghai’s future climate might resemble that of northern Pakistan by 2080.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-towards-the-equator-nbsp">Moving towards the equator&nbsp;</h2>



“In 50 years, the northern hemisphere cities to the north are going to become much more like cities to the south. Everything is moving towards the equator in terms of the climate that's coming for you,” said Matthew Fitzpatrick, an expert in spatial modeling at the University of Maryland.&nbsp;



“And the closer you get to the equator, there are fewer and fewer good matches for climates in places like Central America, south Florida, and northern Africa. There is no place on Earth representative of what those places will be like in the future.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-changes-in-the-coming-decades-nbsp">Temperature changes in the coming decades&nbsp;</h2>



Fitzpatrick employed climate-analog mapping, a statistical method that matches future climate projections of a location with the current climate of another familiar place, to provide a more tangible understanding of climate change.&nbsp;



Using recent data from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a> (IPCC), the tool illustrates projected temperature changes over 30 years under two different scenarios.



The application provides projections for both high and reduced emissions scenarios, offering results based on several climate forecast models.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-climate-matches-for-your-hometown-nbsp">Exploring climate matches for your hometown&nbsp;</h2>



Users can explore the best climate matches for their city under different scenarios and models, and map the similarity between their city's future climate and current climates elsewhere, based on the average of five forecasts for each emission scenario.



The first scenario assumes very high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, projecting a global temperature increase of around nine degrees F by the end of this century, making the Earth warmer than it likely has been in millions of years. 



The second scenario envisions the effects if nations meet the Paris Climate Accord goals, resulting in about a three degrees F increase by significantly reducing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.



“I hope that it continues to inform the conversation about climate change. I hope it helps people better understand the magnitude of the impacts and why scientists are so concerned,” Fitzpatrick concluded.



To take a look at the projected future climate of your hometown, the interactive website can be accessed <a href="https://fitzlab.shinyapps.io/cityapp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-global-warming-impact-human-health">How does global warming impact human health?</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-the-strongest-in-7000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global warming</a> has a profound impact on human health in several ways. Rising temperatures can exacerbate heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be fatal, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. 



Additionally, warmer climates contribute to the proliferation of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, by expanding the habitats of mosquitoes and other vectors.&nbsp;



Air quality also deteriorates with global warming, as higher <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> increase the concentration of ground-level ozone and other pollutants, leading to respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases. 



Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, become more frequent and severe, resulting in injuries, loss of life, and mental health issues. These events also disrupt healthcare services and infrastructure, making it harder to access medical care when it is most needed.&nbsp;



Furthermore, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> affects food security by altering agricultural productivity, leading to malnutrition and food borne illnesses. 



The combined stress of these health impacts can strain public health systems, especially in low-resource settings, exacerbating existing health inequalities.



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Climate change will make your hometown feel like somewhere else

The impacts of climate change are increasingly evident worldwide, but...

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is drying up, like many inland seas worldwide, due to increased human water use and accelerating climate change. As the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> shrinks, it exposes large areas of dry lakebed.



This desiccation releases harmful dust that pollutes surrounding areas during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, posing serious health risks to nearby communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dust-problem-a-growing-concern">The dust problem: A growing concern</h2>



Since the mid-1980s, the Great Salt Lake has been steadily drying, exposing its lakebed to atmospheric weathering and wind. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-impacts-dust-levels-on-a-global-scale/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust emissions</a> from drying salt lakes produce fine particulate matter (PM2.5), linked to numerous health issues and recognized as the leading environmental cause of human mortality worldwide.



"We know that the dust from these drying lakes is very unhealthy for us, so the question becomes, what does that mean in terms of people's exposure to the dust, and what does it mean in terms of inequalities in exposure to that dust," said study first author and sociologist Sara Grineski of the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>. "Are some people more likely to have to suffer the consequences to a greater degree?"



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



To explore these questions, a team of sociologists, atmospheric scientists, geographers, and biologists used a model to simulate dust pollution scenarios. 



The experts investigated how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">dust pollution</a> would change if the lake dried further or if its levels were restored.



"The drying of lakes with no outlets, also called terminal lakes or inland seas, is a major ecological catastrophe of the twenty-first century. As lake beds dry, they become sources of fine dust that harms human health," wrote the researchers.



"These lake beds are drying, in part due to decreased inflows of water associated with climate change, but mostly due to increasing human demands for water."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-simulations-of-dust-exposure">Model simulations of dust exposure </h2>



The model predicted dust levels in three counties surrounding the lake and combined these with demographic data from the 2020 U.S. Census and American Community Survey to analyze exposure disparities.



During typical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dust storms</a>, current levels expose residents to 26 μg/m3 of dust PM2.5 on average, which is higher than the World Health Organization's threshold of 15 μg/m3.



If the lake were to dry up completely, exposure could rise to 32 μg/m3, while restoring the lake could reduce exposure to 24 μg/m3.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-justice-and-the-great-salt-lake">Environmental justice and the Great Salt Lake</h2>



The Great Salt Lake serves as a crucial case study, revealing significant disparities in dust exposure among different demographic groups. 



Dust exposure is highest among Pacific Islanders and Hispanic people, while white people experience lower levels of exposure. Additionally, those without a high school diploma are more affected by the dust. 



Restoring the lake could significantly reduce dust exposure and address these disparities, benefiting everyone in the vicinity and promoting environmental justice.



"People here in Utah are concerned about the lake for a variety of reasons - the ski industry, the brine shrimp, the migratory birds, recreation - and this study adds environmental justice and the equity implications of the drying lake to the conversation," noted Grineski. 



"If we can raise the levels of the lake via some coordinated policy responses, we can reduce our exposure to dust, which is good for everyone's health, and we can also reduce the disparity between groups."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoration-of-the-great-salt-lake">Restoration of the Great Salt Lake</h2>



Future research aims to explore how changes in the region's population size and composition might affect dust exposure from the lake. The ultimate goal is to guide local policymakers in prioritizing the restoration of the Great Salt Lake.



"If we were to enact policy and conservation measures to raise the lake, we would benefit not only in terms of decreased dust, but in terms of less dramatic disparities between who is breathing in more of this dust," explained Grineski. 



"It's important to consider the environmental justice implications of different choices that we might make in the policy arena when we think about different strategies for adaptation and mitigation to climate change."



Restoring the Great Salt Lake stands as a vital step toward achieving both environmental justice and ecological balance, ensuring a healthier future for all residents in the region.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(24)00249-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590332224002495%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>.



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Restoring the Great Salt Lake is a matter of environmental justice

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is drying up, like...

A recent study has revealed that the global carbon stored by plants is shorter-lived and more susceptible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> than previously believed. 



The results indicate that current climate models underestimate the annual global uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) by vegetation and overestimate the amount of time that this carbon remains stored.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-cycling-in-plants">Carbon cycling in plants</h2>



The research, led by Dr. Heather Graven at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>, has significant implications for understanding nature's role in mitigating climate change, particularly concerning nature-based carbon removal projects like mass tree planting.



“Plants across the world are actually more productive than we thought they were,” noted Dr. Graven. However, while plants absorb carbon faster than expected, they also release it faster.&nbsp;



This means that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> from human activities will be released back into the atmosphere sooner than previously predicted, noted the researchers.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-removal-strategies-nbsp">Carbon removal strategies&nbsp;</h2>



“Many of the strategies being developed by governments and corporations to address climate change rely on plants and forests to draw down planet-warming CO2 and lock it away in the ecosystem,” said Dr. Graven.&nbsp;



“But our study suggests that carbon stored in living plants does not stay there as long as we thought. It emphasizes that the potential for such nature-based carbon removal projects is limited, and fossil fuel emissions need to be ramped down quickly to minimize the impact of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-net-primary-productivity-nbsp">Net primary productivity&nbsp;</h2>



Until now, the global measure of net primary productivity (NPP) - which represents the rate at which plants use <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> to create new tissues - has been approximated from limited site-specific data. 



The lack of comprehensive measurements has made it challenging to accurately calculate net primary productivity on a global scale. 



Since the early 1900s, plant productivity has increased, with more CO2 being absorbed by plants than released back into the atmosphere.&nbsp;



Approximately 30% of human CO2 emissions are stored in plants and soils each year, helping to mitigate climate change. However, the stability and future of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-plants-continue-offsetting-our-carbon-emissions-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> remain poorly understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-plant-carbon-usage-nbsp">Global plant carbon usage&nbsp;</h2>



In this study, radiocarbon (14C), a radioactive isotope of carbon, was used alongside model simulations to study global plant CO2 usage. This approach produced valuable insights into the interaction between the atmosphere and the biosphere. 



Radiocarbon levels increased due to nuclear bomb testing in the 1950s and 1960s, offering researchers a tool to measure plant uptake rates.&nbsp;



By analyzing 14C accumulation in plants from 1963 to 1967, the experts assessed the carbon transfer from the atmosphere to vegetation and its subsequent fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-models-overestimate-plant-carbon-storage">Models overestimate plant carbon storage</h2>



The findings reveal that current models underestimate global plant productivity and overestimate carbon storage duration in plants.&nbsp;



“These observations are from a unique moment in history, just after the peak of atomic weapons testing in the atmosphere in the 1960s,” noted Dr. Charles Koven from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. 



“The observations show that the growth of plants at the time was faster than current climate models estimate that it was.” 



“The significance is that it implies that carbon cycles more rapidly between the atmosphere and biosphere than we have thought, and that we need to better understand and account for this more rapid cycling in climate models.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-carbon-cycle-dynamics-nbsp">New insights into carbon cycle dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



The research underscores the need to improve theories about plant growth and ecosystem interactions and adjust global climate models for better understanding of the biosphere's role in mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-forests-which-tree-species-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



“Scientists and policymakers need improved estimates of historical land carbon uptake to inform projections of this critical ecosystem service in future decades,” said Dr. Will Wieder from the National Center for Atmospheric Research.&nbsp;



“Our study provides critical insights into terrestrial carbon cycle dynamics, which can inform models that are used for climate change projections.”



According to the researchers, their work highlights the usefulness of radiocarbon measurements in helping to unravel the complexities of the biosphere.



The study authors included German physicist Ingeborg Levin, a pioneer in radiocarbon and atmospheric research, who passed away in February.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl4443" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Plants release carbon faster than we expected

A recent study has revealed that the global carbon stored...

Five hundred million years ago, the Cambrian “SPICE” event led to a significant drop in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanic oxygen</a> levels. Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> have now explored how large-scale ocean anoxia developed during this event and its potential modern implications. 



The study identified a phosphorus recycling chain reaction from ocean sediments as a key factor in oxygen loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-amplifying-feedback-loop-nbsp">Self-amplifying feedback loop&nbsp;</h2>



“Under anoxic conditions, phosphorus is released more efficiently from sediments, which further depleted oxygen levels and expanded anoxia at the global scale,” explained senior author Tais W. Dahl, an associate professor of geobiology at the University of Copenhagen.



“This self-amplifying loop led to a rapid and prolonged marine anoxia. The study warns that the feedback loop is still looming in today's oceans, where human activities might influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> dynamics in ways that increase the risk of setting off cascading anoxic conditions." 



"Coastal zones, in particular, could be susceptible to anoxia that might propagate on a larger scale.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-immediate-threat-nbsp">No immediate threat&nbsp;</h2>



While global-scale anoxia is not an immediate threat today due to limited phosphorus resources and high atmospheric oxygen levels, the study highlights the importance of understanding nutrient dynamics and sedimentation processes, particularly in coastal zones.&nbsp;



These insights are crucial for managing the health of marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-turbidity-helps-protect-coastal-ecosystems/%C3%B9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> and their resident animal species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ocean-chemistry-nbsp">Evolution of ocean chemistry&nbsp;</h2>



By comparing ancient and modern marine systems, this study provides valuable insights into the potential evolution of ocean chemistry today.&nbsp;



Emphasizing the importance of historical context, the research aims to improve predictive models and guide policy decisions to safeguard <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-are-threatened-by-low-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> and ensure their resilience in the face of ongoing environmental changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-a-future-tipping-point-nbsp">Preventing a future tipping point&nbsp;</h2>



“The SPICE event exemplifies how oxygen loss in marine ecosystems cascaded shoreward, passing a tipping point resulting in lasting harm to animal ecosystems, altering the carbon cycle,” noted the study authors.&nbsp;



“These insights emphasize the importance of understanding marine nutrient dynamics and the need to improve forecasting models to guide policy, ensure marine health, and prevent conditions that could cause self-cascading oceanic damage.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-oxygen-loss-nbsp">Cascading oxygen loss&nbsp;</h2>



Cascading oxygen loss in the ocean refers to a process where deoxygenation spreads from one part of the ocean to another, creating a chain reaction.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-runoff">Nutrient runoff</h3>



This phenomenon typically begins in areas with high nutrient runoff, such as coastal regions with heavy agricultural or urban pollution.&nbsp;



Excess nutrients stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which, after dying, sink and decompose. This decomposition consumes oxygen, leading to hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expansion-of-low-oxygen-conditions-nbsp">Expansion of low-oxygen conditions&nbsp;</h3>



As these hypoxic or anoxic zones expand, they affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>, causing die-offs of species that cannot survive in low-oxygen environments. 



The loss of these species further disrupts the marine ecosystem, altering food webs and reducing biodiversity. Additionally, as the affected waters circulate and mix with other ocean areas, the low-oxygen conditions can spread, exacerbating the problem.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interplay-nbsp">Complex interplay&nbsp;</h3>



Cascading oxygen loss also interacts with other stressors, such as rising ocean temperatures and acidification, making marine environments even more inhospitable.&nbsp;



This complex interplay of factors can lead to widespread and persistent deoxygenation, significantly impacting ocean health and the services it provides to human societies, such as fisheries and carbon sequestration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-oxygen-loss-impact-marine-species">How does oxygen loss impact marine species?</h2>



Oxygen loss in marine environments significantly impacts marine animals by reducing the availability of a critical element needed for their survival.&nbsp;



As oxygen levels decrease, many marine species experience stress, which can lead to decreased growth rates, impaired reproductive success, and increased susceptibility to diseases.&nbsp;



This hypoxic condition forces marine animals to either adapt, migrate to areas with higher oxygen levels, or face potential mortality.&nbsp;



Additionally, oxygen depletion can disrupt food chains, as both predator and prey species are affected, leading to broader ecological consequences in marine ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.05.011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>.



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Cascading oxygen loss is endangering ocean life

Five hundred million years ago, the Cambrian “SPICE” event led...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-germinate-seeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants</a> are extremely adaptable organisms that have evolved remarkable strategies to survive in various environments. One such strategy is seed dormancy, which prevents seeds from germinating even under optimal conditions, reducing the risk to seedlings during adverse periods.



In Mediterranean climates like Cyprus, summers can be extremely hot and dry, posing a significant threat to young seedlings.&nbsp;



A subspecies of Aethionema arabicum in Cyprus has evolved a unique <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seed-germination-is-controlled-by-an-internal-thermometer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a> to avoid germination during these harsh months. In a recent study, experts investigated the molecular basis of this adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-suppression-of-germination-nbsp">Long-term suppression of germination&nbsp;</h2>



Previously, researchers discovered that direct light exposure inhibits the germination of Aethionema arabicum seeds.&nbsp;



The new study explored whether light exposure could also induce long-term suppression of germination, known as secondary dormancy. The investigation revealed that the length of daily light exposure was crucial in establishing secondary dormancy.&nbsp;



“This mechanism makes a lot of sense: day length is a much more stable condition than temperature or humidity, which may vary significantly from one day to the next,” said lead author Zsuzsanna Mérai, a postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.oeaw.ac.at/gmi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gregor Mendel Institute</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-seedlings">Protecting the seedlings</h2>



As days lengthen in summer, seeds exposed to longer light periods avoid germinating, thereby preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orchid-parents-nurture-seedlings-through-fungal-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seedlings</a> from facing lethal conditions.



The researchers demonstrated that exposing seeds to 16 hours of light per day resulted in long-term suppression of germination, even when the seeds were later placed in darkness.&nbsp;



“Even if we put the seeds back to dark conditions, they will not germinate because they will remember that the conditions were not good for sprouting,” Mérai explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triggers-nbsp-of-seed-dormancy">Triggers&nbsp;of seed dormancy </h2>



While secondary dormancy has been observed before, its molecular triggers were not well understood. By screening a library of mutated seeds unable to establish secondary dormancy, the researchers identified RGL2 as the primary regulator.&nbsp;



“Seeds with mutations in the RGL2 gene are still inhibited by light, but only short term. Lacking RGL2, secondary dormancy induction fails,” Mérai said.&nbsp;



Moreover, the analyses revealed that RGL2 regulates over 3,300 genes associated with secondary dormancy, affecting both pro-dormancy and dormancy-repressing genes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-basis-of-secondary-dormancy-nbsp">Molecular basis of secondary dormancy&nbsp;</h2>



Previous research has shown that seed dormancy results from the balance between abscisic acid (ABA), a dormancy-promoting hormone, and gibberellin (GA), a dormancy-repressing hormone.&nbsp;



The study showed that RGL2 suppresses GA production and enhances ABA synthesis in seeds exposed to light.&nbsp;



However, the scientists discovered that only the reduction of GA levels, not the increase of ABA levels, was essential for inducing secondary dormancy.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-germination-patterns">Adapting germination patterns </h2>



These findings reveal how some plants adapt their germination patterns to avoid harsh summer conditions, differing from the traditional view that light induces germination.&nbsp;



“Some plants seem to have tweaked germination to adapt to specific climates,” Mérai said.&nbsp;



The study also showed that summer heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> trigger the end of dormancy, preparing seeds for favorable conditions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-research">Ongoing research</h2>



The researchers plan to investigate if similar mechanisms exist in other plants, which could have significant implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/farmers-can-help-make-crops-more-resilient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop resilience</a> in warming climates.&nbsp;



“Our findings could be applied to make new crops that are better adapted to warmer climates and the continuously rising temperatures,” Mérai concluded.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-plants-use-seed-dormancy">Which plants use seed dormancy?</h2>



Seed dormancy is a survival strategy that is used across a wide range of plant species, each adapted to their unique ecological niches.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees">Trees</h3>



Trees such as oak, pine, and maple exhibit seed dormancy to ensure germination at the optimal time for growth.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grasses">Grasses</h3>



Several grass species, including wild grasses and some cultivated varieties like wheat and barley, also use seed dormancy to avoid germination under unfavorable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-a-way-of-telling-us-what-climate-they-can-survive-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a>.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legumes-nbsp">Legumes&nbsp;</h3>



Plants in the legume family, such as peas, beans, and clovers, often have hard seed coats that contribute to dormancy.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildflowers">Wildflowers</h3>



Many wildflower species, like lupines and poppies, exhibit seed dormancy to ensure they germinate when conditions are ideal for survival.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrubs-nbsp">Shrubs&nbsp;</h3>



Various shrubs, including those in the genus Rosa (roses) and Rubus (blackberries and raspberries), also use seed dormancy to synchronize germination with favorable environmental conditions.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.043" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Plant seeds go dormant to avoid harsh conditions

Plants are extremely adaptable organisms that have evolved remarkable strategies...

Air pollution, a pervasive and often <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-composition-of-us-air-pollution-has-changed-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invisible threat</a>, has been literally brought to light through an innovative collaboration between researchers and artists.



By combining digital light painting with low-cost air pollution sensors, a team has created striking photographic evidence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution levels</a> in cities across Ethiopia, India, and the UK.



This project not only highlights the health risks posed by this environmental hazard but also sparks crucial discussions within local communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visible-air-pollution-in-images">Visible air pollution in images</h2>



Photographs from the "Air of the Anthropocene" project have fostered dialogue about the impacts of air pollution. The project was created by photographer Robin Price and Professor Francis Pope, an environmental scientist at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>.



"Air pollution is the leading global environmental risk factor," noted Professor Pope. "By painting with light to create impactful images, we provide people with an easy-to-understand way of comparing air pollution in different contexts - making something that was largely invisible visible."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-meets-science">Art meets science</h2>



The team used low-cost air pollution sensors to measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-farming-and-wildfires-is-more-likely-to-cause-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particulate matter</a> (PM) concentrations.



The real-time signals of the sensors controlled a moving LED array, programmed to flash more rapidly as PM concentrations increased. This innovative approach turned data into visual art.



"By providing a visual understanding of air pollution that is accessible to people who don’t necessarily have a scientific background, the light painting approach can demonstrate that managing air pollution levels can have a significant impact on people’s day-to-day lives," noted Price.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-striking-comparisons-across-continents">Striking comparisons across continents</h2>



The project revealed stark differences in air pollution across various locations:



<ul>
<li>In Ethiopia, indoor PM2.5 concentrations in a kitchen using biomass stoves were up to 20 times higher than nearby outdoor levels.</li>



<li>In India, PM2.5 values in a rural playground in Palampur were at least 12.5 times lower than those in an urban playground in Delhi.</li>



<li>In Wales, PM2.5 concentrations around the Port Talbot steelworks varied between 30-40 mg/m3, compared to an hourly average of 24 mg/m3.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engaging-the-public-through-art">Engaging the public through art</h2>



"Air of the Anthropocene creates spaces and places for discussion about air pollution, using art as a proxy to communicate and create dialogues about the issues associated with air pollution," said Professor Pope.



Study co-author Carlo Luiu from the University of Birmingham emphasized the power of images in provoking emotions, fostering awareness, and encouraging action to tackle this environmental threat.



The photos have been exhibited at gallery shows in Los Angeles, Belfast, and Birmingham. 



The project has also been used to raise air pollution awareness by UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), and UN-Habitat - which commissioned four pollution light paintings and texts to be displayed in Kampala, Uganda.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-air-pollution-crisis">Global air pollution crisis</h2>



Air pollution is a major environmental and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health threat</a>, responsible for millions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tens-of-thousands-of-premature-deaths-linked-to-human-ignited-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">premature deaths</a> annually.



The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the global population breathes polluted air, causing around seven million deaths each year.



The issue is particularly severe in Asia and Africa, where rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to significant air quality deterioration.



Particulate matter is the primary pollutant responsible for health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and cancers. The innovative approach of the "Air of the Anthropocene" project shines a light on this invisible killer, urging communities and policymakers to take action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



The study has significant implications for both public health and environmental policy. By making particulate matter visible through digital light painting, the harsh reality of air pollution becomes tangible and accessible to the general public.



This innovative approach can enhance public awareness of the health risks associated with pollution, potentially leading to increased community engagement and advocacy for cleaner air. Policymakers can use the visual data to support stricter air quality regulations and promote sustainable practices.



The project also highlights the global nature of air pollution, encouraging international cooperation to address this widespread issue. 



By comparing pollution levels across diverse regions, the research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in areas with the highest pollution levels.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01409-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



Image Credit: Robin Price 



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'Painting with light' project makes air pollution visible

Air pollution, a pervasive and often invisible threat, has been...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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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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