<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...

Close,Up,Of,Female,Famer,Hands,Holding,Soil,Outdoors,At

Regenerative agriculture has become the focus of the agricultural community as farmers in the U.S. face the harsh realities of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-pool-of-global-soil-carbon-alters-climate-change-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> -- extreme heat, drought, heavy rainfall, flooding, and erosion.



This innovative approach promises not only to improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-microbes-may-shape-the-flavor-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a> but also to provide financial opportunities through "carbon farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-regenerative-agriculture">What is regenerative agriculture?</h2>



Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach that focuses on enhancing and restoring the health of the soil, ecosystems, and the environment while producing food. It goes beyond sustainable practices, which aim to maintain the status quo, by actively improving the land. 



The key principles of regenerative agriculture include:



<ul>
<li>Minimizing soil disturbance: Reducing tillage and avoiding the use of heavy machinery to maintain soil structure and integrity.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Maximizing crop diversity: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-farming-could-increase-food-productivity-and-reduce-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planting a variety of crops</a> and using crop rotation to enhance soil health and reduce pests and diseases.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Keeping the soil covered: Using cover crops, mulch, and crop residues to protect the soil from erosion, regulate temperature, and retain moisture.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Maintaining living roots in the soil: Planting cover crops and perennials to keep roots in the soil year-round, which supports soil microorganisms and improves soil health.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Integrating livestock: Using managed grazing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-dormant-soil-microbes-survive-in-a-60-year-old-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improve soil fertility</a>, control weeds, and enhance biodiversity.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Reducing external inputs: Minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and instead relying on natural processes to maintain soil health and productivity.</li>
</ul>



<ol></ol>



By implementing these practices, regenerative agriculture aims to sequester carbon in the soil, improve water retention and infiltration, enhance biodiversity, and create more resilient food systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-and-practical-challenges">Financial and practical challenges</h2>



Despite the potential benefits, many farmers have been hesitant to join carbon market programs. Surveys indicate that low carbon prices and extensive paperwork deter participation.



However, a recent study published in Agriculture and Human Values reveals that financial factors are not the only barriers. 



Many farmers view soil health improvement as a pathway to a better quality of life, reducing their dependence on agrochemical companies' products and advice.



"Farmers are really looking to get off that treadmill of high-input, high yield commodity agriculture," says Susanne Freidberg, a professor of geography at <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/">Dartmouth College</a> and co-lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-field">Insights from the field</h2>



The study, based on interviews with over 80 farmers in Kansas and Nebraska, explores their experiences with regenerative practices. 



These farmers, managing farms ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand acres, shared a range of experiences from recent adopters to veterans with over 20 years of practice.



Recent adopters cited high input costs, soil erosion concerns, and success stories from other farmers as motivations to explore <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-can-be-managed-to-benefit-biodiversity-and-soil-health/">soil health</a>. They often began their journey by attending field days or conferences.



As they implemented new practices, they developed new mindsets and relationships.



"Farmers who had implemented regenerative practices talked a lot about how they paid attention to interactions between the different kinds of life in their fields -- cover crops, earthworms, and especially soil microbes," Freidberg noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-dynamics-of-regenerative-agriculture">Social dynamics of regenerative agriculture</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-soil-microbes-could-revolutionize-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Below-ground microbial activity</a> not only builds soil fertility, allowing farmers to use less fertilizer, but also helps reduce erosion, conserve water, and sequester carbon.



However, practices beneficial to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-microbes-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil microbes</a> sometimes strained relationships with neighbors and landlords.



"Farmers mentioned that when they stopped tilling and started planting multi-species cover crops, they started getting strange looks at their local coffee shop because now their fields looked messy," Freidberg explained.



These tensions underscored the importance of support networks among regenerative farmers. Many joined informal "support groups" to share experiences or farm equipment. 



"Farmers who viewed regenerative agriculture as a way to gain more personal freedom also saw that this freedom depended on the support of other farmers," Freidberg said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-personal-fulfillment-and-carbon-programs">Personal fulfillment and carbon programs</h2>



Farmers also appreciated the return of birds and wildlife to their fields and found their daily work more enjoyable and interesting. 



Those who signed up for carbon programs preferred ones without long-term commitments or major changes to their practices. 



One farmer described the extra income from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-carbon-footprint-urban-farms-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> farming as "beer money."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-carbon-farming">Future of carbon farming</h2>



The opportunities for carbon farming expanded with the rollout of USDA-funded "climate smart" commodities projects in 2023, around the time the Dartmouth study concluded. 



These projects, often led by large food and agribusiness companies, offer financial incentives for adopting regenerative practices. However, widespread farmer participation will depend on how well these projects align with farmers' values.



"When farmers talk about the return on investment on regenerative agriculture, they're talking about more than just money," Freidberg emphasized.



In summary, while the financial benefits of regenerative agriculture are significant, many farmers are drawn to these practices for the broader improvements they bring to their lives and communities.



By focusing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil health</a>, farmers are not only nurturing their land but also fostering a more sustainable and fulfilling way of farming.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10460-024-10558-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture and Human Values</a>.



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Farmers are adopting regenerative agriculture for better soil health

Regenerative agriculture has become the focus of the agricultural community...

Top,View,Square,Block,Cement,Concrete,Green,Grass,Pattern,Parking.

A research team led by Reza Moini, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Princeton University, has developed a new cement composite material that is remarkably more crack-resistant and flexible than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recycled-cement-is-an-absolute-miracle-to-lower-concrete-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">standard cement</a>. 



The findings, published on June 10 in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mycocrete-new-material-made-of-fungi-hopes-to-replace-concrete-in-construction-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">revolutionize the construction industry</a> and improve the safety and durability of a wide range of brittle ceramic materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-s-blueprint-provides-secret-recipe">Nature's blueprint provides secret recipe</h2>



The inspiration for this innovative cement composite came from an unlikely source: the material that makes up oyster and abalone shells, known as nacre or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mother-pearl-record-ancient-ocean-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mother of pearl</a>. 



Shashank Gupta, a graduate student in Moini's <a href="https://www.princeton.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Princeton University</a> lab, explained that at the microscopic level, nacre consists of hexagonal tablets of a hard mineral called aragonite, glued together by a soft biopolymer.



"This synergy between the hard and soft components is crucial to nacre's remarkable mechanical properties," Gupta said.



The aragonite tablets contribute significantly to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-of-earths-stratosphere-has-important-implications-for-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nacre's strength</a>, while the biopolymer adds flexibility and crack resistance. 



When under stress, the aragonite tablets slide, allowing the nacre to dissipate energy and maintain its structural integrity, making it both strong and resilient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-a-tougher-cement-material">Engineering a tougher cement material</h2>



Inspired by nacre's unique properties, the Princeton team set out to create a cement composite that mimics its structure using conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cement-absorbs-co2-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction materials</a> like Portland cement paste and a limited amount of polymer.



The researchers created multi-layered small beams by alternating cement paste sheets with thin layers of a highly stretchable polymer called polyvinyl siloxane. 



They then subjected these beams to a notched three-point bending test to evaluate their crack resistance and fracture toughness.



The team produced three types of beams:



<ol>
<li>one with alternating layers of cement paste sheets and thin polymer</li>



<li>another with hexagonal grooves engraved into the cement paste sheets using a laser</li>



<li>a third with completely separated hexagonal tablets connected by the polymer layer, similar to how aragonite lies on the biopolymer layer in nacre</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-results-17-times-more-crack-resistant">Remarkable results: 17-times more crack-resistant</h2>



The experiments revealed that the beams with completely separated hexagonal tablets, which closely resemble nacre's structure, exhibited the most significant improvements. 



These beams demonstrated 19 times the ductility and 17 times the fracture toughness while retaining nearly the same strength as the solid cement paste beam.



"Our bio-inspired approach is not to simply mimic nature's microstructure but to learn from the underlying principles and use that to inform the engineering of human-made materials," Moini said. "We intentionally engineer defects in the brittle materials as a way to make them stronger by design."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-in-cement-construction-materials">New era in cement construction materials</h2>



While the findings are based on lab conditions and additional research is needed to develop the techniques for use in the field, the potential implications for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wind-farms-quickly-neutralize-carbon-footprint-from-their-construction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction industry</a> are vast.



"If we can engineer concrete to resist crack propagation, we can make it tougher, safer and more durable," Gupta said.



The researchers are working to determine whether the structures' fracture toughness and ductility apply to other ceramic materials beyond cement paste, such as concrete.



"We are only scratching the surface; there will be numerous design possibilities to explore and engineer the constitutive hard and soft material properties, the interfaces, and the geometric aspects that play into the fundamental size effects in construction materials," Moini said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crack-resistant-cement-inspired-by-nature">Crack-resistant cement inspired by nature</h2>



In summary, the research conducted by Princeton engineers opens up a world of possibilities for creating stronger, safer, and more durable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-can-be-recycled-into-construction-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">construction materials</a>. 



By drawing inspiration from the intricate design of nacre found in oyster and abalone shells, the team has developed a cement composite that dramatically improves crack resistance and flexibility. 



As the researchers continue to explore the potential applications of this bio-inspired approach, the construction industry stands to benefit from a new era of resilient and sustainable materials. 



The future of building lies in the hands of innovative minds who dare to look to nature for solutions, and the Princeton team has taken a significant step forward in cracking the code of engineered resilience.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202313516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Functional Materials</a>.



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New crack-resistant cement material inspired by nature

A research team led by Reza Moini, an assistant professor...

A recent study has revealed that U.S. adults are more confident in associating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-significantly-impacts-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> and heat with climate change compared to other extreme weather events such as hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The research was based on a survey of 1,071 U.S. adults in September 2021.



The recurring biweekly AmeriSpeak Omnibus survey aims to understand public perceptions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-shattered-extreme-cold-records-during-global-heat-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events and their links to anthropogenic climate change.



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



Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. 



These environmental changes are primarily linked to human activities - such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes - which increase greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The gases trap heat, leading to global warming and alterations in weather patterns.



Consequences include more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and disruptions to ecosystems. 



Addressing climate change requires global efforts to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and implement sustainable practices to protect the planet for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-views-and-personal-experience">Political views and personal experience</h2>



The findings indicate that politics and personal experiences significantly influence people's beliefs about climate change.



Self-identified Republicans were generally less likely than Democrats to attribute extreme weather events to climate change. 



However, Republicans who had personally experienced negative impacts from extreme weather were more likely to make the connection than those who had not.



Overall, 83% of respondents believed there is some link between extreme weather events and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-caused climate change</a>, while about 17% thought climate change had no connection to extreme weather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-perceptions-and-event-attribution">Public perceptions and event attribution</h2>



“There is a growing field of scientific extreme event attribution to climate change, but we know less about what the public thinks,” said Hilary Boudet, co-author of the study and an associate professor in <a href="https://catalog.oregonstate.edu/college-departments/liberal-arts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSU’s College of Liberal Arts</a>.



“This work helps us to better understand public perceptions of event attribution to climate change. What the public thinks is important because these perceptions shape individual behavior and policy support.”



The survey participants were asked to rate their confidence on a scale of 1 to 5 in linking the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, heat, rainfall/flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes to anthropogenic climate change.



For instance, a respondent absolutely certain that climate change is to blame for increased wildfires would choose “5” for that question. 



The survey also inquired if respondents had personally experienced any negative impacts from these extreme weather events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-heat-and-climate-change">Wildfires, heat and climate change</h2>



The study found that more than 47% of respondents were "very" or "extremely confident" in linking increased wildfires to climate change. Similarly, roughly 42% expressed the same level of confidence regarding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-endured-an-extra-month-of-extreme-heat-in-the-past-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat</a>.



Differences between political affiliations were most pronounced in the context of extreme heat and least pronounced regarding hurricanes. Additionally, factors such as race, education, and income also influenced responses.



Although the survey did not ask respondents to explain their confidence ratings, study co-author Professor Philip Mote offered some insights.



For example, the impact of wildfires extends far beyond the flames. Last year, during massive wildfires in eastern Canada, New Yorkers 1,500 miles away experienced poor air quality due to drifting smoke. In contrast, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods tend to affect more localized areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-attribution-of-extreme-weather">Public attribution of extreme weather </h2>



The researchers also examined how closely public attribution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> aligns with scientific consensus. The weakest alignment was observed in the context of wildfires.



This discrepancy might be due to the narrow scientific definition that only records the number of extreme fires, rather than overall fire weather. The general public likely considers all hot, dry conditions contributing to worsening wildfires amid climate change.



The researchers emphasize that understanding and improving public perceptions of extreme weather linked to climate change is crucial for maximizing the impact of mitigation efforts.



Accurate perceptions ensure that resources are directed towards actions that can make a real difference, rather than towards events that trigger the largest public response.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-024-03735-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climatic Change</a>.



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Most people attribute extreme heat and wildfires to climate change

A recent study has revealed that U.S. adults are more...

In response to mounting environmental crises, countries worldwide have recognized the urgent need for more robust ocean conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protection</a> of our planet.



The ambitious "30x30" initiative, which aims to protect 30 percent of Earth's surface by 2030, was proposed to address this need.



However, despite the popularity of conservation in principle, the high costs often hinder significant progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-based-approach-to-conservation">Market-based approach to conservation </h2>



Researchers from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> have introduced a novel market-based approach to achieve the 30x30 targets for ocean conservation.



Their study explores whether a system allowing countries to trade conservation credits can reduce costs and incentivize nations to meet their goals.



The findings are promising: voluntary trade always reduced the cost of conservation, sometimes by more than 90 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-biodiversity-framework">Global biodiversity framework</h2>



The 30x30 initiative is part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, established in the early 1990s. Specifically, it is Target No. 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted by 196 countries at the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2022.



The GBF aims to protect and manage 30% of the world's terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine areas by 2030. 



Achieving this goal is crucial for the planet's long-term health. However, the framework does not specify which areas to protect, how to do so inclusively, or how to fund these efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-year-journey-of-the-project">Four-year journey of the project </h2>



"This project started just over four years ago," noted study co-author Juan Carlos Villaseñor-Derbez. At the time, many countries struggled to meet even the 10% protection benchmark.



"It seemed like most nations were genuinely committed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine conservation</a>, but the costs were preventing some from engaging at all."



The cost of ocean conservation varies significantly by location, as do the ecological benefits. Protecting high-value fisheries can conflict with important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-stress-causes-undetected-changes-in-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> like coral reefs and seagrass meadows. 



"Without an innovative policy solution, the cost of conservation for many nations could stall progress toward 30x30," said Villaseñor-Derbez.



The researchers proposed that trade could incentivize additional gains. Instead of investing in high-cost or low-benefit areas, countries could trade their conservation duties to focus on regions where protection yields higher returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-conservation-credit-system">Ocean conservation credit system</h2>



Environmental economists and scientists at UC Santa Barbara’s Environmental Markets Lab (emLab) designed an ocean conservation credit system. 



This system allows countries to trade their conservation obligations within a "transferable conservation market" policy, adhering to strict ecological principles.



"Like existing mandates, this approach requires every country to protect a certain fraction (say 30%) of its marine habitat," said Professor Christopher Costello, emLab’s director.



"But unlike other approaches, we allow those obligations to be traded across countries, within strict ecological constraints."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-cost-savings">Potential cost savings</h2>



Costello, Villaseñor-Derbez, and co-author Professor Andrew Plantinga created a model to estimate the potential costs and benefits of a conservation market. Using data from 23,699 marine species and fisheries revenue, they built conservation supply curves for coastal nations.



Furthermore, they defined “trade bubbles” based on biological and geographic factors, allowing countries to trade conservation credits within these predefined bubbles. This ensured equitable conservation across different marine habitats.



The model showed that a market for marine conservation always reduced costs, with potential savings ranging from 37.4 to 98 percent.



"It highlighted how inefficient it is to require uniform conservation obligations from each nation," noted Villaseñor-Derbez. "National boundaries don’t align with marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/">biodiversity</a> distribution patterns."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-conservation-efforts">Balancing conservation efforts</h2>



While a global market offered the highest savings, it risked focusing efforts on a single habitat type, neglecting others. To counter this, the team introduced the trade bubble constraint.



"When nations facing high costs are allowed to trade, they can ask, ‘Should I conserve in my waters at this high cost, or can I find someone in my bubble with similar habitat at a lower price?’” said Villaseñor-Derbez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fair-compensation-in-ocean-conservation">Fair compensation in ocean conservation</h2>



Some may worry that wealthy nations could exploit this system by offloading their conservation obligations onto poorer nations. 



However, the market is voluntary. "The selling nation only engages in trade if they find it advantageous," said Plantinga, who heads emLab’s Productive Landscapes Group.



The market approach offers flexibility for developing nations. It allows them to balance their finances against conservation costs, deciding how much to conserve domestically, buy from others, or offer for sale. This flexibility is not possible under the current 30x30 scheme.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incentivizing-habitat-restoration">Incentivizing habitat restoration</h2>



The system could also promote habitat restoration, aligning with Target No. 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Nations specializing in marine resource exploitation could compensate those focusing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> conservation.



"Our approach provides an explicit payment for conserving marine ecosystems," said Costello. "Under the current system, there is rarely a payment to conserve."



Lowering costs incentivizes action, a central tenet of economics used by governments and industries worldwide. 



The authors argue that these savings could be redirected toward other pressing environmental issues, leveraging economic principles to advance global ocean conservation efforts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://10.1126/science.adl4019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Ocean conservation: Credit system could reduce costs

In response to mounting environmental crises, countries worldwide have recognized...

Climate change has caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/historic-flooding-in-rio-grande-do-sul/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">historic floods</a> that devastated countries from Brazil to Kenya in recent months, and climate skeptics are now blaming a weather modification technique known as cloud seeding to deny the role of global warming in these extreme events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-and-climate-change">El Niño and climate change</h2>



Record rainfall brought to some regions by the natural weather cycle El Niño aligns with an expected increase in extreme weather events, experts say. 



However, online claims repeatedly suggest that geoengineering, rather than carbon emissions, is to blame.



For example, after unprecedented downpours hit Dubai, conservative commentator Robby Starbuck told his 460,000 followers on X in April: "Dubai airport looks like an apocalyptic movie. Videos of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a> are insane. I've seen some blaming climate change when the cause is actually from the use of weather modification. Cloud seeding where chemicals are sprayed in clouds to create rain caused this."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-seeding-and-public-perception">Cloud seeding and public perception</h2>



Claims of weather manipulation appeared after every major flood this year, including in Zimbabwe, the United Arab Emirates, and other nations. 



According to Google Trends data, searches for cloud seeding reached a record high after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/storms-dumped-record-rainfall-in-the-united-arab-emirates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dubai floods</a> in April.



Posts on X, such as "I have not agreed to our planet having cloud seeding everywhere, have you?" reflect a growing public belief that cloud seeding is to blame for recent rainfall.



Cloud seeding introduces tiny particles into the sky to induce rain over small geographical areas and has gained popularity worldwide as a way to combat drought and increase local water supplies. 



However, scientists assert that the technique cannot create weather or trigger rainfall at the scale observed in countries like Germany and the United States.



"Due to the strong natural variability of clouds, there exists very little scientific proof that cloud seeding has indeed a measurable effect on precipitation," stated Andrea Flossmann, co-chair of an expert team on weather modification at the <a href="https://wmo.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a>.



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



Experts agree that climate change has doubled the likelihood of floods in southern Brazil and worsened the intense rains caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a>.



"There's definitely a consensus that climate change is responsible for many of these extreme weather events," said Mariana Madruga de Brito, a Brazilian scientist from Rio Grande do Sul, the state that suffered historic flooding in May. 



She noted that people were posting photos of clouds on social media shortly after the floods, claiming they had been "fabricated" and questioning scientific institutions. 



However, Madruga de Brito argued that cloud seeding cannot be causing events of this magnitude.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-climate-denial">Reinforcing climate denial</h2>



Di Yang, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wyoming</a>, said extensive research over several decades has shown "no definitive large-scale or long-term impacts from cloud seeding."



Yet, the technique remains a recurring target for climate skeptics. The AFP has debunked several false claims of weather manipulation after major floods in recent years.



Callum Hood, head of research at the <a href="https://counterhate.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Countering Digital Hate</a>, said that as severe weather events become more frequent, climate deniers are putting extra efforts into claiming these extremes have nothing to do with climate change. "You see this every summer now."



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



As more changes are recorded in seasons and ecosystems, Hood mentioned that "a slightly more conspiratorial and newer argument" is overtaking older narratives that simply deny Earth's warming. These arguments attempt to attribute extreme weather events to geoengineering or other causes.



Lincoln Muniz Alves, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.gov.br/inpe/pt-br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazil National Institute for Space Research</a>, emphasized that false narratives obstruct effective communication during environmental crises and "reinforce the views of those who deny the reality of climate change."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reality-of-climate-change-and-flooding">Reality of climate change and flooding</h2>



Weather modification methods remain controversial in the scientific community due to potential unintended consequences such as excess rain and pollution. However, experts urge that such caution should not discredit the reality of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate crisis</a>.



"This focus on cloud seeding misses the larger picture – for more than a century, humans have been releasing greenhouse gasses that have warmed the planet and made heavy rain more likely in many regions of the world," stated dward Gryspeerdt, a research fellow at<a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Imperial College London</a>'s <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grantham Institute</a>.



"We are already manipulating the weather at a global scale larger than would ever be possible through cloud seeding."



While cloud seeding is a topic of debate, the overwhelming scientific consensus points to climate change as the primary driver of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide.



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Climate change denial: Historic floods are not caused by cloud seeding

Climate change has caused historic floods that devastated countries from...

While 2023 is marked by unprecedented global heat waves, an unexpected twist occurred with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-extreme-cold-events-fit-climate-change-model-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme cold</a> temperatures in Antarctica.



A new study published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-024-4139-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</a> highlights the surprising and severe cold events that struck the continent in late winter (July and August).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-and-its-extreme-cold">Antarctica and its extreme cold</h2>



Antarctica, Earth's southernmost continent, is an icy wilderness known for its extreme cold. Covering about 14 million square kilometers, it holds 90% of the world's ice and 70% of its fresh water. 



Despite its harsh environment, Antarctica is a key area for scientific research, offering insights into climate change, glaciology, and marine biology.



The continent experiences the coldest temperatures on Earth, with the lowest recorded temperature being -89.2°C (-128.6°F) at the Soviet Union's Vostok Station in 1983. 



The Antarctic climate is influenced by its high latitude and altitude, long polar nights, and persistent katabatic winds that descend from the interior. These winds can reach speeds of over 200 km/h (124 mph), contributing to the continent's frigid conditions.



Antarctica's ice sheets and glaciers play a crucial role in regulating global sea levels. Recent studies have shown that parts of the Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birth-of-an-iceberg-a-83-breaks-free-from-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> sheet are melting at an accelerating rate, which could significantly impact coastal regions worldwide. 



Additionally, the continent's isolation has preserved unique ecosystems both on land and in the surrounding Southern Ocean, making it a natural laboratory for studying the impacts of environmental changes.



International cooperation governs Antarctica under the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes peaceful scientific collaboration and protects the continent's environment. Despite its remote location, Antarctica's future remains closely linked to global climate dynamics and environmental health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-low-cold-in-antarctica">Record low cold in Antarctica</h2>



In a comprehensive examination of late winter 2023, researchers observed extreme cold temperatures across a broad region of Antarctica. 



The Antarctic Meteorological Research and Data Center at the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a> noted that record cold temperatures were documented at various sites across the continent.



“Record cold temperatures were observed in our Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) network as well as other locations around the region,” said the researchers.



“These phases were marked by new record low temperatures recorded at both staffed and automatic weather stations, spanning East Antarctica, the Ross Ice Shelf, and West Antarctica to the Antarctic Peninsula.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contrasting-climate-patterns">Contrasting climate patterns</h2>



One of the highest points, Kunlun Station, recorded its lowest temperature ever at -79.4°C, about 5°C lower than the monthly average. 



Professor Minghu Ding from the State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather at the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences noted: “Interestingly, at the same time, record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shocking-record-temperatures-have-we-reached-a-point-of-no-return/">high temperatures</a> were occurring in South America, which is relatively close to Antarctica.”



In Chile, temperatures soared close to 40°C (104°F), while Rio de Janeiro broke a 117-year-old <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> record. This stark contrast raises questions about the mixed climate signals from Antarctica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-the-cold-phases">Analyzing the cold phases</h2>



The study identified four distinct cold phases from mid-July to the end of August 2023. An analysis of 500-hPa geopotential height anomalies revealed strong negative anomalies in August 2023.



This mid-tropospheric atmospheric environment played a crucial role in the observed extreme cold temperatures. 



The research suggests that both southerly flows from the continent and calm atmospheric conditions contributed to these cold spells.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-cold-on-antarctica-s-operations">Impact of cold on Antarctica's operations</h2>



With temperatures plummeting below -50°C, essential flight operations to key research stations were severely disrupted. These temperatures risked hydraulic failure and fuel gelling in aircraft, rendering safe flights impossible.



"These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-thunderstorms-trigger-extreme-cold-events-in-china/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme cold events</a> were unprecedented and had significant operational impacts," said David E. Mikolajczyk, the corresponding author of the study. "Understanding these conditions helps us better prepare for future challenges in Antarctic logistics."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-extreme-cold-events">Climate change and extreme cold events </h2>



Climate change, primarily driven by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, is causing significant shifts in global weather patterns. 



While the general trend is towards warming, this does not mean that cold weather or extreme cold events will disappear. In fact, climate change can lead to more extreme and unpredictable weather, including severe cold snaps.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polar-vortex">Polar vortex</h3>



One key factor in this phenomenon is the disruption of the polar vortex, a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth's poles. As the Arctic warms faster than other parts of the world, the temperature difference between the Arctic and the equator decreases. 



This can weaken the polar vortex, causing it to become unstable and meander. When this happens, cold Arctic air can spill southwards into regions that usually experience milder winters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jet-stream">Jet stream</h3>



Additionally, the jet stream, a fast-flowing ribbon of air high in the atmosphere, can become wavier and more erratic due to the reduced temperature gradient between the poles and the equator. This can result in prolonged periods of unusual weather, including extended cold spells.



Therefore, while the overarching trend of climate change is towards global warming, the variability in weather patterns can lead to significant cold events. These occurrences are a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of climate change and its impacts on our weather systems.



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Antarctica shattered extreme cold records during global heat wave

While 2023 is marked by unprecedented global heat waves, an...

Recent research on carbon dioxide removal has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of nature-based methods for removing carbon dioxide (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>) from the ocean.



This study highlights that a limited understanding of basic ocean processes is hindering progress in marine carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and the ongoing commercialization of some approaches is seen as premature and misguided.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-removal-and-climate">Carbon dioxide removal and climate</h2>



Carbon dioxide removal is vital in combating climate change. As carbon dioxide levels rise due to human activities, the planet's temperature increases, leading to severe weather, rising sea levels, and disrupted ecosystems. 



Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can help stabilize global temperatures and reduce the impact of climate change. Effective carbon dioxide removal methods can complement emissions reductions, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mitigating climate risks. 



This process is crucial for achieving international climate goals, protecting biodiversity, and sustaining human health and well-being. Investing in carbon dioxide removal technologies and strategies is essential for a sustainable and resilient future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-based-carbon-dioxide-removal">Nature-based carbon dioxide removal </h2>



In a new paper, scientists from several leading institutions, including the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of East Anglia (UEA)</a> and the <a href="https://www.imas.utas.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies</a>, have reviewed the effectiveness of four nature-based carbon removal techniques that utilize marine biological processes.



The methods include shellfish cultivation, seaweed farming, coastal blue carbon (using the restoration of seagrass, saltmarsh, and mangrove forests), and increasing whale populations through "re-wilding."



The experts concluded that while these activities offer significant non-climatic benefits, they cannot provide a meaningful contribution to carbon dioxide removal. According to the researchers, these methods risk being "dead ends" for effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-potential-of-tidal-wetlands-as-blue-carbon-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate mitigation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-with-marine-based-carbon-dioxide-removal">Challenges with marine-based carbon dioxide removal</h2>



To limit global warming to less than 2°C, both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-pricing-is-effective-in-reducing-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions reductions</a> and substantial carbon dioxide removal are necessary.



Achieving this goal requires developing and massively scaling up multiple techniques to remove billions of tons of CO2 annually within the next 30-50 years.



However, the researchers argue that many new methods, particularly ocean-based CDR, are being proposed without sufficient checks and balances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insufficient-understanding-and-oversight">Insufficient understanding and oversight</h2>



The experts warned that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-strategies-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean-based</a> approaches reviewed are being promoted without a thorough understanding of the fundamental science.



"Here, we focus on four ocean-based CDR methods that, in our opinion, are being advocated, not only by scientists, but also in many cases by the private sector, without due diligence on the underpinning fundamental science," wrote the study authors.



"Proponents of these methods have an incomplete or incorrect grasp not only of how the ocean carbon cycle functions, but also the massive up-scaling needed to provide significant climatic benefits," said Dr. Phil Williamson.



"Such upscaling brings other ocean processes into play that could cancel out the effectiveness of the proposed CDR approach. In each case, misunderstanding and knowledge gaps affect the credibility of carbon offset schemes."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modest-contributions-to-carbon-dioxide-removal">Modest contributions to carbon dioxide removal </h2>



Professor Philip Boyd, lead author from the University of Tasmania, pointed out that the non-climatic benefits of these actions could greatly exceed their modest or non-existent contributions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/removing-carbon-dioxide-from-seawater/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean-based carbon dioxide removal</a>.



"Those advocating these approaches have given insufficient attention to basic constraints relating to ecosystem functioning and the ocean carbon cycle, for example, ignoring the many processes returning CO2 to the atmosphere, as well as the challenges of implementation at a climatically significant scale, the (in)security of carbon storage, and the many difficulties in reliable quantification of climatic benefits," said Professor Boyd.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-better-communication-and-research">Need for better communication and research </h2>



The authors emphasize the need for better communication of the basic criteria for carbon dioxide removal viability using marine processes. 



Safety, durability, verifiability, and scalability should be used to prioritize relevant research and development funding by governments and provide checks and balances for policymakers. 



The study raises concerns over the opportunity costs - resources directed at these approaches that could be better invested in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circular-economy-needed-to-reduce-americas-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reducing emissions</a> and other CDR methods, both land and ocean-based, that are more likely to be safe, sustainable, durable, verifiable, and scalable.



"We believe that the use of these four nature-based approaches for carbon offsets is more likely to represent greenwashing rather than these methods becoming the ‘climate heroes’ that some people are claiming," concluded Dr. Williamson.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad502f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Ocean-based carbon dioxide removal may not be effective

Recent research on carbon dioxide removal has raised significant concerns...

Urban life seems to provide an ideal environment for plant diseases like powdery mildew. This particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungal-disease-threatens-banana-production-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fungal disease</a> affects many plants, including garden vegetables and roadside weeds.



A recent study has shed light on this phenomenon, uncovering patterns that could help us understand why this disease is more prevalent in cities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patterns-of-plant-disease-in-the-city">Patterns of plant disease in the city</h2>



The research, led by Professor Rachel Penczykowski of <a href="https://wustl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington University in St. Louis</a>, tracked powdery mildew infestations on common broadleaf weeds. The analysis included 22 sites in the St. Louis area, ranging from the rural Shaw Nature Reserve to Forest Park in the heart of the city. 



The researchers discovered a surprising trend: city weeds had significantly more mildew than those in the suburbs or countryside. “Now we need to figure out what’s driving those patterns,” said Penczykowski.



While the specific fungus studied is harmless to other plants or animals, different species of powdery mildew pose significant threats to vegetable gardens, flowers, and vineyards. “It’s a big concern in different agricultural industries,” noted Quinn Fox, a recent PhD graduate and the study’s lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shade-and-mildew-growth">Shade and mildew growth</h2>



At any given location, mildew thrived in shaded areas provided by trees or buildings. This was confirmed by experiments at an environmental field station, where potted plants in the shade of solar array panels had more mildew than those in full sun.



However, this finding led to a larger question: if mildew prefers shade, why is it so common in sunny urban areas? “That’s the paradox,” noted Penczykowski.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-heat-and-mildew-spread">Urban heat and mildew spread</h2>



The heat of city life might be a double-edged sword for mildew. Urban areas, including St. Louis, are warmer due to the “urban heat island” effect, where pavement, buildings, and other structures absorb and retain heat.



While extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-heat-is-threatening-wheat-and-the-global-food-supply/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer heat</a> can be deadly to powdery mildew, the additional warmth may help spores grow faster in the spring.



Additionally, human activities and vehicles may facilitate the spread of spores along busy city roads and between parks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-shade-in-plant-diseases">The role of shade in plant diseases </h2>



In follow-up studies, the research team sowed seeds from various locations in a greenhouse and transplanted them into gardens across the St. Louis region. 



Each garden was divided into full sun and shade treatments, with plants and temperatures monitored over a year. 



The preliminary results suggest that while extra heat is generally detrimental to mildew growth, small patches of shade can still promote infestations, even in hot urban environments.



“We’re starting to understand how heat and other aspects of human activity can change the dynamics of disease in plants,” said Fox.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-agriculture-risks">Urban agriculture risks</h2>



St. Louis has a vibrant urban agriculture scene, with numerous backyard and community gardens. However, little research has been done to understand the specific risks of plant diseases to urban agriculture. 



“There are a lot of backyard gardens and community gardens. But very little work has been done on understanding the particular risks of plant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-technology-can-detect-plant-diseases-from-above/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a> to agriculture in cities,” noted Penczykowski.



This study highlights the need for further research into how city environments affect plant diseases, which could lead to better management practices and healthier urban gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-and-plant-diseases-nbsp">Global warming and plant diseases&nbsp;</h2>



Global warming, characterized by the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases, has significant impacts on plant diseases.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distribution-nbsp-of-plant-diseases">Distribution&nbsp;of plant diseases </h3>



As temperatures rise, the distribution of many plant pathogens is altered. Diseases that were once confined to tropical and subtropical regions are now appearing in temperate zones, broadening the range of affected crops and ecosystems.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favorable-conditions-nbsp">Favorable conditions&nbsp;</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacterial-disease-that-devours-olive-trees-is-thriving-in-a-warmer-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Higher temperatures</a> and changes in precipitation patterns create more favorable conditions for certain pathogens, leading to more severe outbreaks of diseases like rusts, blights, and mildews.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles">Life cycles</h3>



Warmer climates can speed up the life cycles of pathogens, increasing the number of infection cycles per growing season, which can result in more rapid spread and greater severity of plant diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-stress">Heat stress</h3>



Heat stress and drought conditions, which are becoming more common due to global warming, weaken plants and make them more susceptible to infections.&nbsp;Stressed plants are less capable of mounting effective defenses against pathogens.&nbsp;



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



Additionally, global warming affects interactions between plants and pests, which often serve as vectors for diseases. For instance, increased temperatures can lead to higher populations of aphids, which transmit plant viruses.



Examples of these changes include the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-plants-fight-climate-change-with-a-genetic-weapon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coffee rust</a>, caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, which has become more prevalent in higher altitudes of coffee-growing regions due to warmer temperatures.



These shifts highlight the interconnectedness of climate change and agricultural health, emphasizing the need for adaptive management strategies to protect crops and ensure food security.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.4313" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Plant diseases flourish in city landscapes

Urban life seems to provide an ideal environment for plant...

Although we often seek peace and quiet in the woods, a recent study led by the USDA Forest Service <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/rmrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocky Mountain Research Station</a> has revealed that our recreation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noise</a> follows us, disturbing wildlife. 



This noise triggers fear responses in animals, akin to escaping predators, raising concerns about whether these habitats offer real refuge when humans are present and highlighting the need to balance recreation and conservation.



“Providing outdoor recreational opportunities to people and protecting wildlife are dual goals of many land managers,” wrote the study authors.



“However, recreation is associated with negative effects on wildlife, ranging from increased stress hormones to shifts in habitat use to lowered reproductive success.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-responses-to-recreation-noise-nbsp">Wildlife responses to recreation noise&nbsp;</h2>



“Wildlife responses to recreation noise are often unobservable, and it was a fun research challenge,” said lead author Katherine Zeller, an expert in wildlife biology at the Rocky Mountain Research Station.&nbsp;



“Our study is the first to quantify responses to human-produced recreation noise based on recreation type, group size, group vocalizations, and wildlife species. Information like this can help managers balance recreation opportunities with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildlife-conservation-can-help-stabilize-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> management, which is critical as outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mimicking-recreation-noise-to-study-wildlife">Mimicking recreation noise to study wildlife</h2>



The research was conducted in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming. The scientists used an innovative method to isolate and study the effects of recreation noise on various mammal species.&nbsp;



The team placed wildlife cameras and speakers on trails, playing different types of noise when animals approached and capturing their reactions. These noises mimicked activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle use, with variations in group size and vocal presence.&nbsp;



This setup allowed scientists to observe immediate changes in animal behavior and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/inequitable-impacts-of-urban-noise-pollution-harm-people-and-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> presence in response to these noises. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-of-the-study">Key findings of the study</h2>



<ul>
<li>Increased fleeing and vigilance: Wildlife were 3.1 to 4.7 times more likely to flee and showed vigilance behaviors for 2.2 to 3.0 times longer when exposed to recreation noise compared to natural sounds or silence.</li>



<li>Reduced wildlife presence: The local wildlife abundance was 1.5 times lower in the week following exposure to recreation noise.</li>



<li>Impact of group size and activity type: Larger groups, especially vocal hikers and mountain bikers, had a 6 to 8 times greater likelihood of causing wildlife to flee.</li>



<li>Species sensitivity: Elk and black bears were most sensitive to recreation noise, fleeing most consistently, while large carnivores were least affected.</li>
</ul>



“Our findings highlight the need for thoughtful planning, with potential consideration of noise mitigation measures to minimize the impact on wildlife while still providing outdoor recreational opportunities for people,” said study co-author Mark Ditmer, an ecologist at the Rocky Mountain Research Station.



“Noise from recreation can carry far beyond a trail system, so understanding how noise alone can affect wildlife is important for management.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-human-noise-on-wildlife">Impacts of human noise on wildlife</h2>



Human noise has significant impacts on wildlife, disrupting their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-and-light-pollution-alter-the-breeding-behavior-of-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural behaviors</a> and habitats. This noise, often originating from urban development, transportation, and industrial activities, can interfere with animals' communication, making it difficult for them to find mates, avoid predators, and care for their young. 



For instance, birds may sing louder and at higher pitches to be heard over the din, which can be energetically costly and less effective.&nbsp;



Marine life, particularly species like whales and dolphins that rely on echolocation, can be severely affected by underwater noise pollution from ships and sonar, leading to disorientation, stress, and even strandings.&nbsp;



Additionally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exposure-to-traffic-noise-disrupts-bird-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic noise exposure</a> can alter wildlife behavior, causing animals to avoid noisy areas, which may result in the loss of critical habitats and food sources. 



These disturbances can also affect reproduction rates and increase mortality rates due to accidents or predation in unfamiliar territories.&nbsp;



The overall biodiversity and health of ecosystems can be compromised as species struggle to adapt to the relentless presence of human-made noise.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Outdoor recreation noise triggers fear response in wildlife

Although we often seek peace and quiet in the woods,...

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally, responsible for approximately one in three deaths. There were over 20 million CVD fatalities reported in 2021, according to a 2024 World Heart Federation report.



Despite significant advancements in heart disease prevention, treatment, and intervention, climate change threatens to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reverse these gains</a>.



NASA confirms that the average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/">global temperature</a> has risen by more than two degrees Fahrenheit over the last century, resulting in long-term shifts in weather patterns, disturbed ecosystems, and rising sea levels. Alarmingly, the ten hottest years on record have all occurred within the past decade.



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



A new study conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.bidmc.org/">Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center</a> (BIDMC) has delved into the connection between climate change-related environmental stressors and cardiovascular disease. The team systematically reviewed 492 observational studies to explore this critical issue.



The findings reveal a strong association between extreme temperatures, hurricanes, and increased CVD mortality and incidence. 



Vulnerable populations, such as older adults, racial and ethnic minorities, and those from lower-income communities, are disproportionately affected.



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



“Climate change is already affecting our cardiovascular health,” said Dhruv S. Kazi, associate director of the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research at BIDMC and the study's corresponding author. 



"Exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-related-cardiovascular-deaths-may-double-in-the-coming-decades/">extreme heat</a> can adversely affect heart rate and blood pressure, ozone or wildfire smog can trigger systemic inflammation, and living through a natural disaster can cause psychological distress." 



"Hurricanes and floods may disrupt healthcare delivery through power outages and supply chain disruptions. In the long term, the changing climate is projected to reduce agricultural productivity and the nutritional quality of the food supply, which could also compromise <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-cardiovascular-health/">cardiovascular health</a>."



The research team screened nearly 21,000 peer-reviewed studies published between 1970 and 2023. 



These studies evaluated the associations between acute cardiovascular events, CVD mortality, healthcare utilization, and various climate change-related phenomena, including extreme temperatures, wildfires, air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-fuels-cardiovascular-deaths-worldwide/">pollution</a>, ground-level ozone, extreme weather events, sea level rise, salt-water intrusion, and climate-related migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-linked-to-cardiovascular-risks">Extreme weather linked to cardiovascular risks</h2>



Out of the 492 global observational studies included in the review, 182 examined extreme temperature, 210 focused on ground-level ozone effects, 45 investigated wildfire smoke, and 63 studied extreme weather events such as hurricanes, dust storms, and droughts. 



These studies spanned 30 high-income countries, 17 middle-income countries, and one low-income country.



The researchers found that exposure to extreme temperature was strongly linked to increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality, with the impact varying based on temperature and exposure duration. 



Extreme weather events, including tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, and mudslides, were also associated with heightened cardiovascular risk, often lasting months or even years beyond the severe weather event.



One study on Hurricane Sandy, which caused nearly $20 billion in damage in New York City alone in 2012, showed that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease remained elevated for up to 12 months after the storm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-knowledge-gaps">Addressing knowledge gaps </h2>



The researchers also identified significant gaps in knowledge regarding the impact of climate change on cardiovascular risk in lower-income nations.



Only one study was conducted in a low-income country, and just five were based in Africa, where climate change is expected to have disproportionate effects. 



“Though data on outcomes in low-income countries are lacking, our study shows that several environmental stressors already increasing in frequency and intensity with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/">climate change</a> are linked with increased cardiovascular risk,” noted senior author Dr. Mary B. Rice, a pulmonary and critical care physician at BIDMC.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recommendations-for-health-systems">Recommendations for health systems</h2>



These findings suggest that clinicians should be aware of climate-related cardiovascular risk in their community, whether related to extreme temperatures, wildfire smoke, or extreme weather events.



For instance, in areas prone to hurricanes or flooding, clinicians should help patients develop contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted access to medications and healthcare as needed. 



Health systems should also evaluate the resilience of their infrastructure to climate change.



“Climate change is already adversely affecting cardiovascular health in the U.S. and worldwide,” the researchers concluded. “Urgent action is needed to mitigate climate change-related cardiovascular risk, particularly among our most vulnerable populations.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/article-abstract/2820068">JAMA Cardiology</a>.



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Climate change worsens cardiovascular health risks

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death globally,...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> has reported significant advancements in reducing atmospheric levels of ozone-depleting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/use-of-banned-ozone-depleting-chemicals-is-increasing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a>, confirming the success of historic regulations. 



Particularly, the experts found a notable decline in hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are both harmful to the ozone layer and potent greenhouse gasses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limiting-the-use-of-ozone-depleting-chemicals-nbsp">Limiting the use of ozone-depleting chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, played a critical role by limiting the production and use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Initially, HCFCs were introduced as replacements for the more harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).&nbsp;



While the global production of CFCs has been banned since 2010, HCFCs are currently being phased out, with a target completion date of 2040.



“The results are very encouraging,” said lead author Luke Western, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Bristol’s School of Chemistry. “They underscore the great importance of establishing and sticking to international protocols.”&nbsp;



“Without the Montreal Protocol, this success would not have been possible, so it’s a resounding endorsement of multilateral commitments to combat stratospheric ozone depletion, with additional benefits in tackling human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adopting-ozone-friendly-alternatives-nbsp">Adopting ozone-friendly alternatives&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed that the total amount of ozone-depleting chlorine in all HCFCs peaked in 2021. This peak also marked the highest contribution of HCFCs to climate change, occurring five years earlier than predicted. Although the decrease in HCFC emissions between 2021 and 2023 was less than 1%, it indicates a positive trend.



“Their production is currently being phased out globally, with a completion date slated for 2040. In turn, these HCFCs are being replaced by non-ozone-depleting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other compounds. By enforcing strict controls and promoting the adoption of ozone-friendly alternatives, the protocol has successfully curbed the release and levels of HCFCs into the atmosphere,” Western explained.



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



The study relied on high-precision measurements from globally distributed atmospheric observatories, using data from the <a href="https://agage.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Advanced Global Atmospheric Gases Experiment</a> (AGAGE) and the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration</a> (NOAA). 



“We use highly sensitive measurement techniques and thorough protocols to ensure the reliability of these observations,” said co-author Martin Vollmer, an atmospheric scientist at the <a href="https://www.empa.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology</a> (EMPA).



“This study highlights the critical need to be vigilant and proactive in our environmental monitoring, ensuring other controlled ozone-depleting and greenhouse gases follow a similar trend which will help to protect the planet for future generations,” said Isaac Vimont, a research fellow at NOAA.



Overall, the findings offer a hopeful outlook on the effectiveness of global protocols in reducing harmful emissions and addressing both ozone depletion and climate change. Continued vigilance and adherence to these protocols are necessary to ensure the full recovery of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-particles-erode-the-ozone-layer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone layer</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-ozone-depletion">What is ozone depletion?</h2>



Ozone depletion refers to the gradual thinning of the Earth's ozone layer in the stratosphere. This phenomenon is primarily caused by the release of ozone-depleting chemicals containing gaseous chlorine or bromine from industrial and consumer products. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors">Contributing factors</h3>



The most significant contributors are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other related substances.&nbsp;



When these chemicals are released into the atmosphere, they eventually reach the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cfcs-are-not-the-only-culprit-bushfire-smoke-may-also-destroy-ozone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stratosphere</a>, where ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms. 



These atoms then react with ozone (O3) molecules, causing the ozone to break apart into oxygen molecules (O2) and single oxygen atoms, thus depleting the ozone layer.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-ozone-depletion">Impacts of ozone depletion</h3>



The depletion of the ozone layer has significant environmental and health impacts.&nbsp;



A thinner ozone layer allows more harmful UV-B radiation to reach the Earth's surface, which can lead to an increase in skin cancers, cataracts, and other health issues.&nbsp;



It also affects ecosystems, particularly marine life, as increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UV radiation</a> can harm phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02038-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Decline in ozone-depleting chemicals is an encouraging trend 

A new study led by the University of Bristol has...

When soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-microbes-survive-the-desert-by-sleeping-through-the-dry-spells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> such as bacteria digest plant matter, it can either be used to build their bodies or be respired as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.



Understanding these pathways is crucial for predicting the impact of soil bacteria on climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-bacteria-and-co2">Soil bacteria and CO2</h2>



Soil <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-soil-planet-warming-global-carbon-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> play a crucial role in the carbon cycle by breaking down plant matter, a process that significantly influences the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. 



When plants die, their remains - including leaves, stems, and roots - decompose and become part of the soil. Bacteria in the soil digest this plant material, utilizing it to build their cells or respiring it as CO2.



This microbial respiration is a major source of CO2 emissions from soil, contributing to atmospheric carbon levels. The type of plant matter influences how much CO2 is released. 



For instance, lignin, a complex compound found in woody plant parts, results in higher CO2 emissions when decomposed by bacteria compared to cellulose, which is found in softer plant tissues like leaves and stems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-bacteria-contribution-to-atmospheric-co2">Soil bacteria contribution to atmospheric CO2 </h2>



A Northwestern University-led research team has, for the first time, tracked how plant waste moves through soil bacteria’s metabolism to contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-ancient-plants-affect-atmospheric-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric CO2</a>.



They found that microbes respire three times more CO2 from lignin carbons (non-sugar aromatic units) compared to cellulose carbons (glucose sugar units).



These findings provide valuable insights into soil carbon cycling and could improve predictions of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-pool-of-global-soil-carbon-alters-climate-change-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil carbon</a> will affect climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-soil-carbon-and-soil-bacteria">Role of soil carbon and soil bacteria</h2>



"The carbon pool stored in soil is about ten times the amount in the atmosphere," said Ludmilla Aristilde, who led the study. "What happens to this reservoir will significantly impact the planet. As temperatures rise, more organic matter will become available in soil, affecting CO2 emissions from microbial activities."



Aristilde, an expert in environmental processes, is an associate professor at Northwestern University's <a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McCormick School of Engineering</a>. The study includes collaborators from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-pathways-different-outcomes">Different pathways, different outcomes</h2>



The goal of this ongoing research is to understand how soil stores or releases carbon. In the past, researchers tracked how individual compounds from plant matter move through soil bacteria.



Aristilde’s team used a mixture of these compounds, mimicking the natural environment. They tagged individual carbon atoms with isotope labels to track their movement through a bacterium’s metabolism.



“Isotope labeling allowed us to track carbon atoms specific to each compound type inside the cell,” Aristilde explained. “By tracking the carbon routes, we captured their paths in the metabolism. Not all pathways are created equally in terms of producing CO2.”



Sugar carbons in cellulose travel through glycolytic and pentose-phosphate pathways, leading to reactions that convert digested matter into DNA and proteins. 



However, aromatic, non-sugar carbons from lignin travel through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which exists in all forms of life.



“The tricarboxylic acid cycle exists in plants, microbes, animals, and humans,” said Aristilde. "While this cycle also produces precursors for proteins, it contains several reactions that produce CO2. Most of the CO2 that gets respired from metabolism comes from this pathway.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-findings">Expanding the findings</h2>



After tracking metabolism routes, the team performed quantitative analysis to determine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> production from different types of plant matter.



Soil bacteria and microbes respired three times as much CO2 from lignin carbons compared to cellulose carbons.



“Even though microbes consume these carbons simultaneously, the amount of CO2 generated from each carbon type is disproportionate,” Aristilde said. “That’s because the carbon is processed via two different metabolic pathways.”



In their initial experiments, the researchers used Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium with versatile metabolism. They then studied data from previous experiments and found the same relationship in other soil bacteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-perspective-on-soil-bacteria-and-co2">A new perspective on soil bacteria and CO2</h2>



“We propose a new metabolism-guided perspective for understanding how different carbon structures accessible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-soil-microbes-could-revolutionize-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil microbes</a> are processed,” said Aristilde. “This will be key in helping us predict what will happen with the soil carbon cycle in a changing climate.”



The study marks a significant step in understanding soil carbon dynamics and their broader implications for climate change.



The insights could pave the way for more accurate climate models and better-informed environmental policies, highlighting the crucial role of soil bacteria in our rapidly changing world.



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How soil bacteria contribute to atmospheric CO2

When soil microbes such as bacteria digest plant matter, it...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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