<p><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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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>). </p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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. </p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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>. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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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...

<p>Today,&nbsp;June 5th,&nbsp;we celebrate World Environment Day,&nbsp;an annual reminder of our planet's precious ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them.&nbsp;This year,&nbsp;the focus is on a crisis that often goes unnoticed but is deeply intertwined with our survival:&nbsp;land degradation.</p>



<p>From the fertile soils that nourish our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arbor-day-honoring-the-guardians-of-our-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a> to the vast forests that regulate our climate,&nbsp;land is the foundation of human well-being.&nbsp;Yet,&nbsp;human activities are rapidly degrading this vital resource,&nbsp;threatening our food security,&nbsp;water supply,&nbsp;and the delicate balance of nature.</p>



<p>But World Environment Day isn't just about raising awareness; it's about inspiring action.&nbsp;This year's theme,&nbsp;"Land Restoration," is a call to arms for a generation ready to heal the wounds we've inflicted on our planet.&nbsp;It's a recognition that restoring degraded land isn't just an environmental issue; it's a matter of survival.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stockholm-conference-1972-on-world-environment-day">Stockholm Conference (1972) on World Environment Day</h2>



<p>Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of desertification,&nbsp;droughts,&nbsp;and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration,&nbsp;let's rewind to that fateful year of 1972,&nbsp;where it all began.</p>



<p>In Stockholm, Sweden, the world gathered for the first major conference on environmental issues. This landmark event, known as the Stockholm Conference, set the stage for a new era of international environmental cooperation. </p>



<p>It sparked a movement that led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (<a href="https://www.unep.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNEP</a>) and the designation of June 5th as World Environment Day.</p>



<p>Fast forward to today, World Environment Day is celebrated by millions of people across the globe, each year focusing on a critical environmental issue. </p>



<p>This year, as we commemorate its 51st anniversary, the spotlight is on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This isn't just another theme; it's a call to action for "Generation Restoration."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-protection-against-land-degradation">Need for protection against land degradation</h2>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.unccd.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN Convention to Combat Desertification</a>,&nbsp;a staggering 40% of Earth's land is already degraded - directly impacting the lives of half of humanity.</p>



<p>This degradation takes many forms,&nbsp;from deforestation and desertification to soil erosion and pollution.&nbsp;It's a crisis fueled by unsustainable agricultural practices,&nbsp;overgrazing,&nbsp;mining,&nbsp;and urban sprawl.&nbsp;The consequences are dire:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Food insecurity:</strong>&nbsp;Degraded land loses its fertility,&nbsp;making it harder to grow crops and raising the specter of famine, especially in vulnerable regions.</li>



<li><strong>Water scarcity:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-moving-to-soils-that-lack-the-fungi-to-support-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Healthy soils</a> are essential for filtering and storing water.&nbsp;Land degradation disrupts this process, leading to water shortages and exacerbating droughts,&nbsp;a problem that is projected to affect a staggering three-quarters of the world's population by 2050.</li>



<li><strong>Economic hardship:</strong>&nbsp;Millions of people depend on land for their livelihoods.&nbsp;When land becomes unproductive,&nbsp;it plunges communities into poverty,&nbsp;sparking conflict and displacement.</li>



<li><strong>Climate change:</strong>&nbsp;Land use,&nbsp;particularly deforestation and agriculture,&nbsp;accounts for 11% of global carbon dioxide emissions.&nbsp;Degraded land releases stored carbon,&nbsp;further fueling global warming.</li>
</ul>



<p>We cannot afford to ignore these alarming statistics any longer.&nbsp;The degradation of our land is not just an environmental issue; it's a humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;It's a threat to our food,&nbsp;water,&nbsp;livelihoods,&nbsp;and our future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-the-tide-on-world-environment-day">Turning the tide on World Environment Day</h2>



<p>But there's hope.&nbsp;We,&nbsp;the generation witnessing this crisis,&nbsp;are also the generation that can turn it around.&nbsp;We are Generation Restoration.</p>



<p>The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) is a rallying cry for this generation.&nbsp;It's a call to protect and revive ecosystems around the world,&nbsp;from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-in-big-trouble-and-scientists-are-sounding-the-alarm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting trees</a> and restoring wetlands to combating desertification and improving soil health.</p>



<p>Land restoration is about building a better future where land provides for people and nature in harmony.&nbsp;It promises a future where degraded landscapes are transformed into thriving ecosystems.</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-rapidly-transforming-carbon-storing-estuaries-cities-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restoration</a> is not only an environmental imperative; it's also a smart investment.&nbsp;For every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration,&nbsp;we can expect up to thirty dollars in economic benefits.&nbsp;Restored lands can boost agricultural productivity, improve water quality,&nbsp;enhance biodiversity,&nbsp;and create jobs.</p>



<p>Moreover,&nbsp;restoration is a powerful tool in the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change.&nbsp;Healthy ecosystems act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating global warming.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-individuals-can-make-a-difference">Individuals can make a difference </h2>



<p>Ready to get involved? Here are some ways that you can contribute to land restoration:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-backyard">In the backyard</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Plant native species:</strong>&nbsp;Replace invasive plants with native trees,&nbsp;shrubs,&nbsp;and flowers to support local ecosystems.</li>



<li><strong>Compost:</strong>&nbsp;Create nutrient-rich compost from food scraps and yard waste to improve soil health.</li>



<li><strong>Use natural fertilizers:</strong>&nbsp;Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that harm soil microorganisms and pollinators.</li>



<li><strong>Conserve water:</strong>&nbsp;Collect rainwater,&nbsp;fix leaks,&nbsp;and water plants wisely to reduce pressure on local water resources.</li>



<li><strong>Create a wildlife habitat:</strong>&nbsp;Build birdhouses,&nbsp;leave some areas of your yard a little wild,&nbsp;and provide water sources to attract beneficial insects and animals.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-community">In the community</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Volunteer:</strong>&nbsp;Participate in local tree planting events,&nbsp;park cleanups,&nbsp;and habitat restoration projects.</li>



<li><strong>Support conservation organizations:</strong>&nbsp;Donate to or volunteer for groups working to protect and restore natural areas.</li>



<li><strong>Educate others:</strong>&nbsp;Talk to friends,&nbsp;family,&nbsp;and neighbors about the importance of land restoration and how they can help.</li>



<li><strong>Advocate for change:</strong>&nbsp;Contact local officials to support policies that promote sustainable land use and conservation.</li>



<li><strong>Shop responsibly:</strong>&nbsp;Choose products from companies committed to sustainable practices and avoid products that contribute to deforestation or land degradation.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-lifestyle">Changes in lifestyle</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Reduce, reuse, recycle:</strong>&nbsp;Minimize waste,&nbsp;compost food scraps,&nbsp;and recycle materials to reduce the need for new resource extraction.</li>



<li><strong>Eat sustainably:</strong>&nbsp;Choose locally sourced,&nbsp;organic food and reduce meat consumption to lessen the environmental impact of agriculture.</li>



<li><strong>Conserve energy:</strong>&nbsp;Use energy-efficient appliances,&nbsp;turn off lights when not in use,&nbsp;and consider renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and land degradation.</li>



<li><strong>Travel responsibly:</strong>&nbsp;Walk,&nbsp;bike,&nbsp;or use public transportation whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint.</li>



<li><strong>Support sustainable businesses:</strong>&nbsp;Choose products and services from companies that prioritize environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.</li>
</ul>



<p>Remember,&nbsp;even small actions can make a difference.&nbsp;By working together,&nbsp;we can all contribute to the restoration of our planet's land and create a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.</p>



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



<p>This year,&nbsp;World Environment Day holds special significance.&nbsp;It marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This milestone will be celebrated at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Riyadh,&nbsp;Saudi Arabia,&nbsp;later this year.&nbsp;This event will bring together leaders and experts from around the world to discuss strategies for land restoration and drought resilience.</p>



<p>The time to act is now.&nbsp;We all have a role to play in restoring our land.&nbsp;Whether it's supporting sustainable agriculture, conserving water,&nbsp;or advocating for policies that protect ecosystems,&nbsp;our actions matter.</p>



<p>"We are Generation Restoration.&nbsp;Together,&nbsp;let's build a sustainable future for land,&nbsp;and for humanity," said António Guterres,&nbsp;the UN Secretary-General.</p>



<p>Let's make this World Environment Day a turning point for our planet's land.&nbsp;Let's embrace the challenge of restoration and create a future where both people and nature thrive.</p>



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World Environment Day 2024: A call for land restoration

Today,&nbsp;June 5th,&nbsp;we celebrate World Environment Day,&nbsp;an annual reminder of our...

Expired,Organic,Bio,Waste.,Mix,Vegetables,And,Fruits,In,A

<p>Every year, a staggering 1.3 billion tons of food waste occurs globally, a crisis that unfolds while an estimated 800 million people face hunger. This significant global food waste contributes to climate-warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, suggesting a dire need for systemic change in refrigeration.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shameful-habit-of-food-waste">Shameful habit of food waste</h2>



<p>Food waste refers to food that is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-food-waste-greater-food-security-less-environmental-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discarded or uneaten</a>. This occurs at various stages of the food supply chain, from production and processing to retail and consumption. </p>



<p>In farms, food waste can result from crops left unharvested due to weather, pests, or market conditions.</p>



<p>During processing, food may be discarded due to imperfections or contamination. In retail, supermarkets often discard unsold food items, especially those approaching their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/freshness-sensors-reduce-food-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sell-by dates</a>. </p>



<p>Consumers contribute significantly to food waste by buying more than they need, improperly storing food, or discarding leftovers.</p>



<p>Food waste has serious environmental, economic, and social impacts. Environmentally, decomposing food in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.</p>



<p>Economically, wasted food represents a loss of resources like water, labor, and energy used in its production. </p>



<p>Socially, food waste is particularly troubling given that millions of people worldwide suffer from hunger and food insecurity. Reducing food waste is crucial for sustainability and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cutting-food-waste-could-feed-the-world-but-not-nutritiously/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food security</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-food-waste-with-refrigeration">Reducing food waste with refrigeration</h2>



<p>A recent study reveals the enormous potential of refrigeration to combat the global food waste crisis.</p>



<p>Researchers found that enhancing cold chains -- the refrigerated systems used to transport and store food -- could prevent a staggering 620 million metric tons of food from going to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/waste-food-overeating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste each year</a>. </p>



<p>This innovative approach not only addresses food security concerns but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of food waste. </p>



<p>By implementing fully refrigerated supply chains worldwide, greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste could be slashed by an impressive 41%, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/americans-waste-pound-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food system</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-chain-enhancements-in-sub-saharan-africa-and-asia">Cold-chain enhancements in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia</h2>



<p>The study pinpoints Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia as regions with the highest potential for reducing food waste and associated emissions through better refrigeration systems. </p>



<p>South and Southeast Asia could see a reduction in food losses by 45% and a decrease in emissions by 54%. </p>



<p>Sub-Saharan Africa could achieve even greater reductions, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-could-be-greatly-reduced-with-better-labels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food loss</a> potentially decreasing by 47% and emissions by 66%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-localized-food-supply-chains">Localized food supply chains</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the study also sheds light on the benefits of localized, less industrialized food supply chains. </p>



<p>These farm-to-table systems may offer food savings comparable to those achieved through optimized cold chains, presenting a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-fruit-waste-to-extract-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viable alternative</a> in certain contexts.</p>



<p>Aaron Friedman-Heiman, the study's lead author, shared his surprise at the scale of the global opportunity for reducing food loss and waste.</p>



<p>He emphasized that optimizing food supply chains could address approximately half of the annual food waste.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-tool-reduces-food-waste-and-emissions">New tool reduces food waste and emissions</h2>



<p>Food losses are estimated to produce about 8% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>The study's focus is particularly on the post-harvest to retail stages, where improved cold-chain infrastructure could significantly impact both food security and environmental sustainability.</p>



<p>Developed by researchers at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>, the study introduces a food-loss estimation tool designed to help stakeholders assess and improve their cold-chain systems. </p>



<p>This tool could be invaluable for a wide range of participants in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-related-disasters-will-disrupt-food-supply-chains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food supply chain</a>, from farmers to grocery retailers and government officials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-investing-for-maximum-impact">Investing for maximum impact</h2>



<p>The study’s co-author, Shelie Miller, highlights that while the global expansion of cold-chain infrastructure is underway, the development will vary across different regions. </p>



<p>This variable growth suggests that investment decisions in refrigeration improvements need careful prioritization to maximize the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-develop-smart-food-packaging-show-contamination/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intended outcomes</a> of reducing food waste, whether they focus on reducing hunger or cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<p>Miller points out that meat, despite constituting a smaller proportion of food waste by weight, accounts for over 50% of the associated emissions. </p>



<p>Optimizing the refrigeration of meat could thus eliminate more than 43% of emissions linked to meat loss alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-food-waste-and-climate-change">Balancing food waste and climate change</h2>



<p>As the world grapples with the challenges of food waste and climate change, the decisions made today regarding refrigeration infrastructure will have lasting impacts. </p>



<p>It is clear that while there are significant environmental and social benefits to improving refrigeration systems, there are also important trade-offs that vary by food type and region.</p>



<p>This nuanced understanding can help organizations and governments make informed choices about where and how to invest in refrigeration technologies, balancing the urgent need to reduce food waste with the equally critical need to address climate change.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad4c7b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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Better refrigeration could significantly reduce global food waste

Every year, a staggering 1.3 billion tons of food waste...

<p>In a move that's sending ripples through the nation, Vermont has become the first state to pass a remarkable law that holds fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change. This isn't just a symbolic gesture; it's a full-on legal battle with potentially massive financial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">implications</a> for the industry giants.</p>



<p>The law, which was allowed to take effect without the signature of <a href="https://www.vermont.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Republican Governor</a> Phil Scott, requires fossil fuel companies to pay a share of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/38-trillion-dollars-per-year-economic-losses-expected-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">damages</a> caused by climate change in the state.</p>



<p>This is a direct response to the devastating floods and other extreme weather events that have battered Vermont in recent years, events that scientists agree are linked to a warming planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aftermath-of-disaster">Aftermath of disaster</h2>



<p>Last July's floods were a wake-up call for Vermont. Torrential rains submerged the capital city of Montpelier, the nearby city of Barre, and other communities. </p>



<p>Roads were washed away, homes were destroyed, and businesses were shuttered for months. Some called it the worst natural disaster since a 1927 flood that claimed dozens of lives.</p>



<p>These images of destruction are etched in the minds of Vermonters, and they've fueled a growing demand for action on climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-want-to-fight-climate-change-more-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change</a>. The new law is a direct response to that demand, a way for the state to recoup some of the costs of recovery and adaptation from the companies that helped create the problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-governor-scott-s-reluctant-approval">Governor Scott's reluctant approval</h2>



<p>Governor Scott, while acknowledging the need to address climate change, expressed concerns about the legal and financial challenges of taking on "Big Oil" alone. However, he ultimately allowed the bill to become law, recognizing the urgency of the issue and the overwhelming support for action from both sides of the aisle.</p>



<p>"I understand the desire to seek funding to mitigate the effects of climate change that has hurt our state in so many ways," noted Scott.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vermont-law-s-workings-against-climate-change">Vermont law's workings against climate change</h2>



<p>The law requires the Vermont state treasurer, in consultation with the Agency of Natural Resources, to produce a report by January 15, 2026, detailing the total cost to Vermonters and the state from greenhouse gas emissions between 1995 and 2024. </p>



<p>The report will assess the impact on public health, natural resources, agriculture, economic development, housing, and other sectors.</p>



<p>The state will use federal data to determine the amount of emissions attributable to each fossil fuel company and will then seek compensation based on a "polluter pays" model. </p>



<p>The funds recovered could be used for a variety of purposes, including upgrading stormwater drainage systems, roads, bridges, and railroads, as well as relocating or retrofitting sewage treatment plants and making energy-efficient weatherization upgrades to buildings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legal-fight-ahead">Legal fight ahead</h2>



<p>The American Petroleum Institute (<a href="https://www.api.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API</a>), the oil and gas industry's top lobbying group, has already voiced its opposition to the law, calling it "punitive" and claiming that it violates legal principles. They argue that it unfairly holds companies responsible for the actions of society at large.</p>



<p>This sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle between a small state and a powerful industry. Vermont lawmakers are prepared for the challenge, confident in the legal soundness of their case. </p>



<p>They believe that the stakes are too high and the costs to Vermonters are too steep to let the companies that caused the mess off the hook.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-other-states-follow-vermont-s-lead">Will other states follow Vermont's lead?</h2>



<p>Vermont's bold move could set a precedent for other states grappling with the escalating costs of climate change. </p>



<p>Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York are already considering similar measures. If Vermont succeeds in holding fossil fuel companies accountable, it could inspire a wave of similar actions across the country.</p>



<p>"Finally, maybe for the first time anywhere, Vermont is going to hold the companies most responsible for climate-driven floods, fires and heat waves financially accountable for a fair share of the damages they've caused," said Paul Burns, executive director of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vermont-s-fight-against-climate-change">Vermont's fight against climate change</h2>



<p>Vermont's law is a significant step forward in the fight against climate change. It sends a clear message that fossil fuel companies can no longer ignore the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devastating consequences</a> of their actions. While the legal battle ahead will undoubtedly be long and arduous, the potential rewards for Vermont and the planet are immense.</p>



<p>This is a story about a small state with a big heart, standing up to a powerful industry and demanding accountability. It's a story that could change the course of history, and it's one that we'll be following closely in the months and years to come.</p>



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



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Vermont law will make oil companies pay for climate change

In a move that's sending ripples through the nation, Vermont...

<p>Have you ever seen a mussel? Those unassuming, bivalve creatures you might find clinging to rocks in rivers and streams? Well, they're not just <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-mussels-are-ideal-for-ecosystem-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">filter feeders</a>, cleaning the water as they eat; they're also living, breathing barometers of our environmental health. And a recent study from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/news/engineering/story/mussels-downstream-wastewater-treatment-plant-contain-radium-study-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> has unveiled a troubling tale these mussels are telling about the legacy of fracking.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mussels-near-fracking-sites">Mussels near fracking sites</h2>



<p>Mussels, while not the most visually captivating of animals, play a crucial role in scientific research due to their unique lifestyle. They are stationary filter feeders, spending most of their lives anchored to one spot in riverbeds or lake bottoms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This lack of movement means they constantly sample the water around them, absorbing both nutrients and any pollutants present.</p>



<p>Because they are essentially rooted in their environment for decades, mussels accumulate substances in their tissues and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mussel-shells-becoming-highly-porous-warming-waters-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shells</a> over long periods. This makes them exceptional indicators of environmental health, especially pollution levels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists can analyze the chemical composition of mussels to get a snapshot of what contaminants are present in the water, including harmful substances like radioactive materials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fracking-s-footprint-in-mussels">Fracking's footprint in mussels</h2>



<p>Scientists at Penn State's <a href="https://www.cee.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering</a> initiated a study that focused on freshwater mussels inhabiting the waterways downstream from a wastewater treatment facility in Western Pennsylvania.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This specific facility had a long history of processing wastewater generated from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations in the Marcellus Shale, a significant natural gas reservoir that extends across multiple states in the region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite the fact that the facility ceased accepting fracking wastewater in 2019, the mussels located downstream continued to exhibit elevated levels of radioactivity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This suggests a potential long-term environmental impact of fracking activities and raises concerns about the persistence of radioactive contaminants in the ecosystem even after wastewater treatment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radium-signature-in-mussels">Radium signature in mussels</h2>



<p>The scientists found that these mussels, both in their soft tissues and hard shells, contained elevated levels of radium. This wasn't just any radium, though. It had a unique elemental signature, like a fingerprint, that traced it back to the treated wastewater from fracking. Even years after the plant had stopped accepting this waste, the mark of fracking lingered in the river's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quagga-mussel-invasion-threatens-preservation-of-shipwrecks-in-the-great-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>.</p>



<p>"With a much higher salinity than the surrounding environment, the discharged water has a different chemical fingerprint than what the mussels are used to," explained Nathaniel Warner, a professor involved in the study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Mussels that were closest to the water discharges died off. Further downstream, the mussels found a way to tolerate the salinity and radioactive materials and instead absorbed them into their shells and tissues."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-radioactive-than-brazil-nuts">More radioactive than Brazil nuts</h2>



<p>To put this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radioactive-cesium-atoms-directly-imaged-first-time-fukushima-fdnpp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radioactivity</a> of mussels due to fracking into perspective, the researchers compared the mussels to Brazil nuts, known for their natural radioactivity. Believe it or not, some of the mussels in the study were more radioactive than a serving of these nuts.</p>



<p>While not a direct threat to humans (we don't typically eat these mussels), it does raise concerns about the potential impact on the animals that rely on mussels for food.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripples-throughout-the-food-chain">Ripples throughout the food chain</h2>



<p>Katharina Pankratz, the lead author of the study, emphasized that mussels aren't just filtering out radium.</p>



<p>&nbsp;"Along with nutrients, mussels also filter contaminants present in the water column, like metals, microplastics, synthetic chemical compounds and other emerging contaminants of concern," she said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means the contamination could move up the food chain as larger creatures consume the mussels, potentially affecting endangered species that are particularly vulnerable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-caution-and-future-research">A call for caution and future research</h2>



<p>This study is a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of industrial activities like fracking. While wastewater treatment facilities do their best to remove major contaminants, trace amounts inevitably remain. </p>



<p>And for creatures like mussels, these traces can accumulate over time, leaving a lasting legacy in their bodies and the environment.</p>



<p>Pankratz hopes the research will spark further investigations into the ecological consequences of wastewater disposal and potentially influence future regulations. The mussels, in their silent way, are sounding an alarm. It's up to us to listen and learn.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969724022940?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science of The Total Environment</em></a>.</p>



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Mussels near fracking sites are still radioactive years later

Have you ever seen a mussel? Those unassuming, bivalve creatures...

<p>The quest for cleaner air is a noble, shared aspiration for a healthier planet and happier lungs. But what if this pursuit to improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> by reducing aerosol pollution, however well-intentioned, inadvertently fuels a different kind of environmental disaster?</p>



<p>A study from the University of California, Riverside (<a href="https://www.ucr.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCR</a>) reveals a startling paradox: reducing air pollution could lead to an increase in forest fires, particularly in the vast boreal forests of the northern hemisphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aerosol-pollution-and-wildfires">Aerosol pollution and wildfires</h2>



<p>The culprits behind this unexpected twist of pollution are aerosols, tiny particles like dust, sea salt, and airborne chemicals produced by fossil fuel combustion. </p>



<p>While these particles are notorious for their role in poor air quality, they also possess a surprising ability to reflect sunlight and brighten clouds, effectively shielding the Earth from some of the sun's heat.</p>



<p>As we clean up our air by reducing aerosol pollution, we inadvertently remove this protective shield, allowing more solar radiation to reach the ground. </p>



<p>"Cleaning up the air, which is something we all want to do, will accelerate global warming and also impact wildfires unless we also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide," warns Robert Allen, a UCR climatology professor and the lead author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-boreal-forests-and-aerosol-pollution">Boreal forests and aerosol pollution</h2>



<p>The boreal forests, spanning Canada, Alaska, northern Europe, and northern Russia, are particularly vulnerable to this warming effect by reduced pollution. </p>



<p>The increased heat, combined with the greenhouse effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) levels</a>, creates a perfect storm for wildfires.</p>



<p>Heatwaves and droughts become more frequent and intense, drying out the soil and vegetation, turning them into prime fuel for flames. </p>



<p>"When you dry out the soil, that also dries out plants, which makes them more combustible," explains Allen. "Warming contributes to wildfires."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-wildfire-paradox">Air pollution and wildfire paradox</h2>



<p>While both CO<sub>2</sub> and aerosol reductions contribute to warming and increased fire risk, the study reveals a surprising twist: reducing aerosol emissions actually leads to a more significant increase in fires than reducing CO<sub>2</sub> <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-greening-is-a-powerful-weapon-against-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. This is due to a complex interplay between plant physiology, water availability, and temperature.</p>



<p>As plants photosynthesize, they absorb CO<sub>2</sub> through pores in their leaves. With higher CO<sub>2</sub> levels, these pores don't need to stay open as long, leading to reduced water loss and drier soil. </p>



<p>However, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming effect</a> of reduced aerosols exacerbates this drying effect, as higher temperatures increase evaporation from both plants and soil. This creates a tinderbox scenario, where parched vegetation and dry soil become highly susceptible to ignition.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-a-key-piece-of-the-puzzle">Methane: A key piece of the puzzle</h2>



<p>The good news is that there are ways to mitigate the warming effects of aerosol reduction. One promising avenue is to focus on reducing methane emissions from agriculture, fossil fuels, and landfill waste. </p>



<p>Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a shorter lifespan than CO<sub>2</sub>, has a disproportionately large impact on global warming. Reducing methane emissions could effectively offset the warming induced by aerosol mitigation.</p>



<p>Fortunately, there is already a global movement to address methane emissions. More than 150 countries have pledged to reduce methane emissions by at least 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030. </p>



<p>"We are on the right trajectory with regards to aerosols and methane," says Allen. "I still have hope, but there is a narrow window of time to make this happen and avoid the worst projected climate impacts. This decade is the important one."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-air-pollution">Balancing air pollution</h2>



<p>The UCR study serves as a stark reminder of the complex and interconnected nature of our planet's systems. </p>



<p>While the pursuit of cleaner air is undeniably important, it's crucial to consider the unintended consequences of our actions. The air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chemical-composition-of-us-air-pollution-has-changed-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> paradox highlights the necessity of addressing both aerosol pollution and greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously.</p>



<p>By simultaneously reducing both aerosol and greenhouse gas emissions, we can strive for a future where both our air and our forests are healthy and resilient. It's a delicate balance, but one that we must achieve for the sake of our planet and future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adl4007" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em> <em>Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Reducing aerosol pollution causes more wildfires in an ironic twist of fate

The quest for cleaner air is a noble, shared aspiration...

<p>In a recent study, researchers at the <a href="https://en.ifremer.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French Institute for Oceanic Science</a> (Ifremer) and <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lausanne University</a> reassessed the impact of changing environmental conditions on species extinctions. The experts developed a new model to estimate the number of terrestrial and marine species that are threatened with extinction as a result of climate change.</p>



<p>While traditional models predicted a 54% decline in tropical terrestrial species by 2041-2060, the new model forecasts a more moderate 39% decline. Despite this lower estimate, the results remain concerning, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action to protect biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-pre-adapted-to-past-warmer-climates">Species pre-adapted to past warmer climates </h2>



<p>Temperature variations on Earth range from -70°C in Antarctica to +48°C at the equator. Historically, climatic conditions have shifted, and species may have pre-adapted to past warmer climates similar to those expected by the end of the century. </p>



<p>Previous models did not account for this potential pre-adaptation, leading to possibly inaccurate predictions.</p>



<p>“Take the example of a tropical marine or terrestrial species: traditional statistical models predict that it will disappear in places where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> exceeds the current warm limit of 48°C. But this view could be too restrictive, as our knowledge is limited by the study of current climatic conditions,” said lead author Mathieu Chevalier, a marine ecology researcher at Ifremer.</p>



<p>“When a species is 'marked' by climatic conditions, it retains a pre-adaptation to these conditions that can last for thousands or even millions of years,” added senior author Antoine Guisan, a professor of spatial ecology at the University of Lausanne.</p>



<p>“If its habitat evolves towards a climate that the species has already experienced in the past, this pre-adaptation will provide it with a tolerance to these new climatic conditions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-approaching-climatic-limits">Species approaching climatic limits</h2>



<p>The researchers applied their model to nearly 25,000 terrestrial and marine species worldwide. They discovered that 49% of these species live in climate niches near the current climatic limits, and 86% could potentially extend beyond these limits, with this figure rising to 92% for marine species.</p>



<p>“The most striking result concerns tropical areas, for terrestrial and marine species,” said Chevalier. “It is widely accepted that climate change will lead to a massive loss of biodiversity in these areas, up to 54% of tropical terrestrial species by 2041-2060 according to traditional models. Our model puts this prognosis into perspective and predicts a reduction of 'only' 39% in species diversity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-species-extinction-risk-nbsp">Factors influencing species extinction risk&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the seemingly less dire prediction, scientists caution that this remains an alarming estimate. They emphasize that climate is not the sole factor influencing species extinction risk. Other anthropogenic pressures, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a>, pollution, and biological invasions, must also be considered.</p>



<p>“Our study shows that it is important to constantly refine our models, and develop new hypotheses about the possible response of certain species,” said co-author Olivier Broennimann, a researcher in spatial ecology at the University of Lausanne.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If it is likely that tropical species could better tolerate climate change than previously thought, the old estimates remain valid for species in cold, alpine, and polar regions, and to a large extent for species in temperate zones, because the climate that currently prevails in these areas will no longer exist by 2041.”</p>



<p>These findings highlight the need for continuous model refinement and the development of new hypotheses to better predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-species-extinction-risks">More about species extinction risks</h2>



<p>Species extinction risks are shaped by various factors, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-destruction-nbsp">Habitat destruction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Habitat destruction, often due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and logging, disrupts ecosystems, making it difficult for many species to survive.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by altering temperature and weather patterns, which can shift habitats and affect species' survival rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pollution from chemicals, plastics, and other waste degrades natural environments, harming or killing wildlife that depend on these habitats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species-and-overexploitation-nbsp">Invasive species and overexploitation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Invasive species introduced to new environments can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines in native populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overexploitation</a> through hunting, fishing, and trading also poses a significant threat to species, particularly those targeted for their meat, hides, or other products.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-impacts">Cumulative impacts</h3>



<p>The cumulative impact of these factors has led to a significant rise in the rate of species extinction, posing severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services that support human life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Efforts to mitigate these risks include conservation programs, protected areas, sustainable practices, and international treaties aimed at preserving vulnerable species and their habitats.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02426-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Some species are pre-adapted to tolerate climate change

In a recent study, researchers at the French Institute for...

<p>Humans are accelerating the rate at which organic matter decomposes in rivers and streams on a global scale. These human impacts on waterways pose a threat to biodiversity and increase atmospheric carbon, potentially exacerbating climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was led by the <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> (UGA), <a href="https://oakland.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakland University</a>, and <a href="https://www.kent.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kent State University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-fundamentally-change-waterways">Humans fundamentally change waterways</h2>



<p>The study is the first to combine a global experiment with predictive modeling to illustrate human impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quality-waterways-changes-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a> contributing to the global climate crisis.</p>



<p>“Everyone in the world needs water. When human activities change the fundamental ways rivers work, it’s concerning,” said study co-author Krista Capps, an associate professor in UGA’s Odum School of Ecology and Savannah River Ecology Laboratory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Increases in decomposition rates may be problematic for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/including-animals-carbon-cycle-models-boosts-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon cycle</a> and for animals, like insects and fish, that live in streams because the food resources they need to survive will disappear more quickly, lost to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruptions-in-the-global-carbon-cycle">Disruptions in the global carbon cycle</h2>



<p>Rivers and streams play a key role in the global carbon cycle by storing and decomposing large amounts of leaves, branches, and other plant matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Normally, the process would involve leaves falling into rivers, where bacteria and fungi colonize the leaves. Insects then eat the bacteria and fungi, using the carbon stored in the leaves to grow, and fish subsequently eat the insects. This process ensures carbon is passed through the food chain.</p>



<p>However, the study found that this process is being disrupted in human-impacted areas, such as those affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-is-a-threat-to-78-of-the-worlds-bird-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urbanization</a> and agriculture, where leaf litter decomposes more quickly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Faster decomposition means insects cannot absorb the carbon from the leaves, leading to more carbon being released into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas pollution and disrupting the food chain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-from-aquatic-ecosystems-nbsp">Emissions from aquatic ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“When we think of greenhouse gas emissions, we tend to think of tailpipes and factories,” said co-author Scott Tiegs, a professor of biological sciences at Oakland. “But a lot of carbon dioxide and methane comes from aquatic ecosystems.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This process is natural. But when humans add <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-quality-threatened-by-nutrient-pollution-in-40-u-s-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient pollution</a> like fertilizer to fresh waters and elevate water temperatures, we increase the decomposition rates and direct more CO2 into the atmosphere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decomposition-rates-in-rivers-and-streams-nbsp">Decomposition rates in rivers and streams&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To investigate, the researchers collected field data from 550 rivers across the globe, collaborating with over 150 researchers in 40 countries. They generated one of the first estimates of decomposition rates in rivers and streams worldwide, including understudied areas like the tropics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data was compiled into a free online mapping tool that shows how fast different types of leaves decompose in local waterways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-linked-to-increased-decomposition-rates-nbsp">Factors linked to increased decomposition rates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Using predictive modeling, the scientists identified environmental factors responsible for increased decomposition rates, such as higher temperatures and increased nutrient concentrations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Both of these factors are impacted by human activities,” said co-author David Costello, an associate professor of ecosystem biology at Kent State. “Reducing human impacts on decomposition will keep more carbon in rivers, preventing it from entering the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and contributing to climate change.”</p>



<p>These findings underscore the importance of taking urgent measures to mitigate human impact on waterways to protect biodiversity and help combat climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-human-activities-impact-waterways">How human activities impact waterways</h2>



<p>Human activities have profound and diverse impacts on waterways, affecting everything from water quality to the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic ecosystems</a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, plastics, and untreated sewage are some common pollutants that degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Overfishing is another significant issue, leading to the depletion of fish populations and altering aquatic ecosystems, which impacts species diversity and ecosystem stability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unnatural-barriers-nbsp">Unnatural barriers&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The construction of dams and other barriers is also a major factor, as it blocks the natural flow of rivers, affecting the migration and spawning of fish and other aquatic organisms, while altering sediment and nutrient flows.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Deforestation, especially along riverbanks, leads to increased erosion and sedimentation, which can smother habitats and reduce water quality.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-development-nbsp">Urban development&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Urban development contributes as well, as it increases runoff from impermeable surfaces like roads and buildings, carrying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iconic-american-rivers-are-threatened-by-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> into waterways and often involving the alteration or paving over of natural water bodies.</p>



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



<p>Climate change further exacerbates these impacts with rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns affecting water availability and leading to more frequent extreme weather events.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species">Invasive species</h3>



<p>Additionally, the introduction of invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species, and lead to a reduction in biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These impacts underscore the need for comprehensive management and policy interventions to protect and sustain waterways for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn1262" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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Humanity's harm to waterways contributes to the climate crisis

Humans are accelerating the rate at which organic matter decomposes...

<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-important-deserve-protections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> we recognize today as apex predators of the open ocean evolved from stout, bottom-dwelling ancestors. The transformation of sharks has been linked to a period of intense global warming 93 million years ago - a significant volcanic event that drastically increased carbon dioxide levels and ocean temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-fin-shape-helped-sharks-adapt">Changes in fin shape helped sharks adapt</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> researchers, through extensive measurements of both living and fossilized sharks, discovered that in response to this climate shift, some sharks developed elongated pectoral fins. This adaptation facilitated their transition from benthic zones to open waters, improving their swimming efficiency and speed.</p>



<p>“The pectoral fins are a critical structure, comparable to our arms,” said lead author Phillip Sternes, a UCR biology doctoral student. “What we saw upon review of a massive data set, was that these fins changed shape as sharks expanded their habitat from the bottom to the open ocean.”</p>



<p>Longer pectoral fins made shark movements more efficient. “Their fins are comparable to the wings of commercial airplanes, long and narrow, to minimize the amount of energy needed for movement,” Sternes added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greater-swimming-speeds-nbsp">Greater swimming speeds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts also found that open-water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shocking-shark-mortality-rates-are-on-the-rise-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> developed greater speed compared to their bottom-dwelling counterparts. </p>



<p>“Shark muscle is very sensitive to temperature,” explained co-author Tim Higham, a professor of biology at the same university. “The data helped us make a correlation between higher temperatures, tail movement, and swimming speeds.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-into-open-waters">Shifting into open waters</h2>



<p>Currently, most sharks are bottom dwellers, residing in the benthic zone. These sharks are typically slimmer, flatter, and medium-sized predators. Only about 13% of modern sharks are agile, open-water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-eddies-help-marine-predators-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers speculate that declining oxygen levels at the sea bottom during the Cretaceous period may have driven ancient sharks to evolve and inhabit the open waters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-rise-and-shark-evolution-nbsp">Temperature rise and shark evolution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The average sea surface temperature today is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, but during the Cretaceous period, it was much higher, averaging about 83 degrees. This temperature rise and the subsequent evolutionary changes in sharks occurred over a span of one to two million years.</p>



<p>“We had pretty warm open-sea surface temperatures throughout the era, and then a distinct spike that took place over a one- or two-million-year period,” said co-author Lars Schmitz, an associate professor of biology at <a href="https://www.cmc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claremont McKenna College</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-how-sharks-will-adapt">Predicting how sharks will adapt</h2>



<p>While historical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-global-warming-is-to-blame-for-increase-in-shark-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> drove evolutionary changes in some species, it led to the extinction of others. The current rapid pace of global warming makes it difficult to predict how sharks and other marine life will adapt. </p>



<p>Some sharks, like tropical tiger and bull sharks, are beginning to migrate farther north, but it remains uncertain whether threatened species will adapt quickly enough to survive.</p>



<p>“The temperature is going up so fast now, there is nothing in the geologic record I am aware of that we can use for a true comparison,” Sternes concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-modern-sharks-adapt-to-temperature-rise">How modern sharks adapt to temperature rise</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-populations-are-rebounding-in-the-northwest-atlantic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharks</a> are adapting to rising ocean temperatures in various ways due to their ectothermic nature, which makes them reliant on environmental temperatures for body heat regulation. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-habitats">Shifting habitats</h3>



<p>Many species are migrating poleward or to deeper, cooler waters, seeking more suitable climates. This shift in habitat can disrupt local ecosystems, given sharks' roles as apex predators or significant ecological players.</p>



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



<p>The reproductive and growth cycles of sharks are also being affected, with some species experiencing accelerated growth but reduced fertility and offspring survival under warmer conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shark-behavior-nbsp">Shark behavior&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Behaviorally, sharks might adjust their activity patterns, including hunting at different times, possibly becoming more nocturnal to escape the heat of the day.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-stress">Immune stress</h3>



<p>Physiological stress is another significant impact, as continuous exposure to higher temperatures can weaken sharks' immune systems, increasing susceptibility to diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-availability-nbsp">Food availability&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Additionally, changes in the distribution and abundance of prey due to temperature shifts can lead to food shortages, forcing sharks to adapt their diets and potentially impacting their overall survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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

How sharks survived a drastic spike in global temperatures

The sharks we recognize today as apex predators of the...

<p>For the first time, scientists have observed wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-are-infected-with-a-virus-that-causes-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">koalas</a> regulating their body temperatures ahead of hot summer days by lowering their temperatures during cooler mornings. </p>



<p>The research, led by Valentina Mella from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/university.html?adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D07E009F07D222548-6E99CDF095A1CC83%7CMCORGID%3D35B46472540D9EE20A4C98A6%40AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1716971947&amp;adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>, revealed that koalas can predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-countries-most-at-risk-from-extreme-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat</a> and adjust their body temperatures accordingly. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-koalas-prepare-for-a-warming-climate">Koalas prepare for a warming climate </h2>



<p>Over a two-week study in 2019, koalas displayed the highest and lowest body temperatures ever recorded for the species. This self-regulation helps koalas save water by reducing the need for evaporative cooling.</p>



<p>“This self-regulation requires individual koalas to predict days of extreme temperature from overnight and early morning conditions, adjusting their body heat regulation accordingly,” Mella said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research showed that koalas’ core temperatures fluctuate with environmental conditions, which is an adaptive tactic to reduce water usage by 18 percent. This behavior might be more crucial for surviving hot days than previously known tactics like tree-hugging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-koalas-self-regulate-their-body-temperature-nbsp">Koalas self-regulate their body temperature&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-are-now-officially-listed-as-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Koalas</a> generally maintain a core body temperature of 36.3 degrees Celsius, but on hot days, they start with a lower body temperature, allowing it to rise with the air temperature. This approach is less reliant on water for cooling down. </p>



<p>However, as climate change causes temperatures to increase, this strategy could become risky since temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius can be fatal for leaf-eating mammals like koalas.</p>



<p>Koalas use various methods to manage their body temperature, including their insulative fur, concentrated urine production to conserve water, and a low metabolism to reduce heat production. They also pant, lick their fur for evaporative cooling, seek cooler microhabitats, and adopt tree-hugging postures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previous work by the research team also recorded koalas drinking freely available water on hot days, a behavior that was previously unknown.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-regulation-as-a-survival-technique-nbsp">Temperature regulation as a survival technique&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study was conducted near Gunnedah in New South Wales, an area with an older population of koalas suffering from chlamydial disease. Remarkably, all of the koalas were still alive six months later, indicating that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-self-regulated-their-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature modulation</a> is a survival technique. </p>



<p>“Global climate models forecast that dry, hot weather will escalate and drought events will increase in frequency, duration and severity. This is likely to push koalas and other tree-dwelling leaf-eating mammals towards their thermal limit," said Mella.</p>



<p>"Our results reinforce the importance of climate mitigations for ensuring future survival of koalas."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-survival-techniques-of-koalas">More about the survival techniques of koalas</h2>



<p>Koalas have developed several survival techniques to navigate the challenges of their environment.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specialized-diet-nbsp">Specialized diet&nbsp;</h3>



<p>One of the most notable is their specialized diet, which consists almost exclusively of eucalyptus leaves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These leaves are tough, fibrous, and low in nutrition, but koalas have a highly specialized digestive system with a long gut to extract the maximum amount of nutrients. Their slow metabolic rate helps conserve energy, allowing them to survive on this limited diet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-strategies-nbsp">Behavioral strategies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In terms of behavior, koalas spend most of their time in trees, which provides safety from ground-based predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, being active during the cooler parts of the day and night, which helps them avoid the midday heat and conserve water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During extreme heat, koalas can often be found hugging the cooler, lower parts of trees or spreading out their limbs to release body heat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocalizations">Vocalizations</h3>



<p>Additionally, koalas communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations. This helps them establish and maintain territories, find mates, and warn off rivals without needing to expend energy on physical confrontations.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-koalas">Impact of climate change on koalas</h2>



<p>Koalas are significantly impacted by climate change, which exacerbates the challenges they face from habitat destruction and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-retroviruses-have-been-found-in-koalas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a>. </p>



<p>Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns can lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, exacerbating dehydration and heat stress in koalas. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diminishing-food-sources-nbsp">Diminishing food sources&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Additionally, climate change affects the quality of their primary food source, eucalyptus leaves. These trees are sensitive to changes in climate. </p>



<p>Altered rainfall patterns and increased carbon dioxide levels can reduce the nutritional content of the leaves and make them more toxic, which can diminish koala food sources and affect their health.</p>



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



<p>Climate change contributes to more severe and frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-koala-habitats-face-an-escalating-threat-of-bushfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bushfires</a>, which can devastate koala habitats, causing loss of food sources and direct harm to the koala population. These fires not only destroy the trees koalas depend on but can also result in significant mortality for the species. </p>



<p>The overall impact of climate change threatens the survival and conservation of koalas, making it crucial to address these environmental changes to help preserve this iconic Australian species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.i5MFNkUDbt13uNVa2NzRWZZwo1BvROnaSYADjIVKqm9GJAEoy4nBM6pfx9ynj1XWbx9nWXOW6zE5N7eP1qoE2xl9b03kgLSK0KgXMTzflRg-3DoMRO_wmc-2BViHeaSAOdjPZKiSJ-2FVqxQzmhDprMt9JOFfIOyikWRxiXkS7v6FurodPnd8UAaygk4XSabT28D43knAvrohsnFDUc13yjWIamY-2FNMf7fthRqhfyM2On0gXW-2F6Rsy2wZfyFTerHDaDyNnVwHkO5KRufu9YM-2Fx2vJf5158JiPjsIfVM7UqURX3W3kybmS8DOww6U-2BdK069exE2liW-2FU2sGE-2BfC-2FZBcAWMdmGmZdC7DEIFGLaoNZXl-2FXg1kBbz18FA5o79NVhQq4KlnSnJFpvlJZuxhrT1wO-2BmcnRqEZUC38Vlz1tgN1ImugkeAZM6UJRYAfrnDGwo5-2BwilNNKNQpgTH4yHLS7-2BIaLRNFBO55n8pGwzDHWReSy8yOBeUHib6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Conservation Physiology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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

Koalas can predict hot days and adjust their body temperature

For the first time, scientists have observed wild koalas regulating...

<p>We all know that the world is getting warmer, but a new report has laid bare the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alarming extent</a> to which our planet is heating up. According to a recent study, climate change has gifted us an average of 26 additional days of extreme heat over the past year. </p>



<p>That's almost an entire extra month of sweltering temperatures that we wouldn't have experienced without human-caused global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-want-to-fight-climate-change-more-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>.</p>



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



<p>Before we delve deeper into this scorching revelation, let's clarify what we mean by "extreme heat." For this study, scientists defined it as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> that fall within the top 10 percent of what a particular country typically experiences. </p>



<p>The experts analyzed data from 1991 to 2020 to establish this baseline, then compared it to the temperatures recorded in the 12 months leading up to May 15, 2024.</p>



<p>The results were, to put it mildly, sizzling. Not only did the world experience a significant increase in extreme heat days, but this trend was observed across the globe, affecting a staggering 80 percent of the population. That's approximately 6.3 billion people who endured at least 31 days of extreme heat in the past year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heatwaves-across-continents">Heatwaves across continents</h2>



<p>The report, published by the <a href="https://www.climatecentre.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre</a>, the <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Weather Attribution</a> scientific network, and <a href="https://www.climatecentral.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Central</a>, highlights that extreme heat waves have become a truly global phenomenon. In the last 12 months, 76 extreme heat waves were registered in 90 different countries, spanning every continent except Antarctica.</p>



<p>While no region was spared from this scorching onslaught, some countries were hit particularly hard. Five of the most affected nations were in Latin America:</p>



<ul>
<li>Suriname endured a staggering 182 extreme heat days,&nbsp;instead of the estimated 24 it would have experienced without climate change.</li>



<li>Ecuador faced 180 days of extreme heat,&nbsp;compared to just 10 in a world without global warming.</li>



<li>Guyana sweltered through 174 days,&nbsp;far surpassing the 33 days it would have seen without climate change.</li>



<li>El Salvador and Panama also experienced a significant increase in extreme heat days,&nbsp;with 163 and 149 days respectively,&nbsp;instead of the estimated 15 and 12 days they would have faced.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-impacts-of-extreme-heat">Deadly impacts of extreme heat </h2>



<p>"Flooding and hurricanes may capture the headlines, but the impacts of extreme heat are equally deadly," said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the <a href="https://www.ifrc.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Federation of the Red Cross</a>.</p>



<p>Extreme heat is a silent killer claiming tens of thousands of lives each year. The actual death toll is likely much higher, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions. Unlike sudden-onset disasters, extreme heat's impact is insidious and often under-reported.</p>



<p>This deadly phenomenon can exacerbate existing health conditions, cause heatstroke, dehydration, and lead to severe health complications, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. Despite its devastating effects, extreme heat doesn't receive the same attention as more immediate and visually dramatic weather events.</p>



<p>As global temperatures rise due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of these deadly heatwaves are increasing. It's crucial to recognize the severity of extreme heat and implement measures to mitigate its impacts, such as creating more green spaces, improving urban planning, and investing in cooling infrastructure to protect public health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-address-climate-change">A call to address climate change</h2>



<p>The report's findings underscore the urgent need to address climate change and mitigate its devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/38-trillion-dollars-per-year-economic-losses-expected-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>. Extreme heat is not merely an inconvenience; it's a deadly threat to human life and well-being. As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect even more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future.</p>



<p>To combat this escalating crisis, we must take decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy economy. We must invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and develop early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations. </p>



<p>The science is clear: climate change is making our world a hotter place, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a> of extreme heat are dire.</p>



<p>As a global community, we need to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to cope with the increasingly extreme weather conditions that climate change is bringing our way.</p>



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



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Billions of people endured an extra month of extreme heat in the past year

We all know that the world is getting warmer, but...

<p>As our planet warms, many species are relocating to new areas, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> are lagging behind other plants and animals. A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2308811121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a> (PNAS) suggests that the reason for this delay in tree migration might be found underground - in soil fungi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that trees, especially those in northern regions, may be moving to soils that lack the mycorrhizal fungi necessary to support them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-and-soil-fungi-in-a-warming-world-nbsp">Trees and soil fungi in a warming world<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Most plants, including large coniferous trees in northern latitudes, rely on symbiotic relationships with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycorrhizal fungi</a>.&nbsp;These microscopic fungi form networks in the soil, connecting with plant roots to supply essential nutrients in exchange for carbon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study showed that 35% of tree-fungi partnerships could be negatively impacted by climate change, according to lead author Michael Van Nuland, a fungal ecologist at the <a href="https://www.spun.earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for the Protection of Underground Networks</a> (SPUN).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-soil-fungi-help-trees-survive">Diverse soil fungi help trees survive</h2>



<p>The trees most at risk in North America belong to the pine family. The study highlighted that trees on the edges of their ranges, where conditions are harshest, have higher survival rates when they have more diverse mycorrhizal fungi. This diversity is critical for helping trees withstand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-in-boreal-forests-are-sensitive-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



<p>“Ectomycorrhizal fungi have a different relationship to climate than ectomycorrhizal trees do,” explained co-author Clara Qin, a data scientist at SPUN.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While we expect climate-driven migrations to be limited by abiotic factors like the availability of space at higher latitudes and elevations, we don't usually account for biotic limitations like the availability of symbiotic partners.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assisted-migration-strategies-nbsp">Assisted migration strategies<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>“It’s absolutely vital that we continue to work to understand how climate change is affecting mycorrhizal symbioses,” Van Nuland added. “These relationships underpin all life on Earth - it’s critical that we understand and protect them.”</p>



<p>“While more empirical work on this topic is certainly warranted, it may help explain previous observations of migration failure amongst a wide range of North American tree species. Consequently, our findings suggest that mycorrhizal fungi will need to be carefully considered as part of any assisted migration strategies for North American tree species,” the authors concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-trees-of-north-america">Pine trees of North America</h2>



<p>The pine family, scientifically known as Pinaceae, is a prominent group of coniferous trees that are widespread across North America. This family includes not only pines but also firs, spruces, cedars, and larches, among others.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-tree-characteristics">Pine tree characteristics</h3>



<p>These trees are characterized by their needle-like leaves, which are typically evergreen, and their cone-bearing reproductive structures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pines, in particular, are known for their long, slender needles grouped in clusters called fascicles, which can contain anywhere from one to five needles depending on the species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-species-diversity-nbsp">Pine species diversity<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>In North America, the diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-of-californias-pine-forests-may-never-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pine species</a> is significant, adapting to a wide range of climates and soils. They are found from the cold boreal forests of Canada, where species like the white pine and red pine thrive, to the warm southern regions where species like the ponderosa and lodgepole pine are common.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-economic-significance-nbsp">Ecological and economic significance<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>The adaptability of these trees makes them ecologically important as they provide habitat and food for wildlife, help in soil stabilization, and contribute to the forest's fire dynamics due to their flammable resin.</p>



<p>Economically, the pine family is equally significant. Many species are harvested for timber and paper production, and pine trees are also popular as Christmas trees due to their appealing fragrance and shape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The resilience and utility of the pine family make it a vital component of North American forests, both in natural settings and in managed landscapes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-soil-fungi-in-tree-health">Role of soil fungi in tree health</h2>



<p>Soil fungi play a crucial role in the health and growth of trees primarily through their symbiotic relationships with tree roots. These fungi, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, extend their networks into the soil, greatly expanding the surface area of tree roots.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-and-essential-nutrients">Water and essential nutrients</h3>



<p>This increased surface area allows trees to absorb water and essential nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, more efficiently than roots could on their own.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates produced by the trees through photosynthesis, which are vital for their growth and reproduction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-and-soil-structure-nbsp">Fungi and soil structure<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Moreover, soil fungi improve the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-dark-earth-could-revolutionize-forest-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil structure</a>, which enhances water retention and aeration, providing a better growing environment for trees.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-composition-nbsp">Soil composition<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Fungi also play a key role in decomposing organic matter in the soil, which recycles nutrients that are essential for the ecosystem's sustainability. </p>



<p>This interaction not only boosts tree health but also enhances their resistance to various stresses, including drought and diseases, helping maintain the overall resilience and stability of forest ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By fostering a complex web of interactions within the soil, fungi contribute significantly to the ecological success and longevity of trees.</p>



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



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

Trees are moving to soils that lack the fungi to support them

As our planet warms, many species are relocating to new...

<p>No two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a> are exactly alike, but scientists now believe that a series of explosive eruptions at Kīlauea volcano fits into a whole new category. </p>



<p>By analyzing the dynamics of 12 back-to-back explosions that happened in 2018, researchers from the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a> (UO), <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Geological Survey</a>, and China’s <a href="https://en.scu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan University</a> have described a new type of volcanic eruption mechanism. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosions-at-the-summit-of-kilauea-nbsp">Explosions at the summit of Kīlauea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The explosions were driven by sudden pressure increases as the ground collapsed, which blasted plumes of rock fragments and hot gas into the air, much like a classic stomp-rocket toy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The particular string of explosions at the summit of Kīlauea was part of a sequence of events that included lava flows erupting from lower on the flank of the volcano. Those lava flows destroyed thousands of homes and displaced residents on the Island of Hawai’i for months.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hindcasting-volcanic-eruptions">Hindcasting volcanic eruptions</h2>



<p>Understanding exactly what happened in past volcanic eruptions, colloquially called “hindcasting,” allows volcanologists to make better forecasts about future eruptions and give more accurate warnings to people in an eruption’s path.</p>



<p>For the most part, explosive volcanic eruptions are either primarily driven by rising magma, vaporized groundwater, or some combination of the two, according to Josh Crozier, who did this research as a doctoral student at the UO. But these eruptions didn’t quite fit the mold.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These eruptions are quite interesting in that they don’t really seem to involve either of those,” Crozier said. “The eruptive material contained very little that looked like fresh magma that was blasted out, but there’s no evidence for significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> being involved, either.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-pattern-of-kilauea-eruptions">Unusual pattern of Kīlauea eruptions</h2>



<p>The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, part of the U.S. Geological Survey, keeps close tabs on Kīlauea. The volcano is covered with scientific instruments, from ground sensors that measure the shaking of the earth to tools that analyze the gasses released from the volcano.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A cool thing about these eruptions is that there were a bunch of them in sequence that were remarkably similar; that’s relatively unusual,” said Leif Karlstrom, a volcanologist at the UO. “Typically, volcanic eruptions don’t happen with as much regularity.” So the team had more data than usual to work with, and they could dig deeper into the specific dynamics of the eruptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happened-on-kilauea">What happened on Kīlauea?</h2>



<p>Putting all that data into a variety of atmospheric and subsurface models, the scientists pieced together a new story about what happened on Kīlauea during the string of events in 2018.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Before each explosion at the summit, magma was slowly draining from an underground reservoir. (This magma was feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lava-hawaii-lake-evaporate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lava flows</a> 40 kilometers away, on the eastern flank of the volcano.) As the reservoir depleted, the ground above it - the crater within the caldera at the volcano’s summit - suddenly collapsed.</p>



<p>That quickly increased the pressure in the reservoir. And because there was a pocket of accumulated magmatic gas sitting at the top of this reservoir, the pressure increase squeezed the magmatic gas and bits of rubble through a conduit and blasted them out of a vent in Kīlauea’s crater.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stomp-rocket-mechanism-nbsp">Stomp-rocket mechanism&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers compared the Kīlauea eruption dynamic to a stomp-rocket toy, where stepping on an airbag connected to a hose launches a projectile into the air. </p>



<p>“The ‘stomp’ is this whole kilometer-thick chunk of rock dropping down, pressurizing the pocket, and then forcing material directly up,” Crozier said. And the ‘rocket’ is the gas and rocks that are erupting from the volcano.</p>



<p>According to Crozier, caldera collapse is fairly common. So while this is the first time scientists have specifically spelled out this specific stomp-rocket mechanism, it’s probably not the only time it’s occurred. The study was able to link geophysical observations to the properties of the volcanic plume in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This link is very rare,” said Joe Dufek, a volcanologist at the UO. “It points to new ways for us to observe eruptions and to combine sensor measurements with computer simulations to better assess hazards from eruptions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-kilauea-eruptions-nbsp">Broader implications of the Kīlauea eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The fact that this was a series of smaller eruptions may have made it easier to see the underlying mechanism, Dufek said. Other complex processes weren’t overshadowing the stomp-rocket component. But that’s not to say that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-triggered-the-2018-kilauea-eruption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kīlauea</a> is simple. </p>



<p>A typical textbook drawing of a volcano shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-supervolcano-holds-a-surprising-amount-of-magma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> moving upwards through chambers at different depths. But it’s rarely that straightforward, and a volcano like Kīlauea, decked out in scientific instruments, provides an opportunity to dig into the details.</p>



<p>“This is an example, and there’s an increasing number of these, where the pathways of magma ascent are quite geometrically complex. It gives us a much more nuanced picture of what volcanic plumbing systems look like,” Karlstrom concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01442-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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

Kīlauea eruptions are unlike anything we have ever seen

No two volcanic eruptions are exactly alike, but scientists now...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

<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://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter 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://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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