For over a century, oil and gas companies have been pulling carbon out of the ground in the form of fossil fuels. Now, researchers are flipping that idea on its head - by putting carbon back underground. And not just anywhere, but into the very same wells that once helped release it.



This new approach doesn’t rely on fancy tech or sci-fi ideas. Instead, it uses leftovers from farms and forests - like corn stalks and tree trimmings - to create a thick liquid called bio-oil. 



Packed with carbon pulled from the air by plants, bio-oil can then be pumped into abandoned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-oil-wells-could-revolutionize-energy-storage/">oil wells</a> for permanent storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-oil-wells-meet-new-solutions">Old oil wells meet new solutions</h2>



Across the U.S., there are hundreds of thousands of old oil and gas wells sitting empty. Many of these wells weren’t properly sealed and now pose environmental and safety hazards. 



Plugging the wells costs about $1 million each. At the same time, tons of plant waste is discarded every year, ranging from corn stover in the Midwest to forest debris in the West. This is where researchers at <a href="https://www.iastate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iowa State University</a> saw a match.



“On the one hand, you have these underutilized waste products. On the other hand, you have abandoned oil wells that need to be plugged. It’s an abundant resource meeting an urgent demand,” said Professor Mark Mba-Wright, who led the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oil-wells-for-carbon-capture">Oil wells for carbon capture</h2>



The process at the center of the research is called fast pyrolysis. It sounds complicated, but the idea is simple: you heat dried plant bits to extremely high temperatures (over 1,000°F) in the absence of oxygen. 



The result is three products - bio-oil, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-is-biochar-and-how-can-it-help-us-mitigate-climate-change-carbon-storage/">biochar</a>, and gas. The bio-oil captures most of the carbon. The gas helps fuel the system. The biochar can be sold to farmers to improve soil.



“One of the innovations here is that you can do <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-capture-technology-faces-uncertainty-despite-heavy-investment/">carbon capture</a> with units the size of a skid loader or a combine. You can start small,” Mba-Wright said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bio-oil-machines-for-the-job">Bio-oil machines for the job</h2>



The team modeled a network of 200 mobile pyrolysis units that could be moved around rural areas to process plant waste on-site. 



Each machine would handle about 10 tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-view-of-forest-biomass-reveals-hidden-carbon-trends/">biomass</a> daily, producing bio-oil that could be stored in terminals before being transported to empty well sites for injection.



Each unit would cost around $1.3 million to build. According to the study, the system could sequester carbon for about $152 per ton, which makes it cost-competitive with other carbon capture methods. For wood-based materials, the cost could drop closer to $100 per ton.



Filling a single crude oil well requires more than 216,000 gallons of liquid - plenty of space to lock away carbon for good. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-undocumented-oil-wells">Undocumented oil wells</h2>



The researchers estimate that there could be as many as 800,000 undocumented orphaned wells in the U.S., far beyond the 120,000 wells targeted by a $4.7 billion federal cleanup effort passed in 2021.



“The more units they build, the better they would get at building them,” Mba-Wright said. This is thanks to what’s called a “learning rate,” which means that building more machines over time helps lower both production and operating costs.



This isn’t just theory. A San Francisco startup, Charm Industrial, has already started using this method and signed deals with large companies to help them meet climate goals. These companies want carbon-removal credits, and bio-oil injection is emerging as one of the most promising ways to earn them.



"We hear it time and again: after taking a close look among their options, leading carbon-removal buyers find that bio-oil sequestration represents one of the highest-quality and most cost-effective approaches,” said Peter Reinhardt, CEO and co-founder of Charm Industrial.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-opportunities-for-carbon-removal">Opportunities for carbon removal </h2>



Charm funded part of the Iowa State study to better understand the technology’s full potential.



“While they were confident about the technology itself, they were looking for some validation of how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/">carbon</a> could be sequestered and how economical the process could be,” Mba-Wright said. “There are a lot of steps involved in getting this to work at scale.”



One important detail is that this method stacks up well against another popular carbon-removal option - direct air capture. That system also removes carbon from the air, but it’s more expensive to build and doesn’t offer the side benefits of using agricultural waste or creating new revenue for rural communities.



“What we’re trying to show here is that carbon removal doesn’t need to be either/or. There are a lot of opportunities,” Mba-Wright said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-win-for-rural-economies">A win for rural economies</h2>



Besides helping the climate, this system could give new life to the rural economy. Farmers could sell their leftover crop waste. Forest managers could get paid to clear wildfire-prone debris. 



Furthermore, small towns could host bio-oil terminals and benefit from new jobs and investments.



"Iowa State’s experts showed that bio-oil sequestration using corn stover can deliver a high-value, durable carbon removal product that outcompetes other technologies, while providing new markets for crop residues and delivering new economic value to the rural economy,” Reinhardt said. 



“As the carbon-removal sector grows, Charm is grateful to work with farm and forest communities to grow this opportunity."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0196890425005047">Energy Conversion and Management</a>.



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Old oil wells are getting a new job - storing carbon

For over a century, oil and gas companies have been pulling carbon out of the ground in the form of fossil fuels. Now, researchers are flipping that idea on its head - by putting carbon back underground. And not just anywhere, but into the very same wells that once helped release it. This new approach doesn’t rely on fancy tech or sci-fi ideas. Instead, it uses leftovers from farms and forests - like corn stalks and tree trimmings - to create a thick liquid called bio-oil. Packed...

The deep sea holds mysteries we’ve barely begun to understand. It’s vast, dark, cold, and alive with astonishing biodiversity. Beneath its crushing pressures lie mineral-rich fields containing metals that are vital to emerging technologies. 



These include cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese, which are crucial for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and advanced electronics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-targets-for-deep-sea-mining">Targets for deep-sea mining</h2>



Now, international companies are eyeing this remote frontier for large-scale mining. Their target is polymetallic nodules, potato-sized lumps that are scattered across the ocean floor, especially in the central Pacific. These nodules formed over millions of years. 



Some businesses claim they can harvest the nodules with little environmental damage. Scientists, however, are sounding the alarm. 



At a recent meeting of the International Seabed Authority (<a href="https://www.isa.org.jm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISA</a>) in Kingston, Jamaica, researchers presented troubling data. They questioned whether deep-sea ecosystems could ever recover from mining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jadarite-described-as-earths-kryptonite-twin-has-potential-to-replace-fossil-fuels/">disruption</a>. 



This conversation arrives as nations push forward to finalize rules for commercial seabed extraction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-may-cause-deep-sea-damage">Mining may cause deep sea damage</h2>



The DEEP REST project, led by European scientists, has spent years examining seafloor restoration. “If we remove nodules from the seabed, we do not know what we lose, only that it's lost forever,” the researchers concluded.



Jozee Sarrazin, a researcher at the French Institute for Ocean Science (<a href="http://eulacfoundation.org/en/french-institute-ocean-science-ifremer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ifremer</a>), explained the scope of the problem. 



“So far, all the restoration operations we have attempted within our DEEP REST project have been short-term. And what we observed is that, in the given time, that is to say a few years, the ecosystems do not recover,” she said.



The DEEP REST team emphasized that the long-term prospects remain uncertain. “If restoration is possible, it will take a very long time, and at the moment we don't have the data to be able to say if that will be 100 years or 1000 years,” Sarrazin said.



These findings question the very foundation of the seabed mining industry's environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-investing-in-asteroid-mining-make-you-a-billionaire/">claims</a>. The damage may not just last centuries. It might never heal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-life-depends-on-nodules">Ocean life depends on nodules</h2>



Though hostile in appearance, the deep sea teems with life. Far from being barren, the abyss is likely home to millions of unknown species. Creatures survive without sunlight, relying instead on chemical reactions, organic matter from above, and symbiotic relationships.



Among these residents are sponges, soft corals, sea anemones, and countless microorganisms. They depend on the hard surface of polymetallic nodules to anchor themselves in soft <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gold-mining-causes-long-lasting-damage-in-the-amazon-rainforest/">sediment</a>. Without these nodules, many species cannot survive.



Matthias Haeckel, from the German research center GEOMAR, highlighted this critical dependency. “The fauna only exists in these areas because they need the hard substrate of the nodule to attach,” Haeckel said during his presentation of the MiningImpact project in Jamaica.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-causes-damage-to-sea-life">Mining causes damage to sea life</h2>



Mining techniques involve vacuuming up nodules while releasing plumes of sediment. These activities disturb a wide radius around each site. 



The MiningImpact study found that this approach decreases population densities and biodiversity while impairing ecosystem <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-mining-impacts-marine-life-for-decades/">function</a>.



The nodules themselves are not replaceable within any human timeframe. “To make the story short, in the end, we're talking about recovery times of thousands of years,” said Haeckel. These timescales stretch far beyond any meaningful conservation plan.



The process does more than displace marine life. It affects how nutrients cycle, how species interact, and how habitats maintain balance. With no way to predict full outcomes, many researchers urge restraint.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-damage-remains-despite-mining-trials">Damage remains despite mining trials</h2>



Some scientists are testing whether restoration can be engineered. “We designed artificial nodules made of deep-sea clay and we placed them at different sites,” noted Sabine Gollner, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands</a> Institute for Sea Research.



These nodules mimic the natural substrates that marine organisms need. But results take time. 



“When you take into account the slow growth rates in the deep sea, the slow processes, it will take quite some more years to find out if restoration is effective and to what degree,” Gollner noted.



Even with creative ideas and dedicated research, restoration remains hypothetical. No one can yet claim success at bringing back lost deep-sea ecosystems. And until long-term data become available, every mining operation risks doing irreversible damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-areas-should-remain-untouched">Some areas should remain untouched</h2>



One type of deep-sea habitat holds particular value: hydrothermal vents. These underwater geysers release heated, mineral-rich water through cracks in the seafloor. The ecosystems built around them are among the most unique on Earth.



Massive sulfide deposits near these vents are rich in metals, making them tempting targets for mining. But scientists caution that damage here would be catastrophic. 



“If we extract massive sulfides near active vents, we know what we lose, and we must prevent loss,” the DEEP REST study concluded.



These sites support specialized creatures found nowhere else. Their removal would erase entire evolutionary pathways. The vents also play a role in regulating global chemistry and microbial activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mining-rules-ignore-long-term-damage">Mining rules ignore long-term damage</h2>



The ISA continues negotiating the international mining code. Scientists urge that these rules must include restoration principles, but also acknowledge a hard truth. 



“It's good to include it but with a clear statement that at this moment in time, it cannot be taken into account to reach agreed environmental goals,” said Gollner. “For example, a contractor shouldn't be allowed to use that argument to mine a larger area.”



Until the world better understands the deep sea, calls for caution continue to grow. The rush for critical minerals may lead us to destroy what we do not yet comprehend. 



Mining the seafloor risks losing lifeforms and systems shaped over eons, all for short-term technological gain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-ahead-for-the-deep">What lies ahead for the deep</h2>



The deep ocean holds scientific wonder, ecological value, and untapped biodiversity. Once disrupted, it may never return to its natural state. With mining rules still under negotiation, the time to ask hard questions is now.



Can we afford to treat the seafloor as a resource deposit? Or should we recognize it as a living system, still largely uncharted, and protect it accordingly? The world must decide before the damage becomes permanent.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08921-3">Nature</a>.



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Deep-sea ecosystems may never heal from mining damage

The deep sea holds mysteries we’ve barely begun to understand....

Climate change often appears gradual, but abrupt shifts may occur with little warning. Recent research reveals that sensitive subsystems - such as sea ice, permafrost, and rainforests - can suddenly tip into new states. 



These changes pose serious risks to ecosystems, water resources, and human populations.



"Abrupt shifts" refer to rapid, large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-winters-are-starting-to-look-more-like-spring/">changes</a> within a decade or less. These include sudden snow loss on the Tibetan Plateau, permafrost thaw, or sea ice collapse. Once triggered, these events may unfold faster than society can adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-scientists-found-fast-changes">How scientists found fast changes</h2>



To detect these changes, the researchers applied Canny edge detection, a method from computer vision, to climate model data. The team scanned 82 environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-winters-are-no-longer-frozen-and-thats-a-problem/">variables</a> across 57 CMIP6 climate models.



The goal was to identify sharp changes in variables like sea surface salinity, snow cover, and carbon storage. 



Each model simulated a future where carbon dioxide rose by one percent per year for 140 years, reaching four times the pre-industrial level.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-models-show-sudden-changes">Many models show sudden changes</h2>



The study from <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> found that vulnerable regions included the Arctic, the Tibetan Plateau, and the North Atlantic subpolar gyre. In contrast, the Indian, West African, and South American monsoons remained relatively stable across most models. 



Subsystems showing more consistent abrupt changes included Arctic summer and winter sea ice, Antarctic sea ice, the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, land permafrost, and snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau.



Even systems not officially recognized as tipping elements experienced abrupt changes in several models, suggesting wider potential for sudden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-climate-will-permanently-change-by-2050-scientists-warn/">climate shifts</a> than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-cooling-in-the-north-atlantic">Fast cooling in the North Atlantic </h2>



Multiple climate models are detecting early signs of abrupt shifts in major Earth systems. In the North Atlantic subpolar gyre, surface waters are freshening and cooling, weakening ocean convection and disrupting currents like the AMOC. 



Twenty-four models showed abrupt temperature or salinity changes here - sometimes at just 0.5°C above preindustrial levels.



Over the Tibetan Plateau, 12 models showed rapid changes in snow-related variables. Upwelling shortwave radiation - a stand-in for albedo - shifted in 11 models, alongside sharp declines in snow depth and coverage. 



These changes could foreshadow glacier retreat, though most models don’t fully simulate glaciers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-and-forest-changes">Permafrost and forest changes</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-becoming-a-source-of-global-warming/">Permafrost</a> in northern Asia may also thaw faster than expected. Nineteen models showed abrupt losses of frozen soil moisture across areas totaling over one million square kilometers (386,000 square miles), suggesting thawing could happen regionally even if localized shifts appear minor.



Even forests may not be immune. While slow to respond and harder to model, the Amazon and boreal forests showed sudden changes in vegetation indicators like leaf area index and carbon fluxes in up to five models, hinting at potential tipping points in these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abrupt-sea-ice-changes">Abrupt sea ice changes</h2>



Sea ice showed some of the clearest abrupt shifts. Arctic summer ice, often seen as stable, experienced large abrupt shifts in 17 models. Winter sea ice showed abrupt losses in 21 models. 



Antarctic sea ice had fewer shifts, but 11 models showed area losses greater than 0.5 million square kilometers (193,000 square miles).



Barents sea ice, above Scandinavia and Russia, showed abrupt shifts in 43 models. Eighteen of them had large-area losses, beginning as early as 0.5°C above preindustrial levels. Two models had losses over 0.5 million square kilometers (193,000 square miles).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-heat-means-more-arctic-sea-ice-shifts">More heat means more Arctic sea ice shifts</h2>



The more a model simulated warming, the more abrupt shifts it showed. At 1.5°C, matching the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-withdraws-from-the-paris-treaty-as-trump-declares-energy-emergency/">Paris Agreement</a> limit, six of ten subsystems already showed sudden changes. This included the Arctic, North Atlantic, and Tibetan Plateau.



Models with higher climate sensitivity reached tipping conditions sooner. Shifts often happened between 0.5°C and 5°C, depending on the system.



Barents sea ice showed changes at lower warming than Antarctic sea ice or Arctic winter sea ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-abrupt-changes-may-be-missed">Some abrupt changes may be missed</h2>



Edge detection works well for fast transitions but misses slow-moving collapses. The models used do not simulate all systems fully, such as Greenland’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-in-antarctica-that-could-drown-cities-is-breaking-apart/">ice sheet</a>. So actual risks may be higher.



Also, fast warming in the models may mask slower but real-world patterns. The current CO₂ increase is slower than in the simulation, so future studies must adjust for that.



Even at 1.5°C of warming, many systems show abrupt shifts in multiple models. Monsoon systems may resist change, but polar and high-altitude regions respond fast.



This study does not predict precise tipping points, but it reveals just how close we might be. The next big change in our climate might not come gradually. It may hit all at once.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025AV001698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU Advances</a>.



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Abrupt collapse of Arctic sea ice may come with little warning

Climate change often appears gradual, but abrupt shifts may occur...

Environmental concerns can sometimes feel especially urgent - and World Nature Conservation Day is one of those times. 



Observed each year on July 28, this occasion serves as a reminder of the vital role nature plays in our lives and how fragile that support has become.



Forests purify the air we breathe. Rivers nourish ecosystems and communities alike. But the balance is shifting. Temperatures are rising, habitats are shrinking, and pollution is spreading. These changes signal an urgent need for action.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-conservation-nbsp-around-the-world">Nature conservation&nbsp;around the world</h2>



Though people have protected nature for centuries, the official celebration of this day began in the late 1900s. It arose in response to rapid environmental loss.



Since then, the initiative has grown worldwide. <a href="https://wildlifeday.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communities</a> hold awareness campaigns and workshops. People plant trees and attend talks. The core message stays the same. A healthy planet means a healthy future for all.



Nature’s health determines our survival. We depend on clean air, fertile soil, and fresh water. Nature gives us food, medicine, and mental peace. 



If ecosystems collapse, everyone suffers. World Nature Conservation Day is not about charity or good intentions. It is about preserving what keeps us alive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-tools-for-wildlife-protection">Smart tools for wildlife protection</h2>



Nature is under threat, and illegal hunting remains one of the most serious dangers. Species like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/">elephants</a> are often targeted for their tusks - putting entire populations at risk of extinction.



To stop this, experts have created a smart tool called PoachNet. It’s a digital system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and GPS location data.



PoachNet studies patterns and predicts where poachers are most likely to strike next. The system then alerts local conservation teams, so they can act quickly and protect the animals.



This approach demonstrates how technology can protect wildlife before harm occurs. PoachNet isn’t just reactive - it’s proactive, working to stop threats before they happen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-era-of-nature-conservation">A new era of nature conservation </h2>



Protecting animals isn't only about keeping them safe from harm. It also means learning how they live, move, and interact with their environment. Recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-caribou-movement-patterns-can-transform-conservation/">caribou research</a> is a good example of this idea in action.



Scientists are using GPS tracking devices to study individual caribou. These trackers show where each animal travels over time. 



What the experts discovered is that not all caribou move the same way. Each group has its own pattern, and that means each group needs a different kind of protection.



This research helps conservationists design special paths, called migration corridors, so caribou can move safely across the land. It also helps keep them away from busy roads and industrial areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guarding-the-oceans">Guarding the oceans </h2>



Protecting the ocean is difficult, especially because it's so large and hard to monitor. Marine conservation often struggles with enforcing rules, like fishing bans, in remote areas. Many people believe it’s too hard to stop illegal activity in such vast waters.



But <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-marine-protected-areas-working-satellites-reveal-the-truth/">recent research</a> shows that ocean protection is possible. Scientists studied over 1,000 marine protected areas using satellites and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools helped them track ship movements, even those trying to hide.



The researchers discovered that in places with strict fishing bans, illegal activity dropped. The radar technology detected hidden ships, and this allowed for better enforcement. The results prove that smart tools can make a big difference



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tagging-rays-to-help-save-them">Tagging rays to help save them</h2>



Conservation sometimes means learning about animals we rarely see. Rays are one such example. They move in ways that make them hard to track. 



For a long time, scientists couldn't follow rays closely because old tracking devices would fall off too soon.



That problem changed with the creation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracking-endangered-rays-a-new-chapter-in-marine-conservation/">new biologging tags</a>. These tags are advanced tools that include cameras, sensors, and machine learning. They stay attached longer and collect detailed information.



With these tools, scientists now know where rays swim, how they find food, and how they interact with other rays. This information helps create better marine protection plans, such as safe zones where rays can live without threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-world-nature-conservation-day">Significance of World Nature Conservation Day </h2>



Every action taken to protect nature - whether it involves tracking the hidden journeys of rays or studying the migration of caribou - plays an important role. No effort is too small when it comes to preserving the delicate balance that supports all life on Earth.



World Nature Conservation Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder that protecting nature is not just about preserving beauty or wildlife. It is directly connected to our own future, health, and stability. When we care for nature, we care for ourselves.



The latest conservation research - from animal protection to smart ocean monitoring - shows how compassion and innovation can go hand in hand. We’re entering an era where conservation is no longer passive but dynamic, creative, and action-driven.



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World Nature Conservation Day 2025: A healthy future for all

Environmental concerns can sometimes feel especially urgent - and World...

Hospitals are meant to heal. Yet new research suggests the food many patients receive may be holding back their recovery.



An analysis of two German hospitals and three nursing homes found menus loaded with refined grains, added sugars, salt, and saturated fat. The food options were also lacking in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.



The research was led by Lisa Pörtner of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (<a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PIK</a>), in collaboration with colleagues at Charité in Berlin and Stanford University.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hospital-food-impacts-patient-recovery">Hospital food impacts patient recovery </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-friendly-foods-can-reduce-your-risk-of-mortality-by-25-percent/">Poor diets</a> now rank among the top drivers of chronic illness and premature death worldwide. Hospitalized people, already vulnerable, often depend entirely on institutional meals for days or even weeks at a time.



Many in-patients are older adults with higher protein and micronutrient needs, yet illness, medication, and an unfamiliar setting can blunt both appetite and taste.



When the tray arrives bland, beige, and salty, much of it ends up in the trash instead of in the patient, compounding the risk of complications.



Nutrition also affects length of stay and complication rates. Malnourished patients often face infections, slower wound healing, and longer rehabilitation - costs that ripple through families, health systems, and insurers.



Hospitals and nursing homes influence community norms well beyond their walls. If patients experience colorful, plant-rich plates during their stay, they are more likely to try the same foods at home. They may also talk about them with relatives after discharge, seeding healthier habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-foods-are-missing-entirely">Plant foods are missing entirely</h2>



The team tallied every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack served over a representative week. Then, they compared the nutrient content with targets in the Planetary Health Diet, which calls for roughly 80 percent of calories from wholesome plant foods.



None of the institutions even reached 20 percent, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/refined-grains-increase-the-risk-of-heart-disease/">refined grains</a> alone supplied more calories than all produce combined, flipping recommended proportions on their head.



"We found that meals contained too few healthy plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes," said Pörtner. 



“This is particularly troubling as health care institutions should be role models for healthy diets,” said Nathalie Lambrecht of <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>, explaining micronutrients such as folate, potassium, and vitamin B6 fell well below recommended intakes.



Additionally, nursing home residents also missed basic protein targets needed to maintain muscle and immune function.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hospital-food-impacts-climate">Hospital food impacts climate</h2>



Food choices in hospitals not only threatened patient well-being - red meat and dairy generated three-quarters of each facility’s greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water pollution. This echoes global data showing animal products carry the highest environmental toll.



For perspective, New York City’s municipal hospital network cut food-related emissions by 36 percent in one year simply by making plant-based dishes the default option. 



Patient satisfaction climbed above 90 percent at the same time, debunking fears that greener menus hurt the dining experience.



Climate change harms human health by causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-heatwaves-are-accelerating-for-a-surprising-reason/">heat waves</a>, extreme weather, breathing problems, and the spread of new diseases. It creates a feedback loop that starts with what we eat and can end with a trip to the emergency room. 



Those cascading stresses land hardest on children, older adults, and people with chronic diseases.



By serving resource-heavy meat at every meal, health-care facilities unknowingly contribute to problems like respiratory illness, malnutrition, and heat-related complications. This highlights a clear conflict between their goal to heal patients and the impact of their food choices.



Aligning the plate with the pledge to "first, do no harm" takes deliberate effort.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-food-means-better-health">Better food means better health</h2>



The solution for hospitals is not austere salads or unfamiliar fad foods. Flavorful legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can provide enough protein to meet dietary needs. They also add fiber and important nutrients that support the immune system, brain function, and bone health.



A lentil shepherd’s pie delivers as much protein per calorie as beef, while slashing emissions and saturated fat. Swapping butter for canola or olive oil improves the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fat - a core metric in the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) that predicts cardiovascular risk.



Using seasonal produce helps lower costs, makes meals look more appealing, and supports local farms. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peanuts-have-a-beneficial-impact-on-vascular-health/">Peanut butter</a>, soymilk, and fortified cereals can also fill vitamin and mineral gaps without needing extra work or many ingredients. Chefs find diners respond to color and crunch just as much as to nutrition labels.



Hospital trials in the U.S., U.K., and the Netherlands show that plant-forward menus can match or beat traditional meals in taste and cost. 



These results come even before factoring in long-term savings from shorter hospital stays and fewer readmissions. The savings grow larger when reduced waste and lower procurement emissions are factored in. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contracts-block-healthier-menus">Contracts block healthier menus</h2>



Kitchen budgets are tight, and staff already juggle allergy requests, texture modifications, and infection control rules. 



Bulk contracts often lock facilities into meat-heavy purchasing for years, making rapid change tricky and sometimes financially risky.



Policymakers could help by writing minimum nutrition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-urgent-plea-sustainable-climate-solutions-save-earth-humanity/">sustainability</a> standards into reimbursement regulations, much like existing rules on hand hygiene and medication safety. 



Clear targets would empower food-service directors to negotiate new contracts and track progress.



Large group purchasing organizations could negotiate discounts on lentils, chickpeas, and produce - just like they do for dairy or pork. This would help lower costs for individual kitchens and reduce supply-chain problems that concern administrators.



Contract terms that reward lower carbon intensity could accelerate the shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doctors-must-lead-change">Doctors must lead change</h2>



Clinicians also have a role. When doctors prescribe plant-rich diets for diabetes or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changing-one-thing-about-this-everyday-task-cuts-heart-disease-risk-in-half/">heart disease</a>, the message sounds hollow if the cafeteria still pushes sausage and pudding at every meal, sending mixed signals to patients and staff alike.



Real change starts with measurement. Menu audits, waste tracking, and lifecycle assessment dashboards give dietitians the data they need to improve recipes and monitor progress.



The German study shows that better hospital food is not a luxury add-on. It is clinical care and climate action served on the same tray, replicated far beyond Germany.



The study is published in<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00138-X/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Hospital food puts patients at risk - and the planet

Hospitals are meant to heal. Yet new research suggests the...

Plastic bottles and caps clutter beaches up and down Latin America's Pacific coast. Most of them aren’t foreign - they’re local. And the bottles can often be traced back to three big names in the beverage industry: The Coca-Cola Company, Aje Group, and PepsiCo.



The coastlines hit hardest by this plastic waste are in Central America. That’s likely because of how common single-use bottles are, combined with poor waste infrastructure and the push of ocean currents. 



Meanwhile, island beaches - like those on the Galápagos and Rapa Nui - tend to collect more bottles from Asia, possibly dumped at sea and carried long distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-trail-of-plastic-along-the-pacific">A trail of plastic along the Pacific</h2>



The findings come from a major study led by researchers at the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/home">University of Barcelona</a>. Their work covered more than 12,000 kilometers of Pacific coastline, spanning from Mexico to Chile. 



The research is the first regional effort of its kind, mapping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bottled-water-has-become-a-global-scourge-wreaking-environmental-havoc/">plastic bottle pollution</a> across 10 Latin American countries. The team studied 92 mainland beaches, 15 island beaches, and 38 coastal communities.



This wasn’t just a lab project. It was a massive collaboration. Between 2023 and 2024, more than 1,000 volunteers and 200 local leaders helped collect samples, making this a landmark example of citizen science in action.



The data shows a clear pattern. Most bottles were found in mainland urban areas, while island beaches often had older items, sometimes dating back over two decades. 



The oldest samples included a Powerade® bottle from 2001 found in Peru, and a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-may-dump-1-3b-pounds-plastic-into-oceans-by-2030/">Coca-Cola</a>® bottle from 2002 on a Chilean island.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-bottle-labels-reveal">What bottle labels reveal</h2>



By reading the labels and engravings on bottles and caps, scientists were able to figure out where each item came from and how long it had been floating around.



Study co-author Miquel Canals is a professor in the Department of Earth and Ocean Dynamics.



“In addition to the great value of citizen science, a particularly remarkable element of the work carried out is the intelligent use of the information contained in the bottles and their caps (labels, engravings) to obtain key information about the manufacturer, and the date and place of manufacture, among others,” said Professor Canals. 



“This allowed us to identify the sources of this contamination and the route taken by individual items until they reach the beach or town where they were collected.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-plastic-bottles">Identifying the plastic bottles</h2>



Out of all the bottles collected, 59% were produced in Latin American Pacific countries. The most common types were for soft drinks, water, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/energy-drinks-linked-to-insomnia-among-college-students/">energy drinks</a> - most of them single-use and single-serve. 



In urban areas and on mainland beaches, 54.9% of the bottles were found without caps. On island beaches, 73.4% still had their caps attached. 



Researchers identified 356 brands from 253 companies, with The Coca-Cola Company, Aje Group, and PepsiCo appearing most frequently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-plastic-comes-from">Where the plastic comes from</h2>



While most bottles were locally produced, some came from farther away. A small but telling share were from Asia (1.8%), North America (0.3%), and Europe (0.04%). In nearly 39% of cases, the origin could not be determined.



“On the mainland beaches of Mexico, Guatemala and the southern countries - Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile - most of the bottles came from the same country," noted the researchers.



"In contrast, in the Central American countries - El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama - the percentages of locally sourced items were significantly lower, with those of external origin predominating."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-diversity-hotspots">Plastic diversity hotspots</h2>



Panama turned out to be a hotspot for diversity in plastic waste, with bottles coming from at least six different regions. 



On the islands, the situation shifted. Just 42.4% of bottles were from Latin America, and a large portion came from Asia.



“The distribution of bottle origins is not random, but geographically structured, with a predominance of specific countries of origin in specific environments and sub-regions, and also in specific countries, of course,” noted the study authors. 



“This trend would reflect the consumption habits, waste management practices (where they exist) and oceanographic transport processes that influence the distribution of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-supercharge-toxin-absorption-in-plants-and-humans/">plastic pollutants</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-plastic-becomes-habitat">When plastic becomes habitat</h2>



Plastic bottles don’t just float. Some become temporary homes for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-it-still-possible-to-save-the-ocean-from-plastic-pollution/">marine</a> organisms. Scientists found these “epibionts” - tiny creatures clinging to the plastic - on nearly 9% of bottles. 



The organisms showed up most often on mainland beaches in Central America. That supports the idea that some of this plastic arrives via ocean currents after spending time adrift.



Study lead author Ostin Garcés-Ordóñez is a member of the UB’s Consolidated Research Group in Marine Geosciences and the University of La Guajira.



“These findings point to a spatial pattern in the age of the items: the most recent ones predominate in human settlements, while the oldest ones are found on beaches, especially on the beaches of oceanic islands,” said Garcés-Ordóñez.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-turning-beach-waste-into-policy-action">Turning beach waste into policy action</h2>



Tackling this issue isn’t just about cleaning up beaches. The study calls for better local waste management and pressure on companies to move toward reusable packaging.



“In the future, we want to analyze the impact of seasonal climatic variations, river inputs and tourist activity on the dynamics of plastic bottle and cap pollution on coasts and in coastal cities," said the researchers.



"Oceanographic modeling could also be integrated to track the transport trajectories of plastic litter in the ocean and thus identify distant sources of pollution."



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0959652625015847">Journal of Cleaner Production</a>.



Image Credit: Ostin Garcés



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Plastic bottles reveal the companies behind a Pacific litter crisis

Plastic bottles and caps clutter beaches up and down Latin...

The oceans did not behave normally in 2023. They got too hot, stayed hot too long, and covered almost the entire planet with heat. It wasn’t just a spike in temperature. Scientists think this might be the start of something bigger - a change in how Earth’s climate works.



A new study reveals that the marine heatwaves (MHWs) of 2023 broke every known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/">record</a>. These heatwaves were stronger, lasted longer, and stretched across more ocean than ever before. It wasn’t one event. It was many, overlapping and spreading.



Marine heatwaves aren’t just warm patches in the sea. They are prolonged, intense spikes in sea temperature that can linger for months. And their impact is devastating - killing coral, driving fish away, and disrupting entire fisheries. 



Fueled by human-driven climate change, these events are becoming more frequent and more severe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceans-signal-major-climate-change">Oceans signal major climate change</h2>



According to the study, 96% of the global ocean surface experienced heatwave conditions. Regions like the North Atlantic, North Pacific, Tropical Pacific, and Southwest Pacific endured the worst of it. Together, they made up 90% of the abnormal ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-oceans-day-2025-sustaining-what-sustains-us/">heating</a>.



The North Atlantic heatwave stretched on for 525 days, beginning in mid-2022 and refusing to let up. Meanwhile, the Southwest Pacific experienced a marine heatwave so vast and prolonged, it shattered previous records.



Then came the El Niño in the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Ocean temperatures there peaked at 1.63 degrees Celsius above average. For marine life, that kind of heat isn’t a small deal. It changes everything. Movement, breeding, survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-caused-the-marine-heatwaves">What caused the marine heatwaves?</h2>



A team led by Tianyun Dong analyzed satellite data and high-resolution models like ECCO2 to conduct a global analysis. They used a technique to track how heat moved through the ocean’s top <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-last-ocean-crisis-wiped-out-coral-reefs-will-it-happen-again/">layers</a>.



The researchers found several causes for the 2023 marine heatwaves. In some areas, there was less cloud cover, allowing more sunlight to hit the water. Elsewhere, weaker winds led to less mixing, causing warm water to stagnate.



Ocean currents also shifted from their usual patterns, further contributing to the buildup of heat.



Different places had different triggers. But they all added up to the same thing - oceans that stayed hot far too long.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-a-climate-tipping-point">Signs of a climate tipping point</h2>



"The 2023 MHWs may mark a fundamental shift in ocean-atmosphere dynamics, potentially serving as an early warning of an approaching tipping point in Earth’s climate system,” wrote the study authors.



A climate tipping point means crossing a threshold where the system can’t recover on its own. For the oceans, that could lead to more frequent heatwaves, collapsing food webs, and dwindling fish populations. 



And the impact won’t stay confined to the sea. Warmer oceans hold less oxygen, disrupt the exchange of heat and moisture with the atmosphere, and help drive extreme weather - affecting everything from storms and rainfall to droughts on land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensifying-impacts-of-a-warm-climate">Intensifying impacts of a warm climate </h2>



The extreme marine heatwaves of 2023 did not provide closure. They opened a floodgate of questions. 



According to the researchers, the 2023 events highlight the intensifying impacts of a warm climate and the challenges in understanding extreme events.



Scientists now face the urgent task of monitoring how often these events occur, how they evolve over time, and whether they’re becoming harder to reverse.



The current tools are not enough. They need higher-resolution data, faster processing, and models that can better predict these complex changes across different regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tipping-point-for-the-climate">A tipping point for the climate</h2>



Policymakers, too, have work to do. They need access to clearer forecasts, localized ocean temperature warnings, and stronger coordination with climate scientists. Decision-making must move faster. 



Communities, especially those in coastal areas, cannot afford to wait. They must prepare for more frequent disruptions to fisheries, tourism, and marine ecosystems.



The ocean has long shielded us, absorbing more than 90% of the excess heat from global warming. But that protection isn’t limitless. In 2023, the ocean began to show the consequences of being pushed beyond its breaking point.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr0910" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Overheating oceans: Have we reached a climate tipping point?

The oceans did not behave normally in 2023. They got...

The air we breathe may do more than harm our lungs - it could also be quietly raising our risk of dementia.



A global analysis of data from nearly 30 million people suggests that air pollution - particularly from vehicle exhaust - significantly increases the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-can-track-the-progression-of-alzheimers/">Alzheimer’s</a> and vascular dementia.



Dementia currently affects over 57 million people. The number is projected to rise to almost 153 million by 2050. Although some areas such as Europe and North America are witnessing minor declines in prevalence, the global view is much less reassuring.



Researchers from the University of Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk/">Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit</a> took a closer look at the connection between pollution and dementia. 



By combining results from 51 studies conducted across several continents - 34 of which qualified for meta-analysis - the experts were able to draw on a larger and more dependable data pool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-pollutants-raise-dementia-risk">Which pollutants raise dementia risk?</h2>



The analysis focused on three major air pollutants: PM2.5, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/">nitrogen dioxide</a> (NO₂), and soot. 



PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, consists of tiny particles small enough to reach deep into the lungs. These particles are generated by sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, wood burning, and construction dust.



Nitrogen dioxide, a byproduct of burning fossil fuels, is commonly found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vehicle-emissions-are-the-biggest-source-of-ammonia-pollution/">vehicle emissions</a> - especially from diesel engines. This gas is known to worsen asthma and reduce lung function.



Soot comes from sources like diesel exhaust and wood fires. It not only harms the environment but can also reach deep into the lungs, contributing to respiratory and heart problems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-s-role-in-dementia">Air pollution’s role in dementia</h2>



The findings were clear: for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) increase in PM2.5, the relative risk of developing dementia rose by 17 percent. For the same increase in NO₂, the risk increased by three percent. 



For each 1 μg/m³ rise in soot, the relative dementia risk rose by 13 percent. To put that in context, in 2023, the average roadside PM2.5 level in Central London was 10 μg/m³ - the same amount linked to a 17% higher dementia risk. 



London’s average NO₂ level stood at 33 μg/m³. Roadside soot levels were 0.93 μg/m³ in London, 1.51 μg/m³ in Birmingham, and 0.65 μg/m³ in Glasgow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-air-pollution-for-public-health">Tackling air pollution for public health</h2>



“Epidemiological evidence plays a crucial role in allowing us to determine whether or not air pollution increases the risk of dementia and by how much,” said Dr. Haneen Khreis. 



“Our work provides further evidence to support the observation that long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution is a risk factor for the onset of dementia in previously healthy adults."



According to Dr. Khreis, tackling air pollution can deliver long-term health, social, climate, and economic benefits. "It can reduce the immense burden on patients, families, and caregivers, while easing pressure on overstretched healthcare systems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-does-air-pollution-affect-the-brain">How does air pollution affect the brain?</h2>



The health impacts appear to go beyond just Alzheimer’s. The researchers found the association between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-die-from-air-pollution-each-year-yet-theres-still-a-lack-of-monitoring/">air pollution</a> and dementia was slightly stronger for vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. 



Around 180,000 people in the UK alone are affected by this type of dementia.



How does air pollution impact the brain? Researchers have identified several possible mechanisms.



The most widely supported theories involve inflammation and oxidative stress - both of which can damage cells, proteins, and even DNA. These processes are already linked to other chronic diseases. 



Pollutants may enter the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-air-pollution-impacts-brain-health/">brain</a> directly, or indirectly via the bloodstream, after first affecting the lungs or heart. Once in the brain, they can trigger the kind of inflammation known to contribute to dementia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-equity-gap-in-air-pollution-studies">Equity gap in air pollution studies</h2>



The review also highlighted a gap in the current research: most of the studies were conducted in high-income countries and focused on predominantly white populations. 



This matters because marginalized communities often face higher exposure to pollution, yet they remain underrepresented in research.



“Efforts to reduce exposure to these key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cutting-super-pollutants-could-quickly-cool-the-planet/">pollutants</a> are likely to help reduce the burden of dementia on society,” said study co-first author Clare Rogowski. 



“Stricter limits for several pollutants are likely to be necessary targeting major contributors such as the transport and industry sectors. Given the extent of air pollution, there is an urgent need for regional, national, and international policy interventions to combat air pollution equitably.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-fixes-to-fight-dementia">Environmental fixes to fight dementia</h2>



The team argues that solutions can’t just come from doctors or healthcare workers. Urban design, environmental policy, and transportation planning all play a role.



“These findings underscore the need for an interdisciplinary approach to dementia prevention,” said Dr. Christiaan Bredell. 



“Preventing dementia is not just the responsibility of healthcare: this study strengthens the case that urban planning, transport policy, and environmental regulation all have a significant role to play.”



The message is clear: reducing air pollution isn't just a public health priority - it’s a critical step toward protecting brain health on a global scale.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(25)00118-4/fulltext">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Air pollution confirmed as a major risk factor for dementia

The air we breathe may do more than harm our...

New satellite data reveals a troubling truth: since 2002, Earth’s continents are drying rapidly. This is not a temporary drought but a global reconfiguration of freshwater balance. Climate change, groundwater misuse, and long droughts have driven this shift.



A study led by <a href="https://www.asu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> highlights four massive “mega-drying” zones in the Northern Hemisphere. The researchers analyzed over 22 years of data from the GRACE and GRACE-FO satellites.



They found that these drying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-only-has-six-continents-not-seven-tectonic-plates-under-iceland-study/">regions</a> are expanding by about 831,600 km² [321,000 sq mi] each year. That is roughly twice California’s size.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-loss-and-drying-continents">Groundwater loss and drying continents</h2>



The study found a major imbalance. Dry zones are drying faster than wet zones are gaining water. Since 2014, dry extremes have surged, rising one million square miles per year in non-glaciated areas. This points to a major climate-driven tipping point linked to mega El Niño events.



About 75% of humanity, over 6 billion people, live in 101 countries that have lost freshwater since 2002. This overlap of population growth and freshwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/claim-earth-has-six-continents-not-seven-north-america-europe-connected/">decline</a> threatens global stability.



Groundwater accounts for 68% of the total land-based water loss. In drying regions, it now contributes more to sea level rise than Greenland’s glaciers. Surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-confirm-the-location-of-earths-missing-eighth-continent-zealandia/">water</a> (18%), soil moisture (9%), and snow water (5%) follow behind.



“These findings send perhaps the most alarming message yet about the impact of climate change on our water resources,” said Jay Famiglietti. “Continents are drying, freshwater availability is shrinking, and sea level rise is accelerating.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-four-huge-regions-are-drying">Four huge regions are drying</h2>



The study outlines four interconnected drying belts that now form vast, expanding zones of water loss across the Northern Hemisphere. In Northern Canada and Alaska, terrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ocean-animals-connect-countries-and-continents/">water</a> storage is declining at a rate of −0.34 inches per year, excluding glaciers.



Northern Russia follows with a drop of −0.16 inches per year, driven by permafrost thaw and ongoing droughts. Southwestern North America and Central America show a combined decline of −0.30 inches per year, affecting major urban centers like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Mexico City.



The most severely impacted is the MENA and Pan Eurasia region, where the Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin is losing −0.43 inches per year, and the Caspian and Aral Seas show an even steeper decline of −1.18 inches per year. What were once isolated hotspots have now merged into broad, continental-scale drying belts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-continents-are-raising-sea-levels">Dry continents are raising sea levels</h2>



Before 2014, most extreme drying occurred in the Southern Hemisphere. After 2014, the trend reversed. Most dry extremes now occur in the North and last longer. This flip aligns with the strongest El Niño event on record.



While wet regions have shrunk, the tropics remain the exception. Wetting continues near the equator but less than expected by IPCC climate models.



The land now contributes 44% of mass-driven sea level rise. This is more than Greenland or Antarctica. The annual contribution from drying non-glaciated land regions is 0.04 inches in sea level equivalent. Groundwater alone contributes 68% of that.



These changes are long-lasting. Over 62% of drying areas show trends persistent across 22 years. In contrast, many wetting trends are less robust and driven by temporary wet events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-lost-faster-than-it-can-be-replaced">Water lost faster than it can be replaced</h2>



Regions already facing water stress, like the Indus Basin, North China Plain, and Central Valley, now experience 10% or more annual water loss compared to their renewable supply. Half of the world’s major aquifers are depleting fast.



Groundwater systems are like ancient trust funds. Once drained, they cannot be restored in human timeframes.



"It is striking how much non-renewable water we are losing," said Hrishikesh A. Chandanpurkar, lead author of the study and a research scientist at ASU.



"Glaciers and deep groundwater are sort of ancient trust funds. Instead of using them only in times of need such as a prolonged drought, we are taking them for granted. Also, we are not trying to replenish the groundwater systems during wet years and thus edging towards an imminent freshwater bankruptcy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-wake-up-call">A global wake-up call</h2>



Famiglietti warns that continuing this path will undermine food and water security for billions. But there is a path forward.



“This research matters. It clearly shows that we urgently need new policies and groundwater management strategies on a global scale,” noted Famiglietti.



Urgent actions must focus on reducing groundwater overuse, boosting recharge, and protecting aquifers. Coordinated international efforts could slow drying and reduce sea level rise.



The findings from this study will inform an upcoming World Bank report on the water crisis. It will offer practical solutions to governments facing water scarcity.



Until then, the message is clear. Earth’s continents are drying. Water is vanishing faster than nature can replace it. The time to act is now.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adx0298" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Vanishing freshwater: Earth's continents are rapidly drying out

New satellite data reveals a troubling truth: since 2002, Earth’s...

The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is nearly 80 miles wide, making it the largest glacier in the world by width. If it collapses entirely, the resulting changes could raise global sea levels. Scientists are racing to understand the forces at work before it’s too late.



To better understand how this could unfold, researchers developed a new way to study the cracks - or fractures - that weaken the massive ice shelves connected to glaciers. 



These shelves float on the ocean, but they’re anchored to land. When they fracture and collapse, they speed up the melting of the glacier behind them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-glacier-nears-its-breaking-point">Antarctic glacier nears its breaking point</h2>



Using years of NASA satellite data, the team focused on vertical fractures in the Antarctic ice sheet - the largest on the planet, even though it’s losing about 136 billion tons of ice each year. 



Their attention was on the Thwaites Ice Shelf, a critical extension of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-future-behavior-of-thwaites-the-doomsday-glacier/">Thwaites</a> Glacier in West Antarctica.



Often called the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-may-collapse-sooner-than-we-thought/">Doomsday Glacier</a>” for its potential to raise sea levels by up to 11 feet, Thwaites is especially vulnerable. The ice shelf acts like a stopper, slowing the glacier’s flow into the ocean. If that shelf collapses, it could trigger a chain reaction of rapid ice loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-fractures-form">Rethinking how fractures form</h2>



The new method was developed by a research team at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a>. Their findings zero in on how fractures form and evolve in ice shelves - and why existing models aren’t enough.



Shujie Wang is an assistant professor of geography, a faculty associate in the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute at Penn State, and a co-author of the study.



“We know little about fractures, and their behavior is much more complex than conventional models suggest,” she said. “Conventional models depend largely on simplified models and scarce, hard-to-obtain field observations.”



The Thwaites Ice Shelf is particularly unstable. It changes quickly, its surface is heavily fractured, and the ice flows at a fast pace. 



Researchers describe it as a final barrier that keeps the rest of the glacier from disintegrating.



Richard Alley, Evan Pugh University Professor of Geosciences at Penn State and co-author of the study, offered this analogy: “We’ve seen ice shelves break off, but we’ve never seen one grow back."



"This new research indicates we can predict better the point at which these will break off. It’s helping to establish the early-warning signals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-resolution-views-of-ice-breaking">High-resolution views of ice breaking</h2>



To capture the changes in the ice shelf’s structure, the research team used data from NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite. It collected measurements between 2018 and 2024.



This satellite tracks ice elevation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-will-antarctica-contribute-to-sea-level-rise/">sea level</a>, and other Earth features with remarkable precision.



The team built a new two-step process to analyze the satellite data. It lets them create high-resolution elevation profiles and visual cross-sections of fractures in the ice. 



Building on a previous algorithm Wang had designed to detect individual cracks, the new method gives researchers a better view of how different types of fractures form and evolve over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-s-glacier-instability-feeds-on-itself">Antarctica’s glacier instability feeds on itself</h2>



The findings showed that the eastern section of the Thwaites Ice Shelf has more aggressive fracturing, while the western side appears more stable. The cause of that difference isn’t clear yet.



But the researchers pointed to several possible factors. These included warmer winter temperatures, less sea ice, and shifting ocean currents beneath the shelf. Further research is needed to know for sure.



As fractures spread, the ice flows faster. In Antarctica, that creates more cracks, which leads to more instability - a feedback loop that can push parts of the glacier past the point of no return.



“We believe that if the Thwaites Glacier gets very unstable, it will have catastrophic consequences,” Wang said. “It’s an important area to be studied, to say what’s going to change next.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-a-glacier-lost">Lessons from a glacier lost</h2>



This latest work builds on a 2023 study led by Wang that looked at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-ancient-icebergs-found-off-the-coast-of-britain/">Larsen B</a> Ice Shelf, which collapsed in 2002. 



That shelf, about 1,250 square miles in size, broke apart over just five weeks after years of weakening due to warmer air and ocean temperatures.



Back then, models didn’t catch the warning signs. Now, with this new method, researchers have better tools to predict when and where these breaks might happen.



While older approaches relied heavily on theory, the new system offers observations and data that can feed into more accurate models. Over time, the researchers hope this will lead to stronger predictions about how Antarctic ice is changing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-to-predict-ice-collapse">A tool to predict ice collapse</h2>



To support ongoing and future research, Zhengrui Huang, a doctoral candidate in geography and co-author of the paper, pulled together satellite data from more than 40 Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-threat-lurking-in-antarcticas-ice-shelves/">ice shelves</a>. 



That dataset includes 3D information about fracture locations and depths - a potential goldmine for scientists working to understand ice dynamics.



“We expect this will be a key observational dataset of fractures for researchers who study and model Antarctic ice-shelf dynamics,” Huang said.



By sharing this data as an open resource, the team hopes to accelerate discoveries and sharpen predictions. The researchers also aim to help the world better understand what's at stake if massive glaciers like Thwaites keep crumbling.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JF008118" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface</a>.



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Glacier in Antarctica that could drown cities is breaking apart

The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is nearly 80 miles...

Lightning jolts the sky and the ground around eight million times daily, but the quiet deaths it causes in forests remain mostly out of sight. A recent study now estimates that about 320 million individual trees succumb to direct lightning damage every single year.



“We’re now able not only to estimate how many trees die from lightning strikes annually, but also to identify the regions most affected and assess the implications for global carbon storage and forest structure,” said Andreas Krause from the Technical University of Munich (<a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TUM</a>).



The team calculated that these silent strikes account for roughly 2 to 3 percent of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-zapping-forests-harder-than-we-thought/">plant</a> biomass lost annually, and end up causing the emission of up to 1.09 billion tons of carbon dioxide as the dead wood decays.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-kills-trees-silently">Lightning kills trees silently</h2>



Forest pathologists often miss a lightning hit because the bark scars fade fast or never appear at all. Ground surveys in Central Panama were among the first to reveal how often a single bolt can kill multiple neighbors, especially among the biggest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-species-face-unprecedented-climate-shifts-across-their-ranges/">trunks</a>.



The follow-up work at the same site showed lightning is responsible for about 40 percent of large-tree deaths, which is more than those caused by storms or insects in that forest. This finding hinted that global numbers could be far larger than the few local case studies suggested.



Direct counts alone could not scale to the whole planet, so the Munich group turned to modeling. They stitched satellite maps of lightning frequency with on-the-ground mortality rates and fed the mix into a dynamic global vegetation model that tracks how simulated trees grow and die.



Technicians now fly drones fitted with thermal sensors above tree-fall zones, watching for lingering heat that betrays an invisible bolt. These surveys confirm that many lightning deaths would go uncounted by ground crews alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-and-how-lightning-kills-trees">Where and how lightning kills trees</h2>



The model, LPJ-GUESS, already simulates the impacts of fires, droughts, and logging. By adding a lightning module, the researchers let virtual strikes hit the tallest simulated stems first, mirroring the real preference of bolts for sky-piercing crowns.



The team ran the system with two independent lightning data sets, one from NASA satellites and another from a worldwide sensor network, to check robustness. The two runs agreed within about ten percent, landing on the headline figure of 320 million tree deaths in a year.



To test realism, they compared the virtual Panama plot with years of tagged trees and found the model killed roughly three trees per strike, close to field counts. That match gave the team confidence to push the simulation out to every half-degree grid square on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-part-of-the-climate-solution-but-not-the-whole-answer/">Earth</a>.



In the output maps, the hottest kill zones stretch across the Congo Basin, northern South America, and Indonesia, where warm, moist air fires up thunderstorms almost year-round. Temperate forests mattered less for now, but the model hints that their share could climb as the climate warms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tall-trees-die-more-often">Tall trees die more often</h2>



The risk rises with height because taller trunks act like living lightning rods. Among trees wider than two feet (0.6 meters) across, lightning can account for one in 20 deaths worldwide, and nearly one in ten inside some African rainforests.



Losing a big canopy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smarter-forest-design-can-help-fight-climate-change/">tree</a> does more than thin the skyline. Each one packs about as much carbon as dozens of saplings, and shapes the light and humidity for everything growing beneath.



In tropical forests thick with lianas, the vines can even conduct electricity between neighboring trunks, which widens the kill radius. Such botanical wiring partly explains why a single discharge can fell clusters rather than lone stems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-and-global-carbon-emissions">Lightning and global carbon emissions</h2>



Forests hold around 870 billion tons of carbon in their wood and soil. Each year, living trees pull another 2.4 billion tons out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis. 



Losing even two to three percent of that <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrs/pubs/jrnl/2024/nrs_2024_pan_001.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> stock every year is no minor loss - it matches the emissions released by burning live vegetation in wildfires.



The model calculates that lightning-killed wood releases as much carbon each year as the entire aviation industry. Most of that release happens slowly, as fungi and insects break down trunks that never burned.



Carbon accountants therefore need to track these non-fire disturbances, as well as considering the megafires that make headlines. Skipping them could underestimate natural greenhouse-gas sources as weather patterns shift.



Lightning does not always burn its victims, so the carbon flows into the atmosphere mostly as slow respiration, not smoke. That timeline complicates satellite assessments that rely on sudden fire scars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-may-increase-lightning">Climate change may increase lightning </h2>



Warmer air holds more moisture and energy, and climate <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1259100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">models</a> suggest United States lightning strikes may jump about 12 percent for every degree of global warming. 



Translated across the century, that projection means roughly 50 percent more flashes over mid-latitude lands.



Other research predicts fewer bolts in some tropical zones, showing the uncertainty that scientists still face. Even so, the new study underlines that any regional upswing could slice into forest carbon budgets that policymakers count on.



More strikes also raise the chance of wildfires, compounding the direct kills tallied here. Lightning already sparks most remote boreal fires, and an increase in strikes would lengthen the northern burning season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-trees-with-better-tools">Tracking trees with better tools</h2>



The authors note that their numbers omit hidden knock-on effects, such as insects invading scarred trunks or delayed deaths that follow partial damage. 



Field crews armed with drones and lightning sensors could fill that data gap and sharpen future models.



“Most climate models project an increase in lightning frequency in the coming decades, so it’s worth paying closer attention to this largely overlooked disturbance,” said Krause. For now, the modeling exercise offers a first global baseline that forest managers can incorporate into planning.&nbsp;



From carbon budgets to conservation goals, adding silent lightning mortality changes the arithmetic. Knowing how many trees fall from lightning makes it easier to keep the planet’s living green ledger in the black.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70312">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Lightning-struck trees release as much carbon as the aviation industry

Lightning jolts the sky and the ground around eight million...

The Arctic winter has changed. A season once defined by deep freeze and solid snow is now marked by rain, melting ice, and even patches of green.



On a research trip to the high-Arctic archipelago of Svalbard in February 2025, scientists were not met by deep snow and biting cold - but by puddles, blooming tundra, and rain. This isn’t just a freak event - it’s a sign of something bigger.



The researchers, affiliated with <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/">Queen Mary University of London</a> and several European institutions, have published a commentary that describes what they witnessed during their latest winter field campaign.



The findings confirm what climate models have warned about for years: Arctic winters are warming fast, and the shift is reshaping the entire environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-disrupts-arctic-winter">Warming disrupts Arctic winter</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/svalbard-melts-into-the-arctic-ocean/">Svalbard</a> is warming six to seven times faster than the global average. Winter temperatures in the region are rising nearly twice as fast as those in other seasons.



This means the deep freeze once expected in January and February is giving way to strange, disruptive thaws.



“Standing in pools of water at the snout of the glacier, or on bare, green <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-changing-tundra-landscapes-affect-earths-climate/">tundra</a>, was shocking and surreal,” said Dr. James Bradley. "The thick snowpack covering the landscape vanished within days. The gear I packed felt like a relic from another climate.”



His team had prepared for subzero temperatures. They packed heavy gloves, insulated clothing, and snowmobiles. But they ended up working barehanded in the rain, on a glacier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snow-replaced-by-rain">Snow replaced by rain</h2>



Laura Molares Moncayo, a Ph.D. student at Queen Mary and the Natural History Museum, had was on a mission to study freshly fallen snow.



“But over a two-week period, we were only able to collect fresh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-snow-complexity-can-improve-winter-safety/">snow</a> once, as most of the precipitation fell as rain,” she said. 



"The unexpected melt not only disrupted our sampling plan, but also made us question how safe or feasible winter fieldwork really is under such rapidly changing conditions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-thaw-is-now-routine">Arctic thaw is now routine</h2>



Scientists have long predicted that the Arctic would <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-022-00498-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warm faster</a> than the rest of the planet. What shocked this team was how quickly those predictions are turning into everyday reality.



When air temperatures rise above 0°C (32°F), even briefly, it changes everything. Meltwater pools form on top of frozen ground. Temporary lakes spread. Snow cover vanishes. Once-barren tundra starts blooming weeks or months too early. 



These changes don’t just make it harder to do science - they trigger a ripple effect across entire ecosystems.



Microbial carbon cycling is disrupted. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-no-longer-permanent-arctic-communities-in-danger/">Permafrost</a> starts to thaw. Greenhouse gases that were once locked underground begin to escape. Some of these effects reinforce warming, and set off feedback loops that could speed things up even more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-winter-matters-for-everyone">Arctic winter matters for everyone</h2>



The team’s commentary doesn’t just describe strange weather. It calls attention to the broader risks - especially for Indigenous Arctic communities, whose infrastructure and emergency systems were never built for rain and floods in mid-winter.



It also warns that climate research itself is at risk. Equipment designed for snow and ice can fail when surrounded by slush and water.



Snowmobiles can’t get through to field sites. Emergency escape plans rely on frozen terrain. And researchers, already under pressure to capture rare seasonal data, may be forced to pause fieldwork or pull out entirely.



“Climate policy must catch up to the reality that the Arctic is changing much faster than expected, and winter is at the heart of that shift,” said Dr. Bradley.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-change-demands-readiness">Arctic change demands readiness</h2>



The authors stress that more investment is needed in Arctic monitoring during winter. Right now, there's a dangerous gap in both data and understanding of what’s happening during this fast-changing season.



They argue that policymakers need to shift from reacting to events after they happen to planning for them ahead of time.



Even well-funded research stations are struggling to operate in these new conditions. If that’s the case, what happens to small, remote communities that rely on snow roads, frozen rivers, or ice-based hunting grounds?



“We are still unaware of the consequences that these recurring events are bringing to Arctic ecosystems, especially during the winter period,” said Donato Giovannelli, a geomicrobiologist at the University of Naples Federico II.



“We might have been too cautious with our messages. Irreversible changes to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-climate-will-permanently-change-by-2050-scientists-warn/">Arctic climate</a> are happening in front of our own eyes.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60926-8">Nature Communications</a>.



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Arctic winters are starting to look more like spring

The Arctic winter has changed. A season once defined by...

With over 2.8 billion fungal DNA sequences from 130 countries, scientists have produced the first high-resolution global maps of underground mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi support ecosystems by transporting nutrients, capturing carbon, and protecting plant health. 



Yet, over 90 percent of this underground <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-fungi-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/">biodiversity</a> lies outside protected areas. That makes these vital ecosystems vulnerable to environmental damage.



The data powers a new interactive platform called the Underground Atlas. This tool helps anyone explore fungal biodiversity from Ethiopia to Brazil, and from Tasmania to West Africa. 



These maps expose not only diversity but also rarity, revealing patterns previously hidden from view.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-underground-fungi-matter">Why underground fungi matter</h2>



Mycorrhizal fungi form massive underground networks that interact with nearly every plant. 



These fungal systems capture more than 13 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year - about a third of global fossil fuel emissions. They help crops grow, rebuild forests, and regulate water cycles.



Still, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/">fungi</a> remain missing from major conservation plans. That absence is dangerous. When these networks get disturbed, forests regenerate more slowly, crops suffer, and entire ecosystems unravel.



“For centuries, we've mapped mountains, forests, and oceans. But these fungi have remained in the dark,” said Dr. Toby Kiers of Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (<a href="https://www.spun.earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SPUN)</a>.



“They cycle nutrients, store carbon, support plant health, and make soil. When we disrupt these critical ecosystem engineers, forest regeneration slows, crops fail, and biodiversity aboveground begins to unravel."



"This is the first time we're able to visualize these biodiversity patterns - and it's clear we are failing to protect underground ecosystems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maps-show-fungi-need-protection">Maps show fungi need protection</h2>



The research team used machine learning to build predictive maps from their vast dataset. These maps reveal fungal richness and rarity at a global scale, down to one square kilometer. 



Less than 10 percent of biodiversity hotspots appear in protected areas, exposing a huge gap in global conservation strategy.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/fungi_global-underground-system_map_credit-SPUN_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/fungi_global-underground-system_map_credit-SPUN_1s.webp" alt="High-resolution map of from SPUN's Underground Atlas showing predicted arbuscular mycorrhizal biodiversity patterns across underground ecosystems. Bright colors indicate higher richness and endemism. Credit: SPUN" class="wp-image-1979248"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">High-resolution map of from SPUN's Underground Atlas showing predicted arbuscular mycorrhizal biodiversity patterns across underground ecosystems. Bright colors indicate higher richness and endemism. Click image to enlarge. Credit: SPUN</figcaption></figure>



This work is the first large-scale scientific product of SPUN. The group launched in 2021 with the goal to map and protect Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-millions-of-fungal-species-still-remain-unknown/">fungal networks</a>.



"For too long, we've overlooked mycorrhizal fungi. These maps help alleviate our fungus blindness,” explained Dr. Merlin Sheldrake of SPUN.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-tool-to-explore-underground-fungi">A tool to explore underground fungi</h2>



Now, SPUN offers a powerful new tool: the Underground Atlas. It allows researchers, policymakers, and conservationists to explore biodiversity anywhere on Earth. 



“The idea is to ensure underground biodiversity becomes as fundamental to environmental decision-making as satellite imagery,” noted Jason Cremerius of SPUN.



Users can locate biodiversity hotspots, identify rare fungal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-unique-fungi-partnerships-that-help-them-survive/">species</a>, and support restoration work. The tool can inform the placement of conservation areas, especially in biodiversity-rich regions that remain unprotected.



“These high-resolution maps provide quantitative targets for restoration managers,” said Dr. Alex Wegmann from <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>. “Restoration practices have been dangerously incomplete because the focus has historically been on life aboveground.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-legal-shield-for-fungi">No legal shield for fungi</h2>



According to the researchers, the data could help shape climate and biodiversity laws. For example, Ghana’s coast hosts a vital underground fungal hotspot - yet this coast erodes by two meters each year. If left unprotected, this fungal diversity could vanish into the sea.



“Underground fungal systems have been largely invisible in law and policy,” said César Rodriguez-Garavito of NYU. “These data are incredibly important in strengthening law and policy across all of Earth's underground ecosystems.”



SPUN has built a global dataset of 40,000 samples covering 95,000 fungal taxa. The organization partners with more than 400 scientists and 96 “<a href="https://www.spun.earth/expeditions/underground-explorers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Underground Explorers</a>” from 79 countries. These teams now sample remote regions - from Bhutan and Mongolia to Ukraine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-depends-on-these-networks">Future depends on these networks</h2>



Despite the achievements, scientists have sampled just 0.001% of Earth's surface. SPUN needs more data to improve maps, define restoration goals, and identify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-fungi-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/">endangered</a> fungal communities. 



“These maps reveal what we stand to lose if we fail to protect the underground,” said Dr. Kiers.



To protect Earth’s underground biodiversity, collective action is essential. Researchers can partner with SPUN to expand data collection and improve the accuracy of fungal diversity maps. 



Conservationists should use these insights to design strategic interventions and prioritize high-value ecosystems. Policymakers need to recognize the critical role of underground fungi by including them in biodiversity and climate frameworks. 



The public can explore the <a href="https://www.spun.earth/underground-atlas/mycorrhizal-biodiversity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Underground Atlas</a> to better understand this hidden world and support ongoing efforts. Funders play a key role by investing in the next phase of global fungal exploration and restoration.



To see the hidden world beneath your feet, visit the Underground Atlas and help protect the life that sustains ours.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09277-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Underground fungi networks that sustain all life on Earth are in danger

With over 2.8 billion fungal DNA sequences from 130 countries,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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.

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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Closeup,Of,Fresh,Green,The,Napier,Bush,Grass,As,Animal

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;



Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.



“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.



"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;



"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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.

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NTU...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.



Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;



With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.



NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.



"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.



"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."



The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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



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.

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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