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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Studies confirm that a small tax definitely helps curb plastic pollution

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

<p>Arbor Day originated in the United States during the early 1870s. The idea was conceived by J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and politician who moved from Detroit to the Nebraska Territory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Morton was an agricultural enthusiast who recognized the environmental and economic value of trees. In the largely treeless plains of Nebraska, trees were needed for building materials, shade from the hot sun, and windbreaks to keep soil in place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-arbor-day">Origins of Arbor Day</h2>



<p>Morton first proposed a tree-planting holiday called "Arbor Day" at a meeting of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture on January 4, 1872. The proposal was well received, and the first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. It was a huge success, with an estimated one million trees planted on that day.</p>



<p>The idea of an annual day specifically for planting trees quickly spread beyond Nebraska. Today, Arbor Day is observed in many countries around the world, each adapting the celebration to its own climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the United States, it is typically celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe the holiday on different dates that coincide with their local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-forests-with-diverse-tree-species-increases-likelihood-of-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> season. For example, Hawaii celebrates on the first Friday of November.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-are-trees-so-important">Why are trees so important?</h2>



<p>Trees are not just essential components of our natural landscape but vital guardians of our environment. These perennial plants do more than beautify our surroundings; they are fundamental to life on Earth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-benefits-of-trees">Ecological benefits of trees</h3>



<p>The ecological significance of trees cannot be overstated. Primarily, they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. Trees absorb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-reveal-the-carbon-storage-capacity-of-a-forest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a>, a predominant greenhouse gas, converting it into biomass through the process of photosynthesis. </p>



<p>This not only reduces the amount of harmful gases in the atmosphere but also provides us with oxygen, essential for life. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.</p>



<p>Furthermore, trees contribute to increased biodiversity. They serve as habitats for countless species. Birds, insects, fungi, and moss are just a few examples of the life forms that depend on trees for survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The variety of life supported by trees enhances genetic diversity, which is vital for adaptation and resilience in the face of environmental changes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-benefits-of-trees">Economic benefits of trees</h3>



<p>Economically, trees offer significant advantages. In urban areas, they improve home values by up to 15% or more due to their aesthetic appeal and their role in creating a pleasant microclimate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond aesthetics, trees provide raw materials for industries such as furniture, paper, and construction. Fruit and nut trees contribute to food resources, providing both nourishment and economic gains through agriculture.</p>



<p>Trees also have a profound impact on energy consumption. By providing shade and releasing moisture into the air through their leaves, trees can reduce the need for air conditioning in nearby buildings by 30%. This not only cuts down energy costs but also reduces the strain on power grids during peak summer months, thereby decreasing the likelihood of power outages.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits">Health benefits</h3>



<p>The health benefits of trees extend beyond their environmental and economic contributions. They play a significant role in improving air quality by filtering pollutants such as dust, microplastics, and gases through their leaves and bark. Urban vegetation can reduce pollutants in the air by up to 25%, contributing to healthier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/non-native-trees-have-enormous-value-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban environments</a>.</p>



<p>Moreover, trees have been shown to have a positive impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-forest-bathing-fresh-breath-for-teen-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a>. The presence of green spaces in urban areas can lower rates of psychological stress and illness. People living near trees often have lower levels of stress, and children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges">Environmental challenges</h3>



<p>Despite their immense benefits, trees face numerous threats, including deforestation, land development, and climate change. These challenges underscore the need for concerted conservation efforts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Planting trees is a simple yet powerful act that can lead to significant environmental improvements. Arbor Day and similar celebrations can serve as vital reminders of our responsibilities toward forest conservation and management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-arbor-day">Significance of Arbor Day</h2>



<p>Arbor Day is significant for several reasons, primarily centered around environmental awareness and conservation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-awareness">Education and awareness</h3>



<p>Arbor Day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the benefits that trees and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a> provide to communities and the global environment. It encourages people to learn about tree care and forest management.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-involvement">Community involvement</h3>



<p>The day promotes community spirit as people come together to beautify their neighborhoods and public spaces. It is a chance for community engagement through collective action, which can strengthen community bonds and foster civic pride.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-and-sustainability">Legacy and sustainability</h3>



<p>Planting trees on Arbor Day is also about investing in the future. Trees planted today will grow to provide benefits for many years, making it a gesture of hope and sustainability for future generations.</p>



<p>Arbor Day serves as an important reminder that trees are more than just part of our natural landscape; they are essential for sustaining ecological balance, supporting economic development, and promoting health. By understanding and promoting the importance of trees, we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.&nbsp;</p>



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Arbor Day: Honoring the guardians of our environment

Arbor Day originated in the United States during the early...

<p>Emperor penguins, iconic symbols of Antarctica, are facing increasing survival challenges as Antarctica's ice is melting away. A recent study by the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> reveals worrying trends for these charismatic birds due to declining sea-ice levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-sea-ice">Disappearing sea ice</h2>



<p>Emperor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-emperor-penguins-need-better-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguins</a> rely on a specific type of sea ice called "fast ice." It's like a giant, frozen platform anchored to the Antarctic shoreline, which makes a perfect spot for the flightless birds to raise a family.</p>



<p>But this frozen haven is shrinking. Recent studies have identified a disturbing trend: sea ice levels are plummeting. This significant drop in sea ice is devastating emperor penguin breeding.</p>



<p>In 2023 alone, a fifth of known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emperor-penguins-face-tragic-breeding-failures-due-to-sea-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emperor</a> penguin colonies suffered breeding failures due to early sea ice breakup. This means the penguin chicks were forced to enter the icy water before their feathers were waterproof. It's a heartbreaking loss, and the second worst year on record since scientists began tracking breeding failures in 2018.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emperor-penguins-and-melting-sea-ice">Emperor penguins and melting sea ice</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-emperor-penguin-officially-listed-as-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emperor penguins</a> are an icon of Antarctica – majestic yet surprisingly goofy with their signature waddle. Beyond their entertainment value, the penguins are an important part of their ecosystem. </p>



<p>Scientists warn that if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, we could lose nearly all emperor penguins by the end of the century. That's virtual extinction for an entire species.</p>



<p>"As the continent warms we are seeing the ice break out earlier, leading to higher chick mortality. With fewer chicks surviving at many colonies, it is likely that over time a number of current breeding sites will become untenable, and the overall population will decline. This is a future that our climate models predict.” said Dr. Peter Fretwell of the British Antarctic Survey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-emperor-penguins-adapt-to-sea-ice-loss">How emperor penguins adapt to sea ice loss</h2>



<p>The situation for emperor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-emperor-penguins-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penguins</a> is serious – shrinking sea ice is wreaking havoc on their breeding grounds. But there's a flicker of hope. Penguins are incredibly resilient, and they're proving it.</p>



<p>In 2022, some colonies showed remarkable adaptation to potentially devastating levels of ice loss. They took bold steps to survive. Some moved to find more stable ice, while others totally changed their game by nesting on icebergs or ice shelves instead.</p>



<p>"The fact that we are seeing these adaptations in the worst affected colonies gives us some hope that the birds can react to their changing environment and move to find more stable ice,” noted Dr. Fretwell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-sea-ice-for-emperor-penguins">Saving sea ice for emperor penguins</h2>



<p>Addressing the plight of emperor penguins requires a multifaceted approach that tackles the root cause of their challenges: climate change. To effectively combat the broad environmental shifts affecting these birds, a major global initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is essential. </p>



<p>This overarching solution involves international cooperation to implement and adhere to stricter environmental policies and shift towards renewable energy sources. However, beyond the large-scale changes, there are practical steps that individuals and communities can take immediately to contribute to the solution:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Be informed</h3>



<p>Understanding climate change and its impacts is the first step toward making meaningful change. It is vital to stay informed about the latest scientific research and policy developments related to climate change and its effects on global ecosystems, particularly Antarctica. </p>



<p>Engaging with comprehensive, scientifically accurate sources can deepen our knowledge and sensitivity to how delicate systems like those supporting the emperor penguins are managed and protected. </p>



<p>This information serves as a tool for making informed decisions and for advocating for policies that protect the environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spread the word</h3>



<p>Awareness and education are powerful catalysts for change. By sharing knowledge about the challenges faced by emperor penguins with your network, you can help raise the profile of climate issues. </p>



<p>Conversations can inspire others to learn more and act, whether it’s through social media campaigns, community talks, or simply discussions among friends and family. </p>



<p>The more people are aware of the impact of climate change on iconic species like the emperor penguin, the greater the public pressure on policymakers to act decisively in favor of sustainable practices and conservation efforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Support conservation efforts</h3>



<p>Contributing to organizations that work directly on conserving Antarctica and its unique inhabitants can have an immediate impact. These organizations engage in a range of activities including direct action to protect wildlife, lobbying for policy changes, and conducting vital research that informs conservation strategies. </p>



<p>By donating, volunteering, or even engaging in advocacy campaigns organized by these groups, you can help provide them with the resources they need to carry out their important work. Look for reputable, transparent organizations with proven track records in conservation science and policy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Change personal habits</h3>



<p>Every individual can contribute to reducing the global carbon footprint through everyday actions. </p>



<p>Simple choices such as reducing reliance on fossil fuels by opting for public transport, biking, or walking when possible can significantly cut down one's carbon emissions. </p>



<p>Reducing energy consumption at home by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when not in use, and moderating heating and cooling can also contribute to lower overall greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>Furthermore, making conscious consumer choices such as supporting sustainable products and reducing waste goes a long way in promoting a more sustainable economy.</p>



<p>By combining these personal actions with broader advocacy for policy change, individuals can play a crucial role in addressing the causes of climate change. Collectively, these efforts create a groundswell of support for a healthier planet, paving the way for more stable and secure habitats for emperor penguins and other wildlife. </p>



<p>Emperor penguins are battling for survival in a rapidly changing world. Every step taken, no matter how small, moves us closer to a sustainable future and helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable species around the world.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/antarctic-science/article/6-year-assessment-of-low-seaice-impacts-on-emperor-penguins/D884062FC1FFC9CFB4EB45C563FA695B" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Antarctic Science&nbsp;</em>today</a>.</p>



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Emperor penguins are rapidly vanishing due to sea ice decline

Emperor penguins, iconic symbols of Antarctica, are facing increasing survival...

View,Of,The,Device,Of,An,Oil,Drilling,Rig

<p>Earth's surface bears the visible scars of human activities, from greenhouse gas emissions to deforestation. However, the impact of human intervention extends far beyond what meets the eye, reaching hundreds of meters to several kilometers beneath the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-model-reveals-the-evolution-of-the-earths-surface/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet's surface</a> into Earth's deep subsurface. </p>



<p>This hidden realm, often overlooked, is now the subject of disturbing research by hydrology experts. Jennifer McIntosh, a professor in the University of Arizona's <a href="https://has.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences</a>, and her colleagues have delved into the ways humans influence Earth's deep subsurface. </p>



<p>"We looked at how the rates of fluid production with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oil-and-gas-production-linked-to-77-billion-in-annual-health-care-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil and gas</a> compare to natural background circulation of water and showed how humans have made a big impact on the circulation of fluids in the subsurface," McIntosh explained.</p>



<p>In a paper published in the journal <em>Earth's Future</em>, they shed light on the significant impact of human activities on the circulation of fluids in this subterranean zone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deciphering the hidden world in motion beneath our feet</h2>



<p>The study, led by Grant Ferguson, also from the UArizona, compared the rates of fluid production from oil and gas extraction to the natural background circulation of water. </p>



<p>The findings reveal that human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-internal-jet-stream-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fluid fluxes</a> surpass the natural flow, and they are projected to increase further with proposed strategies for combating climate change.</p>



<p>These strategies include geologic carbon sequestration, geothermal energy production, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fools-gold-may-be-a-valuable-source-of-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lithium extraction</a> from underground mineral-rich brine. </p>



<p>"Responsible management of the subsurface is central to any hope for a green transition, sustainable future and keeping warming below a few degrees," emphasizes Peter Reiners, a professor in the <a href="https://www.geo.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UArizona Department of Geosciences</a> and a co-author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-subsurface-fluid-fluxes">Earth's subsurface fluid fluxes</h2>



<p>These fluxes transport water, gases, and other substances through the subsurface, influencing everything from groundwater resources to geothermal energy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Types of subsurface fluid fluxes</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Groundwater flow</h4>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Groundwater flow</a> represents the movement of water through porous and fractured rock formations. This flow occurs due to pressure gradients and the force of gravity, allowing water to move from areas of high hydraulic head to areas of low hydraulic head. Groundwater flow plays a vital role in the hydrologic cycle, recharging aquifers and sustaining surface water bodies.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Hydrocarbon migration</h4>



<p>Subsurface fluid fluxes also include the migration of hydrocarbons, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells-litter-the-world-and-must-be-cleaned-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil and natural gas</a>. These fluids originate from organic-rich source rocks and migrate through permeable rock layers until they encounter traps or seals. Understanding hydrocarbon migration is essential for oil and gas exploration and production.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Geothermal fluid circulation</h4>



<p>In regions with high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underground-water-could-be-a-great-source-of-renewable-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geothermal gradients</a>, subsurface fluids can circulate through fractures and permeable rock formations, absorbing heat from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-ancient-ocean-floor-surrounds-the-earths-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's interior</a>. This heated fluid can then rise to the surface, creating hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles. Geothermal fluid circulation is a key factor in the development of geothermal energy resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Importance of Earth's subsurface fluid fluxes</h2>



<p>Subsurface fluid fluxes have far-reaching impacts on various aspects of our planet. They influence the availability and quality of groundwater resources, which are essential for human consumption, agriculture, and industrial activities. </p>



<p>Additionally, these fluxes play a crucial role in the formation and distribution of mineral resources, such as ore deposits and petroleum accumulations.</p>



<p>Moreover, subsurface fluid fluxes contribute to the transport and cycling of chemical elements and compounds within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's crust</a>. </p>



<p>This process has implications for geochemical cycles, rock-water interactions, and the evolution of subsurface environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Human intervention in Earth's fluid dynamics</h2>



<p>In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil and natural gas</a> production, saline water from the deep subsurface is extracted alongside the targeted resources. This ancient water, often millions of years old, acquires its salinity from the evaporation of ancient seawater or reactions with rocks and minerals. </p>



<p>To maintain reservoir pressures and enhance oil recovery, near-surface water is added to the extracted saline water, and the blended mixture is reinjected into the subsurface, creating a continuous cycle of fluid production and reinjection.</p>



<p>Similar processes occur in lithium extraction, geothermal energy production, and geologic carbon sequestration, where leftover saline water is reinjected into the underground. </p>



<p>"We show that the fluid injection rates or recharge rates from those oil and gas activities is greater than what naturally occurs," states McIntosh.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rewriting Earth's history through subsurface geology</h2>



<p>Using existing data from various sources, the research team found that current fluid movement rates induced by human activities surpass those that occurred before human intervention. </p>



<p>As carbon capture, sequestration, and lithium extraction intensify, the researchers also predicted how these activities might be recorded in Earth's geological record.</p>



<p>Moreover, human activities have the potential to alter not only the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-geysers-the-worlds-largest-geothermal-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep subsurface fluids</a> but also the microbes that inhabit those depths. </p>



<p>Fluid movements can modify <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-in-the-extreme-microbial-activity-discovered-in-old-faithful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial environments</a> through changes in water chemistry or by introducing new microbial communities from Earth's surface to the underground. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-fracking-surged/">Hydraulic fracturing</a>, for example, can trigger sudden blooms of microbial activity in previously dormant deep rock formations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Earth's subsurface is still mostly a mystery</h2>



<p>Despite the significance of these findings, many unknowns remain about Earth's deep subsurface and the extent of human impact on this hidden realm. </p>



<p>"We need to use the deep subsurface as part of the solution for the climate crisis," emphasizes McIntosh. "Yet, we know more about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface of Mars</a> than we do about water, rocks and life deep beneath our feet."</p>



<p>Continued research and exploration of this enigmatic zone are crucial for understanding the full scope of human influence on our planet and developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-zero-waste-a-global-commitment-to-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable strategies</a> for addressing the climate crisis. </p>



<p>While we strive to mitigate the visible effects of human activities on Earth's surface, we must not overlook the hidden impact that extends deep into the subsurface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-what-lies-beneath">Protecting what lies beneath</h2>



<p>As we continue to explore and utilize Earth's deep subsurface in our efforts to combat climate change, we must remain mindful of the hidden impact our actions have on this enigmatic realm. </p>



<p>By studying the fluid dynamics, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-increases-threat-antimicrobial-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial communities</a>, and geological record beneath our feet, we can develop a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between human activities and the subterranean world. </p>



<p>This knowledge will be crucial in guiding our strategies for a sustainable future, ensuring that our solutions do not create unforeseen consequences in the depths below. </p>



<p>As we navigate the challenges of the climate crisis, we must approach the subsurface with a spirit of curiosity, responsibility, and respect, recognizing that the key to our success may lie in the mysteries that await us in Earth's hidden depths.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024EF004496" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



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



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

Human activities also greatly harm Earth’s subsurface, not just the landmass

Earth's surface bears the visible scars of human activities, from...

<p>Rivers are not just pathways for water; they are dynamic forces that reshape the landscapes they traverse. Meandering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-look-to-mars-to-help-clarify-how-river-paths-change-over-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> carve intricate patterns into the Earth as they journey from mountainous regions to the sea, forming valleys, canyons, floodplains, and deltas. </p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> have delved into the factors that influence how meandering rivers migrate across landscapes. The findings challenge some established theories and provide new insights into river behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>“Meandering rivers move gradually across the floodplains, and this river movement presents socioeconomic risks along river corridors and regulates terrestrial biogeochemical cycles. Experimental and field studies suggest that fluvial sediment supply can exert a primary control on lateral migration rates of rivers,” wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>“However, we lack an understanding of the relative importance of environmental boundary conditions, such as floodplain vegetation and sediment supply, in setting the pace of river meandering across different environmental settings.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-forces-shaping-meandering-rivers">The forces shaping meandering rivers</h2>



<p>The study was focused on two primary forces that affect the bends in meandering rivers: "bar push" and "bank pull."</p>



<p>Bar push occurs when sediment deposits inside a bend, pushing the river outward. Conversely, bank pull involves erosion on the opposite bank, which further exaggerates the bend. </p>



<p>Interestingly, the research suggests that sediment load - the amount of debris and minerals carried by rivers - plays a more significant role in this outward push than previously thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-trend-in-meandering-rivers">Global trend in meandering rivers </h2>



<p>Evan Greenberg, the lead researcher and a doctoral geography student, along with his advisor Professor Vamsi Ganti, compiled a comprehensive dataset covering 139 <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-lena-river-delta-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meandering</a> rivers worldwide. The team analyzed satellite imagery to observe how the paths of these rivers have shifted over time. </p>



<p>"We find a global-scale trend between the amount of sediment that rivers carry and how quickly they’re migrating, across all variables," explained Greenberg.</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that rivers laden with more sediment tend to migrate faster, a significant finding given that many of the world’s major waterways are meandering types. </p>



<p>These river migration patterns are crucial for effective environmental management and urban planning, especially as these waterways affect millions of people living in nearby floodplains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vegetation-s-role-in-stabilizing-rivers">Vegetation's role in stabilizing rivers</h2>



<p>Contrary to earlier studies that emphasized the stabilizing effects of vegetation, this new research shows that while vegetation does slow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/river-profiles-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> migration, its impact is less significant than previously estimated.</p>



<p>Unvegetated rivers with higher sediment loads were found to migrate up to four times faster than those with similar dimensions but more vegetation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamics-of-meandering-river-patterns">The dynamics of meandering river patterns</h2>



<p>The interaction of bar push and bank pull creates the characteristic meandering pattern of these rivers. </p>



<p>"You can’t have one dominate the other in a meandering river," said Professor Ganti. He further noted the importance of a balanced interaction between these forces to prevent the transformation of meandering rivers into braided rivers, which can happen if the sediment supply is insufficient.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dams-and-river-migration-a-unique-case-study">Dams and river migration: A unique case study</h2>



<p>The examination of rivers near <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-caused-unprecedented-changes-to-rivers/">dams</a> provided an interesting case study within the research. Dams trap sediment but don't usually affect the vegetation, providing unique conditions to study how sediment load influences river migration. </p>



<p>The observations showed that downstream from dams, where rivers are sediment-starved, migration rates decrease notably.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-changes-and-managing-risks">Predicting changes and managing risks</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the researchers plan to extend their analysis to more rivers and varied river types. The goal is to develop a model that predicts river migration through different landscapes, from their sources to their mouths. </p>



<p>This model could prove essential in predicting changes in river behavior due to environmental changes, such as sea-level rise, increased extreme weather events, and shifts in land use, which might lead to increased sediment loads.</p>



<p>In conclusion, understanding how meandering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-action-for-rivers-lifelines-of-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> move is more than an academic pursuit— it's crucial for managing the risks associated with riverbank migration. </p>



<p>"More sediment means that rivers can do more stuff," said Professor Ganti, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of these fascinating systems. </p>



<p>This ongoing research into river dynamics will aid in the development of strategies to cope with future changes in these mighty rivers.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0012821X24001079" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Earth and Planetary Science Letters</u></a></em>.</p>



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



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Study reveals new insights into the dynamics of meandering rivers

Rivers are not just pathways for water; they are dynamic...

Resistant,Bacteria,And,Superbug,Organism,Or,Mrsa,Medical,Healthcare,Concept

<p>The world is in trouble – have you ever considered that it's not just rising temperatures and natural disasters we need to worry about? <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Clima</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survey-mother-nature-is-more-likely-to-solve-climate-change-than-geoengineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">e change</a> has a sinister accomplice: antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and together, they're a dangerous pair. </p>



<p>AMR refers to the increasingly worrisome trend of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-plant-bacteria-likely-to-decline-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a>, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolving to resist the very drugs designed to kill them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-drastic-impacts">Climate change drastic impacts</h2>



<p>Climate change is known as the threat multiplier for AMR. It has widespread effects that are making our superbug problem significantly worse. Here's how climate change is linked to antimicrobial resistance:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warmer-world-means-more-illness">A warmer world means more illness</h3>



<p>Many disease-causing bacteria and other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-soil-microbes-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbes</a> have historically been limited by geography. Cooler temperatures prevented them from spreading extensively. Climate change disrupts these barriers. </p>



<p>Warmer temperatures allow these pathogens to survive further north or south of their original ranges, and at higher altitudes. </p>



<p>This means that diseases once confined to specific regions could emerge in new areas, posing risks to populations that may not have prior immunity or established medical protocols for treatment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stressed-ecosystems-breed-superbugs">Stressed ecosystems breed superbugs</h3>



<p>Disrupted water systems caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-has-increased-seasonal-insect-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events, such as floods or droughts, can lead to contamination with sewage, agricultural runoff, or other sources carrying drug-resistant microbes. </p>



<p>This contaminated water can then spread these microbes to humans, animals, and crops, increasing the risk of infection and disease. </p>



<p>Additionally, changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cowspiracy-film-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal agriculture</a> practices, often driven by the need to adapt to extreme weather, can lead to overcrowding or unsanitary conditions. </p>



<p>This creates a breeding ground for drug-resistant microbes to evolve and spread rapidly within animal populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-infections-more-antibiotics-more-resistance">More infections, more antibiotics, more resistance</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iss-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> change disrupts ecosystems and weather patterns, leading to several consequences that can increase the spread of diseases caused by various microbes. Warmer temperatures, for example, can allow microbes that thrive in warmer environments to expand their geographic range. </p>



<p>Additionally, extreme weather events like floods and droughts can disrupt water systems and sanitation infrastructure, creating ideal breeding grounds for microbes. These factors contribute to a rise in the number of infections and outbreaks of diseases.</p>



<p>The natural response to this increase in illnesses is often an increased reliance on antibiotics, powerful drugs that target and kill specific microbes. However, this increased use of antibiotics creates a selective pressure on the microbial populations. </p>



<p>As with any population under pressure, some microbes will develop adaptations that allow them to survive antibiotic exposure. These adaptations are the mechanisms of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antibiotic-resistance-increasing-enterococci-looming-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-effects-of-climate-change-on-antimicrobial-resistance">Real-world effects of climate change on antimicrobial resistance</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> change is about subtle shifts at the microbial level that are already having serious impacts on our health. The examples below are a snapshot of what could become a widespread crisis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria">Bacteria</h3>



<p>Bacteria like&nbsp;<em>Campylobacter</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Salmonella</em>, responsible for a significant number of food poisoning cases, are flourishing in warming water. Water systems in homes, food processing, and the environment at large are becoming more hospitable.</p>



<p>Contaminated water means these bacteria spread more easily. They can end up on fresh produce, in meat and poultry during processing, and even in drinking water. The warmer the water, the more these bacteria multiply, increasing our risk of getting sick.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungus">Fungus</h3>



<p><em>Candida auris</em>, previously not a major issue for humans, has emerged as a serious threat. One reason is its newfound ability to tolerate warmer and saltier conditions, likely an adaptation driven by the environment changing due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-the-impact-of-climate-change-at-the-national-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change.</p>



<p>This fungus is highly drug-resistant and can cause severe infections, particularly in already-sick patients. As the world warms and coastal areas change, this fungus could become much more common, posing risks to hospitals and people with weakened immune systems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-threat">World threat</h3>



<p>Regions with rising average temperatures are also seeing more infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of&nbsp;<em>E.coli</em>. This correlation, if seen elsewhere in the world, would mean serious trouble. Infections that were once easy to treat may become a major health challenge.</p>



<p>“Climate change compromises the ecological and environmental integrity of living systems and enables pathogens to increasingly cause disease. The impact on water systems, food-producing animals and crops threatens global food supply," explained Professor Sabiha Essack, South African Research Chair in Antibiotic Resistance and One Health at the Antimicrobial Research Unit, <a href="https://ww3.ukzn.ac.za" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of KwaZulu-Natal</a>. </p>



<p>"Human activities associated with population growth and transport, together with climate change increases antibiotic resistance and the spread of waterborne and vector- borne diseases of humans, animals and plants,” Essack concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-ice-from-climate-change-drives-antimicrobial-resistance">Melting ice from climate change drives antimicrobial resistance</h2>



<p>Professor Essack's research raises a critical point: as our planet warms, sea levels are rising at unprecedented rates. This isn't just a threat to coastal communities; it also unlocks a hidden danger – the thawing of permafrost. </p>



<p>Permafrost is permanently frozen ground, mostly in the Arctic regions, that has been like a giant natural deep freezer for millennia.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-from-melting-permafrost-pose-great-risk-to-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting permafrost</a> releases previously frozen soil, organic matter, and even trapped organisms. These organisms, including ancient microbes, have been entombed for vast stretches of time. </p>



<p>Some of these microbes may carry genes for antibiotic resistance, genes they never needed in their frozen state but which could now pose a serious threat.</p>



<p>The released microbes and their antibiotic resistance genes can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-deadly-microbes-travel-around-the-world-so-quickly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel far and wide</a>. Ocean currents can carry them across vast distances, potentially introducing them to new ecosystems. </p>



<p>Even ships can act as unintentional transporters, carrying microbes in ballast water (water taken on board to ensure stability) that is then released in different ports.</p>



<p>The emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes from permafrost adds another layer of complexity to the already concerning issue of AMR. </p>



<p>These ancient microbes may have unique resistance mechanisms, posing new challenges for our existing antibiotics. This further emphasizes the need for international collaboration and research to address this evolving threat.</p>



<p>While rising sea levels grab headlines, the hidden consequences of permafrost thaw are a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/38-trillion-dollars-per-year-economic-losses-expected-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate</a> change disrupts these delicate natural systems, and the consequences can be far-reaching and long-lasting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-halting-climate-change-and-antimicrobial-resistance">Halting climate change and antimicrobial resistance</h2>



<p>Climate change alone is bad enough, but how we respond to it exacerbates the AMR crisis. Population growth, increased travel, and shifts in agriculture in response to disasters lead to more disease transmission and inappropriate use of antibiotics.</p>



<p>"Climate change has facilitated movement and proliferation of AMR. To deal with this threat, we will need unequivocal political leadership and commitment; strong global and local policy frameworks and governance; evidence-based, innovative 'One Health' solutions, and implementation research to adapt successful interventions to country contexts," explains Prof Essack.</p>



<p>“These partnerships must include a wide range of societal interests that will suspend interests of individual sectors for the public good. Initiatives that aim to make progress in climate change or AMR should join forces and highlight each other to make clear their mutual benefits," she concluded.</p>



<p>It sounds dire, but it doesn't mean we're powerless. Calling on our leaders to prioritize climate action and support the "One Health" approach (which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health) are crucial steps.</p>



<p>Dealing with both climate change and antibiotic resistance isn't going to be easy, but it's time we all woke up to this interconnected threat. Understanding the problem is the first step toward finding those smart, innovative solutions we need.</p>



<p>The study is part of <em>ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) Barcelona, 27-30 April</em>.</p>



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



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Climate change fuels the rise of global antimicrobial resistance

The world is in trouble – have you ever considered...

<p>As our planet warms and urban areas expand, the threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue is escalating, reaching regions previously untouched by these dangerous illnesses. </p>



<p>Now, with over half of the global population at risk, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tick-mosquito-borne-disease-spreading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diseases</a> have quickly become a critical concern worldwide.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-spread-of-disease-vectors">The global spread of disease vectors</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-mosquitoes-find-tasty-humans-from-hundreds-of-meters-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mosquitoes</a>, the primary vectors for diseases like malaria and dengue, are finding suitable habitats far beyond their traditional tropical and subtropical locales. This expansion is due in part to longer and hotter seasons that allow mosquito larvae to survive and thrive in new areas. </p>



<p>As these insects invade places like northern Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia, local populations face increased risks - often in areas where people lack immunity and public health systems are unprepared.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-front-lines-of-research">Insights from the front lines of research</h2>



<p>At the upcoming ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, <a href="https://www.icrea.cat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICREA</a> Professor Rachel Lowe will present her latest findings on this issue. </p>



<p>Professor Lowe, who leads the global health resilience group at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center in Spain, will discuss the dramatic shifts in vector-borne disease patterns and the essential role of enhanced surveillance and early warning systems.</p>



<p>"Droughts and floods linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> can lead to greater transmission of the virus, with stored water providing additional mosquito breeding sites," noted Professor Lowe. Her research in the Caribbean shows that extreme climate conditions such as drought followed by excessive rainfall can significantly increase the likelihood of dengue outbreaks. </p>



<p>These findings underscore the need for comprehensive assessments of vector-borne disease risks and preparedness for future outbreaks.</p>



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



<p>Dengue, which is spread by day-biting mosquitoes, has dramatically increased in spread and frequency. </p>



<p>Since 2000, the most hospitable years for dengue transmission have facilitated the mosquito's invasion into 13 European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, with local disease outbreaks reported as recently as 2023.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the number of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dengue-fever-modified-mosquitoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dengue</a> cases reported surged from 500,000 in 2000 to over five million in 2019. This makes dengue the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projecting-future-mosquito-disease-outbreaks">Projecting future mosquito disease outbreaks</h2>



<p>The data suggests a daunting future if current trends continue. With <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-dengue-fever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> and population growth proceeding unchecked, projections are increasingly alarming. They indicate that up to 4.7 billion additional people could be at risk of contracting malaria and dengue by the end of the century.</p>



<p>On the other hand, if global warming is limited to an ambitious goal of a 1°C increase, the number of people at risk could be significantly reduced, although it would still be substantial.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-el-nino-in-mosquito-disease-outbreaks">The role of el niño in mosquito disease outbreaks </h2>



<p>El Niño events, which occur every 2-7 years, exacerbate these issues by creating hotter and wetter conditions that are ideal for mosquito breeding.</p>



<p>Professor Lowe highlights the direct link between these climatic fluctuations and disease outbreaks. Specifically, the Zika pandemic in Brazil, which emerged during an El Niño phase in 2015, was a direct result of climate conditions.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the current strength of El Niño suggests that these challenging conditions are likely to continue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-mosquito-borne-diseases">Climate change and mosquito-borne diseases</h2>



<p>Professor Lowe stresses the urgency of addressing climate change to mitigate the spread of these diseases. "With climate change seeming so difficult to address, we can expect to see more cases and possibly deaths from diseases such as dengue and malaria across mainland Europe." </p>



<p>Therefore, proactive measures, including robust surveillance systems and early interventions, are crucial to preventing outbreaks.</p>



<p>Researchers are now using advanced technologies to better anticipate disease outbreaks. These technologies include supercomputers, drones for identifying breeding sites, and community-based reporting systems to direct resources effectively.</p>



<p>"By analyzing weather patterns and gathering information from local communities and health officials, we are hoping to give communities time to prepare and protect themselves," said Professor Lowe. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-united-efforts-are-needed">United efforts are needed </h2>



<p>Ultimately, the most effective strategy to reduce the risk of disease spread is to dramatically curb emissions and address the root causes of climate change.</p>



<p>As mosquito-borne diseases expand their reach, the need for global cooperation and innovative solutions has never been greater. </p>



<p>Through informed research, proactive planning, and international collaboration, we can help to shield vulnerable populations from these escalating health threats.</p>



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



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Mosquito-borne diseases are a growing threat in a warming world

As our planet warms and urban areas expand, the threat...

International,Space,Station,And,Spacecraft,In,The,Background,Of,Rising

<p>Did you know that the very space station orbiting miles above our heads is helping us better understand how our planet's climate is changing? It might sound surprising, but the International Space Station (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS</a>) isn't just about exploring the cosmos – it's about protecting our home planet too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iss-climate-data-collection">ISS climate data collection</h2>



<p>Climate change is a pressing issue impacting every corner of the globe. From experiencing increasingly scorching summers to witnessing unpredictable and often destructive weather patterns, the consequences are undeniable. To effectively prepare communities for these ongoing shifts, scientists require a wealth of accurate data. </p>



<p>The International Space Station, with its unique vantage point, plays a critical role in climate data collection. Orbiting Earth at high speeds, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-iss-is-contaminated-with-a-disturbing-amount-of-harmful-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS</a> effectively performs regular flybys of nearly the entire planet. </p>



<p>This exceptional position allows its suite of instruments to continuously gather information from various locations, both day and night. The data collected by the ISS is proving invaluable in furthering our understanding of climate change and its effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iss-climate-toolkit">ISS climate toolkit</h2>



<p>Let's explore some of ISS's instruments – it's like a space toolbox made to measure our changing planet:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecostress-the-plant-stress-detector-nbsp">ECOSTRESS: The plant stress-detector&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (<a href="https://ecostress.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECOSTRESS</a>) operates similarly to a giant thermometer, but instead of measuring air temperature, it measures the temperature of plants themselves. </p>



<p>This allows scientists to identify areas where vegetation is facing stress due to excessive heat or insufficient water. This information is crucial for understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-initiates-ambitious-plan-to-bring-iss-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> change impacts vital ecosystems like rainforests.</p>



<p>Climate change presents a complex global challenge. ECOSTRESS enables scientists to directly observe how ecosystems are responding to these ongoing changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tsis-keeping-an-eye-on-the-sun-nbsp">TSIS: Keeping an eye on the sun&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Sun acts as Earth's primary energy source, constantly bathing our planet in radiation. Even minor fluctuations in this energy output can have significant consequences for our climate. The Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor (<a href="https://eospso.nasa.gov/missions/total-and-spectral-solar-irradiance-sensor-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TSIS</a>) meticulously tracks the Sun's energy emissions. </p>



<p>This instrument functions like a highly precise monitor, continuously measuring the total amount of solar energy reaching Earth (Total Solar Irradiance) and the distribution of that energy across various wavelengths (Spectral Solar Irradiance). </p>



<p>By meticulously monitoring these values, scientists can gain valuable insights into how changes in solar activity might influence Earth's climate system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gedi-forests-in-focus-nbsp">GEDI: Forests in focus&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Forests play a critical role in maintaining a healthy climate for our planet. They act as massive carbon sinks, absorbing significant quantities of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. </p>



<p>The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (<a href="https://gedi.umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GEDI</a>) utilizes cutting-edge laser technology to create incredibly detailed three-dimensional maps of Earth's forests. </p>



<p>This advanced technology allows scientists to precisely measure various forest characteristics, including the total volume of vegetation and the overall distribution of trees across a landscape. </p>



<p>This information is invaluable for tracking the amount of carbon stored within forests. This helps scientists understand how these vital ecosystems are changing in response to climate pressures. </p>



<p>By monitoring these changes, we can develop more effective strategies for protecting and managing our precious forests.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emit-unmasking-methane-nbsp">EMIT: Unmasking methane&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Methane, while less abundant than carbon dioxide, is a far more potent greenhouse gas, significantly contributing to global warming. The Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (<a href="https://earth.jpl.nasa.gov/emit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EMIT</a>) instrument possesses the remarkable ability to detect and pinpoint methane leaks from space. </p>



<p>This technological breakthrough is revolutionizing how we track and identify methane emission sources. The pinpoint accuracy that EMIT provides allows us to locate the sources of methane release, enabling targeted efforts to limit the impact of these emissions. </p>



<p>EMIT's technology represents a significant leap forward in our ability to locate methane sources and take the necessary steps to mitigate these emissions worldwide.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oco-3-carbon-dioxide-detective-nbsp">OCO-3: Carbon dioxide detective&nbsp;</h3>



<p>ISS's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-3 (<a href="https://ocov3.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OCO-3</a>) instrument is specifically designed to track carbon dioxide, a major driver of climate change. OCO-3 operates with exceptional precision, continuously monitoring and measuring the global distribution of atmospheric carbon dioxide. </p>



<p>This detailed information functions like a powerful magnifying glass, allowing scientists to pinpoint areas with particularly high concentrations of carbon dioxide. </p>



<p>This newfound ability to visualize and track these "hotspots" of carbon dioxide emissions is proving invaluable in supporting international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. </p>



<p>By identifying specific emission sources, OCO-3 data empowers nations to develop more targeted strategies for curbing carbon dioxide pollution.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sage-iii-iss-monitoring-the-atmosphere-s-layers-nbsp">SAGE III-ISS: Monitoring the atmosphere's layers&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Our planet's atmosphere acts as a protective shield, safeguarding us from harmful solar radiation and regulating Earth's temperature. </p>



<p>To better understand how human activities and natural phenomena affect this vital shield, the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III-ISS (<a href="https://sage.nasa.gov/">S</a><a href="https://sage.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A</a><a href="https://sage.nasa.gov/">GE III-ISS</a>) meticulously analyzes the intricate layers of Earth's atmosphere. </p>



<p>This instrument measures the concentration and distribution of various gases and tiny particles, known as aerosols, within each atmospheric layer. By monitoring these components, scientists gain valuable insights into how factors like pollutants impact the composition of the atmosphere. </p>



<p>The data collected by SAGE III-ISS plays a crucial role in improving the accuracy of climate models. These models rely on precise information about atmospheric composition and behavior to effectively simulate future climate scenarios. </p>



<p>With the data provided by SAGE III-ISS, scientists can refine these models, leading to more accurate predictions and a deeper understanding of the complex interactions within our planet's climate system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-iss-is-essential-in-the-fight-against-climate-change">The ISS is essential in the fight against climate change </h2>



<p>As evident, the ISS plays a far more active role than simply observing Earth from afar. It serves as a vital platform for gathering the comprehensive climate data that scientists urgently need to address climate change. </p>



<p>By analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-initiates-ambitious-plan-to-bring-iss-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ISS's</a> rich data set, scientists are equipped to develop innovative solutions for mitigating the effects of our warming planet.</p>



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



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How NASA monitors climate change on Earth from the ISS

Did you know that the very space station orbiting miles...

<p>Wildfires in Siberia are a global concern, as their increasing frequency is predicted to impact the climate, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a>, health, and economies far beyond their immediate vicinity. A new study highlights the far-reaching consequences of these natural disasters.</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hokkaido University</a>, the <a href="https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tokyo</a>, and <a href="https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyushu University</a> used advanced global climate models to analyze the potential impacts of wildfires in Siberia, and the results paint a striking picture. </p>



<p>The experts utilized the MIROC5 - a sophisticated modeling system - along with other predictive tools to actively simulate the broader effects of Siberian fires under current and future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> scenarios.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-s-unexpected-response">Climate's unexpected response</h2>



<p>The simulations revealed that the increased intensity of wildfires in Siberia could lead to significant atmospheric changes, notably a cooling effect across the northern hemisphere. This phenomenon is largely due to the aerosols, or tiny air pollution particles, emitted by the fires which can reflect sunlight away from the earth's surface. </p>



<p>Professor Teppei Yasunari, a key member of the research team, explained: "Our modeling reveals a cooling effect broadly across the northern hemisphere and worsened air quality in extensive downwind regions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-of-wildfires-in-siberia">Health implications of wildfires in Siberia </h2>



<p>The aerosols released during these wildfires not only affect the climate but also degrade air quality, leading to serious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health</a> implications.</p>



<p>The researchers predict a dramatic increase in air pollution, especially under the most extreme wildfire scenarios. This pollution impacts not only Siberia but also vast areas of East Asia, which lie downwind from these fires.</p>



<p>The degraded air quality may cause an increase in premature deaths, respiratory problems, and other health issues. This could translate into health-related costs that potentially reach up to 10 billion US dollars annually.</p>



<p>"Our results suggest that increased efforts are needed to limit the effects of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/wildfires-in-siberia-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Siberian wildfires</a> somehow to prevent excess deaths, respiratory and other illnesses, and economic losses because it is hard to prevent the occurrence of Siberian wildfires in such large areas," said Professor Yasunari.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-costs-of-siberia-wildfires">Economic costs of Siberia wildfires</h2>



<p>Beyond health, the economic impacts are also profound. The study suggests that the direct costs associated with increased mortality due to air pollution are substantial. </p>



<p>Additionally, the indirect costs, such as loss of productivity due to illness and reduced educational opportunities, could significantly amplify these figures.</p>



<p>The findings underscore the necessity for more refined models to better quantify and mitigate these impacts. </p>



<p>"Our findings send a critical message about the broad effect of increased particulate matter due to massive wildfires in the atmosphere on climate and air quality, which will become ever more significant as the worldwide changes due to global warming proceed," said Professor Yasunari.</p>



<p>The research not only sheds light on the urgent need for global attention to Siberian wildfires but also calls for international cooperation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fire-suppression-methods-increase-the-severity-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fire management</a> and mitigation strategies to safeguard public health and protect the global economy from the potentially devastating effects of these increasing natural disasters. </p>



<p>To better understand and address the extensive consequences of wildfires on a global scale, the time to act is now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about wildfires in Siberia&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Siberian wildfires typically occur during the region's dry and warm summer months. Siberia, known for its vast and remote forested areas, is particularly vulnerable to wildfires due to a combination of factors, including rising temperatures and dry conditions, which are often linked to climate change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Far-reaching impacts&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The impact of Siberian wildfires is extensive, affecting not only local flora and fauna but also contributing to air quality issues over a wide area, including neighboring countries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The smoke from these fires can travel thousands of kilometers, affecting atmospheric conditions and climate patterns on a global scale. For instance, the dense smoke can reduce visibility and impact air quality, posing health risks to populations even in distant areas.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-management">Fire management</h3>



<p>Efforts to combat and manage these fires are challenged by the sheer scale and remoteness of the affected areas. The Russian government and local authorities often struggle with limited resources and logistical difficulties in accessing these regions.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental threat</h3>



<p>Moreover, the frequency and intensity of these fires have been increasing, prompting concerns about long-term environmental damage, including the release of stored carbon from Siberian peatlands, which exacerbates global warming.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF004129" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em></em>.</p>



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Wildfires in Siberia are a growing global threat

Wildfires in Siberia are a global concern, as their increasing...

<p>Water evaporation is a fundamental process that occurs all around us, from the surfaces of oceans and lakes to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-are-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-fog-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burning off of fog</a> in the morning light from the sun. </p>



<p>For centuries, humans have observed and utilized this phenomenon, assuming that heat was the sole cause of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-technology-can-purify-water-as-it-is-collected-from-fog/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evaporation</a>. However, a truly groundbreaking discovery by a team of scientists has revealed that there is more to evaporation than meets the eye.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photomolecular-effect-how-light-breaks-water-molecules">Photomolecular effect: How light breaks water molecules</h2>



<p>In a series of meticulous experiments, a team led by Gang Chen, the Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, along with postdocs Guangxin Lv and Yaodong Tu, and graduate student James Zhang, has demonstrated that light can also cause water to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transforming-drinking-bird-toy-into-power-generator-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evaporate</a>, even in the absence of heat. </p>



<p>Their findings, published in the journal <em>PNAS</em>, suggest that this effect, which they have named the photomolecular effect, could have far-reaching implications in various fields, from climate science to industrial applications.</p>



<p>The researchers have named this phenomenon the photomolecular effect, drawing an analogy with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-ping-pong-game-played-by-two-atoms-controlling-photons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photoelectric effect</a> discovered by Heinrich Hertz in 1887 and later explained by Albert Einstein in 1905. </p>



<p>Just as the photoelectric effect demonstrates that photons of light can liberate electrons from atoms in a material, the photomolecular effect shows that photons can also liberate entire molecules from a liquid surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solving an 80-year-old mystery in climate science</h2>



<p>This discovery may hold the key to solving an 80-year-old mystery in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate science</a>, which has puzzled scientists for decades. Measurements of cloud absorption of sunlight have often shown discrepancies, with clouds absorbing more sunlight than conventional physics dictates possible.</p>



<p>"Those experiments are based on satellite data and flight data. They fly an airplane on top of and below the clouds, and there are also data based on the ocean temperature and radiation balance. And they all conclude that there is more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sci-fi-inspired-scenarios-illustrate-our-impact-on-earths-water-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absorption by clouds</a> than theory could calculate," Gang Chen explains. </p>



<p>"However, due to the complexity of clouds and the difficulties of making such measurements, researchers have been debating whether such discrepancies are real or not. And what we discovered suggests that hey, there's another mechanism for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud absorption</a>, which was not accounted for, and this mechanism might explain the discrepancies," Chen continued.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rigorous-testing-and-evidence">Rigorous testing and evidence</h2>



<p>Due to the unexpected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-can-drive-water-evaporation-without-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature of the effect</a>, the research team conducted 14 different kinds of tests and measurements to establish that water was indeed evaporating due to light alone, not heat. </p>



<p>One key indicator, consistently observed in four different experiments under varying conditions, was the cooling and leveling off of air temperature above the water's surface as evaporation began under visible light. This finding suggests that thermal energy was not the driving force behind the effect.</p>



<p>Lv, one of the postdocs involved in the study, highlights that among the many lines of evidence, "the flat region in the air-side temperature distribution above hot water will be the easiest for people to reproduce." This temperature profile "is a signature" that demonstrates the effect clearly, he says.</p>



<p>Zhang, the graduate student on the team, adds: "It is quite hard to explain how this kind of flat temperature profile comes about without invoking some other mechanism" beyond the accepted theories of thermal evaporation. </p>



<p>According to Zhang, "It ties together what a whole lot of people are reporting in their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cheap-and-drinkable-water-from-desalination-is-finally-a-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar desalination</a> devices," which again show evaporation rates that cannot be explained by the thermal input.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substantial-impact-four-times-the-thermal-limit">Substantial impact: Four times the thermal limit</h2>



<p>The photomolecular effect can have a substantial impact on evaporation rates. Under the optimum conditions of color, angle, and polarization, Lv says, "the evaporation rate is four times the thermal limit."</p>



<p>"I think this has a lot of applications," Chen says. "We're exploring all these different directions. And of course, it also affects the basic science, like the effects of clouds on climate, because clouds are the most uncertain aspect of climate models."</p>



<p>Since the publication of the <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2023/surprising-finding-light-makes-water-evaporate-without-heat-1031" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first paper</a> on this topic, the team has been approached by companies hoping to harness the effect for various applications, including evaporating syrup and drying paper in a paper mill. </p>



<p>Chen believes that the likeliest first applications will come in the areas of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/converting-seawater-into-drinkable-water-is-now-more-sustainable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar desalinization</a> systems or other industrial drying processes. "Drying consumes 20 percent of all industrial energy usage," he points out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-frontier-in-light-water-interactions-and-evaporation">New frontier in light-water interactions and evaporation</h2>



<p>As the photomolecular effect is a new and unexpected phenomenon, Chen emphasizes that "this phenomenon should be very general, and our experiment is really just the beginning." </p>



<p>The experiments needed to demonstrate and quantify the effect are very time-consuming, and there are many variables to explore, from understanding water itself to extending the research to other materials, liquids, and even solids.</p>



<p>"The finding of evaporation caused by light instead of heat provides new disruptive knowledge of light-water interaction. It could help us gain new understanding of how sunlight interacts with cloud, fog, oceans, and other natural water bodies to affect weather and climate," enthused Xiulin Ruan, professor of mechanical engineering at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>, who was not involved in the study.</p>



<p>"It has significant potential practical applications such as high-performance water desalination driven by solar energy. This research is among the rare group of truly revolutionary discoveries which are not widely accepted by the community right away but take time, sometimes a long time, to be confirmed," Ruan concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-photomolecular-effect-could-transform-our-world">How the photomolecular effect could transform our world</h2>



<p>In summary, the photomolecular effect represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of water evaporation and light-water interaction. </p>



<p>This truly groundbreaking discovery by Gang Chen and his team at MIT challenges long-held assumptions and opens up a wealth of possibilities for future research and applications. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to explore the variables and implications of this phenomenon, we can anticipate a new era of innovation in fields ranging from climate science to industrial processes. </p>



<p>The photomolecular effect reminds us that even the most fundamental and seemingly well-understood processes in nature can still hold surprises, and that the pursuit of scientific knowledge is an ongoing journey of discovery and wonder.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2320844121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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



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Paradigm shift: Light causes water evaporation without the need for heat

Water evaporation is a fundamental process that occurs all around...

3d,Illustration,Of,A,Robotic,Or,Machine,Hand,With,A

<p>By focusing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-change-their-roots-to-survive-harsh-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root systems</a>, researchers aim to create new plants, using an artificial intelligence (AI) tool called SLEAP, that can store more carbon for extended periods.</p>



<p>For this intriguing new study, scientists are leveraging AI to optimize plants' natural ability to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">draw carbon dioxide</a> out of the atmosphere, a crucial step in combating climate change and limiting global temperature rise. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleap-game-changing-ai-tool-that-creates-plants">SLEAP: Game-changing AI tool that creates plants</h2>



<p>Talmo Pereira and Professor <a href="https://www.salk.edu/scientist/wolfgang-busch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wolfgang Busch</a> from Salk’s <a href="https://www.salk.edu/harnessing-plants-initiative/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harnessing Plants Initiative</a> have joined forces to apply SLEAP, a sophisticated AI software initially designed for tracking animal movement, to the study of plants. </p>



<p>Their research introduces a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-022-01426-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new protocol</a> for using SLEAP to analyze plant root phenotypes, such as depth, width, and mass.</p>



<p>"This collaboration is truly a testament to what makes Salk science so special and impactful," says Pereira. "We're not just 'borrowing' from different disciplines -- we're really putting them on equal footing in order to create something greater than the sum of its parts."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-streamlining-plant-analysis-with-ai">Streamlining plant analysis with AI</h2>



<p>Prior to SLEAP, analyzing plant and animal characteristics was a labor-intensive process that slowed scientific progress. </p>



<p>Researchers had to manually flag parts of images frame-by-frame, part-by-part, and pixel-by-pixel before older AI models could process the data.</p>



<p>SLEAP's unique combination of computer vision and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/machine-learning-could-help-save-mangrove-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep learning</a> allows researchers to skip this intermediary step, jumping straight from image input to defined plant features. </p>



<p>This approach significantly reduces analysis time and human error while emphasizing accessibility and ease of use.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleap-roots-digging-deep-into-plant-biology">sleap-roots: Digging deep into plant biology</h2>



<p>The Salk team developed sleap-roots, a downloadable toolkit for SLEAP that enables the software to process biological traits of root systems, such as depth, mass, and angle of growth. </p>



<p>The toolkit, available as open-source software, was tested on various plants, including soybeans, rice, canola, and <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arabidopsis thaliana</a></em>.</p>



<p>"We created a robust protocol validated in multiple plant types that cuts down on analysis time and human error, while emphasizing accessibility and ease-of-use -- and it required no changes to the actual SLEAP software," says Elizabeth Berrigan, a bioinformatics analyst in Busch's lab.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deciphering-the-secrets-of-climate-saving-plants">Deciphering the secrets of climate-saving plants</h2>



<p>By connecting phenotypic data, such as a plant's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measuring-plant-root-health-scanning-leaves-xray-device/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep root system</a>, with genotype data obtained through genome sequencing efforts, researchers can identify the genes responsible for creating desirable traits. </p>



<p>This step is crucial in Salk's mission to create plants with AI that hold on to more carbon for longer periods, as these plants will require root systems designed to be deeper and more robust.</p>



<p>"We have already been able to create the most extensive catalogue of plant root system phenotypes to date, which is really accelerating our research to create carbon-capturing plants that fight climate change," says Busch, the Hess Chair in <a href="https://pbio.salk.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Science at Salk</a>. </p>



<p>"SLEAP has been so easy to apply and use, thanks to Talmo's professional software design, and it's going to be an indispensable tool in my lab moving forward," Busch concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-hidden-world-of-plant-root-systems">Understanding the hidden world of plant root systems</h2>



<p>To further clarify, plant root systems are intricate networks of roots that play a crucial role in anchoring plants to the soil, absorbing water and nutrients, and storing essential compounds. </p>



<p>There are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/maize-plant-genetics-shape-root-health-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two main types of root systems</a> exist in plants: taproot systems and fibrous root systems. </p>



<ul>
<li>Taproot systems feature a single, dominant root that grows vertically downward, with smaller lateral roots branching off from it. </li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li>Fibrous root systems, on the other hand, consist of numerous small roots that grow outward from the base of the plant, forming a dense network.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Functions of root systems</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-roots-follow-gravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Root systems</a> perform several critical functions for plants:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Anchoring:</strong> Roots secure plants to the soil, providing stability and preventing them from toppling over.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Absorption:</strong> Fine root hairs absorb water and dissolved nutrients from the soil, which are then transported to the rest of the plant.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Storage:</strong> Some plants, such as carrots and beets, use their roots to store carbohydrates and other essential compounds.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Factors influencing root growth</h3>



<p>Several factors influence the growth and development of plant root systems:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Soil type:</strong> Different soil types, such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils, affect root growth and distribution.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Water availability:</strong> Plants adapt their root systems in response to water availability, with some species growing deeper roots to access water in times of drought.</li>
</ul>



<ul>
<li><strong>Nutrient availability:</strong> The presence or absence of essential nutrients in the soil can impact root growth and architecture.</li>
</ul>



<p>Healthy root systems are essential for overall plant health and productivity. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-rooted-crops-can-significantly-improve-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Well-developed roots</a> enable plants to efficiently absorb water and nutrients, leading to stronger growth and increased resilience to stresses such as drought or disease. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-the-future-of-climate-saving-plants">AI and the future of climate-saving plants</h2>



<p>The accessibility and reproducibility of SLEAP and sleap-roots have the potential to revolutionize plant research worldwide. The Salk team has already begun discussions with NASA scientists hoping to utilize the tool to guide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-sequestering plants</a> on Earth and to study plants in space.</p>



<p>In summary, the Salk Institute's pioneering research in plant-based carbon capture, powered by the innovative SLEAP software and sleap-roots toolkit, paves the way for a greener future. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to refine and expand these tools, they accelerate the development of climate-saving plants with optimized root systems capable of storing more carbon for longer periods. </p>



<p>The accessibility and reproducibility of SLEAP and sleap-roots invite researchers worldwide to join the fight against climate change, fostering global collaboration and innovation. </p>



<p>With the Harnessing Plants Initiative at the forefront, Salk scientists are rooting for change, digging deep into plant biology, and branching out to make a lasting impact on our planet's future.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/plantphenomics.0175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plant Phenomics</a></em>.</p>



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AI is creating new plants that can help fight climate change

By focusing on root systems, researchers aim to create new...

<p>Each day, roughly 43 million Americans indulge in at least one slice of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/physics-perfect-pizza/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pizza</a>, contributing an impressive $47 billion annually to the U.S. economy. A significant portion of these pizzas arrives in corrugated cardboard boxes, posing a notable challenge for waste management due to their contamination with fats, oils, and greases (FOGs). Therefore, recycling pizza boxes is essential.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, the contaminants make pizza boxes a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-recycling-day-creating-a-healthier-planet-for-all/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a> nightmare. Delicious, cheesy slices leave a greasy residue that renders the pizza boxes unsuitable for traditional recycling processes.</p>



<p>Compounds like peanut butter and pizza box grease are also incredibly difficult to clean off, essentially relegating many of these boxes to landfills.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recycling-pizza-boxes">Recycling pizza boxes</h2>



<p>Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory (<a href="https://inl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INL</a>) have embarked on a mission to change this. Consequently, they've developed a new method to decontaminate cardboard, which could revolutionize recycling practices for food containers. </p>



<p>Their latest publication in the <em>Journal of Cleaner Production</em> details this breakthrough, highlighting a process that uses material separation capabilities to address the issue.</p>



<p>"To make specific separations possible, we need to first prove the overall concept of material separations, which is what this study accomplished," explained Aaron Wilson, the principal investigator for this project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dimethyl-ether-for-pizza-box-recycling">Dimethyl ether for pizza box recycling</h2>



<p>The heart of their experiment lies in the use of dimethyl ether (DME), a green solvent known for its use in refrigeration. The team designed a system with two vertical stainless-steel reactors to facilitate the extraction and separation of FOGs from contaminated cardboard. </p>



<p>The process begins by mixing broken-down cardboard pieces with DME, which pulls the contaminants out of the cardboard. The system then <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-recycle-know-new-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycles</a> this solvent, allowing for continuous operation without creating waste.</p>



<p>"The reactor process allowed us to extract the contaminants into separate fractions," Wilson shared, noting the successful separation of oils, water, and dryer solids into distinct components.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pizza-box-recycling-on-the-front-lines">Pizza box recycling on the front lines</h2>



<p>The implications of this research extend beyond just cleaner recycling.  Originally part of a research initiative linked to the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) <a href="https://www.darpa.mil/program/resource" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ReSource Program</a>, the technology developed could significantly reduce the logistical footprint of military operations by transforming waste into useful resources. </p>



<p>This has potential benefits for operational security and efficiency, particularly in hostile environments where supply lines are vulnerable.</p>



<p>"Knowing that this works for the highly contaminated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creators-of-forever-chemicals-covered-up-the-toxic-dangers-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pizza boxes</a> has helped validate the system for use in the battlefield," stated Jeff Lacey, another leading researcher on the project. </p>



<p>Lacey's team is now focused on refining the technology to enhance its portability and efficiency, critical factors for deployment in military contexts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-future">Sustainable future</h2>



<p>The successful application of this technology to pizza box waste not only promotes environmental sustainability but also opens doors to myriad other applications. From converting military waste to enabling more efficient battery recycling, the potential is vast.</p>



<p>"In essence, this research has many possible applications for national security and a net-zero future," Lacey concluded.</p>



<p>This initiative represents a significant step forward in tackling the recycling challenges posed by everyday waste and could pave the way for innovative <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-day-of-zero-waste-a-global-commitment-to-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waste management</a> solutions across various sectors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-recycling-pizza-boxes">Benefits of recycling pizza boxes</h2>



<p>Recycling pizza boxes offers substantial environmental and economic benefits that contribute to sustainability efforts. Here’s a detailed look at these advantages:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduces-waste-in-landfills">Reduces waste in landfills</h3>



<p>One of the immediate benefits of recycling pizza boxes is the reduction of waste sent to landfills. Pizza boxes are made from corrugated cardboard, which is biodegradable but can still take a considerable amount of time to decompose in landfill conditions. </p>



<p>Moreover, the presence of greases and residues can slow down this process and contribute to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By recycling, these materials are reused rather than occupying landfill space.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conserves-natural-resources">Conserves natural resources</h3>



<p>Recycling cardboard, including pizza boxes, helps conserve valuable natural resources, particularly wood fibers. The fibers in cardboard can be recycled several times before they become too short for paper production. This means that fewer trees need to be cut down to produce new cardboard, helping to preserve forests and the biodiversity within them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saves-energy">Saves energy</h3>



<p>The process of recycling cardboard uses significantly less energy than producing new cardboard from virgin pulp. Energy savings arise from reduced demands in raw material extraction, transportation, and processing. By using less energy, recycling also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prevents-pollution">Prevents pollution</h3>



<p>By recycling pizza boxes, pollution generated from the production of new cardboard is also reduced. The manufacturing of cardboard from virgin materials involves various chemical processes that can release pollutants into the air and water. Recycling helps to minimize these pollutants, leading to cleaner air and water.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-benefits">Economic benefits </h3>



<p>Recycling creates more jobs than landfilling or incineration. The process of collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials is more labor-intensive than using these materials as a fuel source or burying them. This means more employment opportunities in the recycling and manufacturing industries.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encourages-sustainable-practices">Encourages sustainable practices</h3>



<p>Recycling pizza boxes can foster a culture of recycling and sustainability within communities. When people engage in recycling, they become more aware of their waste habits and environmental impact. This awareness can lead to broader support for other sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic use, conserving water, and supporting renewable energy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improves-community-health-and-safety">Improves community health and safety</h3>



<p>By reducing the amount of waste in landfills and decreasing pollution from new production processes, recycling helps to improve overall community health. Less landfill waste reduces potential soil and water contamination, and fewer emissions mean cleaner air and fewer respiratory issues for the community.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652623032389?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Cleaner Production</a></em></em>.</p>



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New recycling solution tackles greasy pizza boxes

Each day, roughly 43 million Americans indulge in at least...

<p>A recent comprehensive study has revealed alarming increases in copper, zinc, and sulfate levels in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-streams-are-not-as-clean-as-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain streams</a> of Colorado, influenced by acid rock drainage. Over the past three decades, these metal concentrations have roughly doubled in Colorado streams, endangering local ecosystems, water quality downstream, and complicating efforts in mining remediation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These problems are primarily caused by the natural chemical weathering of bedrock, which been intensified by ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



<p>“Heavy metals are a real challenge for ecosystems,” said lead Arthur Andrew Manning, geologist at the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Geological Survey </a>in Denver. "Some are quite toxic. We are seeing regional, statistically significant trends in copper and zinc, two key metals that are commonly a problem in Colorado. It’s not ambiguous and it’s not small."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rusting-arctic-rivers-nbsp">Rusting Arctic rivers&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This study is based on previous research on the management of Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-resources-are-becoming-increasingly-polluted/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water resources</a>. The study further explores the complex relationship between rising temperatures and increased sulfide weathering, a topic that remains partially understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, recent phenomena such as the emergence of “rusting Arctic rivers,” which have begun to flow from thawing permafrost areas, suggest a similar underlying process but on a magnified scale, according to Manning.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metal-deposits-in-mountain-streams-nbsp">Metal deposits in mountain streams&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Colorado's unique geology, rich in metal sulfides like the well-known iron sulfide (fool’s gold or pyrite), as well as copper and zinc sulfides, plays a crucial role in this scenario.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When these sulfides are exposed to air, they oxidize, a reaction that liberates metals into the groundwater. This contaminated water then surfaces in streams, leaving behind distinctive rusty red deposits indicative of iron sulfide oxidation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the oxidation process acidifies the water, potentially hastening further weathering and environmental degradation. Notably, some of the alpine streams sampled exhibited extremely low pH levels, ranging from 3 to 4.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isolating-the-effects-of-climate-change">Isolating the effects of climate change</h2>



<p>Drawing on 40 years of water chemistry data, with the latest samples collected in 2021, the researchers analyzed conditions in 22 headwater streams across 17 high-altitude watersheds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These areas, situated above 3,000 meters (approximately 10,000 feet) and characterized by their natural acidity and metal richness, have historically limited the presence of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/native-aquatic-plants-could-help-clean-coastal-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic plants</a> and animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Importantly, these watersheds have experienced no recent mining or remediation interventions. “The key point is no recent mining or remediation work has been done,” Manning explained. “These watersheds have just been sitting there responding to nothing other than the climate.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-initial-spike-of-metals-in-streams">Initial spike of metals in streams</h2>



<p>As these enriched streams descend into larger rivers, the metal concentrations are somewhat diluted, yet the initial spike remains a significant concern.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I don’t think this is a big red flag for major metropolitan or agriculture users way downstream at lower elevations but some of our mountain communities get their water only a short distance down from these mineralized streams,” Manning said.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-study-implications-nbsp">Broader study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The data from this study are critical for water managers who need to anticipate which metals are entering the streams, and at what rate, to effectively mitigate risks and allocate resources for stream remediation and tourism development.</p>



<p>The broader implications of this study extend beyond local concerns, as it links similar increases in sulfate concentrations observed in mountain streams globally to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This groundbreaking research is the first to statistically connect accelerated sulfide weathering with rising temperatures across a broad geographical area.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-universal-signal-of-climate-change">A universal signal of climate change </h2>



<p>Manning postulates that thawing underground ice at the highest, coldest mountain elevations is a major factor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Ice is like armor. Melt it and you create windows for groundwater to get into rock that has not seen water and oxygen for millennia, and it will begin to oxidize quite quickly,” explained Manning.</p>



<p>While the study did not find direct correlations with other potential factors such as falling water tables or melting rock glaciers, these could still influence other areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“There’s just no other logical explanation than this is a changing climate signal. Nothing else would reach all these watersheds universally,” concluded Manning.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023WR036062" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Water Resources Research.</em></a></p>



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Metals have doubled in streams due to climate change 

A recent comprehensive study has revealed alarming increases in copper,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p id="block-1f9a227a-ec37-4140-81b8-ffa4a7cc6689">-----</p>



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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