<p>Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. </p>



<p>But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks.</p>



<p>In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-making-wildfire-smoke-more-deadly/">wildfires</a>, adding to the already mounting risks across the West.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-is-fueling-more-wildfires">Lightning is fueling more wildfires</h2>



<p>Wildfires need a few things to get going: dry fuel, hot temperatures, low humidity, and a spark. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-changing-the-atmosphere-in-surprising-ways/">Lightning</a> is one of the most powerful natural igniters.</p>



<p>In the western U.S., lightning already causes more than two-thirds of the area burned by wildfires. And now, new research shows that number is going to rise sharply due to climate change. </p>



<p>Warmer air holds more moisture, which means more unstable weather patterns. Those patterns, in turn, set the stage for more lightning.</p>



<p>A recent study has revealed that virtually all of the western U.S. - 98 percent of the region - will have more days with a greater likelihood of lightning-ignited wildfires starting as early as the 2030s. </p>



<p>For regions already accustomed to such fires, such as Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, the risk is even greater. As early as 2060, those states may have as many as 12 additional lightning-filled days per summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-to-forecast-lightning">A model to forecast lightning</h2>



<p>Traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a> don’t really track lightning. That’s why a team of researchers led by Dmitri Kalashnikov built their own system to fill in the gaps.</p>



<p>“The first step was to project lightning,” said Kalashnikov, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Merced</a>. “The typical climate models don’t directly simulate lightning. It’s too small a process.”</p>



<p>The researchers applied machine learning to forecast where lightning would hit based on variables that we can quantify - such as temperature, humidity, and the level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moisture-in-the-atmosphere-causes-extreme-weather-to-last-longer/">moisture in the air</a>. </p>



<p>The team merged those results with the Fire Weather Index (FWI), a mechanism that was developed back in 1968 to monitor how probable wildfire initiation and spread is from local weather.</p>



<p>The result is a forecast model tailored to the western U.S., designed to project conditions from 2030 to 2060 - decades earlier than most studies, which typically look only to the end of the century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-lightning-in-the-northwest">More lightning in the Northwest</h2>



<p>The northwestern states of Idaho, Oregon, and Montana are projected to experience the greatest growth in lightning days. But strangely, they may not experience the most rapid expansion in wildfires. </p>



<p>Although lightning will grow, the conditions favoring fires (such as extreme heat or dryness) are not expected to worsen as quickly in the Northwest compared to other regions.</p>



<p>That doesn’t mean northwestern states are off the hook. Cloud-to-ground lightning, the kind that hits trees or grass directly, is still expected to rise significantly in those areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-lightning-greater-wildfire-risk">Less lightning, greater wildfire risk</h2>



<p>In contrast, the Southwest - including Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico - won’t see as much of a jump in lightning strikes. But the fire risk will still climb. </p>



<p>This is because even a small spark becomes a big threat when the land is extra dry, the heat is intense, and there’s little rain to cool things off.</p>



<p>The researchers found that these southern states are likely to experience the biggest increases in wildfires caused by lightning, despite the smaller bump in lightning activity. That’s because climate change is pushing up the number of fire-prone days overall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-and-wet-lightning">Dry and wet lightning</h2>



<p>Kalashnikov said the next steps could involve separating the kinds of lightning events. “You can’t help but wonder what the future will look like, especially if you dig in and you realize that there’s actually a lot that we don’t understand,” he said.</p>



<p>One key factor will be figuring out how to distinguish between "dry lightning" and "wet lightning." Dry lightning happens without much rain, making it a fire hazard. </p>



<p>Wet lightning brings <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-poses-extreme-risks-in-the-western-us/">heavy rain</a>, which can reduce fire risk but increase flood danger. Understanding that difference could help emergency services respond more precisely to fire threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-risks-are-rising-fast">Wildfire risks are rising fast</h2>



<p>As climate patterns shift, the West isn’t just getting warmer and drier - it’s getting stormier in a dangerous way. Lightning is expected to spark more fires, and fires are expected to find more dry fuel waiting. It’s a feedback loop that could reshape fire seasons in the U.S.</p>



<p>This isn’t about something that might happen a hundred years from now. The changes are coming within the next few decades - some may already be happening. </p>



<p>And for the people living in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/double-hazard-wildfire-zones-identified-in-the-american-west/">high-risk areas</a>, that means more heat, more smoke, and a greater need for preparation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025EF006108" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



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Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks. In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for wildfires, adding to the already mounting risks across the West. Lightning is fueling more wildfires Wildfires need a few things to get...

Beautiful,Iceberg,,Antarctica

<p>A disturbing study in Antarctica has brought to light the dramatic and swift reduction of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet at the conclusion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-from-the-last-ice-age-help-predict-oceans-response-to-continued-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Ice Age</a>, approximately 8,000 years ago. </p>



<p>The discovery, encapsulated in an ice core, reveals an astonishing reduction of 1500 feet (450 meters) in ice thickness in less than two centuries, a scale surpassing the height of the Empire State Building. </p>



<p>This unprecedented finding, uncovered by researchers from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> and the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a>, marks the first evidence of such rapid ice loss in Antarctica.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vulnerability-of-the-west-antarctic-ice-sheet">Vulnerability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet</h2>



<p>Their research has ignited concerns over the potential instability of Antarctica ice, particularly of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, in response to today's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-experienced-the-most-intense-heat-wave-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">escalating temperatures</a>.</p>



<p>The implications of this study are profound, especially considering the Antarctic ice sheets' capacity to elevate global sea levels by about 187 feet (57 meters). </p>



<p>The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is under particular scrutiny due to its position on bedrock below sea level, rendering it especially susceptible to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-in-distress-the-escalating-consequences-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate-induced changes</a>.</p>



<p>“We now have direct evidence that this ice sheet suffered rapid ice loss in the past,” said Professor Eric Wolff, senior author of the new study from Cambridge’s Department of Earth Sciences. </p>



<p>“This scenario isn’t something that exists only in our model predictions and it could happen again if parts of this ice sheet becomes unstable.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-time-capsules-of-antarctic-ice-history">Ice cores: Time capsules of Antarctic ice history</h2>



<p>The study utilized ice cores, which are essentially archives of past climates and environmental conditions, to understand the historical dynamics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-has-lost-3000-billion-tons-of-ice-in-25-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a>. </p>



<p>By drilling a 651-meter-long ice core from Skytrain Ice Rise in 2019, the researchers were able to analyze indicators such as stable water isotopes and air bubble pressure to deduce past temperatures and ice thickness.</p>



<p>“We wanted to know what happened to the West Antarctic Ice Sheet at the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-last-ice-age-shows-how-rising-sea-levels-will-transform-coastal-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Ice Age</a>, when temperatures on Earth were rising, albeit at a slower rate than current anthropogenic warming,” said Dr Isobel Rowell, study co-author from the British Antarctic Survey. “Using ice cores we can go back to that time and estimate the ice sheet’s thickness and extent.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-points-mechanisms-of-ice-loss-in-antarctica">Tipping points: Mechanisms of ice loss in Antarctica</h2>



<p>The study suggests that the rapid thinning 8,000 years ago was likely initiated by warm water infiltrating beneath the ice sheet's edge, leading to a dramatic detachment and the formation of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-undergoing-major-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronne Ice Shelf</a>. </p>



<p>This event resulted in significant geographic changes, evidenced by an increase in sodium content in the ice, indicative of the sea advancing closer to the drilling site following the ice shelf's retreat.</p>



<p>The precision of the data obtained from the ice cores provides a more accurate timeline for these events, refining previous models that estimated the retreat to have occurred between 12,000 and 5,000 years ago. This specificity is a critical advancement for future modeling efforts.</p>



<p>“We already knew from models that the ice thinned at around this time, but the date of this was uncertain,” said Rowell. “We now have a very precisely dated observation of that retreat which can be built into improved models.”</p>



<p>Despite the historical instability, the ice sheet stabilized once it receded to its present extent. However, the study underscores the urgent need to determine whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-experiencing-rapid-plant-growth-concerning-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contemporary warming</a> could trigger a similar or even more drastic response.</p>



<p>As Professor Wolff succinctly put it, understanding whether additional warmth could destabilize the ice and induce a new phase of retreat is now of paramount importance. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward-learning-from-the-past">The path forward: Learning from the past</h2>



<p>In summary, this distressing study revealed a critical historical moment when the West Antarctic Ice Sheet underwent a dramatic and swift reduction at the end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consequences-of-climate-changes-after-the-last-ice-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Ice Age</a>, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of Antarctica ice sheets to climate change. </p>



<p>By utilizing ice cores as natural archives, researchers have provided direct evidence of rapid ice loss, emphasizing the potential for current global warming to trigger similar destabilizing effects in the future. </p>



<p>The findings underscore the urgent need for precise climate models and further research to assess the risks of ice sheet collapse, aiming to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on global communities. </p>



<p>The work by this dedicated team of scientists deepens our understanding of ice sheet dynamics and serves as a stark reminder of the pressing challenges posed by climate change, urging immediate action to safeguard our planet's future.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01375-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a></em>.</p>



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Antarctica suffered extremely rapid ice loss after the Last Ice Age, alarming scientists

A disturbing study in Antarctica has brought to light the...

<p>In a new study, researchers have unveiled a major contributor to the decline in nighttime pollinator activity, with human activities being identified as a primary culprit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study reveals that nitrate radicals (NO3) in the atmosphere, resulting from the combustion of gas and coal, degrade the scent chemicals of common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildflowers-are-self-fertilizing-to-deal-with-a-lack-of-pollinators/">wildflowers</a>, thus impairing the ability of nighttime pollinators to locate these flowers through smell.</p>



<p>The team was co-led by Jeff Riffell, a professor of Biology, and Joel Thornton, a professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/">University of Washington</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pale-evening-primrose">Pale evening primrose</h2>



<p>The researchers focused on the pale evening primrose (Oenothera pallida), a wildflower native to the arid regions of the western United States.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This flower was chosen due to its white blossoms that emit a scent attracting a diverse group of pollinators, notably nocturnal moths, which are among its most crucial pollinators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemical-components-nbsp">Chemical components&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts embarked on a detailed analysis of the wildflower’s scent by collecting samples from field sites in eastern Washington. Utilizing advanced chemical analysis techniques, including mass spectrometry, they identified and examined the dozens of individual chemicals that constitute the flower's scent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When you smell a rose, you’re smelling a diverse bouquet composed of different types of chemicals,” said Professor Riffell. “The same is true for almost any flower. Each has its own scent made up of a specific chemical recipe.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights">Critical insights</h2>



<p>The findings were startling. When exposed to NO3, certain key scent chemicals, particularly monoterpene compounds which moths find highly attractive, were nearly eradicated. This discovery was further explored through experiments with moths, which demonstrated a remarkable ability to detect scents, akin to dogs and far surpassing human olfactory capabilities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers used a wind tunnel and an odor-stimulus system to simulate the flower's scent in the presence of NO3, observing a significant decrease in the moths' ability to locate the scent source.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, the accuracy of the tobacco hawkmoth (Manduca sexta) dropped by 50%, and the white-lined sphinx (Hyles lineata), a primary nocturnal pollinator, could not locate the source at all.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-altered-floral-scent">Altered floral scent</h2>



<p>Further field experiments reinforced these findings, revealing a drastic reduction in moth visitation to flowers when their scent was altered by NO3.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Riffell emphasized the impact of NO3 on reducing the "reach" of a flower’s scent, severely limiting its ability to attract nighttime pollinators before the scent becomes undetectable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-risk-regions">High-risk regions</h2>



<p>The study also compared the effects of daytime versus nighttime pollution on floral scents, concluding that nighttime pollution poses a much greater threat due to the stability of NO3 in the absence of sunlight, which otherwise helps degrade NO3.</p>



<p>Utilizing a computer model to simulate global weather patterns and atmospheric chemistry, the researchers identified regions most at risk of experiencing disruptions in plant-pollinator communication due to NO3 pollution. These areas span across western North America, Europe, the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and southern Africa.</p>



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



<p>“Outside of human activity, some regions accumulate more NO3 because of natural sources, geography and atmospheric circulation,” said Professor Thornton, who added that natural sources of NO3 include wildfires and lightning.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“But human activity is producing more NO3 everywhere. We wanted to understand how those two sources - natural and human - combine and where levels could be so high that they could interfere with the ability of pollinators to find flowers.”</p>



<p>“Our approach could serve as a roadmap for others to investigate how pollutants impact plant-pollinator interactions, and to really get at the underlying mechanisms."</p>



<p>“You need this kind of holistic approach, especially if you want to understand how widespread the breakdown in plant-pollinator interactions is and what the consequences will be.”</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi0858"><em>Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Pollution prevents nighttime pollinators from finding flowers

In a new study, researchers have unveiled a major contributor...

Air,Pollution,In,The,City.,Woman,Wearing,Face,Mask,For

<p>In a compelling study led by the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7386342/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases</a>, researchers have drawn a direct correlation between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/">air pollution</a> and an increased rate of cardiovascular disease-related deaths across the globe. </p>



<p>This analysis, which includes data from nearly all member states of the World Health Organization (WHO), sheds light on the stark differences in mortality rates due to air pollution between high-income and low-income countries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"In 2022, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) killed 41 million people, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for most NCD deaths, or 17.9 million people die annually from CVD," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Traditional risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diet all increase the risk of dying from a CVD. Air pollution, both outdoor or ambient and household, is not included in this risk calculation despite air pollution being a major contributor to the global burden of disease, with an estimated 12% of all attributable deaths in 2019."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pervasive-impact-of-air-pollution">Pervasive impact of air pollution</h2>



<p>The study's findings are a grim reminder of the pervasive impact of air pollution on public health, particularly in relation to ischemic heart disease and stroke - two major types of cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The analysis revealed that in all 183 countries examined, deaths related to ischemic heart disease attributable to air pollution were more common than stroke-related deaths caused by the same factor. This distinction underscores the varied ways in which air pollution can affect cardiovascular health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unequal-burden-of-air-pollution-nbsp">Unequal burden of air pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2019, the rate of ischemic heart disease-related deaths linked to outdoor air pollution was significantly higher in low-income countries, with 70 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 16 per 100,000 in high-income countries. This disparity highlights the unequal burden of air pollution, with low-income countries facing more severe health impacts due to poorer air quality.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the research emphasizes a critical issue facing low-income countries: household air pollution. The use of polluting fuels and stoves for cooking - a common practice in these regions - was identified as a major contributor to the problem, leading to more than double the number of stroke-related deaths compared to outdoor air pollution (39 stroke-related deaths per 100,000 versus 19 per 100,000).&nbsp;</p>



<p>This aspect of air pollution represents a significant challenge to public health in low-income countries, where access to clean cooking technologies is often limited.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventive-strategies-nbsp">Preventive strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Study co-author Dr. Nikolai Khaltaev emphasized the importance of addressing air pollution as part of a holistic approach to cardiovascular disease prevention.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Effective air pollution control along with lifestyle modifications and disease management should be essential components of cardiovascular disease preventive strategies,” said Dr. Khaltaev.</p>



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



<p>The study serves as a crucial call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the global community to intensify efforts towards reducing air pollution and its detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The evidence underscores the urgency of implementing effective air pollution control measures, especially in low-income countries where the health impacts are most pronounced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Despite increasing awareness of the impact of air pollution on population health, appreciation of air pollution as a modifiable risk factor is still limited among the health professionals who are traditionally more focused on the classic risk factors," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>"It is important to raise awareness about the harmful impact of air pollution on CVD mortality among the general population, health care providers, research community, and politicians."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cdt3.116" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine</em></a>.</p>



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Air pollution fuels cardiovascular deaths worldwide

In a compelling study led by the Global Alliance against...

<p>A recent publication in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-45001-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a> unveils groundbreaking insights into the integral role <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-role-will-forests-play-in-future-climate-change/">forests</a> play within the climate system and the water cycle, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of their full impact. </p>



<p>Conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> alongside international collaborators from 11 institutions across five countries, including Sweden, the UK, Finland, Germany, and Brazil, the study sheds light on the complex interactions between forests and their contribution to cloud formation, which in turn could significantly affect global temperatures.</p>



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



<p>Forests, covering a third of the planet's land surface, are crucial for carbon storage and regulating the water cycle. The research uniquely focuses on both boreal and tropical forests, which account for 27% and 45% of the world's forested areas, respectively.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These ecosystems exhibit distinct differences in their emissions and the processes of cloud formation, influencing the feedback loop between forests, clouds, and the climate differently.</p>



<p>"This study, utilizing long-term data from diverse forest environments in Finland and Brazil, marks the first time observational evidence has been presented for these interactions in tropical rainforests," said Sara Blichner, a postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Environmental Sciences at Stockholm University.</p>



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



<p>One of the critical findings of the study is the underrepresentation of forests in current climate models, particularly regarding their role in cloud formation.</p>



<p>"Our findings suggest that current models may underestimate the impact of forests on cloud formation and climate, especially in tropical regions, which are crucial due to the high amount of solar radiation these areas receive at these latitudes," Blichner explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-climate-models">Refining climate models</h2>



<p>Despite identifying areas for improvement, Blichner emphasizes the reliability of climate models in capturing the core dynamics of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Climate models are highly trustworthy in representing the main processes of climate change. Our research aims to refine these models, reducing uncertainties in future climate projections," she said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-emissions">Natural emissions</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the study highlights the growing significance of natural particles from forests in the climate system, especially as man-made particle emissions decrease due to stringent air quality policies. These natural emissions could increasingly influence cloud reflectivity and, consequently, global warming.</p>



<p>"Natural aerosol feedbacks are expected to become more important in the future, as anthropogenic aerosol emissions decrease due to air quality policy," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"One such feedback is initiated by the increase in biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions with higher temperatures, leading to higher secondary organic aerosol (SOA) production and a cooling of the surface via impacts on cloud radiative properties."</p>



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



<p>The collaborative effort underscores the necessity for ongoing research and enhancements in climate modeling to more accurately predict future climate scenarios.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also stresses the importance of considering forest conservation as a pivotal strategy in climate change mitigation, given the role of forests in emitting organic gasses that contribute to particle formation, cloud reflectivity, and potentially cooler surface temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As global temperatures rise, the expectation is that forests will emit more gasses, leading to an increase in particle formation and more reflective clouds, a critical factor in climate regulation.</p>



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Forests play an overlooked role in Earth's climate system

A recent publication in Nature Communications unveils groundbreaking insights into...

<p>Extreme weather and natural disturbances often capture headlines for their dramatic impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-forests-are-more-resilient-and-productive/">forests</a>, but it's the more common, moderate-severity disturbances - like smaller fires, ice storms, and pest outbreaks - that may play a bigger role in shaping ecosystems than previously recognized.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Since they’re more common, they’re probably playing a larger role in the ecosystem than we might have appreciated before,” said senior author Brady Hardiman, an associate professor of forestry and natural resources and environmental and ecological engineering at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>. </p>



<p>“At any given time, a huge fraction of the forested landscape is undergoing or regrowing from a moderate-severity disturbance, which took out some of the trees but not all of them. The forest is not regrowing from scratch.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-effects-of-forest-disturbances-nbsp">Subtle effects of forest disturbances&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In an effort to delve deeper into this topic, a team of researchers from Purdue, used lidar data to examine changes in forest canopy structure resulting from these disturbances. The findings, published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1365-2745.14145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Ecology</em></a>, are based on data from the <a href="https://www.neonscience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Ecological Observatory Network</a> (NEON) across several U.S. states. </p>



<p>The team discovered that lidar, a technology that measures distance with laser light, can reveal subtle effects of disturbances on forests. Study lead author Dennis Heejoon Choi, a postdoctoral scientist at Purdue, notes the capability of lidar data to detect these subtle signals.</p>



<p>This research is significant because it helps clarify the role of moderate-severity disturbances in forest ecosystems, which has been less understood compared to catastrophic events.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-forest-canopies">Complex forest canopies</h2>



<p>Forest canopies, which include the upper layer of trees, play a crucial role in biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and sheltering various organisms. Complex canopies, which are not uniform and include a variety of tree sizes and species, are particularly good at absorbing light and supporting ecosystem functions.</p>



<p>Elizabeth LaRue, assistant professor at the University of Texas at El Paso and co-author of the study, compares complex canopies to a block of Swiss cheese, with its holes and variations, as opposed to the uniformity of a cheddar block or a Christmas tree farm. This complexity, the researchers found, may help forests better withstand and recover from disturbances.</p>



<p>“You can measure things that might be equivalent to a block of cheese. A block of Swiss cheese would be more complex than, say, a block of cheddar. Some of the metrics we use essentially measure how many holes you have in your block of forest,” she explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-forest-growth-and-recovery-nbsp">Supporting forest growth and recovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study also explores the idea that managing forests to enhance canopy complexity could improve their resilience to various disturbances, supporting continuous growth and recovery. This approach requires a significant amount of data, which the researchers obtained from NEON's comprehensive and repeated observations across the continent.</p>



<p>Handling the NEON data posed challenges, especially in maintaining consistency across different lidar technologies over time. The research team, supported by Purdue’s Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, worked to normalize data despite these challenges, aiming to provide comparative metrics that reflect changes in forest canopies accurately.</p>



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



<p>This work contributes to the goals of the Institute for Digital Forestry, which aims to develop tools and methods for more detailed and frequent measurement of individual trees and global forest health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By integrating forest ecology with computer science and engineering, the institute seeks to provide innovative research in the field of forestry, asking new questions and finding new answers about how forests grow, change, and respond to the world around them.</p>



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Complex canopies help forests recover from disturbances

Extreme weather and natural disturbances often capture headlines for their...

<p>The quest for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/game-changing-invention-converts-both-co2-and-plastic-waste-into-renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a> solutions has led to a surge in the development of wind farms worldwide. However, the rapid expansion of wind farms raises questions about their broader environmental impacts and the efficiency of their operation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://ok.ubc.ca/">University of British Columbia Okanagan</a> (UBCO) and the <a href="https://www.tudelft.nl/en/">Delft University of Technology</a> (TU Delft) in the Netherlands embarked on a study to address these concerns. The team set out to investigate how wind farms influence airstream patterns and the surrounding atmosphere.</p>



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



<p>For the investigation, the experts developed a sophisticated modeling framework aimed at enhancing the accuracy of wind energy forecasts and the productivity of wind farms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This initiative is not just about maximizing energy output. It is a deep dive into understanding how large-scale wind farms could potentially alter natural wind patterns, an area of study that has become increasingly relevant as wind farms grow in size and number.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optimizing-power-output-nbsp">Optimizing power output&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Wind farms are getting so large that they can actually alter the structure of the incoming wind,” explained Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff, an associate professor in UBCO’s School of Engineering. “The structure they are researching, which engineers call the atmospheric boundary layer, monitors how the wind’s speed, temperature and pressure varies with altitude.”</p>



<p>Understanding and predicting the changes in wind are critical for the strategic placement of turbines within a farm to optimize power output.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-wind-farms-nbsp">Designing wind farms&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The challenge of efficiently designing wind farms is multifaceted. It involves the selection of suitable locations for the farms themselves, as well as the precise positioning of each turbine to maximize energy generation. In this context, the researchers' work on developing the Toolbox for Stratified Convective Atmospheres (TOSCA) is particularly noteworthy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>TOSCA is an open-source framework designed for large-scale studies of wind farm-atmosphere interactions, offering new insights into the dynamics of boundary layer turbulence and atmospheric flow conditions around wind farms.</p>



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



<p>Sebastiano Stipa, a doctoral student involved in the project, highlighted the capability of TOSCA to address critical challenges in wind energy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The results of this research will lead to a better understanding of potential wind farm power estimates and an increase in their energy outputs,” said Stipa. “This new modeling framework can serve as a roadmap for the industry.”</p>



<p>Dr. Brinkerhoff noted that the computer modeling can help when wind farms are being established, especially to forecast whether they can create energy efficiently.</p>



<p>“The most significant finding is that our model can capture the interaction between large wind farms and the oncoming wind,” said Dr. Brinkerhoff. “To date, this hasn’t been captured properly, leading to overestimation of how much power a wind farm will produce. This kind of overestimation is financially disastrous for the wind farm operators.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-wind-energy">More about wind energy</h2>



<p>Wind energy is a form of renewable power generated by harnessing the wind's kinetic energy. This process involves using wind turbines, which are tall structures equipped with blades that rotate when blown by the wind.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The turbines are connected to generators that convert the mechanical energy of spinning blades into electrical energy. Wind farms, which can be located onshore or offshore, consist of multiple turbines and are designed to capture the wind's energy on a large scale.</p>



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



<p>One of the key benefits of wind energy is its sustainability. Unlike fossil fuels, wind energy does not produce greenhouse gases or pollutants, making it environmentally friendly. It's also inexhaustible, as wind is a natural and renewable resource. </p>



<p>The operational costs of wind turbines are relatively low once they are installed and operational, although initial costs can be high due to the technology and infrastructure required.</p>



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



<p>The efficiency and productivity of wind energy can vary depending on wind speeds, which are influenced by geographical location, time of year, and weather conditions. </p>



<p>Areas with consistently high wind speeds, such as coastal regions and hilltops, are ideal for wind farms. The technology behind wind turbines continues to advance, leading to more efficient and less obtrusive designs.</p>



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



<p>Despite its benefits, wind energy also faces challenges. These include the variability of wind, which can affect power supply consistency, and the potential impact on wildlife, such as birds and bats. Additionally, the visual and auditory impact of wind turbines can lead to community opposition.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/wes-9-297-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Wind Energy Science</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Understanding how wind farms interact with wind can optimize their power  

The quest for renewable energy solutions has led to a...

<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a> represents a significant advancement in climate prediction technologies. By delving into the genetic secrets of soil microbes, the researchers have developed a model that could revolutionize our understanding of carbon sequestration processes and greatly improve the accuracy of climate models. </p>



<p>The innovative research could herald a new era in our fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-could-cause-one-billion-deaths-over-the-next-century/">climate change</a>, offering new strategies for agricultural practices aimed at bolstering plant growth while mitigating climate impacts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-interactions-nbsp">Complex interactions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Soil microbes, often overlooked in the broader narrative of climate science, play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. These microscopic organisms are key players in soil carbon sequestration, a natural process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the soil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process is critical for maintaining the balance of our planet’s climate systems. However, traditional climate models have struggled to accurately represent the complex interactions between soil microbes and their environment, leading to potential gaps in our predictions and understanding of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-genetic-information">Valuable genetic information</h2>



<p>The team at Berkeley Lab, led by Gianna Marschmann, has made a significant breakthrough by incorporating genetic information from soil microbes into their models.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Our research demonstrates the advantage of assembling the genetic information of microorganisms directly from soil. Previously, we only had information about a small number of microbes studied in the lab,” said Marschmann.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Having genome information allows us to create better models capable of predicting how various plant types, crops, or even specific cultivars can collaborate with soil microbes to better capture carbon. Simultaneously, this collaboration can enhance soil health."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-microbial-ecosystems">Understanding microbial ecosystems</h2>



<p>The research was conducted in collaboration with Jennifer Pett-Ridge of Lawrence Livermore National Lab and funded by the DOE Office of Science. It marks a significant step forward in the "<a href="https://sc-programs.llnl.gov/biological-and-environmental-research-at-llnl/soil-microbiome" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbes Persist</a>" Soil Microbiome Scientific Focus Area project, which aims to deepen our understanding of microbial ecosystems and their impact on the environment.</p>



<p>One of the key challenges in studying soil microbes is their sheer diversity and abundance. With up to 10 billion microorganisms in just one gram of soil - representing thousands of species - the majority have never been directly studied in laboratory settings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This diversity has historically posed a significant barrier to accurately modeling their role in carbon sequestration and the broader carbon cycle.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-soil-microbes">Environmental impact of soil microbes</h2>



<p>The new model developed by the Berkeley Lab team was able to overcome this challenge by using genomic information to predict microbial behavior and interactions with plants. This allows for a much more nuanced and accurate representation of the environmental impact of soil microbes.</p>



<p>The research was specifically focused on the rhizosphere, the area surrounding plant roots, which is a hotbed of microbial activity and carbon exchange. This zone, though comprising a small fraction of the Earth’s soil volume, plays a disproportionately large role in global carbon storage.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-roots-and-soil-microbes">Plant roots and soil microbes</h2>



<p>The team’s model revealed how different types of carbon released by plant roots during growth phases influence microbial growth strategies - highlighting the efficiency of certain microbes in storing carbon in the soil.</p>



<p>This breakthrough offers promising implications for agriculture and soil management strategies aimed at combating climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By better understanding the dynamics between plant roots and soil microbes, scientists can now propose more effective ways to preserve soil carbon, enhancing soil health, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable plant growth.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The research underscores the potential of leveraging genetic information to model microbial traits, shedding light on the soil microbiome and its critical role in the Earth’s carbon cycle.</p>



<p>“This newfound knowledge has important implications for agriculture and soil health. With the models we are building, it is increasingly possible to leverage new understanding of how carbon cycles through soil," said Marschmann.</p>



<p>"This in turn opens up possibilities to recommend strategies for preserving valuable carbon in the soil to support biodiversity and plant growth at scales feasible to measure the impact."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01582-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Microbiology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Secrets of soil microbes could revolutionize climate predictions

A new study from the Berkeley Lab represents a significant...

Tropical,Hurricane,Approaching,The,Usa.elements,Of,This,Image,Are,Furnished

<p>For over five decades, the National Hurricane Center has relied on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale to categorize <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/tsunami-vs-hurricane-whats-the-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, ranking them from Category 1, with wind speeds of 74 to 95 mph, to Category 5, which includes winds of 158 mph or greater. </p>



<p>However, as ocean temperatures rise and hurricanes grow more intense and destructive, scientists Michael Wehner of <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</a> and James Kossin of the <a href="https://firststreet.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First Street Foundation</a> are questioning whether the current scale adequately communicates the risk of hurricane damage in today's changing climate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-case-for-a-category-6-hurricane-classification">The case for a Category 6 hurricane classification</h2>



<p>In their research, Wehner and Kossin introduce the concept of a Category 6 for <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/otis-was-the-strongest-landfalling-pacific-hurricane-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, which would cover storms with winds exceeding 192 mph. </p>



<p>Their work stems from a need to address how the existing scale's open-ended Category 5 might lead to an underestimation of risk, especially in a warming world. </p>



<p>"Our motivation is to reconsider how the open-endedness of the Saffir-Simpson Scale can lead to underestimation of risk, and, in particular, how this underestimation becomes increasingly problematic in a warming world," Wehner explains.</p>



<p>The duo's analysis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-related-deaths-on-the-rise-especially-in-vulnerable-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> data from 1980 to 2021 revealed five storms that would qualify as Category 6, all occurring in the last nine years of the record. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-and-the-future-of-hurricanes">Global warming and the future of hurricanes</h2>



<p>This finding, alongside the recognition that hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones are geographically named manifestations of the same weather phenomenon, underscores the escalating threat posed by these storms.</p>



<p>Their research not only revisits historical data but also employs simulations to forecast how a warming climate might affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-stronger-and-tougher-in-hurricane-prone-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> intensity. </p>



<p>Results indicate that a 2°C rise in global temperatures could increase the risk of Category 6 storms by up to 50% near the Philippines and double it in the Gulf of Mexico, with Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and the Gulf of Mexico facing the highest risk.</p>



<p>Wehner emphasizes the significance of these findings in the context of the Paris Agreement's goals to cap global warming at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. </p>



<p>"Even under the relatively low global warming targets of the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>, the increased chances of Category 6 storms are substantial in these simulations," he points out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-impact-of-hurricanes">Comprehensive impact of hurricanes</h2>



<p>The scientists argue that expanding the Saffir-Simpson Scale to include a sixth category won't directly address the broader impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hurricane-lee-is-a-slow-moving-storm-with-a-massive-wind-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, such as inland flooding and storm surge. </p>



<p>However, it could play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the heightened risk of major hurricanes in a warming climate. </p>



<p>Kossin adds, "Tropical cyclone risk messaging is a very active topic, and changes in messaging are necessary to better inform the public...Our results are not meant to propose changes to this scale, but rather to raise awareness that the wind-hazard risk from storms presently designated as Category 5 has increased and will continue to increase under climate change."</p>



<p>This study serves as a call to action for updating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-maria-trees-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane</a> risk communication methods to better reflect the realities of climate change, ensuring that the public is adequately informed about the evolving nature of storm threats. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-saffir-simpson-hurricane-wind-scale">Understanding the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale</h2>



<p>As discussed above, the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind <a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scale</a> stands as a crucial tool for meteorologists, emergency responders, and the public to understand and assess the intensity of hurricanes. </p>



<p>Developed in the early 1970s by civil engineer Herbert Saffir and meteorologist Robert Simpson, then director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, this scale categorizes hurricanes into five distinct categories based on their sustained wind speeds. </p>



<p>Each category reflects the potential for damage and flooding that a hurricane can cause upon making landfall.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-hurricane-category-scale-works">How the hurricane category scale works</h3>



<p>The scale assigns hurricanes a category from 1 to 5. Category 1 hurricanes have the lowest wind speeds (74-95 mph), while Category 5 hurricanes feature the highest (greater than 157 mph). </p>



<p>As the category number increases, so does the potential for significant damage to buildings, infrastructure, and the natural environment.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-1-hurricane-minimal-damage">Category 1 hurricane: Minimal damage</h3>



<p>Category 1 hurricanes can cause some damage to unanchored mobile homes, vegetation, and poorly constructed signs. </p>



<p>However, well-constructed frame homes can generally withstand the wind forces, experiencing primarily damage to shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-2-hurricane-moderate-damage">Category 2 hurricane: Moderate damage</h3>



<p>With winds from 96 to 110 mph, Category 2 storms can cause extensive damage to roofs, windows, and doors of buildings. </p>



<p>Mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers may face considerable damage or destruction. Near-coastal flooding and some injuries to people and animals due to flying and falling debris are more common in this category.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-3-hurricane-extensive-damage">Category 3 hurricane: Extensive damage</h3>



<p>Category 3 hurricanes, with wind speeds ranging from 111 to 129 mph, can cause devastating damage. </p>



<p>Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Electricity and water are likely to be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-4-hurricane-extreme-damage">Category 4 hurricane: Extreme damage</h3>



<p>Winds of 130 to 156 mph characterize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-harvey-worst-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Category 4</a> hurricanes. </p>



<p>These storms can cause catastrophic damage, with most trees snapped or uprooted, power poles downed, and residential areas isolated due to fallen trees and power poles. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-category-5-hurricane-catastrophic-damage">Category 5 hurricane: Catastrophic damage</h3>



<p>The highest category, Category 5, represents <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiger-sharks-can-take-a-direct-hit-from-a-major-hurricane/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a> with wind speeds of 157 mph or higher. </p>



<p>These storms can level houses, destroy industrial buildings, and cause widespread power outages that could last for weeks or months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for the same duration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-tool-for-preparedness">Critical tool for preparedness</h3>



<p>The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale serves as a fundamental component of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane preparedness</a> and response strategies. </p>



<p>It helps to communicate the potential impact of hurricanes in a clear and understandable way, enabling individuals, communities, and governments to take appropriate actions to safeguard lives and property. </p>



<p>By providing a standardized measure of storm intensity, the scale plays a vital role in the planning and execution of evacuation orders, the allocation of resources, and the overall management of disaster response efforts.</p>



<p>In summary, the Saffir-Simpson Scale is a vital tool that helps predict the potential damage from hurricanes, guiding preparation and response efforts to minimize the impact of these powerful storms on our communities.</p>



<p>The study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2308901121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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Scientists propose adding a "Category 6" to the current hurricane intensity scale

For over five decades, the National Hurricane Center has relied...

<p>The global carbon market's fastest-growing offset, which promotes the distribution of efficient cookstoves in developing nations to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, significantly overstates the stoves' carbon savings - by a tenfold margin, a recent investigation has revealed.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confidence-in-the-carbon-market-nbsp">Confidence in the carbon market&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This discrepancy poses a significant challenge to combating climate change by enabling companies to claim climate goals and market “carbon neutral” products without actual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It also erodes confidence in the carbon market, thereby affecting the market’s capability to sustainably fund efficient stoves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research-nbsp">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41893-023-01259-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Sustainability</em></a>, represents the first thorough, quantitative evaluation of any offset project type. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a> scrutinized five methodologies used to assess cookstove emission reductions against published studies and independent analyses. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-cooking-and-social-justice-nbsp">Clean cooking and social justice&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Daniel Kammen, the James and Katherine Lau Distinguished Professor of Sustainability at UC Berkeley, emphasized the critical link between clean cooking and global strategies for social justice and climate, noting the significant attention the pre-published study has garnered.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-cooking-could-save-half-a-million-lives-each-year/">Clean cooking</a> now figures very centrally on national decarbonization and sustainable development goal strategies, global funding cycles, and the political agenda of national leaders," said Kammen. "Integrating the science, human rights, and economics of clean cooking is now critically linked to both social justice and climate strategies around the planet.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-offset-credits">Carbon offset credits</h2>



<p>The popularity of cookstove offsets stems from the global reliance on solid fuels or kerosene by approximately 2.4 billion people, contributing to millions of premature deaths and around 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. In the first ten months of 2023, efficient cookstoves constituted the voluntary carbon market's fastest-growing project type and the second-largest share of issued credits.</p>



<p>Annelise Gill-Wiehl, a UC Berkeley Ph.D. candidate and the study’s first author, highlighted the potential of accurately estimated carbon offsets to support the distribution of efficient stoves, reducing fuel costs and potentially saving lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Estimated correctly, carbon offsets have the potential to support the free or subsidized distribution of efficient stoves that reduce time spent collecting firewood or the cost of purchasing fuel,” she said.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substantial-over-crediting">Substantial over-crediting</h2>



<p>However, the study revealed substantial over-crediting, suggesting that many projects exaggerate stove usage and underestimate the continued use of traditional stoves, among other issues.</p>



<p>The Berkeley team’s recommendations for aligning cookstove methodologies with current science include prioritizing stoves that meet <a href="https://www.who.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> health standards, as most market stoves do not. They developed a method for assessing offset quality, which can guide buyers, developers, and regulators towards high-quality credits that genuinely benefit health and climate goals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-nbsp">Key findings &nbsp;</h2>



<p>In the sample covering 40% of cookstove credits, the team found that cookstoves were over-credited by a factor of 9.2 times. Across all cookstove offset credits from the studied methodologies, cookstoves were over-credited by approximately 10.6 times.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Gold Standard’s Metered methodology, which directly monitors fuel use and credits the cleanest stoves, was found to be the most aligned with the study's estimates, overvalued by only a factor of 1.5. This methodology shows the greatest potential for emissions abatement and health benefits.</p>



<p>This investigation not only documents quality issues in the offset market but also provides actionable recommendations for trading in quality credits that align with Sustainable Development Goal progress, offering a paradigm shift towards clean fuels and stoves that can significantly support health and climate benefits.</p>



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Cookstove emissions are underestimated by a factor of 10

The global carbon market's fastest-growing offset, which promotes the distribution...

<p>In an innovative approach to ecosystem restoration, marine biologist Jildou Schotanus has demonstrated that the establishment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-freshwater-mussels-are-threatened-by-sea-level-rise/">mussel</a> beds in aquatic environments like the Wadden Sea can be significantly enhanced through the use of protective structures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conducting her research at the <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1033407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research</a> in Yerseke, Schotanus has brought to light the vital role of mussels as ecosystem engineers, capable of altering their surroundings to benefit not only themselves but also a wide array of other marine life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reshaping-ecosystems">Reshaping ecosystems</h2>



<p>Mussels are not merely inhabitants of their environments but are active participants in shaping them. By forming large banks, these bivalves create conditions that favor the settlement of other mussels, while simultaneously offering refuge and a habitat for various plants and animals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ability of mussels to trap silt and sand, as well as to reduce the force of waves during storms, underscores their importance in maintaining the ecological balance and integrity of marine ecosystems. "For this reason, there are lots of initiatives to restore mussel beds," said Schotanus. "But it is, usually, a daunting task!"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-mussel-beds-nbsp">Restoring mussel beds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the problems in restoring mussel beds is the type of mussel that is used, noted Schotanus. "In the past, adult mussels that were not used to dry conditions of intertidal mud flats were often used for this purpose. But if you suddenly try to get these mussels to settle on a mudflat that is exposed to air during low tide, where they also have to endure much more wave energy, they turn out to be unaccustomed to these conditions."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Experiments we have done with very small mussels, the so-called mussel seed, show that these are still flexible enough to adapt to the rougher conditions on the tidal flats."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-various-strategies-nbsp">Testing various strategies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>On the banks of the Oosterschelde, Schotanus investigated how mussels could be given the best head start. She experimented with breakwaters, netting to keep hungry crabs away, and with coir mats to help the shellfish adhere to the bottom.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"All of these methods do work to some extent, but they are also very labor intensive," said Schotanus. She found that relatively simple fencing seemed the most efficient strategy. This method provides a sheltered environment for young mussels, promoting their survival and growth.</p>



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



<p>An interesting aspect of Schotanus's study involves the response of avian species to the restoration structures. Using camera surveillance, the researchers observed that birds such as curlews and oystercatchers initially showed hesitation towards the unfamiliar installations. Over time, however, these birds adapted.</p>



<p>“They appear to get used to them after a while," said Schotanus. "Gulls found the larger quantities of shellfish near the fences very quickly anyway. Oystercatchers needed some time and curlews also only discovered after some time, that there were also many small crabs near the fences, which is their favorite food."</p>



<p>According to Schotanus, the most important lesson from her research is that in restoring mussel beds, you must take advantage of the positive interactions between the shellfish themselves. "Mussels simply find strength and safety in numbers. All our artificial tools have their drawbacks, so the simpler we can make it for the mussels, the better."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-ecosystem-restoration-nbsp">Marine ecosystem restoration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Marine ecosystem restoration involves a range of activities aimed at repairing and revitalizing aquatic environments that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. This process is crucial for the health of the planet, as marine ecosystems play vital roles in supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing resources and services that humans rely on, such as fisheries and coastal protection.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-nbsp">Coral reefs&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Restoration efforts can take many forms, depending on the specific ecosystem and the challenges it faces. For coral reefs, restoration might involve the cultivation and transplantation of coral fragments to rebuild reef structures and boost biodiversity. These activities often require careful selection of coral species that are resilient to warming waters and other stressors.</p>



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



<p>In the case of mangroves and salt marshes, restoration can involve replanting vegetation that has been removed or destroyed. These ecosystems are critical for carbon sequestration, shoreline stabilization, and as nurseries for marine life. Replanting helps to restore their ecological functions and benefits to local communities, including flood protection and improved water quality.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seagrass-meadows-nbsp">Seagrass meadows&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Seagrass meadows are restored by replanting seagrass shoots in areas where they have been lost, often due to pollution, anchoring, or dredging. Restoring seagrass meadows can improve water quality, support fish populations, and sequester carbon, helping to mitigate climate change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-efforts">Broader efforts</h3>



<p>Beyond specific habitat restoration, broader approaches include reducing pollution inputs, such as nutrients and plastics, that harm marine ecosystems. Regulations and cleanup efforts aim to reduce the impact of these pollutants, while sustainable fisheries management practices seek to ensure that fish stocks and their habitats are preserved for the future.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas">Protected areas</h3>



<p>Marine protected areas (MPAs) play a crucial role in restoration efforts by providing safe havens where ecosystems can recover and thrive without human interference. MPAs can help to replenish overfished stocks, protect endangered species, and allow ecological processes to function naturally.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ultimate-goal-nbsp">Ultimate goal&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The ultimate goal of marine ecosystem restoration is to create resilient, functioning ecosystems that can sustain their biodiversity and services for future generations. This not only involves the recovery of specific habitats or species but also a commitment to maintaining the health of the marine environment as a whole through sustainable management and conservation practices.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Edwin Paree</p>



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Young mussels are ideal for ecosystem restoration 

In an innovative approach to ecosystem restoration, marine biologist Jildou...

<p>A new study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bonn</a> challenges the prevailing assumption that people deny climate change to justify their environmentally harmful behaviors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study involved an online experiment with 4,000 U.S. adults. The researchers uncovered no evidence to support the idea that climate change denial is a form of self-deception aimed at avoiding personal guilt over contributing to global heating.</p>



<p>The phenomenon of climate change denial is not insignificant, with a substantial number of individuals downplaying the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-could-cause-one-billion-deaths-over-the-next-century/">climate change</a> or outright denying its human-induced causes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-amount-of-people-deny-climate-change">Significant amount of people deny climate change</h2>



<p>According to the authors, human activities caused the recent warming of the Earth. </p>



<p>Despite the near-unanimous scientific consensus on this matter, a substantial part of the population denies or downplays the contribution of humans to climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In a 2019 Pew study, 30% of U.S. adults said humans play only a partial role and 20% said no or a minor role in climate change," they reported.</p>



<p>The 2022 report <a href="https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/publications/climate-change-in-the-american-mind-beliefs-attitudes-spring-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Change in the American Mind</a> finds similar results: a third of the respondents said that climate change is due to natural changes and is not caused mostly by human activities. </p>



<p>How can this discrepancy be explained?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-motivated-reasoning-nbsp">Motivated reasoning&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Climate change is arguably one of the greatest challenges today. Although the scientific consensus is that human activities caused climate change, a substantial part of the population downplays or denies <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human responsibility</a>," wrote the study authors.</p>



<p>For example, a frequent flyer might dismiss the impact of their travel on the climate by assuming their actions make no significant difference or by doubting the evidence for human-caused climate change altogether.</p>



<p>A common hypothesis has been that climate change denial stems from a form of self-deception where individuals rationalize their behaviors to avoid cognitive dissonance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Professor Florian Zimmermann, an economist at the University of Bonn, expounded on this thought process that allows individuals to maintain a positive self-image while continuing harmful behaviors. </p>



<p>“We call this thought process ‘motivated reasoning,’” says Professor Florian Zimmermann, an economist at the University of Bonn and Research Director at <a href="https://www.iza.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IZA</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



<p>Zimmermann and his colleague Lasse Stötzer conducted a series of online experiments with a representative sample of 4,000 US adults.</p>



<p>The experiments centered on a $20 donation. Randomly, the organizers assigned participants to one of two groups. </p>



<p>The first group's members could divide the $20 between two organizations fighting climate change. In contrast, the second group's participants had the option to keep the $20 for themselves and would actually receive the money at the end. </p>



<p>Zimmermann is a member of the <a href="https://econtribute.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECONtribute Cluster of Excellence</a>, the <a href="https://www.crctr224.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Collaborative Research Center Transregio 224</a>, and the Transdisciplinary Research Area “Individuals &amp; Societies” at the University of Bonn.  </p>



<p>He explained, "Anyone who decides to keep the donation must justify that decision to themselves. One way to do that is to deny the existence of climate change."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-climate-change-denial-findings">Unexpected climate change denial findings</h2>



<p>Nearly half of the participants in the latter group chose to keep the money, which led researchers to question whether this choice was justified through subsequent denial of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-become-a-human-rights-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



<p>Surprisingly, the researchers found no evidence that individuals who kept the money were more likely to deny climate change to rationalize their decision. </p>



<p>This contradicts the expectation that climate change denial is significantly driven by self-deception related to one's harmful environmental actions.</p>



<p>However, the study did hint at an alternative form of "motivated reasoning," suggesting that denial of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-may-be-the-biggest-roadblock-to-solving-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-caused global warming</a> may be more deeply rooted in the political identities of certain groups.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This identity-based denial implies that for some, rejecting the reality of climate change is a core aspect of their political persona, making them less receptive to scientific evidence or researcher interventions.</p>



<p>Zimmermann explained further, saying, “Our data does reveal some indications of a variant of motivated reasoning, specifically that denying the existence of human-made global heating forms part of the political identity of certain groups of people.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp-of-climate-change-denial">Broader implications&nbsp;of climate change denial</h2>



<p>In summary, this eye-opening research, which involved online experiments with 4,000 U.S. adults, aimed to determine if self-deception related to one's actions and beliefs about climate change could explain why many individuals downplay or deny the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. </p>



<p>Participants were divided into groups, with one able to donate to climate change organizations and the other given the option to keep the money for personal use. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, the study found no evidence that those who chose to keep the money justified their decision by denying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-surpassed-almost-every-safe-limit-to-keep-earth-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, challenging the notion that self-deception driven by motivated reasoning is a significant factor in climate change skepticism. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-and-future-implications">Next steps and future implications</h2>



<p>Zimmermann's research suggests that misconceptions about climate change might not stem from self-deception but could be linked to the political identities of certain groups, presenting both challenges and opportunities for policymakers aiming to address climate change denial.</p>



<p>In summary, this study has significant implications for the future of our planet, as it addresses the pressing need to address climate change denial. </p>



<p>If misconceptions about climate change are not primarily due to self-deception related to personal behavior, there may be more room for changing minds through comprehensive information and education. </p>



<p>Whatever the case may be, something must be done very quickly to change hearts and minds around the world, before it's too late.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01910-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Climate Change</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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Climate change denial: What's really behind it?

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of...

<p>A new study is challenging the conventional approach to conservation that often leads to killing the non-native animals in a particular area in order to protect plant species. </p>



<p>This practice, which costs millions of dollars and results in the death of millions of healthy wild animals, is based on the assumption that introduced large herbivores, or megafauna, harm ecosystems by damaging sensitive plants, reducing native plant diversity, and supporting invasive plant species. </p>



<p>However, this new research from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, Denmark, and the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, UK, suggests that the distinction between native and non-native large herbivores may not be as clear-cut as previously thought.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-practices-of-killing-non-native-animals">Challenging practices of killing non-native animals</h2>



<p>The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing the effects of native and introduced large mammal species on plant abundance and diversity across 221 studies worldwide. </p>



<p>Their findings revealed that both groups have similar impacts on native plant communities. </p>



<p>Dr. Jeppe Kristensen from the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute shared his thoughts. </p>



<p>"We do not find evidence to support the claim that native large herbivores have different impacts on ecosystems, specifically plant communities in this case, than their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/economic-time-bomb-costs-of-invasive-species-are-greatly-underestimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native</a> counterparts," said Dr. Kristensen.</p>



<p>"Therefore, we should study the ecological roles these animals - native or not - play in ecosystems rather than judge them based on their belonging."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trait-based-effects-on-ecosystems">Trait-based effects on ecosystems</h2>



<p>Interestingly, the study found that the ecological effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/free-ranging-cats-are-one-of-the-most-problematic-invasive-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">invasive animals</a> are more closely related to their traits than their nativeness. </p>



<p>For example, small-bodied selective feeders like deer tend to reduce plant diversity, whereas larger, non-selective feeders such as buffalo are more likely to enhance it. </p>



<p>This is attributed to the inability of large animals to selectively feed, which prevents the dominance of certain plant species and promotes biodiversity.</p>



<p>Moreover, the study notes the unique impact of individual animal body mass over the collective weight of animals in an area, underscoring the distinct roles large animals play in shaping ecosystems. </p>



<p>Dr Kristensen explained, "While one elephant can push over a mid-sized tree, 50 red deer cannot. You can’t total the body mass to understand the effect of animal presence on the landscape, you have to consider the effect of each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-american-mink-has-spread-throughout-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal species</a> present."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paradox-of-culling-rethinking-conservation">Paradox of culling: Rethinking conservation</h2>



<p>This research also addresses the broader implications of eradicating non-native animals, many of which are endangered in their native habitats. </p>



<p>The paradox of spending millions to remove these animals from areas where they are considered invasive, while their populations decline elsewhere, raises questions about current conservation priorities. </p>



<p>Professor Jens-Christian Svenning from Aarhus University suggests, "This interpretation suggests that functional niches vacated by extinctions and extirpations in recent prehistory, often due to humans, are better refilled with animals with similar functional traits as the ones that were lost even if these new species are non-native or feral."</p>



<p>The study emphasizes the need to reassess how we perceive native and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unseen-crisis-37000-alien-species-have-been-introduced-by-human-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native species</a> and their roles in ecosystems. </p>



<p>Rather than focusing solely on the concept of belonging, conservation strategies should prioritize re-establishing essential ecosystem functions, potentially through the adaptive introduction of non-native species. </p>



<p>Lead author Dr Erick Lundgren (Aarhus University) concluded, ‘"Our findings suggest it is time to start using the same standards to understand the effects of native and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-red-fire-ants-have-made-their-way-to-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">introduced organisms</a> alike and to consider seriously the implications of eradication and culling programs that are based on cultural notions of “belonging.” Instead, introduced animals should be studied in the same way as any native wildlife, through the lens of functional ecology."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-include-non-native-animals-instead-of-killing-them">Include non-native animals instead of killing them</h2>



<p>In summary, this transformative study urges the conservation community to reconsider long-held beliefs about the role of native and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urgent-need-to-protect-earths-forests-from-non-native-pests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">non-native species</a> within ecosystems. </p>



<p>By demonstrating that the impact of large herbivores on plant diversity and abundance is more a matter of individual traits than origin, it challenges the costly and often counterproductive practice of killing non-native animal species solely based on their non-native status. </p>



<p>Instead, the findings advocate for an adaptive conservation approach that prioritizes ecological function and embraces the potential of non-native species to fill crucial roles left vacant by extinct species. </p>



<p>This paradigm shift could not only enhance biodiversity conservation efforts but also encourage a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of species' contributions to ecosystem health and resilience.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh2616" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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Killing animals that "don't belong" in an ecosystem is a harmful strategy

A new study is challenging the conventional approach to conservation...

<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>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



<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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<p>—–</p>

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<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>



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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>



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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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>



<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> </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

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" 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://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

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

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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

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

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

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<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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