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 <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.



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



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.



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. 



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



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. 



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.



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



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.



“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.”



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>. 



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.



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.



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



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. 



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.



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.



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



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. 



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.



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.



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



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.



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. 



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.



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



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.



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. 



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.



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

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...

A significant shift in global warming dynamics has been identified, challenging long-held beliefs about the nature of asymmetric warming and temperature changes on Earth. 



This discovery, made by researchers at <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a>, Sweden, has profound implications for our understanding of climate change and its impact on all forms of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phenomenon-of-asymmetric-warming">Phenomenon of asymmetric warming</h2>



Since the 1950s, scientists believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> did not uniformly affect daytime and nighttime temperatures. Notably, nighttime temperatures were observed to be rising more rapidly. 



However, this new study, published in Nature Communications, indicates a dramatic shift in this pattern, with greater daytime warming occurring since the 1990s.



This reversal in temperature trends signifies a growing disparity between day and night temperatures, which could have far-reaching effects on the planet.



Traditionally known as "asymmetric warming," this phenomenon, characterized by varying warming rates during day and night, has been attributed to both human activities and natural occurrences. 



The recent study, however, presents a startling reversal of this trend. 



Between 1961 and 2020, researchers found an accelerated warming rate during the day, while nighttime warming rates remained relatively constant. 



This shift leads to an expanding temperature difference between day and night.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asymmetric-warming-and-global-brightening">Asymmetric warming and global brightening</h2>



Ziqian Zhong, a post-doctoral researcher at Chalmers, expressed surprise at these findings. The team set out to confirm the dominant trend of greater nighttime <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-global-warming-affecting-the-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>, but instead found a complete reversal over the past three decades. 



“We initially aimed to confirm the previously observed phenomenon of nighttime warming surpassing daytime warming," says Ziqian Zhong, post-doctoral researcher at Chalmers.



"To our surprise, not only had the asymmetric warming trend ceased, but our analyses, based on state-of-the-art observation-based datasets, indicate a complete reversal of this original warming pattern over the past three decades." 



Zhong points to "global brightening" as a likely cause of this change. 



Since the late 1980s, reduced cloud cover has allowed more sunlight to reach the Earth's surface, resulting in higher daytime temperatures and a widening temperature gap between day and night.



“A likely explanation to this change is a phenomenon called “global brightening”, which has been observed since the late 1980s," says Ziqian Zhong.



"It is a result of less cloud cover, which causes more sunlight to reach the Earth's surface, leading to higher daytime temperatures and, as a result, a broader difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures over the recent decades."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-aerosols-and-environmental-factors">Role of aerosols and environmental factors</h2>



The reasons behind changes in cloud cover remain uncertain. The interplay between cloud-free and cloudy atmospheres, along with the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blowing-snow-plays-an-important-role-in-arctic-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, is complex. 



Aerosols, originating from natural sources like sea spray and wildfires or human activities such as fossil fuel burning, significantly influence the environment. 



Additionally, the increase in regional droughts and heatwaves points to a weakening of the Earth's surface cooling effect, typically caused by evaporation, further contributing to the faster rise in daytime temperatures.



The study's analysis reveals a dramatic shift in temperature patterns across land areas. From 1961 to 1990, the majority of land (81%) experienced greater nighttime warming. 



However, from 1991 to 2020, this trend reversed, with 70% of land areas showing more significant daytime warming. 



This shift has critical implications for agriculture, public health, and forestry management, as these sectors are deeply affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/formal-agreement-needed-to-define-the-current-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature variations</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-health-agriculture-and-forestry">Impacts on health, agriculture, and forestry</h2>



The larger temperature difference between day and night could adversely affect crop yields, plant growth, animal well-being, and human health. 



An increased temperature gap is known to exacerbate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health issues</a>, such as heart rate and blood pressure changes, potentially leading to more severe cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. 



“This indicates the need to adjust strategies in different areas affected by temperature variations between day and night, such as agriculture, public health, and forestry management, to address the challenges posed by this climate change”, says Ziqian Zhong.



The impact of this temperature shift varies among tree species in different regions. In humid areas, some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-struggling-to-breath-and-store-co2-in-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> might enhance their carbon sequestration capacity due to the increased temperature difference. 



Conversely, in dry regions, higher daytime temperatures could lead to soil water deficiency, negatively affecting tree growth. 



Zhong highlights the importance of future research to further explore the impacts of this reversed trend in asymmetric warming on tree growth and the carbon cycle.



“In the upcoming research, we will further investigate the impacts of this reversed trend in asymmetric warming on tree growth and carbon cycle”, says Ziqian Zhong.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-study">Implications and future study</h2>



In summary, this important research marks a pivotal shift in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> dynamics, revealing a significant reversal in the pattern of daytime and nighttime temperatures. 



The team's discovery, emphasizing the greater increase in daytime warming since the 1990s, underscores the complexity of climate change and its varied impacts on the environment, human health, agriculture, and forestry. 



Their findings call for an urgent reassessment of adaptation strategies across different sectors to mitigate the adverse effects of this changing climate. 



By highlighting the factors contributing to this shift, such as global brightening and aerosol impacts, the study challenges previous assumptions and paves the way for further research to explore the broader implications of these changes on the planet's ecosystems and the global carbon cycle.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43007-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Asymmetric warming between day and night impacts all life on Earth

A significant shift in global warming dynamics has been identified,...

The use of biofuels could lead to a dramatic reduction of over 90% in black smoke emissions from vehicles, according to a breakthrough study from the <a href="https://www.uma.es/?set_language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Malaga</a>.



The research, which was a collaboration with the Future Power Systems Group of the University of Birmingham, represents a significant discovery in the field of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/windshield-wiper-fluid-accounts-for-large-percentage-of-toxic-vehicle-emissions/">vehicle emissions</a>.&nbsp;



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



The investigative efforts at the University of Malaga were led by Francisco Javier Martos, a professor in the School of Industrial Engineering.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed the soot nanoparticles produced by engines using various biofuels. This included bio-alcohols such as butanol, pentanol, and cyclopentanol, as well as bio-ketones like cyclopentanone.&nbsp;



The team used High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), which was conducted at the Central Research Support Services of the UMA (SCAI).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-game-changer-nbsp">Potential game-changer&nbsp;</h2>



The core of the study revolved around the blending of oxygenated biofuels with diesel. Specifically, the team focused on a 20-percent volume concentration of this blend.&nbsp;



This particular blend was found to significantly reduce the production of soot - the black smoke commonly emitted by cars. Soot is known for its detrimental effects on both the environment and public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-production-nbsp">Sustainable production&nbsp;</h2>



A key aspect of these biofuels is their sustainable production process. They can be derived from low carbon biomass residues, such as waste oils, algae, and agricultural or forestry residues. This not only makes them environmentally friendly, but also a potential game-changer in the automotive fuel industry.



Professor Martos emphasized the efficiency and practicality of these biofuels: "Our research shows that the biofuels studied, which we obtained in the laboratory, apart from producing very little soot, behave in the engine similarly to the fuel of any gas station, which means that there would be no need to make changes for it to work normally."



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



The implications of the research are far-reaching. Soot particles, as explained by Professor Martos, pose a serious threat to the environment and public health.&nbsp;



"Soot particles emitted by engines are expelled into the environment and remain suspended in the air, affecting the climate, since they increase the greenhouse effect, and public health, because they do not settle to the ground, so they are very likely to be inhaled by living beings," said Professor Martos.



By reducing soot emissions, the use of biofuels could significantly mitigate these public health risks.



The study not only highlights a potential path to reducing the environmental footprint of thermal engines but also "opens the door to the use of non-petroleum fuels that could reduce the emission of pollutants in vehicles.”



The experts behind the research are already working towards the commercialization of these biofuels, having established agreements with several brands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-smoke-emissions">Black smoke emissions</h2>



Black smoke emissions from cars, typically diesel vehicles, are a significant environmental concern. This smoke is primarily composed of carbon particles resulting from incomplete combustion of diesel fuel.&nbsp;



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



The reasons for such emissions can be varied, including a clogged air filter, malfunctioning injectors, or problems in the engine's internal components.



One key factor contributing to black smoke is an imbalance in the fuel-to-air ratio, where too much fuel and not enough air leads to incomplete fuel burning. This can occur when air filters are blocked, reducing the amount of air entering the engine, or when fuel injectors deliver too much fuel.&nbsp;



Additionally, issues with the turbocharger, responsible for supplying extra air to the engine, can also lead to black smoke.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts">Potential impacts</h3>



The black smoke is not only a sign of fuel inefficiency, but it also has environmental and health implications. It contains a variety of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, which can have severe effects on human health, particularly on the respiratory system. Furthermore, these emissions contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation">Mitigation</h3>



To mitigate these issues, regular vehicle maintenance is crucial. This includes checking and replacing air filters, ensuring injectors are functioning correctly, and resolving any turbocharger issues. 



Furthermore, advancements in engine technology and stricter emission standards have led to cleaner and more efficient diesel engines, which help reduce the occurrence of black smoke emissions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130641." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuel</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Biofuels may eliminate 90% of black smoke emissions from cars

The use of biofuels could lead to a dramatic reduction...

African,Elephant,(loxodonta,Africana),Mother,With,Baby,,Feeding,On,Acacia

Disturbing new research has uncovered how climate change impacts African elephants. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society (<a href="https://www.wcs.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WCS</a>), reveals alarming findings, urging an immediate call to action by the international community.



Older African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-elephant-day-understanding-celebrating-and-protecting-earths-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> face significantly reduced survival chances under climate change. This not only threatens the species’ resilience but also disrupts the ecosystems they inhabit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-biodiverse-haven-under-threat">A biodiverse haven under threat</h2>



The research centers on Africa's Greater Virunga Landscape (GVL), a vast 15,700-square-kilometer region stretching across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 



This biodiverse area, hosting seven national parks and various reserves, is also the habitat of critically endangered African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-may-be-the-first-non-human-animals-to-call-each-other-by-names/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, vital for their ecosystem roles and cultural significance.



Historically, studies have not fully explored the interplay between environmental dynamics, climate change, elephant demographics, and habitat influences. 



To bridge this gap, <a href="https://uganda.wcs.org/About-Us/Staff/ProjectId/941.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Nampindo</a> (WCS Uganda Country Director and <a href="https://www.umass.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UMass Amherst</a> Ph.D. graduate) and <a href="https://eco.umass.edu/people/faculty/randhir-timothy-o/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timothy Randhir</a>, a UMass Amherst professor, developed a systems dynamic model. 



“This model,” says Nampindo, “can look at all the different environmental and population dynamics within a system. For the first time, we’re able to get a comprehensive vision of what the future might look like for African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-do-elephants-eat-study-shows-they-have-unique-dietary-preferences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> in the face of climate change.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-older-african-elephants">Impact of climate change on older African elephants</h2>



Nampindo and Randhir constructed their model using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-elephants-got-their-incredible-iconic-trunks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephant</a> population data, historical landscape changes, and various future climate-change scenarios, projecting warming of 1.6 ºC, 2.8ºC, and 4.3ºC over the next 80 years. 



They then analyzed how each climate scenario would impact five different elephant age groups: under 10 years, 11 - 30 years, 31 - 40 years, 41 - 50 years, and over 50 years.



“Any impact on one age class echoes through the entire population,” Randhir notes. 



The findings are stark, to say the least. Older <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-elephants-suddenly-dropped-dead-in-2020-and-questions-remain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, crucial as matriarchal leaders, will be severely affected across all climate warming scenarios. Their loss would disrupt herd dynamics, genetic profiles, and landscape interactions.



“We found that the older elephants will be massively affected by warming under every scenario,” says Nampindo. 



“Elephants are matriarchal -- their leaders are the older cows, and the herds depend on their wisdom, long memories and ability to outsmart prey, and if they are lost to changing climate, it will wreak havoc on the surviving, younger herds, as well as change the genetic profiles and structures of the herd. There will also be ripple effects through the GVL’s landscape,” Nampindo explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaping-conservation-policies">Shaping conservation policies</h2>



But the study offers more than grim forecasts. Randhir highlights its utility for policy guidance, emphasizing the need for coordinated management across the GVL. 



Strategies must encompass anti-poaching efforts, community-led programs, and habitat management to counter fragmentation, fire, and invasive species.



“These results are very important to WCS,” says Nampindo, underscoring the broader implications. “If we can do a good job at protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/african-savannah-elephants-need-connected-habitats-for-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a>, our efforts will reverberate to other species, such as lions and mountain gorillas.”



“More broadly,” says Randhir, “the most exciting thing about this systems dynamic modeling is that it can be adapted to&nbsp;any&nbsp;migratory species that move across political boundaries, from fish to birds to lions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-african-elephants-climate-change-and-the-future">African elephants, climate change, and the future</h2>



In summary, the jolting research by Nampindo and Randhir offers a critical lens through which we can view the future of African <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elephants</a> amidst the growing challenges of climate change. 



By employing a dynamic systems model, their study highlights the vulnerability of different elephant age groups to rising temperatures while underscoring the necessity for collaborative, multi-faceted conservation strategies. 



These strategies must integrate anti-poaching efforts, community engagement, and habitat management to ensure the survival of these majestic creatures. 



This study, therefore, stands not just as a call to action for the conservation of African elephants, but as a blueprint for safeguarding migratory species across diverse ecosystems and political boundaries.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/sustainabilitytransformation/article?id=10.1371/journal.pstr.0000094" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Sustainability and Transformation</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

African elephants will soon become extinct without immediate international help

Disturbing new research has uncovered how climate change impacts African...

In a recent study, scientists from <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) examined the degradation rates of different types of straws in the ocean. 



The research, conducted in collaboration with <a href="https://www.eastman.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastman</a>, a bioplastic manufacturing company, aimed to identify sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-straws-banned-small/">straws</a>.



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



The team suspended various types of straws in a tank of continuously flowing seawater from Martha’s Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts, to mimic natural marine conditions. 



The types tested included straws made of cellulose diacetate (CDA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), paper, polylactic acid (PLA), and polypropylene (PP).&nbsp;



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



Over 16 weeks, the researchers observed that the CDA, PHA, and paper straws degraded by up to 50%, with an estimated environmental lifetime of 10-20 months in the coastal ocean. In contrast, PLA and PP straws showed no measurable signs of degradation.



"We lack a firm understanding of how long plastics last in the ocean, so we've been designing methods to measure how fast these materials degrade,” said Collin Ward, a WHOI scientist. “It turns out, in this case, there are some bioplastic straws that actually degrade fairly quickly, which is good news.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foam-straws">Foam straws</h2>



The study also compared two CDA straws provided by Eastman, one solid and the other a foam variant. The foam CDA straw, a prototype designed to increase surface area and accelerate degradation, was found to degrade 184% faster than the solid straw, indicating a shorter projected environmental lifetime than even the paper straws.



“The unique aspects of this foam straw are that it's able to have a shorter expected lifetime than the paper straws but retain the properties that you enjoy of a plastic or a bioplastic straw,” explained Bryan James, a WHOI scientist.



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



Jeff Carbeck, Eastman’s Vice President of Corporate Innovation, emphasized the significance of the study for straw manufacturers.&nbsp;



“This study can be immensely valuable for straw manufacturers by providing informed and transparent data when selecting a material for straws. Even more, it provides reassurance that CDA-based straws won’t add to the persistent plastic pollution, while also demonstrating straw manufacturers’ commitment to offering a sustainable product that reduces risk to marine life.”



The findings highlight the importance of developing new materials that are sustainably sourced and degrade more effectively in the environment, thus reducing the impact of plastic pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-straws-and-the-environment-nbsp">Plastic straws and the environment&nbsp;</h2>



Plastic straws have become a significant environmental concern due to their impact on ecosystems, particularly marine life.&nbsp;



Most plastic straws are made from polypropylene or polystyrene, which are not biodegradable. This means they can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-pollution">Ocean pollution</h3>



Many plastic straws end up in the ocean, contributing to the vast amount of plastic waste there. They can harm marine life through ingestion or entanglement.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-harm">Wildlife harm</h3>



Marine animals, including fish, turtles, and seabirds, can mistake plastic straws for food. This can lead to injury or death. Straws can also block airways or digestive tracts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-generation">Microplastics generation</h3>



Over time, plastic straws break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics. These microplastics are difficult to clean up and can be ingested by marine life, entering the food chain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resource-intensive">Resource intensive</h3>



The production of plastic straws involves the use of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and also results in the emission of greenhouse gases.



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



Plastic straws are often not recycled due to their small size and lightweight nature, which makes them difficult to process in standard recycling equipment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c07391" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Sustainable Chemistry &amp; Engineering</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Some plastic straws degrade faster than others

In a recent study, scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution...

Two,Otters,Floating,Hold,Paws

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough, a salt marsh-dominated estuary in central California, has undergone a significant ecosystem transformation over the past few decades, thanks to the return of sea otters to their former habitat.



Traditionally, coastal areas like Elkhorn Slough are subject to erosion from rising sea levels and stronger tidal currents. 



However, with the reintroduction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-maternal-drive-helps-sea-otters-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, the estuary has seen a dramatic reduction in erosion rates. In areas densely populated by otters, erosion has decreased by up to 90%. 



This improvement is attributed to the revival of marsh and streamside vegetation, which, with its densely matted root systems, has become more resilient against flooding and surging waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-otters-role-in-transforming-ecoystems">Sea otters' role in transforming ecoystems</h2>



A recent study published in the journal Nature highlights the significant impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>. Their insatiable appetite for plant-eating marsh crabs plays a crucial role in this ecological turnaround. 



“It would cost millions of dollars for humans to rebuild these creekbanks and restore these marshes,” said Brian Silliman, Rachel Carson Distinguished Professor of Marine Conservation Biology at Duke University’s <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicholas School of the Environment</a>, and Director of Duke RESTORE and Duke Wetland and Coasts Center. “The sea otters are stabilizing them for free in exchange for an all-you-can-eat crab feast.”



Silliman, the senior author of the paper, adds, "(Remodeling a coastline) is usually something only large-scale physical forces, like hurricanes or extreme tidal flow changes, can do."



The study, conducted by Silliman and lead author Brent Hughes, associate professor of biology at <a href="https://www.sonoma.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sonoma State University</a>, involved extensive field experiments and modeling over nearly a decade. 



It confirmed that in areas where sea otters had returned, erosion slowed significantly, with some marshes even expanding. This suggests a pivotal role for sea otters in the stability of these ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-otters-from-extinction-to-ecosystem-engineers">Otters: From extinction to ecosystem engineers</h2>



Historically, West Coast estuaries were thriving habitats for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-their-paws-whiskers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>, providing abundant crabs and safe shelter for their pups. 



However, extensive hunting and human activities drove them to near extinction, leading to a boom in the crab population, which further damaged the marshes. 



Their return in the mid-1980s marked the beginning of a remarkable ecological recovery.



“Crabs eat salt marsh roots, dig into salt marsh soil, and over time can cause a salt marsh to erode and collapse. This had been happening at Elkhorn Slough for decades until sea otters recolonized the estuary in the mid-1980s,” said Hughes. 



“After a few decades, in areas the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-a-secret-ability-to-generate-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> had recolonized, salt marshes and creekbanks were becoming more stable again, despite rising sea levels, increased water flow from inland sources, and greater pollution,” 



Silliman also highlights the theoretical implications. “There are important theoretical implications as well. This work overturns the well-established bottom-up paradigm that coastal geomorphology is governed by interactions between physical forces and plant structure. Our results unequivocally show that predators also play a keystone role in controlling the course of these tidal creeks.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-research">Implications and future research</h2>



In summary, the reestablishment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-low-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a> in Elkhorn Slough has provided a unique and insightful case study into the profound impact top predators can have on coastal ecosystems. 



Their natural predation on marsh crabs inadvertently led to a significant reduction in erosion and a revitalization of marsh vegetation, demonstrating a cost-effective and natural method of ecological restoration. 



This wonderful story of resilience challenges longstanding ecological paradigms and presents a compelling argument for the reintroduction of top predators as a vital strategy in environmental conservation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06959-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Otters have the ability to restore delicate ecosystems

In a stunning display of nature's resilience, the Elkhorn Slough,...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a> has brought to light the alarming risks associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/">ocean</a> heating, particularly highlighting the drastic changes observed in 2023. 



The research warns of the consequences if the world enters a climate that is 3.0°C warmer than pre-industrial levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-ocean-temperatures">Extreme ocean temperatures</h2>



The year 2023 witnessed record-high ocean temperatures that were unprecedented in the last four decades. The North Atlantic, in particular, experienced extreme warmth, measuring about 1.4°C above the average temperature between 1982 and 2011.&nbsp;



This surge in ocean temperatures is not an isolated phenomenon but a potential precursor to what could become the new norm under a global warming scenario of 3°C.&nbsp;



It's crucial to note that the current global temperature has already risen by approximately 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels. The researchers set out to explore the causes behind the record-breaking ocean temperatures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-nbsp">Uncharted territory&nbsp;</h2>



“The extraordinary heat in the North Atlantic and missing sea ice in the Southern Ocean in 2023 tell us the oceans are sounding an alarm," said Dr. Till Kuhlbrodt, who led the study.&nbsp;



"We urgently need to understand exactly why parts of the ocean are warming rapidly so we can prepare for more frequent weather disruption across the planet. How often we get hit by more of these extremes hangs on figuring out what's driving the Atlantic and Southern Oceans into uncharted territory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-energy-imbalance-nbsp">Earth's energy imbalance&nbsp;</h2>



A critical aspect of this research is the investigation into Earth's energy imbalance. Currently, the Earth is absorbing more solar energy than it releases back into space as heat, creating an imbalance of 1.9 watts per square meter.&nbsp;



Over a year, this excess energy is roughly 300 times greater than the global annual consumption of electric energy. This imbalance, primarily driven by heat-trapping gases from human activities, is a significant factor in the acceleration of ocean heating, with over 90% of the excess energy being absorbed by the oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-warming-of-the-atlantic">Rapid warming of the Atlantic</h2>



Since 2016, the Atlantic Ocean has been warming at a rate faster than other ocean basins, particularly in the top 100 meters of the ocean. This trend is believed to be linked with record low levels of sea ice in the Southern Ocean. The year 2023 marked a historic low for Antarctic winter sea ice extent, the lowest since satellite monitoring began in the late 1970s.



The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of how the rapid warming of the Atlantic is affecting sea ice cover and stresses the importance of attributing these oceanic and sea ice extremes accurately. Such understanding is crucial for refining climate models, which in turn will guide global mitigation policies and resilience measures.



Dr. Kuhlbrodt highlighted the urgency of gathering more data: “We need more data from the Atlantic to conclusively tie the warming and disappearing ice trends to a shift in the pattern of ocean currents, but the signals point to a hidden climate connections between the poles."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangers-of-ocean-heating-nbsp">Dangers of ocean heating&nbsp;</h2>



Ocean warming, a consequence of climate change, has several significant and interrelated effects on the environment, marine life, and human societies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-bleaching">Coral bleaching</h3>



Warmer ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, where corals lose their vibrant colors and essential symbiotic algae. This can devastate coral reefs, crucial to marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h3>



Warmer temperatures cause the expansion of seawater and the melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to sea level rise. This can lead to coastal erosion, flooding, and displacement of coastal communities.



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



Ocean warming can alter the distribution of marine species, as many species migrate towards cooler waters. This disrupts existing ecosystems and affects fishing patterns and marine biodiversity.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



Warmer oceans can fuel more intense and frequent hurricanes and typhoons, leading to increased risks for coastal communities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean acidification</h3>



Along with warming, the ocean absorbs more CO2, leading to acidification. This affects shellfish and other marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-fisheries">Impact on fisheries</h3>



Changing ocean temperatures can affect fish stocks, altering their breeding patterns, growth rates, and migration routes, impacting global fisheries and food security.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruption-of-nutrient-cycles">Disruption of nutrient cycles</h3>



Elevated temperatures can affect ocean currents, which in turn disrupt the upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean. This can impact the base of the oceanic food web.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-marine-mammals">Threats to marine mammals</h3>



Marine mammals, like polar bears and seals, are affected by the loss of sea ice and changes in prey availability due to warming oceans.



These impacts highlight the importance of addressing climate change and implementing strategies to mitigate ocean heating.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0209.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Extreme ocean heating signals alarm for a 3°C warmer world

A new study from the University of Reading has brought...

Global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-will-not-solve-the-issue-of-climate-change/">tree-planting</a> campaigns are popular for their perceived benefits against climate change and for wildlife habitats. 



However, successful reforestation requires more than just planting trees; it demands ecological understanding, long-term planning, and follow-up. 



Researchers at <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a> are educating organizations and the public about best practices for effective reforestation.



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



"As global tree-growing efforts have escalated in the past decade, copious failures and unintended consequences have prompted many reforestation best practices guidelines. The extent to which organizations have integrated these ecological and socioeconomic recommendations, however, remains uncertain," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"We reviewed websites of 99 intermediary organizations that promote and fund tree-growing projects to determine how well they report following best practices."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-improvement-and-accountability-nbsp">Need for improvement and accountability&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Karen Holl is a restoration ecologist and professor of Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz.&nbsp;



"One of the common problems is that organizations will just say, ‘We're going to put this many trees in the ground,’ but the important question is, ‘What comes afterward?’ There are many documented failures from tree-planting campaigns, so we would hope to see organizations improving their practices and taking on more accountability, including through publicly reporting data," said Professor Holl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-review">Comprehensive review</h2>



UCSC postdoctoral researcher Spencer Schubert led a study analyzing web content from nearly 100 tree-planting organizations worldwide. The team rated each organization based on their public information's adherence to best practices.&nbsp;



“We reviewed websites as well as annual reports and other linked documents to really get a broad view of the information that organizations reveal to the public,” Schubert explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-practices-guidelines-nbsp">Best practices guidelines&nbsp;</h2>



The study utilized 10 guidelines from Holl’s prior work, focusing on community engagement, addressing deforestation causes, avoiding harms, and long-term project management.&nbsp;



The findings showed improvements in recognizing community involvement, with 91% of organizations acknowledging its importance. However, detailed data and clarity about long-term project management are lacking.



"Overall, there are still many gaps in the details and data that we’re seeing," Schubert said, pointing to uncertainties in long-term benefits. The study urges organizations to move beyond generalities and specify implementation of best practices, including data collection and longer-term commitments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-reforestation-outcomes-nbsp">Meaningful reforestation outcomes&nbsp;</h2>



“Things are moving in the right direction with some of these organizations," Holl added, while expressing her hope for continued focus on improving practices to achieve meaningful reforestation outcomes.&nbsp;



This approach aims to maximize the positive impacts of tree-planting initiatives and prevent potential negative consequences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-standards">Higher standards</h2>



"We advocate the importance of addressing common pitfalls that have led to previous reforestation failures and the need to follow best practices guidelines to achieve desired goals, particularly as many inexperienced organizations continue to join the reforestation movement," wrote the researchers.



"Holding the various actors in reforestation movements to a higher standard will require moving beyond narrow focus on tree planting statistics toward increasing collective consciousness among practitioners and funders about practices and standards that are most likely to lead to long-term success."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/conl.13002" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Letters</a>.



------



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



------



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



------

Tree-planting campaigns fall short of successful reforestation

Global tree-planting campaigns are popular for their perceived benefits against...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> offers a new perspective on how animals are responding to the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-are-struggling-to-adapt-to-climate-change/">climate change</a>. The research was focused on the remarkable adaptability of Europe's most endangered seabird, the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus).



"How individual animals respond to climate change is key to whether populations will persist or go extinct. Yet, few studies investigate how changes in individual behavior underpin these population-level phenomena," wrote the study authors.



"Shifts in the distributions of migratory animals can occur through adaptation in migratory behaviors, but there is little understanding of how selection and plasticity contribute to population range shift."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-adaptability-nbsp">Behavioral adaptability&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that the rapid migratory range shift of the Balearic shearwater is primarily due to individual behavioral flexibility rather than evolutionary selection.



The significance of this finding lies in its implications for conservation strategies of vulnerable migratory bird species. 



The research also suggests that animals may possess more behavioral adaptability to respond to climate changes than previously believed. 



However, this adaptability might come with hidden costs, leaving the long-term effects on the Balearic shearwaters uncertain.



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



Known for their longevity, Balearic shearwaters are currently classified as critically endangered, largely due to declines associated with fisheries by-catch. 



These seabirds breed in the secluded areas of the Mediterranean's Balearic Islands and migrate to the Atlantic coasts of Spain, France, and increasingly the UK for summer.



The shift in their migration patterns was discovered through a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of Oxford's Biology Department, the University of Liverpool, and other collaborators in Ibiza.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-migration-patterns-nbsp">Shifting migration patterns&nbsp;</h2>



Since 2010, the experts have been tracking colonies in Mallorca using state-of-the-art miniature geolocation devices. These devices revealed a consistent northward migration trend, with an average shift of 25km per year.



"We found that the best predictor of this change in migratory behavior was the average sea surface temperature in the summering-grounds, suggesting that the birds may well be following changes in underlying marine resources. The fact that individuals can be this flexible in the face of rapid climate change is encouraging," said study co-lead author Joe Wynn.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breeding-delays">Breeding delays</h2>



Despite their flexibility in changing summer destinations, Balearic shearwaters face constraints regarding their breeding locations. This means that migrating further north results in a longer journey back in the autumn. 



"We found that individuals speed up their return migration the further north they have gone, but this only partially compensates for the extra distance and they still arrive back in the Mediterranean late. We don’t yet know how such delays may affect their breeding success or survival," explained study co-author Professor Tim Guilford.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-distance-navigation">Long-distance navigation</h2>



The study also delved into the intriguing aspect of how these birds navigate such long distances.&nbsp;



"We found that the route individual birds took on previous migratory journeys was a much better predictor of return speed than an estimate of the straight line distance back to the colony," said study co-lead author Patrick Lewin.



"This suggests that birds do not rely on a large-scale navigational map on migration, but instead have some memory of the route they have flown in the past."



"It is possible that individual route memory plays an important role in the migration of many other long-lived seabirds, but further research is needed to clarify this."



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



Balearic shearwaters, part of a highly threatened group of birds, face a multitude of threats including predation, habitat degradation, fisheries bycatch, overfishing, pollution, and windfarm development. 



"In addition to direct threats both on land and at sea, the increasing threat of climate change poses a challenge for a species that breeds in such a restricted habitat," said study collaborator Pep Arcos, SEO at Birdlife.



"Results from this study suggest that individual flexibility might help with distribution shifts driven by climate change outside the breeding season, but the question is still open about what might be the consequences of climate change for the birds during breeding, when their movements are constrained by the location of the colony."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2312438121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Balearic shearwaters have a remarkable response to climate change

A new study led by the University of Oxford offers...

Old,Tyres,Polluting,The,Nature

Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact of plastic pollutants originating from common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-deadly-and-widespread-environmental-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road tires</a>.



A study, spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and the <a href="https://plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a>, reveals these microparticles should be considered a high concern pollutant, especially in areas heavily contaminated, where they may surpass chronic safety thresholds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-toxic-impact-of-tire-pollutants">The toxic impact of tire pollutants</h2>



The research team delved into the chronic toxicity of particles and chemical leachates emanating from a variety of popular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodyear-eco-friendly-tires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire brands</a>. 



Their focus extended to the impact these substances have on small planktonic crustaceans, specifically the water flea (Daphnia magna). 



The findings were alarming, to put it mildly. The tire-derived pollutants adversely affected both the reproduction and development of these water fleas, which also showed visible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-hazardous-chemicals-found-in-recycled-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle</a> ingestion within their digestive tracts.



The study also shed light on the leachates -- liquids that seep through tire material, carrying harmful chemicals. 



Notably, these leachates contained high levels of zinc, titanium, and strontium, along with numerous organic chemicals. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recognizing-the-hazard">Recognizing the hazard</h2>



Of the plethora of organic chemicals identified during the research, over 50 were detected across all five tire brands examined. Alarmingly, many of these chemicals were categorized as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">highly toxic</a>.



This comprehensive research underscores the hazardous nature of tire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-clouds-may-be-affecting-the-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, highlighting them as pollutants of significant concern. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>, the researchers suggest, could be close to, or even exceed, chronic environmental safety limits in some regions. 



Lead author Paul Boisseaux, from the University of Exeter, commented on the complexity of this issue, saying, “Tires exert a complex toxic pressure to wildlife because they release plenty of toxic chemicals as well as tiny particles that can be ingested, so both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxins-from-oil-spills-and-wildfires-are-found-in-killer-whales-and-their-offspring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical</a> and physical effects are occurring.”



The ubiquity of tire usage, essential to modern transportation, underscores the urgency of this issue. The global tire industry, growing by approximately 3% annually, generates tire-tread particles during roadway use that significantly pollute the environment. 



It is estimated that about 18% of these particles eventually reach freshwater systems, and 2% find their way into estuaries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-and-global-environmental-challenge">Growing and global environmental challenge</h2>



Previous studies hinted at environmental concentrations of these particles, but their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cigarette-butts-leak-thousands-of-deadly-toxins-into-the-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxicological impact</a> on aquatic organisms was less understood. 



To address this, the research team utilized several globally recognized tire brands to create a tire tread microparticle mixture. 



The toxicity of both the particles and the chemical leachates was then tested on the water flea over a three-week period. 



Surprisingly, the study found that pristine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/roadways-are-the-source-of-most-plastic-dust-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tire tread</a> microparticles were more toxic than the chemical leachates alone.



Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, Head of the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth and co-author of the study, emphasized the gravity of the findings. 



“Our previous work has shown that road debris is a major source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-shows-how-microplastics-are-harming-global-soil-and-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> in the environment. In recent years, we have been working with partners across research and industry to determine how those particles distribute and their potential to cause harm," Thompson explained.



“This new study is of key importance because it demonstrates the potential for harmful effects on an aquatic invertebrate species, at concentrations similar to those we have recorded near to roads in the UK. It is clearly an area we need to explore further,” Thompson concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-forward-fighting-toxic-tire-pollutants">Path forward: Fighting toxic tire pollutants</h2>



In summary, this pivotal research presents a clear and urgent call to action regarding the environmental hazards posed by tire pollutants. 



Uncovering the significant toxic impacts these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> have on aquatic life, particularly on crucial species like the water flea, it highlights an urgent need for regulatory attention and further scientific exploration. 



The findings challenge the global tire industry to consider more sustainable practices, while encouraging policymakers and environmental agencies to formulate strategies that mitigate this under-recognized but significant environmental threat. 



As we continue to rely on tires for transportation, understanding and addressing their environmental footprint becomes imperative for the health of our ecosystems and the future of our planet.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389424001596" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Hazardous Materials</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Car tires shed pollutants that are especially toxic for humans and wildlife

Recent research has raised significant concerns about the environmental impact...

In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea levels are leading to higher-than-anticipated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-finalizes-ambitious-rule-to-slash-methane-emissions/">methane emissions</a> from certain wetland areas. This finding challenges the previously held belief that increasing seawater in tidal wetlands would suppress methane production.



The study, conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkeley Lab</a> and <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, involved an extensive examination of 11 different wetland zones. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-results">Unexpected results</h2>



Contrary to expectations, a low-salinity Bay Area estuary ecosystem was found to emit significantly high levels of methane. This was especially surprising given that freshwater sites were emitting far less methane.



The research team analyzed DNA from organisms in soil samples using high-throughput sequencing, identifying genes involved in various metabolic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complicated-dynamics">Complicated dynamics</h2>



The results indicate that the factors governing how much greenhouse gas is stored or emitted in natural landscapes are more complex and difficult to predict than we thought.&nbsp;



“We looked at how many methanogens, the organisms that make methane, are present in soils at these sites and it wasn't really well correlated with the amount of methane observed. And even if you look at the amount of methanotrophs, organisms that eat methane, in combination with methanogens, that doesn’t seem to fully explain it," said study senior author Susannah Tringe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-methane-emissions-nbsp">Surprising methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



One particular site, restored in 2010 from pastureland to its original wetland state, showed high methane emissions despite moderate seawater levels. This finding challenges the assumption that more sulfate from seawater would lead to less methane production, as sulfate-using bacteria were thought to outcompete methanogens.



“Ultimately, we found that there were significant influences from other bacterial groups like the ones that break down carbon and even organisms that are better known as nitrogen cyclers, and we couldn’t readily explain the methane emissions by something as simple as, for example, how much sulfate is available or how many methanogens are there,” explained Tringe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restored-wetlands">Restored wetlands</h2>



Wetlands are increasingly recognized as critical ecosystems that boost carbon storage, improve water quality, and support wildlife. In recent years, there have been widespread efforts to restore wetlands.&nbsp;



Modeling work by study co-author Dennis D. Baldocchi suggests that while the restored wetland site currently adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, it might become a net carbon sink within 100 to 150 years. This timeline is significant for stakeholders who aim for immediate carbon sequestration through ecosystem restoration.



“We want to know if these systems will act as long-term carbon sinks,” said Baldocchi. “And these microbiological investigations can help refine our models and predictions.”&nbsp;



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



Tringe noted that similar findings of increased methane production with increased salinity have been observed in other studies, including experiments by Duke University and North Carolina State University. Collectively, the research highlights that the effects of seawater intrusion and ecosystem restoration are more complicated than previously thought.



“There was this expectation that sulfate would be the most important thing. And in those studies, not only did salt water stimulate methane production, which again is kind of counter to the dogma that sulfate is important, it happened whether you had sulfate there or not; in fact the sulfate didn't have a big effect on the methane emissions,” said Tringe.&nbsp;



“So I think these experimental manipulations are reconfirming the story that there's more nuanced effects of seawater intrusion than just a sulfate addition, and also more nuanced factors behind ecosystem restoration.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/msystems.00936-23" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mSystems</a>. 



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—-&nbsp;



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

Rising seas release more methane from wetlands than expected

In a startling revelation, experts have found that rising sea...

The future of sustainable food production has taken a significant leap forward. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.tufts.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tufts University</a> Center for Cellular Agriculture (TUCCA), led by Professor David Kaplan, have engineered bovine muscle cells that could dramatically reduce the costs associated with cultivated meat production.&nbsp;



The innovative approach holds immense potential for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeding-the-world-at-a-cost-food-production-and-biodiversity-loss/">food industry</a>, steering it towards more eco-friendly and cost-effective practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fibroblast-growth-factor">Fibroblast growth factor</h2>



At the heart of this advancement is the modification of bovine (beef) muscle cells to produce their own growth factors, particularly fibroblast growth factor (FGF).&nbsp;



Skeletal muscle cells are the primary type found in products like steaks and hamburgers, and FGF plays a crucial role in the development and differentiation of these cells. 



Prior to this breakthrough, external addition of growth factors was necessary, significantly driving up production costs. 



“FGF is not exactly a nutrient,” said Andrew Stout, the lead researcher on the project. “It’s more like an instruction for the cells to behave in a certain way. What we did was engineer bovine muscle stem cells to produce these growth factors and turn on the signaling pathways themselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-breakthrough">Significant breakthrough</h2>



The traditional method of adding growth factors to the cell culture media is both costly and inefficient, as these factors need frequent replenishment.&nbsp;



By enabling the cells to produce their own FGF, the researchers have effectively eliminated a major cost component, potentially reducing overall meat production expenses by a staggering 90 percent. This advancement could pave the way for making cultivated meat more affordable and accessible to consumers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-optimization-is-needed">Further optimization is needed</h2>



However, the journey to commercial viability is not without its challenges. According to Stout, while the cost of media has been significantly reduced, further optimization is needed to make the process industry-ready.&nbsp;



The engineered cells exhibited slower growth, but Stout is optimistic about overcoming this hurdle through strategic modifications in the expression and timing of FGF or altering other cell growth pathways.&nbsp;



“While we significantly cut the cost of media, there is still some optimization that needs to be done to make it industry-ready,” said Stout. “We did see slower growth with the engineered cells, but I think we can overcome that.”&nbsp;



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



Notably, this method does not involve adding foreign genes but instead focuses on editing and expressing existing genes, which could simplify regulatory approvals.



The implications of this technology extend beyond beef production. Stout believes that this strategy could be applied to other types of meat, such as chicken, pork, or fish, since many cell types rely on FGF for growth. The variability in growth factors for different species presents an area for further research.



“Work is continuing at TUCCA and elsewhere to improve cultivated meat technology, including exploring ways to reduce the cost of nutrients in the growth media, and improving the texture, taste, and nutritional content of the meat," said Professor Kaplan.



"Products have already been awarded regulatory approval for consumption in the U.S. and globally, although costs and availability remain limiting. I think advances like this will bring us much closer to seeing affordable cultivated meat in our local supermarkets within the next few years.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-sustainability/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Reports Sustainability</a>. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Cultivated meat production costs slashed by 90 percent with new technology

The future of sustainable food production has taken a significant...

Plant,Vertical,Farms,Producing,Plant,Vaccines

A recent study led by the University of Michigan dove into the world of urban agriculture, uncovering fascinating insights about its impact on the environment. 



This comprehensive study, the largest of its kind, juxtaposes the carbon footprint of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-to-get-started-urban-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban-grown</a> fruits and vegetables with their conventionally grown counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-footprint-of-city-grown-produce">Environmental footprint of city-grown produce</h2>



The study, involving 73 urban farms and gardens across five countries, reveals a complex picture. 



On average, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/step-into-the-future-urban-farming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban-grown</a> produce has a carbon footprint six times larger than conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. 



This is a significant finding, considering the growing popularity of urban agriculture worldwide. 



An estimated 20% to 30% of urban dwellers globally engage in some form of city farming, making these findings particularly relevant.



However, the study also highlights intriguing exceptions. Certain crops, like tomatoes cultivated in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-gardens-promote-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">open-air urban plots</a>, have a lower carbon intensity compared to those grown in conventional greenhouses. 



Additionally, the carbon emissions gap between conventional and urban agriculture narrows for crops typically air-freighted, such as asparagus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-agriculture-has-low-carbon-potential">Urban agriculture has low-carbon potential</h2>



<a href="https://seas.umich.edu/research/phd-profiles/jason-jake-hawes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Hawes</a>, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan’s <a href="https://seas.umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School for Environment and Sustainability</a> and co-lead author of the study, emphasizes the potential for urban agriculture to reduce its climate impacts. 



"The exceptions revealed by our study suggest that urban agriculture practitioners can reduce their climate impacts by cultivating crops that are typically greenhouse-grown or air-freighted, in addition to making changes in site design and management," he explains. 



This approach not only benefits the climate but also the communities and the very essence of sustainable urban living.



Urban agriculture isn't just about food production. It's a multifaceted practice that offers a myriad of social, nutritional, and localized environmental benefits. 



"Urban agriculture offers a variety of social, nutritional and place-based environmental benefits, which make it an appealing feature of future sustainable cities," Hawes said. 



"This work shines light on ways to ensure that urban agriculture benefits the climate, as well as the people and places it serves."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-contrast-urban-vs-conventional-agriculture">Carbon contrast: Urban vs. conventional agriculture</h2>



The study meticulously compared the carbon footprints of low-tech urban agriculture sites with those of conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-crops-have-higher-yields-in-an-urban-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crops</a>. 



This comparison involved urban farms (professionally managed for food production), individual gardens (small plots tended by a single gardener), and collective gardens (communal spaces managed by groups). 



Researchers calculated the greenhouse gas emissions associated with each site's materials and activities over its lifetime.



Their findings are telling: urban agriculture emits an average of 0.42 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents per serving of produce, a stark contrast to the 0.07 kg CO2e per serving from conventional methods. 



"By assessing actual inputs and outputs on urban agriculture sites, we were able to assign climate change impacts to each serving of produce,"&nbsp;notes <a href="https://seas.umich.edu/research/faculty/benjamin-goldstein" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benjamin Goldstein</a>, assistant professor at U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability and co-lead author of the study.



"This dataset reveals that urban agriculture has higher carbon emissions per serving of fruit or vegetable than conventional agriculture -- with a few exceptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-of-urban-agriculture">Composition of urban agriculture</h2>



Urban farming sites are typically characterized by three key elements: infrastructure (such as raised beds and pathways), supplies (like compost, fertilizers, and gasoline for machinery), and irrigation water. 



These components form the backbone of any urban farm but also contribute significantly to its overall carbon impact.



Goldstein highlights a critical point, saying, "Most of the climate impacts at urban farms are driven by the materials used to construct them -- the infrastructure." 



He points out that the limited operational lifespan of these farms, often just a few years or a decade, means that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-our-way-out-of-the-climate-crisis-with-farm-free-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> emitted to produce these materials are not utilized effectively. 



"These farms typically only operate for a few years or a decade, so the greenhouse gases used to produce those materials are not used effectively. Conventional agriculture, on the other hand, is very efficient and hard to compete with," Goldstein concluded.



This inefficiency contrasts sharply with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agricultural-technologies-can-reverse-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conventional agriculture</a>, which tends to be more efficient and harder to compete with in terms of carbon footprint.



In conventional farming, practices like mono-cropping, aided by pesticides and fertilizers, lead to larger harvests and, as a result, a smaller carbon footprint per unit of produce when compared to urban farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-urban-farming-carbon-efficient">Making urban farming carbon-efficient</h2>



The study outlines three best practices to enhance the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agriculture-could-play-a-key-role-in-limiting-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> competitiveness of low-tech urban agriculture:



Extending Infrastructure Lifetimes: Prolonging the use of urban agriculture materials and structures, such as raised beds and composting infrastructure, can significantly reduce their environmental impact per serving of food. For instance, a raised bed used for 20 years will have a quarter of the impact of one used for just five years.



Utilizing Urban Wastes: Adopting "urban symbiosis" can conserve carbon by repurposing used materials like construction debris for urban agriculture. This approach also includes using rainwater and recycled grey water for irrigation, thereby reducing the carbon footprint.



Maximizing Social Benefits: The study underscores the non-environmental advantages of urban farming, noting improvements in mental health, diet, and social networks among UA farmers and gardeners. While these benefits don't directly reduce carbon emissions, they contribute to the holistic appeal of urban agriculture, potentially making it more competitive with conventional farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-collaboration-and-insights">International collaboration and insights</h2>



In summary, while urban farming currently faces challenges in terms of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon footprint</a>, this study provides actionable insights and strategies to mitigate these impacts. 



By extending the life of infrastructure, creatively reusing urban waste, and enhancing social benefits, urban agriculture can evolve into a more sustainable and competitive alternative to conventional farming.



This expansive study was a collaborative effort led by Joshua Newell, professor and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at U-M's School for Environment and Sustainability. 



The team consisted of international collaborators from universities near the urban farming sites, and farmers and gardeners in France, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States contributed as citizen scientists.



Their dedication to recording daily inputs and harvests throughout the 2019 season provided an invaluable dataset. 



The team's research expands our understanding of urban agriculture's environmental footprint but also guides future practices towards sustainability. 



As cities continue to grow and evolve, incorporating climate-friendly urban farming practices becomes increasingly vital for a sustainable future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44284-023-00023-3">Nature Cities</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



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



-----

Urban agriculture's carbon footprint is 6x greater than normal farms

A recent study led by the University of Michigan dove...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



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



—–

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



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



—–

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



Like what you saw and read?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a>&nbsp;for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



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



—–

What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



—–



Like what you saw and read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



—–



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



—–

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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.



-----



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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.



-----

Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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.



-----

The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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.



-----

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



---



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



---



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



---



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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



---



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



---



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



---



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



---



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

News coming your way