Central Asia is running faster than nature can keep up. The latest region‑wide audit shows that human claims on land, water, and ecosystem productivity have blown past levels scientists call safe.



The research was led by Professor Duan Weili of the <a href="http://english.egi.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> and post‑doctoral researcher Zhu Ziyang. Together with an international team, they tracked six environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-water-day-2025-preserving-glaciers-protecting-our-future/">footprints</a> from 2000 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asia-s-rising-water-crisis">Asia’s rising water crisis</h2>



Across the five republics the land footprint already triples the share allowed under the down‑scaled <a href="https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary boundaries</a>. Meanwhile, the metric known as <a href="https://wad.jrc.ec.europa.eu/humanappropriation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human appropriation of net primary production</a> climbs even higher. 



Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are the two biggest borrowers from nature, earning a “priority management” label in the study for their outsized ecological withdrawals.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-discovery-water-molecules-will-force-chemistry-textbooks-to-be-rewritten/">pattern</a> is lopsided in another way: more than 80 percent of every footprint originates inside the region, so trade alone cannot solve the crunch. 



Researchers link the spike to rapid population growth and a construction boom fueled by fossil fuel revenues. They also point to an agricultural model inherited from Soviet central planning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-threatens-wildlife-and-soil">Land use threatens wildlife and soil</h2>



Converting pasture and desert fringe into irrigated farms strips wild vegetation of the carbon it once fixed and fragments habitats needed by pollinators and large herbivores. 



By 2020, Tajikistan’s sustainability ratio for land‑based productivity had climbed above 90 - a level ecologists regard as ecological emergency territory.



Heavy harvesting of photosynthetic energy thins the soil. Downstream, dust storms take over, carrying eroded silt hundreds of miles into parched <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-land-based-water-storage-has-drastically-diminished-and-its-not-being-replaced/">basins</a>. Biodiversity follows the same downward slope, squeezing ancient steppe communities that evolved with far lighter grazing pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asia-s-old-farming-wastes-water">Asia’s old farming wastes water</h2>



Irrigated farming absorbs roughly 90 percent of diverted water, and aging Soviet‑era canals leak about 40 percent of that volume before it ever reaches a field. 



Cotton, the historic export staple, drinks more than twice as much water per pound of lint as winter wheat, further draining the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers of Central Asia.



Field trials in the Fergana Valley show that drip lines trimmed water use by 18-42 percent while boosting <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222181065_Water_use_efficiency_of_irrigated_cotton_in_Uzbekistan_under_drip_and_furrow_irrigation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irrigation efficiency</a> by up to 103 percent. 



Yet only a sliver of cropland currently benefits from such technology, largely because farmers lack capital and clear water‑pricing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-might-have-formed-long-before-galaxies/">signals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-from-farming-and-factories-nbsp">Pollution from farming and factories&nbsp;</h2>



Greenhouse‑gas <a href="https://longreads.cabar.asia/climatechangecentralasia_en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inventories</a> put the region’s annual emissions near 470 million metric tons of CO2‑equivalent, roughly one percent of the global load. 



Nitrogen fertilizer use has increased alongside emissions, adding 628 million kilograms of reactive nitrogen over two decades. This surge has fueled algal blooms that clog irrigation gates.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/central-asia_climate-change_illustration_credit-Earths-Future_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/central-asia_climate-change_illustration_credit-Earths-Future_1s.webp" alt="Schematic diagram of the main components of human appropriation of net primary production in arid Central Asia. Credit: Earth's Future (2025)" class="wp-image-1977470"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Schematic diagram of the main components of human appropriation of net primary production in arid Central Asia. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Earth's Future (2025)</figcaption></figure>



Domestic energy burning, petrochemical refining, and steel production together dominate the carbon tally, leaving little room for expansion without efficiency gains.



Because phosphorus runoff is smaller but more concentrated, it acts as a chronic pulse that degrades reservoir water quality. It also shortens canal life through biofouling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asia-s-farming-can-save-water">Asia’s farming can save water</h2>



Uzbekistan’s gradual pivot from cotton to wheat and fruit since 2010 has already slowed land‑footprint growth, offering a glimpse of how crop diversification pays ecological dividends. 



Livestock policy is another lever; rotational <a href="https://thescipub.com/abstract/ojbsci.2025.209.218" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">t</a>r<a href="https://thescipub.com/abstract/ojbsci.2025.209.218" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ials</a> in northern Kazakhstan improved pasture biomass and soil organic matter within three seasons, even under heavy stocking rates.



Integrated crop-livestock systems recycle manure locally, cutting both chemical fertilizer demand and methane emissions from open lagoons.



 Precision seeding and deficit‑irrigation scheduling, common in U.S. Southwest farming, could translate readily to the warm, dry climate zones of the Kazakh steppe and the Karshi plain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-solutions-can-save-nature">Simple solutions can save nature</h2>



“Our study shows that Central Asia's environmental pressure mainly stems from its domestic consumption," said study lead author Zhu Ziyang. "That calls for policies like better irrigation and scientific land management to bring development back inside a safe space.”



Canal lining, pressurized pipe networks, and solar‑powered pump retrofits each deliver quick water savings that postpone contentious upstream‑downstream negotiations.



On rangelands, subsidies that reward seasonal rests or herd rotation cost less than reseeding bare hillsides once degradation sets in. 



International lenders have begun to take notice. In May 2025, the World Bank approved a $200 million credit to modernize Uzbekistan’s irrigation and drainage grid. Disbursements are tied to measurable reductions in leaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asia-s-future-depends-on-water">Asia’s future depends on water</h2>



Scientists warn that six of nine planetary guardrails are already breached worldwide, so the region’s overshoot lands on a planet with shrinking shared headroom. 



Achieving absolute environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-urgent-plea-sustainable-climate-solutions-save-earth-humanity/">sustainability</a> will demand that Central Asia cap resource use even as its population edges toward 45 million and summers grow hotter and drier.



How the five republics respond will shape whether future generations inherit a livable, functioning landscape. Their response will determine whether scarce resources are stabilized or continue to unravel under rising demand and outdated systems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025EF006129" 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.



-----

Central Asia has surpassed climate safety limits and now faces 'extreme unsustainability'

Central Asia is running faster than nature can keep up. The latest region‑wide audit shows that human claims on land, water, and ecosystem productivity have blown past levels scientists call safe. The research was led by Professor Duan Weili of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and post‑doctoral researcher Zhu Ziyang. Together with an international team, they tracked six environmental footprints from 2000 to 2020. Asia’s rising water crisis Across the five republics the land footprint already triples the share allowed under the down‑scaled planetary boundaries. Meanwhile, the...

In the wake of intensifying climate change, a recent study has shed light on the potentially dangerous consequences of increasing river temperatures due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluctuating-sea-temperature-droughts/">droughts</a>.&nbsp;



The findings predict significant repercussions not just for aquatic organisms but also for human health and a variety of human activities that depend on rivers.



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



River water temperature plays an important role in various physical, chemical, and biological processes. It is especially critical for fish, who lack the capability to self-regulate their body temperatures.&nbsp;



Beyond its ecological importance, river temperature is also crucial for human health, industrial processes, domestic uses, and recreational activities.



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



In a collaborative review from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, the University of Nottingham, and the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, experts have identified three main mechanisms that lead to increased river water temperatures during droughts:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-energy-inputs">Atmospheric energy inputs</h3>



This refers to the energy from the sun, especially intense shortwave radiation during arid, sweltering periods, identified as the leading cause of high river water temperatures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-habitat-influences">Physical habitat influences</h3>



The shade provided by the riverside environment and the physical form of the river channel, which determines flow, are critical factors.



Contributions from different water sources



Interestingly, groundwater, which tends to be cooler, can actually help in reducing river temperatures during the summertime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compound-effect-of-drought-and-warming">Compound effect of drought and warming</h2>



Drought conditions, which are marked by reduced water levels and slower flow velocities, make waters heat up faster.&nbsp;



These conditions, when coupled with high atmospheric temperatures, form a lethal combination that can severely escalate river water temperatures.&nbsp;



Droughts are anticipated to become both more intense and frequent due to climate change.



On the bright side, the researchers noted that certain cooling effects - such as groundwater influx, evaporation, and the shade provided by river channels - can act as temperature moderators in some situations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-management-interventions-nbsp">Management interventions&nbsp;</h2>



“Rising river water temperatures can have significant and often detrimental implications for aquatic life, impacting both individual species and entire ecosystems," said study co-author David Hannah, professor of Hydrology and UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences at the University of Birmingham.



“Drought conditions often coincide with high atmospheric temperatures and such trends will become more intense and frequent with climate change - with major implications for river water temperatures due to the combination of intense solar radiation and lower (and slower) water flows."



“However, certain management interventions such as riverside planting, and river restoration initiatives – including recreating natural channel forms and reconnecting groundwaters – could help to offset high thermal extremes during droughts if interventions are well targeted.”



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



The researchers noted that more holistic approaches to river restoration are required that consider how high river water temperature extremes can be offset while delivering other environmental and ecological benefits.&nbsp;



They are calling for new scientific approaches to investigate how the three river temperature mechanisms they have identified may interact.



“Our work highlights critical future research questions that will help us to better model river water temperature dynamics during droughts – helping river managers to work out how thermal extremes could be better managed through mitigation and adaptation strategies," said study lead author Dr. James White from the University of Birmingham.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hyp.14958">Hydrological Processes</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.



—-



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>.

Drought conditions amplify river temperatures

In the wake of intensifying climate change, a recent study...

Scientists are testing new radar technology in an effort to protect one of the Arctic's most iconic creatures: the polar bear.&nbsp;



A collaborative effort between <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Fraser University</a>, Brigham Young University, and Polar Bears International has shown promising results in using advanced radar technology to detect the nearly invisible dens of polar bears buried beneath the snow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-objective">Study objective</h2>



By enhancing the tools available to locate these dens, there's hope to bolster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/">conservation</a> efforts, especially for mother polar bears and their cubs.&nbsp;



These efforts come at a critical time. Polar bear cubs, born blind and with only a light layer of fur, remain in these winter dens under their mother's protection.&nbsp;



The period they spend denning is when they are most vulnerable. By spring, they have grown sufficiently to brave the Arctic's severe conditions. Yet, disturbances during their denning can be fatal.



The team used ARTEMIS Inc. - an advanced imaging system that capitalizes on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) - to conduct a pilot study in Churchill, Manitoba.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



Compared to the current industry-standard method, the radar technology increased den detection by over 20 percent with an accuracy rate of 66 percent. This is a significant leap from the aerial Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system's accuracy rate of 45 percent.



"Our airborne imaging radar system has multi-band, interferometric, and polarization capabilities at microwave frequencies able to penetrate snow,” said SFU Professor Bernhard Rabus.



“The system can ‘see’ both the top snow surface, the den roof surface and inside the den cavity."



“While our method is still in its research and testing phase, an operational version is expected to be able to extrapolate from the radar signatures of live bears in the open, combined with computer modeled den cavity radar signatures, to develop a robust match filter detection for airborne multi-channel SAR data to detect polar bears reliably inside their dens."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-sar">Advantages of SAR</h2>



The advantages of SAR over the FLIR system are numerous. SAR functions efficiently regardless of temperature or weather, a significant advantage given the often harsh and unpredictable Arctic conditions.&nbsp;



As industries continue to expand into the Arctic region, the need for precise den detection tools is urgent. Disturbances during the denning period are particularly detrimental.&nbsp;



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



The Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear subpopulation experienced a 40 percent decline from 2000-2010, and the inability of mother bears to successfully rear cubs was a contributing factor.



“This report advances Synthetic Aperture Radar as a promising method for polar bear den detection, which is critical for protecting polar bears alongside human activity,” said Geoff York, senior director of research and policy at Polar Bears International.&nbsp;



“Brigham Young University and Simon Fraser University have been invaluable research partners, and we’re excited about the possibility of SAR in the Arctic as it performs well in all weather conditions.”



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.



—-



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>.

Radar imaging will help protect polar bears from human disturbances

Scientists are testing new radar technology in an effort to...

A study from <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NC State</a> has revealed that neighborhood greenspaces have a positive impact on a genetic marker associated with stress exposure. However, the experts report that these positive effects are not enough to compensate for environmental hazards like air pollution.



“There’s a lot of research that talks about the various ways in which greenspace is beneficial, and a lot of research that talks about adverse health effects associated with pollution, racist segregation in housing, and other social and environmental challenges,” said study co-author Aaron Hipp.&nbsp;



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



Hipp noted that this study was an attempt to quantify the beneficial impacts of greenspace at the cellular level, and the extent to which greenspace can help to offset environmental harms.



"The role our environment plays in health is important to understand as many areas of the world continue to urbanize. One pathway that natural and social environments can influence health is through the exposome," explained the researchers.



"The exposome encompasses the various experiences and exposures faced throughout the lifecourse and can shape health outcomes by causing changes in the human body, including at the cellular and genetic level."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-telomere-health">Telomere health</h2>



The study revealed that neighborhood greenspaces such as yards, parks, and other public areas are particularly beneficial to our telomeres. These are repetitive DNA sections situated at each end of a chromosome, playing a crucial role in safeguarding chromosome ends from potential damage.&nbsp;



With every cell division, these telomeres reduce a bit in size. When they become exceedingly short, the cell can no longer divide and ultimately dies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-age-nbsp">Biological age&nbsp;</h2>



“This makes telomeres important markers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-induced-increases-in-biological-age-can-be-reversed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biological age</a>, or how worn down our cells are,” explained study co-author Scott Ogletree. “And we know that many variables - such as stress - can influence how quickly our telomeres wear down.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp-0">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The study was focused on data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which was conducted from 1999-2002.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed data from 7,827 individuals, taking into account factors like their demographic details, telomere length, and residence. They evaluated the neighborhood greenspaces in each person's vicinity and related this information to telomere size.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



According to Hipp, the findings show a direct correlation between increased neighborhood greenspace and extended telomeres. This correlation was found regardless of an individual's racial background, economic status, drinking or smoking habits.



“That’s the good news,” said Ogletree. “However, when we accounted for other characteristics of each neighborhood – air pollution, segregation, or ‘deprivation’ – the positive effect of the greenspace essentially disappeared."



"Deprivation, in this context, was an overarching variable that included the neighborhood-level data on income, education, employment status, and housing conditions. In other words, while greenspace seems to help protect telomere length, the harm from other factors appears to offset that protection.”



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



“Greenspace is tremendously valuable for a community, but it is not enough to overcome systemic racism and the effects of economic segregation and environmental justice challenges on its own,” said Hipp.&nbsp;



“This study drives home the idea that creating greenspace in a community is important, but it’s as crucial – or more crucial – for us to address environmental harms, particularly those tied to systemic racism.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167452">Science of The Total Environment</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.



—-



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>.

Neighborhood greenspaces boost health on a cellular level

A study from NC State has revealed that neighborhood greenspaces...

The <a href="https://www.fws.gov/">U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service </a>delivered disheartening news on Monday: 21 species, once featured on the national list of threatened and endangered species, have now vanished from our world. The list of the now-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/">extinct</a> species includes:



<ul>
<li>Eight distinct varieties of Hawaiian honeycreeper birds </li>



<li>The bridled white-eye bird from Guam </li>



<li>The Mariana fruit bat (also from Guam) </li>



<li>The San Marcos gambusia, a tiny fish native to Texas </li>



<li>The Scioto madtom, a small catfish found exclusively in the Big Darby Creek in Ohio </li>



<li>The Bachman’s warbler, a melodic black and yellow songbird seen in various Southern states and Cuba </li>



<li>Eight freshwater mussels, including the flat pigtoe, the green-blossom pearly mussel, the southern acornshell, the stirrupshell, the tubercled-blossom pearly mussel, the turgid-blossom pearly mussel, the upland combshell, and the yellow-blossom pearly mussel.</li>
</ul>



“Our determinations of whether the best available information indicates that a species is extinct included an analysis of the following criteria: detectability of the species, adequacy of survey efforts, and time since last detection,” experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-u-s-has-lost-hundreds-of-species">U.S. has lost hundreds of species</h2>



Proposals to delist these species from the endangered and threatened list were already made in 2021, driven by the unfortunate reality that some of these species had not been observed since dates ranging from 1899 to 2004.



Current data from the <a href="https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/">Center for Biological Diversity</a> reveals a grim picture: the U.S. has now lost 650 species to extinction. Such loss can be attributed to multiple factors, including the impacts of climate change, rampant pollution, and the introduction of invasive species.



Between 2004 and 2022, climatic changes led to a staggering 39 percent of amphibian species edging closer to extinction. Moreover, an alarming figure reveals that approximately three billion birds have disappeared from North America since 1970.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-efforts">Recovery efforts</h2>



However, 99 percent of species on the endangered and threatened list have evaded extinction until now. Thanks to concerted recovery efforts, 54 species have been removed from the list, while another 56 have seen their status improved from endangered to threatened.



“Federal protection came too late to reverse these species’ decline, and it’s a wake-up call on the importance of conserving imperiled species before it’s too late,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director Martha Williams.&nbsp;



“As we commemorate 50 years of the Endangered Species Act this year, we are reminded of the Act’s purpose to be a safety net that stops the journey toward extinction. The ultimate goal is to recover these species, so they no longer need the Act’s protection.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hawaiian-honeycreepers">Hawaiian honeycreepers</h2>



One poignant example, the Hawaiian honeycreepers, suffered extinction due to massive deforestation for development and agriculture. Exacerbating their decline, non-native mosquitoes introduced to Hawaii transmitted avian pox and avian malaria.



The Center for Biological Diversity has highlighted the precarious situation of other Hawaiian avian species. The ‘akikiki,’ for instance, is teetering on the edge of extinction with a mere five pairs identified in their natural habitat.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-destruction-nbsp">Habitat destruction&nbsp;</h2>



The Bachman's warbler’s tragic disappearance, the Center notes, is a result of rampant habitat annihilation. Meanwhile, the bridled white-eye and the Mariana fruit bat fell prey to the predatory brown tree snake, an invasive species.&nbsp;



Additionally, the Mariana fruit bat faced threats from agricultural encroachments and its over-exploitation as a food source.&nbsp;



The San Marcos gambusia was imperiled by excessive water utilization affecting the groundwater reserves and the flow of springs. Dam-related runoff and sediment accumulation contributed to the vanishing of the Scioto madtom.



If concerted efforts to protect the currently threatened and endangered species are not urgently made, many others could soon be lost too, further diminishing our planet’s biodiversity&nbsp;



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.



—-



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>.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declares 21 species extinct

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delivered disheartening news on...

The European Alps have witnessed the advance and retreat of glaciers for over 115,000 years. Fluctuating ice during the last glacial period significantly shaped the region, carving out valleys and leaving imprints on the landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualizing-alpine-ice-evolution">Visualizing Alpine ice evolution</h2>



A new computer model has reconstructed the evolution of Alpine ice cover over the last 120,000 years with "unprecedented precision." This innovation offers a captivating visual experience, and marks a significant advancement in the realm of glaciology and climatology.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="AyqnzVGbjG-3079653-12187" type="single"]</div>



The research project was conducted by experts from the Universities of Lausanne, Bern, and Zürich. The computer model makes it possible to understand the past distribution of snowfall in Alpine valleys, as well as the evolution of glaciers, the researchers noted.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-model-complexity">Model complexity</h2>



"There are geomorphological clues in the field, such as moraines and erratic boulders, which bear witness to the past imprint of glaciers on the lowlands," explained study first author Guillaume Jouvet, a glaciologist at the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html">University of Lausanne</a>.



"We used these traces to validate our simulation, and everything matched. Because of the complexity of the modeling, it took us 6 years to correctly set up our climate and glaciological models, and finally get the right climate and glaciers that match what we observe in reality."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-verifying-the-model">Verifying the model</h2>



A challenge arises when attempting to verify the model beyond 24,000 years. This limitation is due to the glacial maximum during that period, which eradicated all prior evidence, making validation difficult.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-nbsp">Climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The simulation is a powerful tool for framing our understanding of global warming. A comparison of past and present reveals a stark difference.&nbsp;



"The image of the different glacial cycles is quite telling," said Jouvet. "24,000 years ago, we can see that cities such as Lausanne were covered by more than one kilometer of ice. It's obvious that past cycles, caused by orbital variations of the Earth, are nothing like what's happening now, where greenhouse gases play an active role in glacier melt."



"What is most striking is the speed of current climate change (barely a few decades) compared with the infinitely long time span of the ice ages."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-limitations">Study limitations</h2>



One limitation is the model's resolution, which might overestimate the ice cover due to an inability to replicate the intricate topography of high mountains, but the scientists are already addressing this issue.&nbsp;



"We have just started a new project using artificial intelligence, which will be used to speed up our models and reach a necessary resolution of 200m," said Jouvet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-european-alps-nbsp">More about the European Alps&nbsp;</h2>



The European Alps, often simply referred to as the Alps, is a prominent mountain range stretching across Central Europe.&nbsp;



Covering an area of approximately 200,000 square kilometers, these mountains are known for their breathtaking landscapes and towering peaks.&nbsp;



The Alps are also known for their influence on the cultures, economies, and environments of the countries they span. These countries include Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation">Formation</h3>



The Alps were formed millions of years ago by the collision of the African and European tectonic plates. This collision caused the land to buckle and fold, resulting in the majestic mountain range we see today.



Mont Blanc, located on the French-Italian border, is the highest peak in the Alps, reaching an elevation of 4,809 meters (15,777 feet).



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



The Alpine region experiences varied weather conditions, ranging from an oceanic climate at the foothills to a polar climate at its highest elevations. These diverse conditions support a wide variety of plants and animals, with many species being endemic to the region.



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



The Alps play a vital role in the European economy. They are a hub for tourism, particularly skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding in the warmer months. The region is also rich in minerals, and historically, mining was a significant industry.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-influence">Cultural influence</h3>



The Alps have played a crucial role in shaping the cultures of the peoples who live in and around them. From Alpine music and yodeling to fondue and other mountain foods, the influence of the Alps is deeply rooted in European traditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



Given their ecological importance, many parts of the Alps are protected areas. The Alpine Convention, an international treaty signed in 1991, aims to promote sustainable development in the Alpine region and protect it from environmental degradation.



Video Credit: UNIL



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/jog.2023.74">Journal of Glaciology</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.



—-



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>.

Simulation reveals the evolution of Alpine ice over 120,000 years

The European Alps have witnessed the advance and retreat of...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-respond-to-rising-co2-levels-by-conserving-water/">Water conservation</a> and management have always been central to agriculture, with irrigation being the primary consumer of this resource.&nbsp;



A report from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/How_much_water_do_we_use_for_irrigation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> notes that we use more water for irrigation than for any other single purpose, yet lack global monitoring of these practices.



As the global demand for water surges, predominantly due to increasing populations and the climate crisis, scientists are exploring innovative solutions to this challenge.&nbsp;



One promising solution involves using satellite data to measure how much water is utilized for irrigation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eyes-in-the-sky">Eyes in the sky</h2>



More than 70% of the water extracted from Earth's surface or underground resources is used for irrigation. Surprisingly, there's limited monitoring of this massive water diversion, especially when it's a direct interaction with Earth's natural water cycle.&nbsp;



Recent advancements in satellite technology might be the answer to this oversight, according to a recent study published in the journal <a href="https://essd.copernicus.org/articles/15/1555/2023/essd-15-1555-2023-discussion.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth System Science Data</a>.&nbsp;



The report reveals that ESA’s Science for Society Irrigation+ project has shown potential in using space-based information to measure irrigation levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-satellite-data-nbsp">Valuable satellite data&nbsp;</h2>



The research, led by the National Research Council and the University of Perugia, expands on previous studies that used soil moisture data from satellite missions, such as ESA’s SMOS, as well as evapotranspiration information.&nbsp;



The experts used an "inversion technique" that transforms these broad satellite data into the first regional high-resolution irrigation water datasets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irrigation-estimates-nbsp">Irrigation estimates&nbsp;</h2>



“We developed these datasets for three major river basins that are irrigated differently and have different climatic conditions," explained study co-author Jacopo Dari.



“Using data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 radar mission and a soil-moisture inversion technique, we achieved irrigation estimates with 1 km resolution over the semi-arid Ebro river basin in northeast Spain and the wetter Po valley in northern Italy.



“Over the Murray-Darling basin pilot site in southeast Australia, which is also semi-arid, we achieve irrigation estimates of 6 km resolution using soil moisture data from NASA’s Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invaluable-datasets-nbsp">Invaluable datasets&nbsp;</h2>



The datasets derived from this research, spanning from 2016 to 2020 for the European regions and from 2017 to 2020 for the Murray–Darling basin, provide detailed insights into current irrigation practices.&nbsp;



They also lay the groundwork for improved water resource management in the face of increasing demands and potential scarcity.



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



As the world faces the increasing challenges of balancing food production and environmental sustainability, tools such as these satellite-based monitoring systems become indispensable.&nbsp;



The ultimate goal is for global water usage - especially for agriculture - is not just an estimate but a measurable and manageable figure.



“We are delighted that our Science for Society Irrigation+ project has yielded 23 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and the first regional-scale gridded irrigation datasets retrieved from satellite observations at a spatial resolution suitable for water resource management in agriculture," said ESA expert Espen Volden.



“They could lay the foundation for developing a system for monitoring water irrigation in high-resolution from space, which is much-needed given the pressure that our freshwater supplies are under now and the fact that they will be under even more pressure in the future.”



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.



—-



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>.

Satellites can show us how much water is used for irrigation

Water conservation and management have always been central to agriculture,...

A,Crown,Of,Thorns,Starfish,Feeds,On,A,Bleached,,Dead

Recent studies from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have illuminated a grim reality for coral reefs globally. Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish, notorious predators in coral environments, are exhibiting an unexpected resilience to heatwaves, surpassing the very corals they prey upon.



This discovery not only highlights a disturbing imbalance in reef ecosystems but also signals potential accelerations in the devastation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral populations</a>, which are already struggling due to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-threat-to-coral-reefs">Unseen threat to coral reefs</h2>



Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) are no strangers to the warm waters of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a> and the broader Indo-Pacific region. These marine animals, while native, are considered a species of concern. 



Their capacity for destruction is eclipsed only by phenomena such as cyclones and coral bleaching events. However, the new research indicates that these starfish might pose an even greater threat as the planet continues to warm.



In a disturbing twist, it appears that these starfish are not just survivors but potential opportunists in the face of climate change, with their juveniles patiently biding their time before wreaking havoc on recovering coral communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crown-of-thorns-starfish-like-the-heat">Crown-of-thorns starfish like the heat</h2>



Led by <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/maria-byrne.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Maria Byrne</a>, this study emphasized the surprising tolerance of juvenile COTS to increased water temperatures. These young starfish can withstand conditions almost threefold those that trigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rescue-underway-florida-is-battling-an-unprecedented-coral-bleaching-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a>, presenting an alarming scenario for coral recovery amidst frequent environmental stressors.



"This is an important finding that has implications for understanding the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, especially the influence of understudied small cryptic species," explained Professor Byrne.



The resilience of juvenile COTS contrasts starkly with the vulnerabilities of coral populations, which experience bleaching and mortality with a mere 1-3 degrees Celsius increase above the typical summer maximum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-game-in-warming-waters">Waiting game in warming waters</h2>



One of the most sinister aspects of this discovery is the patient nature of the COTS' lifecycle. While adult populations might decline due to various factors, including a lack of prey or increased temperatures, the juveniles can survive for extended periods on alternative diets.



The rubbles of dead corals, a byproduct of bleaching events and starfish feeding frenzies, offer an ideal habitat for these juvenile starfish. Here, they can sustain themselves and wait, sometimes for up to six years, for the corals to return. Then, as the reefs begin to show signs of life, these juveniles mature and commence their destructive feeding, continuing a vicious cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compounding-factors-in-starfish-survival">Compounding factors in starfish survival</h2>



The study also identified specific characteristics contributing to the juvenile starfish's survival in increasingly hostile conditions. Their small size potentially diminishes their physiological needs, while their flexible diets mean they don't solely rely on corals for sustenance.



These adaptations make them particularly suited to capitalize on the adverse conditions climate change creates. "The heat resistance and potential for the juveniles to gradually build-up in the reef infrastructure in coral rubble over years might be a phenomenon contributing to the initiation of adult crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks," said Matt Clements, a PhD student and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cots-push-ecosystems-to-their-tipping-point">COTS push ecosystems to their tipping point</h2>



The implications of this research are vast and concerning. Currents threats like overfishing, nutrient build-up, and now the resilience of COTS to warming waters are pushing coral ecosystems to their limits. The crown-of-thorns starfish, with their newfound advantage, are positioned to be not just beneficiaries of a changing ocean environment but active participants in the decline of coral reefs.



This study underscores the urgency with which we need to address climate change and its multifaceted impacts on vulnerable ecosystems. Understanding the interactions between predator and prey resilience in the face of environmental stressors is crucial for implementing strategies that will protect and preserve these biodiverse underwater landscapes for future generations.



The full research paper is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652486" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are nature’s ultimate coral predators, and they are winning

Recent studies from the University of Sydney have illuminated a...

The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no longer just a concern for densely populated or industrial regions. Microplastics have breached the remote sanctity of the Arctic, threatening its intricate ecosystem.



In a revealing journey into the cold waters of the Barents Sea, scientists shed light on this modern crisis unfolding in the depths of one of the world's most productive and biodiverse marine environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fragile-arctic-invaded-by-microplastics">The fragile Arctic invaded by microplastics</h2>



Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in length, have been spotlighted as a growing environmental threat. These particles have infiltrated even the most remote oceanic realms, raising alarm about their impact on marine ecosystems. 



This is particularly true in the context of the Arctic's climatic and ecological sensitivity. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/turquoise-bloom-in-the-barents-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barents Sea</a>, an area of rich biological diversity and high marine productivity, hasn't escaped this global environmental trespass.



The region, critical for various species and a significant influencer of the Arctic climate, faces potential ecological upheaval due to the increasing microplastic contamination. This pollution is exacerbated by various factors, including ice melts, tourism, inadequate waste management practices, and maritime activities such as shipping and fishing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-microplastic-distribution">Studying microplastic distribution</h2>



A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> embarked on an investigative voyage, collecting sub-surface water samples across extensive transects of the Barents Sea. 



Their mission was multifaceted: quantify, characterize, and map the distribution of microplastics. They also sought to understand their potential implications, particularly on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton communities</a>, a foundational element in the marine food web.



Zooplankton's potential ingestion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> poses serious concerns. By mistaking these particles for food, these organisms introduce synthetic materials into the food chain. This impacts not only their health and reproductive success, but also potentially alters essential biogeochemical cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-pervade-the-arctic">Microplastics pervade the Arctic</h2>



The study’s findings were sobering. The scientists quantified an average microplastic concentration of 0.011 per cubic meter in the eastern Barents Sea, with noticeable variability in distribution. Concentrations spiked nearer to land masses and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">areas of ice melt</a>, indicating these as major contributors to the problem.



These microplastics were predominantly fibrous (92.1%) and conspicuously colored, mostly blue (79%) or red (17%). Analyzing the composition revealed them to be mostly modified cellulose compounds like rayon. They also found traces of polyester, elastomers, and acrylics, pointing to anthropogenic sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-activities-amplify-the-issue">Local activities amplify the issue</h2>



The research underscored the role of local human activities in escalating this environmental issue. The growing tourism industry in regions like Svalbard, coupled with insufficient waste management infrastructures, likely contributes significantly to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine microplastic</a> concentrations. 



Additionally, other sources such as wastewater discharge, shipping operations, and fishing activities compound the issue, particularly near the coastline.



Lead author Heather Emberson-Marl emphasized the need for more extensive research in this field, considering the scarcity of data regarding microplastics in the Arctic. She stressed the importance of standardized sampling protocols to enhance the comparability and reliability of future studies.



Co-author Dr. Rachel Coppock echoed these concerns. She added a poignant reminder of the far-reaching influence of human activities on the environment. The journey of microplastics from populated regions to the remote Arctic exemplifies the extensive impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-exposure-linked-to-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human behavior</a> on distant ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-wake-up-call">Ecological wake-up call</h2>



This study is not just a revelation of a hidden crisis but a call to action. The presence of microplastics in a region as remote as the Barents Sea is a stark reminder of the longevity and pervasiveness of plastic pollution. The implications of these findings are far-reaching. They underscore the urgency for global strategies to mitigate plastic waste and safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems.



With funding from the UK’s <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Environment Research Council</a> (NERC), among others, this research marks a critical step in understanding and ultimately curbing the microplastic menace. The ultimate goal is ensuring the preservation of the Arctic's pristine marine environment for future generations.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1241829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers of Science</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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

What is driving the surge of microplastics found in the Arctic?

The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no...

Solar,Panels.,Power,Station.,Blue,Solar,Panels.,Alternative,Source,Of

Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture in energy usage patterns, indicating that solar power is poised to become the predominant energy source by the middle of this century. However, the transition is fraught with challenges that need immediate attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-power-reaches-tipping-point">Solar power reaches tipping point</h2>



The research, collaboratively conducted by teams from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>, presents compelling evidence that solar photovoltaics (PV) are on track to dominate the global energy mix. This monumental shift, experts argue, is feasible without relying solely on more aggressive climate policies.



Dr. Femke Nijsse of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute underscores the significance of this shift. She stated, “The recent progress of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewables</a> means that fossil fuel-dominated projections are no longer realistic. We have avoided the ‘business as usual’ scenario for the power sector."



The study's confidence in solar energy stems from an innovative model that captures the dynamic relationship between technology deployment and cost reductions, recognizing the virtuous cycle propelling the rapid growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-crops-at-solar-farms-increases-panel-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-solar-power-transition-barriers">Overcoming solar power transition barriers</h2>



Despite this optimistic projection, the transition to a solar-powered future is not without its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bat-activity-is-significantly-lower-at-solar-farm-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obstacles</a>. Researchers pinpoint four primary barriers that could impede progress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-grid-resilience">Ensuring grid resilience</h3>



A pivotal aspect of this transition is the need for electricity grids to adapt to the variable nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-plant-energy-to-improve-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power generation. Dr. Nijsse warns of the risks of over-reliance on fossil fuels if these variances aren't managed effectively. 



Strategies for resilience could include diversified renewable energy sources, interconnected regional grids, substantial electricity storage, and demand management policies. Early-stage government subsidies and funding are crucial for these infrastructural shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-to-solar-energy-finance">Access to solar energy finance</h3>



The global disparity in low-carbon finance availability presents a formidable challenge. Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investments</a> are heavily skewed towards high-income countries, with middle-income nations marginally benefiting at the international level. The study highlights an acute deficiency in financing for solar projects in lower-income countries, especially in Africa, despite their immense potential.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-supply-chains">Expanding supply chains</h3>



The research draws attention to the increased demand for critical minerals essential for a solar-intensive future. The burgeoning need for materials like lithium and copper, pivotal for electrification and battery technologies, suggests a future where renewable technologies will drive substantial portions of global mineral demand. This surge underscores the urgency for robust and sustainable supply chains.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-political-resistance">Navigating political resistance</h3>



The transition's socio-economic dimensions, particularly the resistance from industries set to decline due to this shift, pose another complex challenge. The potential economic fallout for millions employed within the fossil fuel sector worldwide necessitates comprehensive regional development strategies to address inequities and mitigate industrial opposition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-global-decarbonization">Strategies for global decarbonization</h2>



Addressing these barriers requires a concerted global effort, particularly in rethinking financial approaches to support this energy transition. 



Dr. Nadia Ameli from UCL’s Institute for Sustainable Resources emphasizes this point. She said, “There is a growing belief that, with the dramatic decline in the global average cost of renewables, it will be much easier for the developing world to decarbonize. Our study reveals persistent hurdles, especially considering the challenges these nations face in accessing capital under equitable conditions."



The findings underscore the necessity of strategic financial support mechanisms to expedite the decarbonization agenda globally. This approach may be more effective than traditional price instruments like carbon taxes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-transition-policies-needed">Sustainable transition policies needed</h2>



The study culminates in a call to action for policy-makers. By focusing on these four critical areas, governments can accelerate the shift towards a solar-dominated energy landscape. This involves proactive engagement with grid adaptation strategies, equitable financial structures, sustainable resource management, and socio-political considerations.



As the world teeters on the brink of significant energy paradigm shifts, the actions taken now will determine whether the transition to solar energy contributes to a resilient and sustainable future. The research by the University of Exeter and University College London offers not just a roadmap but also a warning: the path to harnessing the sun's power is not without its shadows.



The paper, published in the journal Nature Communications, is entitled: <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41971-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“The momentum of solar energy.”</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.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.

Solar power has won the prize to become Earth’s main source of energy

Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture...

Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drought-to-downpour-climate-change-triggers-extreme-weather-shifts/">extreme weather</a> events worldwide, from wildfires to floods. However, a recent study emphasizes that these events are not merely random occurrences but deeply interconnected phenomena. 



This interconnected climate behavior, termed "teleconnections," remains a relatively unexplored field but holds the key to a comprehensive understanding of our intricate climate system.



To investigate, a team of experts developed a novel climate network analysis method. The research is shedding new light on the intensity, distribution, and evolution of these teleconnections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-nbsp">Domino effect&nbsp;</h2>



“Teleconnections describe how climate events in one part of the world can affect weather thousands of kilometers away,” explained Jingfang Fan of Beijing Normal University and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. “Think of it as a domino effect on a global scale.”



“Within just five years, we may see temperatures rising to levels that global scientists have been warning us about. It’s like the planet is running a fever that’s steadily getting worse.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-networks">Climate networks</h2>



But what are climate networks? Imagine a map where specific data points represent locations. The connections or links between these points highlight similarities.&nbsp;



The team's innovative method combines the directions and distribution patterns of these teleconnections.&nbsp;



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



Based on global daily surface air temperature data and advanced data processing techniques and mathematical algorithms, the team has identified meaningful patterns and insights.



“Our work uncovered patterns in climate events driven mainly by atmospheric Rossby waves, which are large inertial planetary waves that naturally occur in rotating fluids and cause movement within the atmosphere,” said Fan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teleconnection-intensity">Teleconnection intensity</h2>



Through this research, the team pinpointed regions like southeastern Australia and South Africa as being especially sensitive to these interconnected events.&nbsp;



The experts found that the strength of these interconnections has amplified over time (from 1948 to 2021), potentially influenced by a combination of climate change, human activities, and other variables. 



Moreover, the last 37 years have seen a more pronounced increase in the Southern Hemisphere's teleconnection impact and intensity.



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



This research offers a fresh perspective on measuring and examining climate teleconnections. It will serve as a foundation to identify regions that may face increased risks in the future. The ultimate goal is to devise strategies to address these challenges.



“The next step is like weather forecasting – but on steroids,” said Fan. “Using what we’ve learned, we plan to predict how climate events will unfold and connect. We’re diving deep to explore why these events happen and how various climate ‘tipping points’ within our climate system might be linked."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-teleconnections-nbsp">More about teleconnections&nbsp;</h2>



Teleconnections refer to circumstances where climate anomalies or weather events in one part of the world can influence weather patterns in distant, often remote, locations.&nbsp;



Essentially, it is the interrelationship of meteorological patterns across vast distances. This interconnected behavior plays a crucial role in understanding global climate variations and can have widespread implications on weather, agriculture, water resources, and more.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-teleconnections-work">How do teleconnections work?</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-waves">Atmospheric waves</h4>



At the heart of teleconnections are atmospheric waves, such as the atmospheric Rossby waves. These are large-scale waves in the atmosphere that play a vital role in the Earth's weather. They form due to the Earth's rotation and temperature differences between the equator and the poles.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanic-phenomena">Oceanic phenomena</h4>



Oceans also play a part in teleconnections. Events like El Niño and La Niña in the Pacific Ocean can cause weather pattern changes far from their origin. For instance, an El Niño event can lead to wetter conditions in parts of the U.S. and drier conditions in parts of Australia.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-teleconnections">Examples of teleconnections</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-atlantic-oscillation-nao">North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)</h4>



This is a fluctuation in atmospheric pressure at sea level between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High. Its phases can influence winter weather in Europe and the East Coast of the U.S.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-north-american-pattern-pna-nbsp">Pacific North American Pattern (PNA)&nbsp;</h4>



Influenced by sea surface temperature anomalies, PNA affects climate patterns across North America.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-southern-oscillation-enso">El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)</h4>



Perhaps the most widely recognized teleconnection, ENSO has phases of El Niño (warmer) and La Niña (cooler) that influence global weather patterns.



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



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-forecasting">Weather forecasting</h4>



Understanding teleconnections can improve long-range weather forecasting by providing insights into how patterns in one location might impact distant areas.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h4>



Predicting rainfall, temperature changes, or drought conditions can help farmers plan their crops accordingly.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-resource-management">Water resource management</h4>



Recognizing teleconnection patterns can aid in predicting periods of heavy rainfall or drought, allowing for better water resource planning.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-studies">Climate change studies</h4>



As our climate changes, the strength and patterns of teleconnections might also shift. This can have cascading effects on weather patterns globally.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0153677">Chaos</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.



—-



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>.

Teleconnections: Climate events are deeply connected across the globe

Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of extreme weather...

Plants play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, but many are at risk of extinction due to increasing challenges like droughts and wildfires.&nbsp;



A new study by botanists from <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">UC Riverside</a> highlights the urgency to identify the conditions that lead plants to their demise. By understanding these triggers, we can improve conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-stress-limits-nbsp">Critical stress limits&nbsp;</h2>



In a paper recently published in the Oxford Academic journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coad073">Conservation Physiology</a>, the UC Riverside team emphasizes the importance of discerning the exact point beyond which a plant’s vital functions cease.&nbsp;



According to study co-author Professor Louis Santiago, it's crucial to identify the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-respond-to-rising-co2-levels-by-conserving-water/">water loss</a> a plant can endure before wilting and the temperature at which photosynthesis stops for various plants.



“It is so important to measure the critical limits of when things will fail, and not just how they’re doing now,” said Professor Santiago.



The paper reveals an alarming reality: while there are about 700,000 plant species on our planet, the critical stress limits are only known for about 1,000 of them.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatal-exposure">Fatal exposure</h2>



Although plants might occasionally recover after surpassing their limits - just like houseplants bounce back after wilting from insufficient water - consistent exposure can be fatal.&nbsp;



“Wilting, what we refer to as losing turgor pressure, is not always fatal but it’s one step toward death,” said Professor Santiago. “Just like people with extremely high blood pressure might die if they don’t get it to come down.”



Understanding the stress points of a plant, especially with the increasing temperatures and altered climatic conditions, is more than academic curiosity. It offers a metric showing how close some plants are to local extinction.&nbsp;



When this data is combined with knowledge about a plant's current physiological state under stress, limited conservation funds can be strategically utilized, allowing early interventions before the plants show visible signs of stress or deterioration.



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



Santiago's lab, which primarily focuses on plant physiology, has recently pivoted to studying these critical limits.&nbsp;



“It started after the last drought when we saw species suffering. We wanted to do these measurements to see if we could have predicted the die-offs that we saw,” said Santiago.&nbsp;&nbsp;



For this particular study, the team investigated the wilting points of six Southern California chapparal shrubs, including the California lilac and two sage varieties.&nbsp;



Their findings not only highlight the availability of various means to determine these critical limits, but also highlight how such data can positively impact conservation results.



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



“Generally, we have the capacity to find the most vulnerable, rare species and focus on them. We have the ability to find which plants are most at risk from climate changes, but it’s going to take a collaboration of plant physiologists, conservation biologists, and land managers."



Professor Santiago believes that while many plant species might face unfamiliar stressors in the upcoming decades due to climate changes, enthusiasts can still play a part in aiding their survival. He encourages joining native plant societies.



“You can join them in pulling out invasive species, or count numbers of rare organisms, and there are countless volunteer projects,” said Santiago. “Let’s work smarter, and work together.”



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.



—-



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>.

Understanding the critical limits of plants could help save them

Plants play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, but many...

Greenland’s ice surface has been experiencing an accelerated rate of melting in recent years, while Antarctica is witnessing a contrasting trend, according to a team of experts led by the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a> (UCI) and <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> in the Netherlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downslope-winds-nbsp">Downslope winds&nbsp;</h2>



In a study released in the American Geophysical Union’s journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL102828" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, the team delved into the impact of Foehn and katabatic winds on glacial formations. These winds, which move downslope, carry warm, dry air, coming into contact with the glacier summits.&nbsp;



In the past 20 years, the melting associated with downslope winds in Greenland has increased by over ten percent. In stark contrast, the influence of these winds on Antarctica’s ice sheet has seen a decrease of 32 percent in ice melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface-melting">Surface melting</h2>



“We used regional climate model simulations to study ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and the results showed that downslope winds are responsible for a significant amount of surface melt of the ice sheets in both regions,” said study co-author Charlie Zender, a professor of Earth System Science at UCI. “Surface melt leads to runoff and ice shelf hydrofracture that increase freshwater flow to oceans – causing sea level rise.”



Yet, Zender was quick to note the unique patterns of global warming exhibited in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. These differences are central to the varying ice melt trends in these regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland">Greenland</h2>



In Greenland’s context, the sheer warmth means that even sunlight, in the absence of wind, can induce melting. This, when combined with the ten percent increase in wind-induced melting and the warmer atmospheric conditions, translates to a 34 percent surge in overall surface ice melting.&nbsp;



Zender attributes this to the effects of global warming on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), an index of sea level pressure difference. This movement of NAO towards a positive phase has facilitated warm air to envelop Greenland and other northern areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-nbsp">Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



On the other end of the spectrum, Antarctica has experienced about 15 percent less total surface melting since 2000. This downturn is attributed mainly to the 32 percent reduction in wind-induced melting in the Antarctic Peninsula. This area is especially concerning since two ice shelves here have already disintegrated.&nbsp;



The silver lining, as Zender argues, is the ongoing recovery of the Antarctic stratospheric ozone hole detected in the 1980s. This recovery process temporarily shields the region from further melting.



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



&nbsp;“The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica keep over 200 feet of water out of the ocean, and their melt has raised global sea level by about three-quarters of an inch since 1992,” Zender explained.&nbsp;



“Although Greenland has been the No. 1 driver of sea level rise in recent decades, Antarctica is close behind and catching up and will eventually dominate sea level rise.”



These findings will help increase the accuracy and reliability of Earth system models, offering deeper insights for climate scientists on the major problems our planet currently faces.



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.



—-



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>.

Ice is melting faster in Greenland, and slower in Antarctica

Greenland’s ice surface has been experiencing an accelerated rate of...

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...

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



---



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



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

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



---



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="eAVLRk51oJ-1826888-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



---



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

[sendtonews key="eAVLRk51oJ-1826888-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.



Qeshm is famous for its wide range of&nbsp;ecotourist&nbsp;attractions, such as the&nbsp;Hara marine forests. According to environmentalists, about 1.5 percent of the world birds and 25 percent of Iran's native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-avoid-sexual-harassment-by-looking-like-males/">birds</a> annually migrate to the forests, which are the first national geo park in Iran.



Tourists are also drawn to the island to see an age-old Portuguese&nbsp;fort, historic mosques, the&nbsp;Seyyed Mozaffar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bibi Maryam&nbsp;shrines, and the "Valley of Stars."



The average temperature on the island is 81 degress and the region is often hot and humid. From June to August, the island is described as being oppressively hot. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. 



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.

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique.&nbsp;



"Inhambane Bay is a deep inlet into which the small Mutamba River flows," says ESA. "On one side of the bay lies the historical city of Inhambane, capital of the Inhambane Province, while the sister city of Maxixe, the economic capital of Inhambane, sits across from it. The province is the second largest grower of cashews, after Nampula, and it also produces coconut and citrus fruits."



The beaches of Barra and Tofo are popular with tourists. There are also coral reefs along the long coastline of Inhambane, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.



"Mozambique’s extensive coastline heightens the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones that develop in the Indian Ocean as well as storm surge flooding," says ESA.



"More than half of the population lives in low lying coastal areas, putting communities at risk. Inhambane Bay was dangerously close to where Cyclone Idai made landfall in 2019 causing widespread destruction to the country."



Video/ Image 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.

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EPdZexVR30-1731237-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, one of the largest tidewater outlet glaciers in Greenland. The glacier is located on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet.



As human-induced climate change continues to drive up temperatures, global ice loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. ESA reports that, over the past decade alone, 3.5 trillion tons of ice have melted from the Greenland ice sheet. This is enough to cover the UK with meltwater 15 meters deep.



Based on satellite imagery, researchers determined that Kangerlussuaq entered a new phase of rapid retreat and acceleration in 2017. In their study, published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00123/full">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.



"Given Kangerlussuaq’s previous impacts on both the magnitude and pattern of ice sheet wide mass loss, we predict that its new phase of retreat, acceleration and thinning will markedly enhance the south-east region’s contribution to increasing discharge from the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"More broadly, accurate forecasting of the ice sheet’s contribution to sea level rise will require a deeper understanding of, and responses to, these non-linear ice dynamic processes."



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.

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

[sendtonews key="EPdZexVR30-1731237-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uwirCufwYv-2012371-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the complex relationship between ocean and climate. ESA's Climate Change Initiative will help us understand how oceans influence the climate and how climate change is impacting the oceans.&nbsp;



"Earth’s oceans are huge heat stores, soaking up 93% of the excess heat from human activity over the past 70 years. Ocean currents redistribute heat around the planet, from the Equator to the poles. Where this ocean heat goes influences weather patterns and regional climate," explains ESA.



"As well as absorbing heat, oceans are a natural carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This has led to the acidification of ocean water, threating marine life."



The amount of heat and carbon dioxide soaked up by the ocean depends on specific variables, including phytoplankton, temperatures, waves, salinity, and ice cover. Satellites can be used to measure these variables from space.



"From their unique vantage point, satellites provide key information for understanding the complexities of our planet and monitoring environmental issues," says 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.

Ocean heat influences regional climate

[sendtonews key="uwirCufwYv-2012371-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

News coming your way