Many expect warmer winters to reduce cold snaps, but that hasn’t happened. A new study reveals that what happens high in the stratosphere still controls much of what happens at ground level.



A swirling band of cold air, the stratospheric polar vortex (SPV), sometimes shifts or weakens. Two specific variations of this vortex send Arctic air plunging into the U.S. One pattern (called P2) leads to severe weather in the Northwest. 



The other (P3) hits the Central and Eastern regions. Since 2015, the Northwest has faced more of these brutal cold <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/">events</a>, while the East has seen fewer. This shift aligns with more frequent La Niña episodes.



The study was conducted by researchers from the <a href="https://www.uml.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Massachusetts Lowell</a>, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.



“The public often hears about the ‘polar vortex’ when winter turns severe, but we wanted to dig deeper and understand how variations within this vortex affect where and when extreme cold hits,” said the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vortexes-that-drive-winter-cold">The vortexes that drive winter cold</h2>



Using four decades of data, the researchers clustered five recurring SPV shapes (P1 to P5). Two of them, P2 and P3, were most associated with U.S. cold outbreaks.



P2 features a strong vortex centered over the pole with a stretched lower vortex. It often brings snow and cold to the Northwestern U.S. 



P3 shows a weaker, displaced vortex toward the North Atlantic, steering cold into the Central and Eastern U.S. These variations do not just depend on vortex position but also on how atmospheric waves behave.



Planetary waves can either be absorbed or reflected in the stratosphere. When reflected, they can send cold air barreling southward. P3 events consistently show this reflection during the cold wave itself. P2 events often have wave reflection before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-equation-predicts-a-rapid-rise-in-extreme-heatwaves/">cold</a> snap hits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-cold-hits-and-why">Where the cold hits and why</h2>



The researchers used the rAWSSI index, which considers temperature, snow depth, and snowfall.



The analysis revealed that P3 patterns produce the most extreme winter conditions in the Central and Eastern U.S., while P2 patterns primarily affect the Northwestern region with intense cold and snowfall. The findings help explain recent cold events, including the severe Texas freeze of 2021.



The Northwest has seen more P2 days recently. This increase matches a northwestward shift in cold air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/">outbreaks</a>. The central and eastern parts still get hit, but less often now.



Wave activity flux (WAF) offers clues. Before P2 events, reflection happens over Siberia and Alaska. During P3 events, strong reflection occurs over Asia and the Pacific. In P3, this reflection continues as the cold air descends.



Cold air starts in the east, spreads across the Midwest, and settles in the Northwest. These transitions help forecast where the next cold wave might land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-cycles-influence-winter-cold">Global cycles influence winter cold</h2>



P2 is more frequent during La Niña conditions. P3 prefers El Niño phases. This suggests tropical ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-on-pace-to-surpass-1-5c-global-temperature-increase-for-second-year-in-a-row/">temperatures</a> influence how the polar vortex behaves.



Other climate patterns play a role as well. The westerly phase of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO) often coincides with P2 days. 



On the other hand, the Arctic Oscillation (AO) tends to be more negative during P3 events, a state that supports increased cold outbreaks in the Central and Eastern United States.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-cold-is-shifting">Winter cold is shifting</h2>



Despite a warming climate, these findings suggest extreme cold will still return. But its location may shift. In the past decade, the coldest anomalies moved westward. That’s a change from decades of more common Eastern U.S. cold.



With better tracking of SPV patterns, meteorologists can now look 2 to 4 weeks ahead. The study shows that P3 often precedes P2, which means that a Central or Eastern cold event may be followed by a Northwestern one.



The high-altitude stratosphere, once seen as distant and separate, plays an active role in shaping winter. As climate change accelerates, it’s no longer enough to track surface temperatures. We need to watch the sky, too.



The research was funded by the National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>) , the U.S.–Israel Binational Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.bsf.org.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BSF</a>) , the U.S. Department of Energy (<a href="https://www.doe.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DOE</a>) , and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>).



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq9557" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Why global warming hasn’t ended extreme winter cold

Many expect warmer winters to reduce cold snaps, but that hasn’t happened. A new study reveals that what happens high in the stratosphere still controls much of what happens at ground level. A swirling band of cold air, the stratospheric polar vortex (SPV), sometimes shifts or weakens. Two specific variations of this vortex send Arctic air plunging into the U.S. One pattern (called P2) leads to severe weather in the Northwest. The other (P3) hits the Central and Eastern regions. Since 2015, the Northwest has faced more of...

Researchers at the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Helsinki</a> have recently discovered unexpected changes in bird communities within protected areas due to climate change. The study was focused on shifts in Canadian bird communities from 1997 to 2019.



"An increasing number of species are under threat from climate change and many populations are at risk of decreasing in abundance. Consequently, some species have become endangered," wrote the study authors.



"Therefore, predicting how the range, distribution, abundance, and phenology of species may change in response to a warming climate is a timely and important step in planning actions to mitigate the negative impacts of climate warming."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasingly-similar-trends">Increasingly similar trends</h2>



The experts found that bird communities in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected and unprotected areas</a> are becoming increasingly similar, with both witnessing a rise in southern species and a decline in northern species. 



One significant observation was that during the breeding season, communities within protected spaces began to mimic those in unprotected spaces in terms of their climate requirements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas-are-not-immune-to-climate-change-nbsp">Protected areas are not immune to climate change&nbsp;</h2>



“Protected areas are more effective in helping cold-dwelling northern bird species, but it was surprising to discover that southern species increased faster in abundance inside than outside protected areas,” explained Leena Hintsanen of the <a href="https://www.luomus.fi/en/natural-history-museum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finnish Museum of Natural History</a>.



This finding highlights that the impact of climate change in protected areas is greater than previously anticipated.



For example, while protected areas continue to be crucial for the conservation of northern species like the Lapland longspur, these spaces are not immune to the alterations brought about by climate change.&nbsp;



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



The 22-year study documented that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> communities within protected areas are increasingly reflecting those in non-protected areas due to their similar climate requirements.



Hintsanen explained that the trend poses significant challenges for conservation efforts aimed at preserving the vitality of various bird species in the face of global warming. 



Communities that have comparable climate requirements tend to have a balanced proportion of species that prefer cold and warm climates, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-species-moving-north">Southern species moving north</h2>



Furthermore, the researchers noted that the observed changes in bird communities in both protected and unprotected areas are primarily driven by southern species, such as the grass wren and the northern cardinal.&nbsp;



These species are expanding their habitats further north as the climate warms, seeking environments that are conducive to their survival.



“This indicates that protected areas, in particular, are highly significant for the northern spread of southern species. However, protected areas cannot entirely guarantee protection for declining northern species,” explained Hintsanen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-changes">Rapid changes</h2>



Past studies conducted in various countries, including Finland, have shown that protected areas generally slow down alterations in species communities.&nbsp;



However, the recent findings highlight the overwhelming influence of climate change on these areas, leading to faster-than-expected changes in bird communities.&nbsp;



According to Hintsanen, a complex network of factors might be contributing to the rapid changes observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-data-nbsp">Long-term data&nbsp;</h2>



Long-term data from bird surveys conducted since the 1960s in North America have been crucial for this kind of research, providing valuable insights into the effects of climate change on bird populations.&nbsp;



The digitalization of decades-old data has further empowered researchers to gain a better understanding of these impacts, shedding light on the subtle yet significant changes unfolding in the avian world due to the changing climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/cobi.14134" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation Biology</a>.



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Bird communities in protected areas are rapidly changing

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have recently discovered unexpected...

Tropical ecosystems are significantly dependent on emerging aquatic insects, which could expose them to greater risks, according to a new study led by researchers from Queen Mary University of London.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ele.14322" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology Letters</a>, the study is the first to directly analyze and compare the interconnectedness between land and water in tropical and temperate environments through the lens of aquatic insects.



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



The study was focused on English, Welsh, and Scottish forests as well as Amazonian and Atlantic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazons-rainforests-are-at-risk-of-transforming-into-dry-grassy-savannas/">rainforests</a> in Brazil.&nbsp;



The researchers used stable isotope analysis to trace signals of aquatic prey within the tissues of arthropod predators, such as spiders. This technique illuminated the predators' dietary patterns away from water bodies.



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



Notably, spiders in tropical locales exhibited higher consumption of aquatic insects compared to their UK counterparts. Such dietary diversity indicates that terrestrial fauna in the tropics heavily relies on aquatic insects.&nbsp;



According to the researchers, these results suggest that tropical environments are more vulnerable to future disruption to the interconnections between land and water.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-pressures-nbsp">Increasing pressures&nbsp;</h2>



“Our findings show that we cannot simply apply knowledge from research in temperate zones to protect tropical ecosystems,” said study senior author Dr. Pavel Kratina.&nbsp;



“That tropical ecosystems are more vulnerable to disruptions to the links between land and water is worrying considering the increasing human pressures on tropical freshwater ecosystems, which are among the most threatened in the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-negative-human-impacts">Negative human impacts</h2>



Emerging aquatic insects serve as pathways through which negative human impacts can travel from aquatic to terrestrial environments.&nbsp;



Activities that diminish insect populations, like stream pollution, inadvertently affect land-based predators by limiting their access to essential nutrition derived from insects.&nbsp;



Given that tropical aquatic insects are perilously declining due to human endeavors and climate shifts, the study forewarns of consequential ripple effects throughout tropical regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-riparian-buffers-nbsp">Riparian buffers&nbsp;</h2>



The study highlights the urgent need for robust protection measures for “riparian buffers,” or safeguarded land strips surrounding waterways that are crucial for maintaining the land-water connections.&nbsp;



Present buffer dimensions, ranging between 5 to 100 meters, are deemed insufficient to protect vast terrestrial biodiversity around water bodies.&nbsp;



With buffer regulations in Brazil having been eased in recent years, the researchers advocate for enhanced protection policies for these buffers and a more integrated approach considering the interconnectivity between different ecosystems, especially in tropical areas.



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



“Our research took us to remote parts of the world from the Amazon jungle and Iguaçu River basin in Brazil to Snowdonia national park in Wales and The Trossachs in Scotland,” said study lead author Dr. Liam Nash.



“We braved ticks, wasps, midges, and snakes to collect our samples, and saw animals such as harpy eagles and tapirs along the way. We ran into challenges with the pandemic, which saw me having to fly out of Brazil on one of the last available flights in March 2020 as travel rules were changing hourly! This work could not have happened without the help of experienced local field guides and close collaboration with scientists and students from Brazil.”



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Tropical ecosystems at risk: The critical role of aquatic insects

Tropical ecosystems are significantly dependent on emerging aquatic insects, which...

An escalating trend of carbon-capture tree plantations has been primarily driven by the urgency of the climate crisis.&nbsp;



In an opinion piece published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2023.08.012">Trends in Ecology and Evolution</a>, experts warn that these initiatives might inadvertently endanger tropical biodiversity while offering minimal gains in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-influences-coastal-carbon-storage-capacity/">carbon</a> sequestration. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-net-zero-emissions">Net zero emissions</h2>



"The escalating threat of climate change has spurred global commitments to achieve net zero emissions by the middle of this century," wrote the researchers.



"To reach a balance between reducing emission sources and enhancing greenhouse gas sinks, land-based carbon sequestration is viewed as an important strategy to offset emissions, most prominently via nature-based solutions."



"This, together with the commodification of carbon and the substantial growth of the voluntary carbon market, has resulted in a boom in the number of commercial tree plantation projects across tropical ecosystems with significant financial flows from private and public sectors towards carbon offsetting projects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystem-degradation-nbsp">Ecosystem degradation&nbsp;</h2>



The experts argue that carbon-offset plantations might come with hidden costs. Instead, they say, we should prioritize conserving and restoring intact ecosystems.



“Despite the broad range of ecosystem functions and services provided by tropical ecosystems, society has reduced value of these ecosystems to just one metric - carbon,” wrote the authors, led by Jesús Aguirre-Gutiérrez of the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford.&nbsp;



“Current and new policy should not promote ecosystem degradation via tree plantations with a narrow view on carbon capture.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-ecosystems-nbsp">Tropical ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



Tropical ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and savannas, are favored for tree plantation because they promote rapid tree growth.&nbsp;



Yet, contrary to popular belief, tree plantations designed for carbon capture seldom contribute to biodiversity or social-economic welfare, noted the researchers.&nbsp;



Tropical ecosystems are renowned biodiversity hotspots that provide invaluable ecosystem services, including water quality maintenance, soil health preservation, and pollination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-capture-plantations-nbsp">Carbon-capture plantations&nbsp;</h2>



Unfortunately, many carbon-capture plantations, typically monocultures, predominantly cultivate five tree species: teak, mahogany, cedar, silk oak, and black wattle. Although economically viable, these plantations tend to support lower biodiversity levels.&nbsp;



For instance, the Brazilian Cerrado savannah experienced approximately 30% reduction in plant and ant diversity following a 40% increase in woody cover.&nbsp;



Such plantations also inadvertently inflict ecological harm, including stream flow reduction, groundwater depletion, and soil acidification.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-little-gain-in-carbon-sequestration-nbsp">Little gain in carbon sequestration&nbsp;</h2>



The experts noted the limited effectiveness of even the most aggressive carbon-capture plantation endeavors in sequestering carbon.&nbsp;



“The current trend of carbon-focused tree planting is taking us along the path of large-scale biotic and functional homogenization for little carbon gain,” wrote the researchers. “An area equivalent to the total summed area of USA, UK, China, and Russia would have to be forested to sequester one year of emissions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subterranean-carbon-storage-nbsp">Subterranean carbon storage&nbsp;</h2>



The paper also highlights that intact tropical grasslands and savannas already function as significant carbon sinks, predominantly storing carbon underground.&nbsp;



This subterranean storage, at risk of being lost if these areas are afforested, proves more resilient to environmental disruptions like droughts and fires compared to above-ground carbon stores in tree plantations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-incentives-nbsp">Financial incentives&nbsp;</h2>



Driven by substantial financial incentives, private firms are investing heavily in carbon-capture initiatives, a trend the authors believe is propelled more by economic considerations than ecological concerns.&nbsp;



While carbon metrics are straightforward to quantify and monetize, an excessive focus on tree-planting for carbon capture could potentially undermine efforts to protect intact ecosystems, leading to unfavorable compromises between carbon, biodiversity, and ecosystem functionality.



The experts say we should prioritize conserving intact ecosystems instead of focusing on commercial tree planting.



“An overarching view on maintaining original ecosystem functioning and maximizing as many ecosystem services as possible should be prioritized above the ongoing economic focus on carbon capture projects."



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Tree plantations have hidden impacts on tropical biodiversity

An escalating trend of carbon-capture tree plantations has been primarily...

A recent study suggests an uncertain future for coral reefs, as their growth struggles to match the pace of rising sea levels.&nbsp;



The study, which investigated 9,000 years of coral growth, highlights a discernible decrease in coral growth rates.&nbsp;



The research was focused on the analysis of 22 drill cores collected from the Belize barrier reef and atolls. The drill cores measured a total of 215 meters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dwindling-accretion-rates">Dwindling accretion rates</h2>



The team used radioisotope dating to estimate the age of the coral fragments. This method allows scientists to infer the age of a material through the decay rates of radioactive samples.



Next, the researchers calculated the distances between the samples in the drill cores to estimate growth rates.&nbsp;



“Our data show that coral accretion rates in Belize decreased during the Holocene. While at 3.36 millimeters per year, the average accretion rates of reef margins are in the same range as other regions in the western Atlantic, they are somewhat lower than those in the Indo-Pacific," explained Professor Eberhard Gischler of Goethe University.



This discrepancy has significant implications for tropical island-nations that depend on or are protected by coral reefs and is particularly noteworthy in light of ongoing climate change discussions.



“The growth rates are at the lower end of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) predictions of future sea-level rise until 2100," said Gischler.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-coral-composition">Shift in coral composition</h2>



The study corroborates the observed decline in live corals in the Caribbean. Today, many reefs in the region are not dominated by corals, but rather by fleshy algae and generalistic weedy taxa.



Older sections of the reef, as noted by Gischler and colleagues, predominantly feature stress-tolerant, reef-building corals.&nbsp;



“At the base of our cores, directly overlying Pleistocene reef limestone, Pseudodiploria brain corals and Orbicella star corals are most common, illustrating that members of the stress-tolerant taxa are clearly dominating,” said Gischler.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-centennial-scale-growth-gaps">Centennial-scale growth gaps</h2>



The drill cores revealed intriguing centennial-scale gaps in the fossil records of the fast-growing Acropora palmata, or elkhorn coral.&nbsp;



These gaps, occurring approximately 2,000, 4,000, and between 5,500-6,000 years ago, might be indicative of environmental shifts such as higher temperatures, increased storm activity, or altered nutrient supply.



The 4,000-year-old gap coincides with a potential mass mortality event affecting grazing echinoids in the region.&nbsp;



The researchers propose that this could have led to increased abundance of fleshy algae or may be related to the 4.2 k-event, a significant climatic shift thought to have caused mid-latitude droughts and warmer sea surface temperatures.



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



"Studying the drill cores enables us to develop both detailed and systematic reconstructions of the environmental conditions that prevailed during the Holocene, based on which previous ecological and environmental conditions can be reconstructed, allowing us to determine whether the current coral and coral reef declines are in fact unprecedented,” explained Gischler.&nbsp;



Coral reefs are already under threat due to global warming, ocean acidification, water quality deterioration, and diseases.&nbsp;



These latest results suggest that tropical coral reefs may become one of the first victims of climate change as they fail to grow fast enough to keep up with rising sea levels.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38118-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Coral growth cannot keep pace with rising sea levels

A recent study suggests an uncertain future for coral reefs,...

Young,Mother,With,A,Baby,Boy,Doing,Housework.

Contamination in U.S. drinking water exposes millions of Americans to health risks, including cancer, according to a new study led by Johnnye Lewis of the <a href="https://hsc.unm.edu/news/2023/10/u.s-drinking-water-often-contains-toxic-contaminants-unm-scientist-warns.html">University of New Mexico</a> (UNM). In collaboration with scientists from various parts of the country, Lewis warns that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-water-is-the-key-to-a-long-and-healthy-life/">drinking water</a> from many wells and community water systems contains unsafe levels of toxic contaminants.



While many Americans believe the water from their taps is unpolluted and safe for consumption, this research suggests this is not always the case.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, the experts report that people living in tribal areas or underserved communities are at a higher risk. The research also raises concerns about the exacerbating effects of climate change on sourcing safe drinking water.



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



The researchers investigated the presence of seven contaminants frequently found in drinking water: arsenic, fracking fluids, lead, nitrates, chlorinated disinfection byproducts, synthetic chemicals (specifically PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and uranium.



“There were several of us that have expertise in dealing with these particular contaminants, and we were seeing that they’re not always at safe levels in drinking water sources for a number of reasons,” said Lewis.



Several of the contaminants, such as arsenic, uranium, lead, and nitrates, are known or suspected to cause cancer. Prolonged exposure to many of these contaminants has also been associated with neurological and developmental disorders.



“Some of these, like uranium and arsenic - and even nitrates - are just common,” Lewis said. “They commonly occur in groundwater, and sometimes it is the source that you have access to.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-new-threats">Emerging new threats</h2>



On the other hand, chemicals such as fracking fluids and PFAS, which are human-induced, are emerging as new threats. Notably, PFAS, due to its nature, can persist in the environment for extended periods without breaking down.



The research emphasizes that the identified seven contaminants are just a drop in the bucket. Thousands of chemical agents potentially pollute drinking water, and the possibility of their combined effects poses further threats.



“We’re only really now starting to come up with good methods to assess what those mixtures do,” said Lewis. “There’s always a lot of uncertainty, because a mixture is not the same in one community as it is in the next.”



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



The report highlights the varying capacities of water systems in detecting and eliminating these contaminants. Of the 150,000 public water systems in the United States, about a third are community water systems that cater to 320 million Americans – a staggering 95% of the population.&nbsp;



A significant 91% of these community water systems provide for fewer than 10,000 individuals, which amounts to 52 million people. Meanwhile, over 43 million Americans depend on private wells for their drinking water.



With these findings, the authors stress the urgent need for enhancing the nation's drinking water infrastructure, solidifying water standards, advancing water treatment procedures, and enforcing more rigorous chemical safety tests.



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



Highlighting the broader implications, Lewis pointed out that the changing climate, especially in the western U.S., is complicating the quest for clean water sources.&nbsp;



“For me the thing that is most concerning is that you start looking at drought and the stresses that that puts on looking for additional water sources,” said Lewis. “The potential for making sure those sources are clean could become more limited.”



The impact of climate change will most heavily burden those who are least equipped to handle it, such as people living in communities with minimal or no water monitoring.



"When we talk about racial injustice and societal injustice in communities that are underserved, they're the ones that are going to bear the brunt of this," said Lewis.&nbsp;



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-023-00597-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology</a>.



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95% of U.S. drinking water contains unsafe levels of toxic contaminants

Contamination in U.S. drinking water exposes millions of Americans to...

Gliding,Frog,Look,Like,Laughing,On,Moss,,Flying,Frog,Laughing,

Scientists warn the state of amphibians worldwide continues to rapidly deteriorate, according to a new study.&nbsp;Researchers found that over 40 percent of the world's more than 8,000 amphibian species could face extinction in the coming decades.&nbsp;This makes <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/why-are-some-endangered-amphibians-going-extinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a> the most endangered group of vertebrates in the world today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commonly-documented-threats-nbsp">Commonly documented threats&nbsp;</h2>



"When considering all threatened amphibians, the most commonly documented threats are types of habitat loss and degradation, with the top three being agriculture (77% of species impacted), timber and plant harvesting (53%), and infrastructure development (40%)," wrote the study authors.



"Climate change effects (29%) and disease (29%) are other common threat types. Although these are important findings, they do not account for the severity and scope of these threats."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extinction-threat-for-amphibians-is-escalating">Extinction threat for amphibians is escalating</h2>



In tracing the evolutionary journey of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-amphibians-cold-blooded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>, the researchers found an escalating trend of extinctions.&nbsp;



Researchers recorded a mere 23 species as extinct in 1980, and that number surged to 37 by 2022.



Distinct species like the gastric-brooding frogs, which had the unique capability of incubating their eggs in their stomachs, have unfortunately been lost forever.



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



‘As humans drive changes to our planet, amphibians are becoming climate captives, unable to move very far to escape the climate change-induced increase in frequency and intensity of extreme heat, drought and hurricanes," said study lead author Jennifer Luedtke Swandby.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-amphibians-face-extinction">Why amphibians face extinction</h2>



While habitat loss, largely due to agriculture, impacts an estimated 77% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-do-amphibians-breathe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>, it is only the main cause of decline and extinction for about a third of species.&nbsp;



Diseases, particularly chytridiomycosis caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, have historically been more destructive, causing abrupt declines.&nbsp;



Notably, the sharp-snouted day frog from Queensland, Australia, was wiped out within a decade of being infected, marking its extinction in 2021.



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



However, the changing climate has now emerged as a dominant factor. The climate crisis accounts for declines and extinctions in more than 40% of amphibian species.&nbsp;



Climate change's multifaceted impacts, such as rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, are challenging amphibians' survival, given their reliance on moisture.&nbsp;



Moreover, changing weather patterns can catalyze the spread of diseases.



The findings of the study indicate that amphibians have the highest extinction risk among major animal groups listed on the conservation Red List.



Salamanders and newts emerge as particularly vulnerable within this group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-amphibians-from-extinction">Protecting amphibians from extinction</h2>



Despite these bleak statistics, there is a glimmer of hope. Over the past 40 years, focused conservation initiatives have revived 60 species.&nbsp;



An additional 57 species seem to be making a natural comeback, potentially developing resistance against diseases.&nbsp;



Yet, the conservation status of many remains uncertain, with over 600 awaiting assessment and 900 listed as "data deficient."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritizing-conservation-action-nbsp">Prioritizing conservation action&nbsp;</h2>



‘Though thousands of amphibian species are known about, we know very little about their ways of life of many of them," said study co-author Dr. David Gower, an expert in amphibians at the Natural History Museum.



‘Without detailed information on their population trends or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/loss-of-wildlife-happens-five-times-slower-in-protected-lands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">where they live</a>, it is difficult to accurately categorize species on the Red List. Overcoming this is a major challenge in amphibian conservation biology.’



‘We’re in the process of adding new species to the global inventory and re-assessing the conservation status of known species," said Dr. Loader. "These assessment data help to prioritize conservation action in areas where we see most evidence of change and need.’



The full paper was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06578-4">Nature</a>. Over 100 scientists from across the globe provided insights to back this comprehensive study.



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Over 40% of amphibians face extinction due to escalating climate threats

Scientists warn the state of amphibians worldwide continues to rapidly...

Category,5,Super,Typhoon,Approaching,The,Coast.,The,Eye,Of

The catastrophic consequences of intense tropical cyclones are no news. Torrential rains, deadly flooding, winds of immense destructive power, and storm surges that can wipe out coastal areas have all made headlines. However, a recent study from the <a href="https://manoa.hawaii.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa</a> has unveiled a worrying trend. As the climate warms, devastating hurricanes and cyclones aren't just becoming more frequent or powerful – they're coming earlier.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerating-clock-of-nature">Accelerating clock of nature</h2>



The study was spearheaded by <a href="http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/MET/Hsco/chu-index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pao-Shin Chu</a>, an atmospheric sciences professor at the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the Hawai‘i State Climatologist. 



His research reveals that since the 1980s, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-slowing-down-hurricanes-making-them-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Category 4 and 5 hurricanes</a> (those with wind speeds greater than 131 miles per hour) are making their presence felt three to four days earlier with each passing decade. Such a shift in the seasonal cycle means these severe storms are arriving not in their expected period, but much earlier, causing unforeseen challenges for affected communities.



Chu remarked, “When intense tropical cyclones occur earlier than usual, they disrupt the preparedness measures of communities. This unexpected arrival can coincide with other weather systems, such as local thunderstorms or seasonal monsoon rainfall, creating compounded extreme events. The result? An overwhelmed emergency response.”



While the characteristics of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/how-to-plan-for-climate-change-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes in a warming climate</a>, like their number, intensity, and lifespan, are already a matter of significant research, the shift in their seasonal timing was a less-explored area – until now.



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



To gain insights into these changes, Chu and his team delved deep into a variety of data sources. Using satellite imagery, historical cyclone tracks, rainfall records from <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>, and an array of statistical methods, the researchers discerned a significant repositioning of these intense cyclones from autumn months to summer since the 1980s. 



This trend was especially pronounced in regions like the eastern North Pacific off Mexico's coast (the source of most hurricanes impacting Hawai‘i), the western North Pacific, the South Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic coast of Florida and the Caribbean.



The consistency of earlier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/back-to-back-hurricanes-will-soon-become-common/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricane arrivals</a>, as revealed by both satellite data and traditional ground observations, took Chu by surprise. Citing an example, he mentioned Hurricane Harvey, which in August 2017, as a Category 4 storm, slammed into Texas and Louisiana, resulting in catastrophic flooding and claiming over 100 lives.



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



Probing further, the research team used various global climate model simulations, like the high-resolution CMIP6 models. They found that warmer oceanic conditions, which are conducive to the genesis of intense tropical cyclones, were developing earlier, mainly due to greenhouse gas forcing.



“In a world where carbon dioxide levels continue to rise unchecked, this trend of earlier cyclone arrivals will only intensify,” warned Chu.



Areas like South China and the Gulf of Mexico are already witnessing the repercussions, as the early advent of these cyclones is triggering extreme rainfall ahead of its usual time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-prepared">Be prepared</h2>



The implications of these findings are far-reaching. With tropical cyclones appearing earlier than expected, there's a heightened risk of their simultaneous occurrence with other severe weather events. 



Chu emphasized the gravity of this situation, stating, “Given this advancing timeline of intense cyclones, the potential for their confluence with other high-impact weather phenomena should ring alarm bells. It's crucial to understand the shifts in hurricane activity due to global warming, as this knowledge is pivotal for disaster prevention, managing resources, and ensuring community readiness.”



This study underscores the importance of adaptive measures and enhanced preparedness as we grapple with the unpredictable twists and turns of a rapidly changing climate.



Their findings were published recently in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06544-0">Nature</a>.



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Definitive link found between intensity of early hurricanes and climate change

The catastrophic consequences of intense tropical cyclones are no news....

Forests, with their incredible capacity to absorb and store <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/">carbon dioxide</a>, have always been important in the battle against climate change.&nbsp;



However, a recent study based on data from ESA's SMOS satellite mission has thrown a fascinating twist into this narrative. Young trees, contrary to prior beliefs, are truly the champions of carbon capture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-balance-nbsp">Carbon balance&nbsp;</h2>



A critical aspect of understanding our complex climate system is knowing how much carbon is stored in different parts of the planet, particularly in land-based vegetation.&nbsp;



Historically, this has posed a challenge to scientists, leading to uncertainties in estimating the global carbon balance.



The new study, which is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-023-01274-4#citeas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geosciences</a>, has provided much-needed clarity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-imagery">Satellite imagery</h2>



Scientists, funded by ESA, utilized observations from the SMOS satellite to directly observe terrestrial carbon stock changes on both regional and global scales.



The implications of these findings are significant. They offer a more accurate gauge to monitor the progress towards the net-zero goals by 2050, which is an essential part of the Paris Agreement.



The team, led by researchers from the French Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement (LSCE), discovered that from 2010 to 2019, land-based carbon stocks saw an increase of approximately 510 million tons per year.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-contributors-nbsp">Major contributors&nbsp;</h2>



Boreal and temperate forests were the major contributors, while tropical forests, affected by deforestation and agricultural interference, showed only minor carbon gains.



An unexpected outcome from the study, conducted under ESA's Climate Change Initiative RECCAP-2 project, revealed that forests between 50 to 140 years of age were the heavy lifters in carbon absorption.&nbsp;



By contrast, forests over 140 years old were nearly carbon neutral, a finding that counters traditional vegetation model predictions.



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



"Vegetation models that predict terrestrial carbon stores do not represent forest demographics and tend to overestimate the carbon sequestration capacity of old-growth forests and underestimate of carbon absorbed by boreal and temperate forests," explained Hui Yang, from LSCE.



“Using space-based observations we can track and better understand long-term variations in terrestrial living-biomass. Our study highlights the importance of forest age in predicting carbon dynamics in a changing climate."



“Delaying and decreasing the harvesting of timber from young forests could be a way forward for climate-friendly forest management.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smos-satellite-nbsp">SMOS satellite&nbsp;</h2>



ESA’s SMOS satellite, orbiting since 2009, uses its interferometric radiometer to capture "brightness temperature" images. These images are instrumental in deriving global maps depicting soil moisture and ocean surface salinity levels.&nbsp;



Thanks to recent advancements, the satellite can now produce robust measurements of L-band microwave vegetation optical depth (L-VOD) which, in turn, aids in the diagnosis of global changes in terrestrial carbon stocks.



Philippe Ciais, also from LSCE, elaborated on the immense value of L-VOD data: “Using L-VOD data from SMOS has provided valuable insights into global terrestrial carbon storage."



“The study's findings have important implications for climate change mitigation efforts, as they contribute to a more accurate estimation of the global carbon balance which is needed to inform and track progress towards achieving the Paris Agreement goals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-missions">Upcoming missions</h2>



ESA's upcoming Earth Explorer mission named Biomass, launching next year, is poised to provide more comprehensive insights into forest carbon.&nbsp;



Equipped with an innovative P-band synthetic aperture radar, it will enhance our understanding of forests' role in the carbon cycle.



“The use of SMOS to understand more about carbon capture by forests is another example of one of our Earth Explorer research missions surpassing expectations," said Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s director of Earth Observation Programmes.



“With the carbon cycle so fundamental to our climate system and to the health of our planet, we are busy preparing the Biomass Earth Explorer mission, which is dedicated to measuring forest height and biomass."&nbsp;



"Information from this upcoming mission will not only shed new light on the carbon cycle, but also contribute to international efforts to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation and land degradation.”



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Young forests are unexpected heroes of carbon capture

Forests, with their incredible capacity to absorb and store carbon...

According to Booking.com’s <a href="https://globalnews.booking.com/cost-vs-conscience-bookingcom-delves-into-the-dilemma-dividing-sustainable-travel-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Travel Report 2023</a>, 76% of travelers reportedly aspire to incorporate sustainability into their plans over the coming year. 



This figure represents a notable increase of 16% from the 2021 data and 5% from 2022 data.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prominent-dilemma-nbsp">Prominent dilemma&nbsp;</h2>



The report, which compiled responses from over 33,000 travelers across 35 countries, highlights a prominent dilemma faced by many: the conflict between cost-saving and making eco-conscious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-takes-a-greater-toll-on-astronauts-brains-than-previously-thought/">travel</a> choices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eco-conscious-habits">Eco-conscious habits</h2>



The push toward sustainable travel options reflects a broader trend, with environmentally-conscious habits gaining traction among travelers.&nbsp;



For instance, a significant 67% of respondents now consciously turn off air conditioning in their accommodations when not present - a leap of 29% from last year’s figures.&nbsp;



In addition, there is a 25% increase in travelers reusing towels multiple times, with 60% of participants reporting this practice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-constraints-nbsp">Economic constraints&nbsp;</h2>



However, economic constraints pose a significant barrier to the adoption of sustainable travel options.&nbsp;



The report highlights that nearly half (49%) of travelers perceive eco-friendly options as prohibitively expensive - an 11% increase from 2022 data.&nbsp;



These individuals often find themselves at a crossroads, having to choose between managing their expenses and opting for sustainable travel.



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



Despite economic hurdles, there's a segment of travelers, constituting 43%, who express a willingness to pay a premium for certified sustainable travel alternatives.&nbsp;



This group is actively seeking to make an impact through their travel choices, even if it necessitates higher expenditure.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discounts-and-incentives">Discounts and incentives</h2>



The data reveals a demand for initiatives that marry financial and environmental considerations, with 49% of respondents expressing interest in economic incentives or discounts for eco-friendly options (up 12% from 2022).&nbsp;



Additionally, 42% would be encouraged to choose sustainable travel if rewarded with points redeemable for perks and discounts.



Travelers are contending with major concerns, notably the escalating cost of living and the ongoing climate crisis, which significantly influence their travel and spending plans.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adopting-more-sustainable-practices-nbsp">Adopting more sustainable practices&nbsp;</h2>



As a result, there's an apparent urgency and commitment among travelers to act promptly in adopting more sustainable practices to preserve the planet for future generations, as voiced by 74% of participants in the study.



This sentiment is further echoed by 53% of respondents who acknowledge that recent developments and news on climate change have galvanized them to adopt more sustainable travel practices.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-dilemma">Growing dilemma</h2>



Nevertheless, there is looming apprehension about the deteriorating environmental conditions, which are expected by 49% to worsen in the next six months.&nbsp;



In addition, 64% of travelers anticipate a worsening cost of living crisis, leaving them with a dilemma over their priorities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-travel-sustainable-badge">Travel Sustainable badge</h2>



In response to these findings, Booking.com continues to take strides in promoting sustainable travel. The company's Travel Sustainable badge, launched in 2021, facilitates easier identification of sustainable accommodations for travelers.&nbsp;



This badge is awarded to various types of properties, including apartments, hotels, and even treehouses, that have successfully implemented a blend of sustainable practices meeting the requisite impact threshold for their specific destinations.



Booking.com has notably expanded its range of recognized third-party certifications and labels, allowing more properties to qualify for the Travel Sustainable badge.&nbsp;



Currently, over 500,000 properties worldwide are spotlighted for their sustainability efforts on Booking.com, bearing the Travel Sustainable badge.&nbsp;



The badge is not only indicative of Booking.com’s commitment to fostering sustainable travel but also serves as a crucial tool for travelers navigating the economic and environmental challenges outlined in the report.



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Travelers are ready for more affordable eco-friendly options

According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2023, 76% of travelers...

The recently measured ozone hole over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-experiencing-rapid-plant-growth-concerning-scientists/">Antarctica</a>, as detected by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, is one of the largest on record, according to a report from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-5P/Ozone_hole_goes_large_again">European Space Agency</a>. The hole reached an astounding 26 million square kilometers on September 16, 2023 - approximately three times the size of Brazil.&nbsp;



The Sentinel-5P satellite was launched in October 2017 as the European Union’s first Copernicus satellite dedicated to atmospheric monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-resolution-imaging-nbsp">High resolution imaging&nbsp;</h2>



The satellite hosts a cutting-edge multispectral imaging spectrometer known as Tropomi. The instrument enhances atmospheric monitoring capabilities by identifying distinct "fingerprints" of various gases across different segments of the electromagnetic spectrum. This allows for more precise and higher resolution imaging of a wide array of pollutants.&nbsp;



The Tropomi's data is meticulously processed at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) using algorithms co-developed by DLR and the Royal Belgium Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropomi-measurements">Tropomi measurements</h2>



“The Sentinel-5P total ozone products have an accuracy at the percentage level compared with ground-based data and this allows us to closely monitor the ozone layer and its evolution," said senior DLR scientist Diego Loyola.



"The Tropomi measurements are extending the global ozone data record of European satellite sensors covering almost three decades.”



The significant data from Sentinel-5P is provided to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) within three hours post-measurement. This rapid delivery aids CAMS in efficiently incorporating the data into their analysis and forecasting systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-of-the-biggest-holes-on-record-nbsp">One of the biggest holes on record&nbsp;</h2>



“Our operational ozone monitoring and forecasting service shows that the 2023 ozone hole got off to an early start and has grown rapidly since mid-August," said Antje Inness, a senior scientist at CAMS.&nbsp;



"It reached a size of over 26 million sq km on 16 September making it one of the biggest ozone holes on record. Tropomi ozone data are an important dataset for our ozone analysis.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driving-factors">Driving factors</h2>



Understanding the reasons behind the ozone hole's substantial size is complex. Its size oscillation is closely related to the strength of strong wind bands circulating the Antarctic, a phenomenon resulting from Earth's rotation and the temperature disparity between polar and temperate latitudes.&nbsp;



Strong wind bands act as barriers, trapping and cooling air masses over polar regions, thereby affecting the ozone hole's size. The recent unusual ozone patterns might also be linked to the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption in January 2022, which introduced substantial water vapor into the stratosphere.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunga-tonga-eruption">Hunga Tonga eruption</h2>



“The eruption of the Hunga Tonga volcano in January 2022 injected a lot of water vapor into the stratosphere which only reached the south polar regions after the end of the 2022 ozone hole," explained Antje.



“The water vapor could have led to the heightened formation of polar stratospheric clouds, where chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) can react and accelerate ozone depletion. The presence of water vapor may also contribute to the cooling of the Antarctic stratosphere, further enhancing the formation of these polar stratospheric clods and resulting in a more robust polar vortex.”



However, understanding the exact impacts of this eruption on the ozone hole requires further research, as there are no precedents in modern observations for such substantial water vapor injections into the stratosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sentinel-5p-monitoring-is-crucial-nbsp">Sentinel-5P monitoring is crucial&nbsp;</h2>



"The Sentinel-5P total ozone columns provide an accurate means to monitor ozone hole occurrences from space. Ozone hole phenomena cannot be used in a straightforward manner for monitoring global ozone changes as they are determined by the strength of regional wind fields that flow around polar areas,” said Claus Zehner, ESA’s mission manager for Copernicus Sentinel-5P.



Additionally, the presence of ozone-depleting substances, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), in the atmosphere still poses a significant threat to the ozone layer. These substances were prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s in various products but have since been phased out following the 1987 Montreal Protocol.&nbsp;



Although a gradual recovery of the ozone layer is anticipated, with predictions suggesting a return to normal levels by around 2050, monitoring and analysis continue to be crucial.&nbsp;



With advanced tools like the Tropomi on the Sentinel-5P satellite, scientists can now observe atmospheric changes with unprecedented accuracy and resolution, contributing valuable data to ongoing global efforts to understand and protect the Earth’s atmosphere.



Image Credit: European Space Agency 



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Antarctica's ozone hole is now one of the largest on record

The recently measured ozone hole over Antarctica, as detected by...

While several studies have highlighted the ramifications of livestock farming for human consumption, a new study brings attention to a less-discussed realm. What are the environmental implications of meat-based foods that we feed our beloved pets, and how would the Earth benefit if our dogs and cats switched to vegan diets?



As the urgency for sustainability grows, consumers are becoming more conscious of their dietary choices and the environmental footprints they leave behind. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cowspiracy-film-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock industry</a>, notoriously linked with large-scale land usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and overconsumption of freshwater, has long been scrutinized for its adverse environmental impact. New research brings attention to this issue, but from a slightly different perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-opening-findings">Eye-opening findings</h2>



The study, led by Andrew Knight from <a href="https://www.griffith.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griffith University</a>, Australia, breaks new ground in the sustainability discourse. Knight’s analysis suggests that converting all cats and dogs, either in the US or globally, to a vegan diet – one without meat, dairy, or eggs – could have profound positive environmental outcomes.



The immediate question that arises is whether vegan diets are safe for pets. Recent research affirms that nutritionally sound vegan diets for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-on-vegan-diets-are-equally-healthy-as-those-that-eat-meat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cats</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dogs-with-vegan-diets-may-have-better-health-outcomes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dogs</a> not only are safe, but may also be healthier when compared to conventional meat-based diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-positive-impact-by-the-numbers">Potential positive impact: By the numbers</h2>



Using pet population data from 2020 (for the US) and 2018 (for global estimates), along with insights from a myriad of prior studies and governmental databases, Knight painted a hypothetical yet illuminating picture:



<ol type="1" start="1">
<li>The livestock consumed by US dogs and cats stands at about one fifth of the consumption by humans. Globally, this figure drops to one tenth. </li>



<li>The hypothetical adoption of vegan diets by all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vegan-diet-for-dogs-given-the-thumbs-up-by-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US dogs</a> and cats could prevent the slaughter of close to 2 billion land-based livestock animals every year. On a global scale, this number could shoot up to almost 7 billion. Furthermore, billions of aquatic animals could also be spared. </li>



<li>Significant conservation of resources could be achieved. For example, the global shift of all dogs to vegan diets might free up land equivalent to the size of Saudi Arabia. Cats, if they were to follow suit, could save a land area as vast as Germany. For context, if humanity at large adopted veganism, land larger than Russia and India combined could potentially be conserved. </li>



<li>The shift could also yield drastic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reductions in greenhouse gas</a> emissions. To draw a parallel, a global shift in dog diets could reduce emissions equivalent to the total emissions of the UK. For cats, the equivalent is that of Israel.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assumptions-and-caveats">Assumptions and caveats</h2>



As promising as these numbers seem, Knight brings a balanced perspective by pointing out potential underestimations and assumptions. The pet population and energy requirements used in the study may actually be conservative. This implies that the real-world environmental benefits could be even more substantial.



However, the study does ride on certain assumptions. For one, the global calculations were predominantly based on US dietary ingredient data, neglecting potential variations in ingredients between nations. 



Moreover, the environmental impact data hails from between 2009 to 2011. More recent data might paint a different (possibly more accurate) picture. Knight also highlighted the need for future research to focus on the specific energy density of various animal-sourced ingredients. He used the broad averages in this study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-switching-your-dogs-and-cats-to-vegan-diets">Switching your dogs and cats to vegan diets</h2>



While Knight's research unequivocally underlines the environmental merits of vegan diets, he cautions pet owners about the health implications. For those considering this route, he stresses the importance of choosing vegan pet food that is labeled as nutritionally complete. It should also be sourced from trustworthy companies with high standards.



In an era where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a dire necessity, such studies carve pathways for more conscious living. The ripple effect of our dietary choices, whether for us or our pets, is vast. Knight’s analysis offers food for thought in our collective journey towards a greener planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0291791" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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Switching dogs and cats to vegan diets would help the Earth tremendously

While several studies have highlighted the ramifications of livestock farming...

A recent study led by UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain has found that climate change is restricting the use of controlled burns, a crucial tool in preventing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/">wildfires</a> in the Western United States.&nbsp;



According to the study, rising temperatures will cut the number of favorable days for prescribed fires by about 17 percent across the Western United States during warmer seasons.&nbsp;



On the other hand, there will be a net four percent increase in the number of favorable days in the winter.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlled-burns-nbsp">Controlled burns&nbsp;</h2>



Controlled burns, also known as prescribed fires, are initiated by trained firefighters to eliminate excess dry plant matter, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.&nbsp;



The safe use of controlled burns is dependent on specific weather conditions, which are impacted by climate change, reducing the number of suitable days for these preventive measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-nbsp">Rising temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



Given the projected temperature increase of 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2060, favorable conditions for prescribed fires will decrease, particularly during the spring and summer months.



Study co-author Kristen Shive noted that burn prescriptions vary by location and vegetation type, with target temperatures commonly ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit with 10 to 20 percent relative humidity.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agencies-must-adapt">Agencies must adapt</h2>



Swain said that with climate change, agencies in charge of controlled burns will need to adapt their policies and staff availability as the majority of personnel are seasonal workers whose employment concludes by mid-autumn.



“Global warming will reduce the number of favorable days for prescribed fires throughout the American West, but winter in particular may emerge as an increasingly favorable time for prescribed burns if the relevant policy and staffing changes can be made," said Swain.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-differences-nbsp">Regional differences&nbsp;</h2>



The study also noted variations in different regions, with California experiencing significant changes, particularly in its coastal and southern parts where many areas are losing up to a month of days suitable for controlled burns annually.&nbsp;



Conversely, the northern regions of the Rocky Mountains may witness a slight increase in the number of days suitable for such fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-wildfire-crisis-nbsp">Escalating wildfire crisis&nbsp;</h2>



Yet, according to Swain, not much will change in the short term. “We’re just not doing a lot of prescribed fire compared to what is needed, at scale, to really address the escalating wildfire crisis."



The study offers valuable insights for agencies to plan ahead, especially concerning workforce planning, to effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change in managing and preventing wildfires.



“This paper is giving us advanced warning,” Shive said. “Hopefully we can change policies to either extend those folks or create winter-specific crews.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-023-00993-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth and Environment</a>.



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Climate change restricts the use of controlled burns, amplifying fire risks

A recent study led by UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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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;



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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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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



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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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



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes 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



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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