Imagine a narrow, invisible firehouse stretching thousands of miles through the sky, carrying more water than the Amazon - meteorologists call these features atmospheric rivers. They form over warm oceans, sweep poleward, and unleash their cargo as intense rain or snow.



In the Arctic and mid-latitudes, these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-antarctic-sea-ice-loss-is-causing-severe-storms-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a> already shape flood and drought cycles. But over Antarctica - a continent that locks up enough ice to raise global seas by nearly 200 feet (60 meters) - their role has been harder to pin down.



A new study delivers the most detailed forecast of Antarctic atmospheric rivers to date. An international team led by Michelle Maclennan of the British Antarctic Survey analyzed a high-resolution climate model and a worst-case greenhouse-gas scenario. 



The results suggest that the number of atmospheric rivers hitting Antarctica could double by 2100. The amount of moisture they deliver could also rise by two and a half times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-moisture-in-a-warmer-world"><a></a>More moisture in a warmer world</h2>



The engine behind this change is simple physics: warmer air can hold more water vapor. As global temperatures climb, the Southern Ocean and lower atmosphere load up like a sponge.



The model uses 40 ensemble members to capture year-to-year swings. It shows an exponential rise in atmospheric moisture over Antarctic coastal waters. In some months late in the century, integrated water vapor could be three times higher than today’s values.



With more moisture available, the narrow jet-stream corridors that funnel air toward the pole become supersized rivers in the sky.



By applying present-day detection thresholds, the researchers find a continent-wide doubling of atmospheric-river days each year.



Even when the detection algorithm is “scaled” to account for the moister background (a tougher hurdle for qualifying as a river), certain hot-spot regions - especially Dronning Maud Land and parts of West Antarctica - still see clear increases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rain-snow-tipping-point">Rain-snow tipping point</h2>



Antarctic atmospheric rivers are a mixed blessing for the ice sheet. Under cold conditions they produce heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowfall-drops-in-hindu-kush-himalayas-water-crisis-may-follow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a>, adding mass and temporarily slowing sea-level rise.



Under warmer conditions they bring rain or above-zero air that can melt and weaken ice shelves - the floating ledges that buttress grounded glaciers. If those shelves fracture, inland ice can flow faster into the ocean.



Using surface-temperature criteria to separate snow from rain, the study reveals an intriguing twist. Rainfall will increase, but atmospheric rivers will mostly bring more snowfall to the ice sheet this century.



This could temporarily compensate for some of the mass that Antarctica loses elsewhere through ocean-driven melting and iceberg calving. Under the high-emissions pathway (known as SSP3-7.0), total atmospheric-river precipitation nearly triples, but most of that falls as snow.



Even so, rainfall spikes in vulnerable places like the Antarctic Peninsula and coastal ice shelves. The model suggests up to 40 millimeters of extra rain-water-equivalent each year on the Bellingshausen coast and Larsen C Ice Shelf.



Rain can soak porous firn, refreeze, and leave an ice lens that promotes further runoff and surface collapse - a process implicated in the disintegration of Larsen B in 2002.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-atmospheric-rivers-and-sea-levels">Antarctic atmospheric rivers and sea-levels</h2>



One striking result is the sheer variability atmospheric rivers impose on Antarctica’s “surface mass balance,” the ledger of snow gained versus ice lost.



Today, a single storm offsets weeks of melting. In a warmer world, these storms grow larger and more frequent. Thus, yearly variations in atmospheric river frequency creates significant fluctuations in Antarctica’s contribution to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-will-antarctica-contribute-to-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>, with that volatility appearing set to grow.



Because sea-level projections often rely on multi-decadal averages, this swing factor has been under-represented.



The new simulations indicate that by 2100, extreme-event years - those once considered rare - could become the norm. This shift would complicate efforts to forecast coastal risk for cities and small-island nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-shifts-and-ice-loss">Wind shifts and ice loss</h2>



The model also captures how circulation changes amplify the story. As greenhouse forcing strengthens the temperature contrast between tropics and pole, the polar jet stream shifts eastward in segments and intensifies.



That wind realignment steers more atmospheric rivers toward the Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea sectors - regions already destabilized by warm ocean water undercutting ice shelves.



Meanwhile, sea-ice extent retreats, exposing open water that feeds extra moisture back into the storms. The authors warn that these coupled atmosphere–ice–ocean feedbacks could accelerate once thresholds are crossed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-rivers-and-climate-predictions">Atmospheric rivers and climate predictions</h2>



“This is the first study to consider how these extreme weather events in Antarctica might change in response to human-induced warming this century,” Maclennan said.



“Because atmospheric rivers deliver massive precipitation to Antarctica and significantly impact snowfall variability, understanding their future patterns is crucial to projecting Antarctica’s contribution to sea level rise.”



Her team’s findings highlight a fresh source of uncertainty in global sea-level budgets. Most projections bracket the 21st-century rise between half and one meter. If Antarctic atmospheric rivers add more snow than rain, they could shave a few centimeters off the high end.



However, if warming outpaces snowfall gains, they could hasten ice-shelf collapse and push sea levels higher. Either way, policy planners need more precise tools that resolve these weather-driven swings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predictions-of-atmospheric-rivers">Predictions of atmospheric rivers </h2>



The study emphasizes that predictions hinge on both emissions pathways and the technical choice of how researchers detect atmospheric rivers in models. 



When adjusted for moister air, continent-wide doubling disappears. Instead, regional increases and decreases appear. This sensitivity highlights the need for multiple modelling approaches, finer-scale regional simulations, and continuous satellite monitoring.



Antarctica is sometimes portrayed as a silent, immutable block of ice. In reality it is poised to host ever-stronger that can both cushion and threaten the world’s coastlines.



Future research will determine which outcome dominates - but the message is clear: choices made this century about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse-gas emissions</a> will reverberate in every atmospheric river that sweeps across the coldest continent.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02333-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Antarctic atmospheric rivers set to double by the end of the century

Imagine a narrow, invisible firehouse stretching thousands of miles through the sky, carrying more water than the Amazon - meteorologists call these features atmospheric rivers. They form over warm oceans, sweep poleward, and unleash their cargo as intense rain or snow. In the Arctic and mid-latitudes, these storms already shape flood and drought cycles. But over Antarctica - a continent that locks up enough ice to raise global seas by nearly 200 feet (60 meters) - their role has been harder to pin down. A new study...

The significance of humidity in luring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-moths-are-more-efficient-pollinators-than-bees/">pollinators</a> to plants has emerged as a potent factor in a recent research led by <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/">Cornell University</a>. This newfound information, a breakthrough in basic biology, has potential to revolutionize agricultural practices.



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.021">Current Biology</a>, was a collaborative endeavor involving scientists from Cornell, Harvard University, and the Montgomery Botanical Center.&nbsp;



The researchers explored the behavior of the weevil, a pollinator for the plant Zamia furfuracea. The team's findings revealed that the weevil’s sensitivity to humidity is on par with its response to scent.



<h2 id="h-new-insights-discovered-into-how-plants-and-insects-interact">New insights discovered into how plants and insects interact</h2>



Shayla Salzman, the first author of the study, remarked on this breakthrough in the understanding of plant-insect interactions.&nbsp;



Salzman, a postdoctoral National Science Foundation fellow in the School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Biology Section at Cornell, stated: "The world of plant-insect interactions was drastically changed by the work that was done on visual and scent cues."&nbsp;



“We’re just starting to realize how many other factors are playing a role in plant reproduction and impacting insect decision making, pollination and success.”



<h2 id="h-humidity-had-previously-been-considered-a-byproduct">Humidity had previously been considered a byproduct</h2>



Co-author and PhD candidate Ajinkya Dahake led an earlier study, published in Nature Communications, that identified humidity as a signal encouraging hawkmoths to pollinate the sacred datura flower (Datura wrightii). These combined studies underline the active use of humidity by two vastly distinct plants to encourage pollination.



“Prior to our research, humidity was seen as just an outcome of evaporation of nectar, a side note. What we’ve found is that this is an active process of the flower, coming through specialized cells, and these organisms may even have evolved to privilege this humidity release, because it attracts pollinators," explained Dahake.&nbsp;



Previously, research into plant-insect interactions and pollination largely targeted visual and scent cues – markers that humans can also perceive. However, insects are significantly more proficient than humans at detecting changes in factors like humidity, carbon dioxide, and temperature, according to Salzman.



<h2 id="h-still-much-more-to-learn">Still much more to learn</h2>



In light of the ongoing climate crisis, which is directly affecting these elements, Salzman said, “It’s crucial that we understand how insects utilize all of that information in their interactions with plants.”&nbsp;



This information could potentially assist farmers and food distributors to encourage pollination of crops, or to direct insects away from stored foods towards traps.



Dahake explained that while humans require substantial changes in humidity to notice a difference, insects can detect minute changes.&nbsp;



“Insects have specialized receptors that respond to very small changes in humidity: Even a change of 0.2% to 0.3% will cause a neuron to fire," said Dahake. "Even a one part per million change in carbon dioxide concentration will cause an insect neuron response."&nbsp;



The implication of these findings on insect behavior is still a matter of ongoing research.



<h2 id="h-more-about-pollination">More about pollination</h2>



Pollination is a crucial biological process for the reproduction of most flowering plants, including many crops that make up a significant proportion of our diet. It is essentially the transfer of pollen from the male parts of a flower (the stamens) to the female part (the pistil) of the same species. This process allows fertilization and the production of seeds, ensuring that a new generation of plants can be born.



<h3 id="h-types-of-pollination">Types of Pollination:&nbsp;</h3>



Pollination occurs in two main types:



<h4 id="h-self-pollination">Self-Pollination</h4>



In self-pollination, pollen grains are transferred from the stamen to the pistil of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This method of pollination doesn't promote genetic diversity but guarantees reproduction in isolated areas or harsh conditions where cross-pollination may not be possible.



<h4 id="h-cross-pollination">Cross-Pollination</h4>



This process involves the transfer of pollen from the stamen of one flower to the pistil of another flower on a different plant of the same species. Cross-pollination encourages genetic diversity, leading to stronger, more resilient plant populations.



<h3 id="h-mechanisms-of-pollination">Mechanisms of Pollination:&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-animal-pollination">Animal Pollination</h4>



Many plants rely on animals, such as bees, butterflies, bats, and birds, to carry their pollen to other plants. The animals are usually attracted by the plant's colorful petals, scent, or the promise of nectar. As they feed, pollen sticks to their bodies and is transported to the next flower they visit. Some plants have evolved alongside specific pollinators, leading to unique floral adaptations that make it easier for these pollinators to access their nectar and pollen.



<h4 id="h-wind-pollination">Wind Pollination</h4>



Some plants rely on the wind to carry their pollen to other plants. These plants usually have small, inconspicuous flowers and produce large quantities of lightweight pollen. Common examples include grasses, corn, wheat, and many trees.



<h4 id="h-water-pollination">Water Pollination</h4>



Although less common, some plants use water as a medium to transfer pollen. This mechanism is primarily seen in aquatic plants.



<h3 id="h-importance-of-pollination">Importance of Pollination:</h3>



Pollination is crucial to the food supply. According to the <a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en">Food and Agricultural Organization</a> (FAO), more than 75 percent of the world’s food crops rely to some extent on animal pollination. Additionally, pollinators contribute to crop quality, increasing the market value of many agricultural products.



Pollination is also vital for maintaining biodiversity in natural ecosystems. The mutualistic relationships between plants and their pollinators have led to the evolution of diverse species and complex ecosystems.



However, pollinators worldwide are under threat due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and disease. The decline in pollinator populations poses a serious risk to global food security and biodiversity. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve pollinator species to ensure the sustainability of our food supply and the health of our ecosystems.



—--



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Pollinators are not just attracted to plants by scent, but also by humidity

The significance of humidity in luring pollinators to plants has...

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Endangered Species Day: Millions of species share the Earth with humans, and they need our help

Endangered Species are any type of organism that is threatened...

To investigate ocean currents, scientists usually release GPS-tagged buoys and record their velocities to reconstruct the currents that carry them. This recorded data can also be used to identify areas in which water rises up from below the surface or sinks beneath it (phenomena known as “divergences”).&nbsp;



By accurately predicting currents and identifying divergences, experts can more precisely forecast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-animals-are-most-affected-by-extreme-weather/">weather</a>, measure energy transfer rates in the ocean, or estimate how oil will spread after a spill.&nbsp;



Until recently, scientists have largely used a machine-learning technique known as a “Gaussian process” to estimate currents and pinpoint divergences.&nbsp;



Although this method is able to make predictions even in cases when data is sparse, it frequently starts from assumptions that are physically inaccurate, such as that the latitude and longitude components of a current are unrelated. For instance, this model assumes that a current’s divergence and its vorticity (a whirling motion of the water) operate on the same magnitude and length scales –an assumption that ocean scientists know is not true.



To overcome these limitations, a team of computer scientists and oceanographers led by the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) has recently developed a new model which incorporates knowledge from fluid dynamics to better reflect the physics structuring ocean currents.&nbsp;



Using what is known as a “Helmholtz decomposition,” the new method models ocean currents by breaking them into a vorticity component. This captures the water’s whirling motion, and a divergence component, which captures water sinking or rising.&nbsp;



Although this technique is more computationally intensive, its additional costs will be relatively small. Furthermore, it would help scientists make more accurate estimates from buoy data, enabling them to effectively monitor the transportation of biomass, carbon, plastics, nutrients, and oil in the ocean, and to better understand and track the effects on climate change on currents.



“Our method captures the physical assumptions more appropriately and more accurately. In this case, we know a lot of the physics already. We are giving the model a little bit of that information so it can focus on learning the things that are important to us, like what are the currents away from the buoys, or what is this divergence and where is it happening,” explained senior author Tamara Broderick, an associate professor of Computer Science at MIT.



By evaluating this new model using both synthetic and real ocean buoy data from the Gulf of Mexico, the researchers showed that their method was more accurate in predicting currents and identifying divergences than both the standard Gaussian process and another machine-learning approach which used a neural network.&nbsp;



For instance, in a simulation including a vortex adjacent to an ocean current, the new technique correctly predicted no divergence, while both other methods predicted a divergence with very high confidence. A pre-print of the study can be found <a href="https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2302.10364">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;



In future research, the scientists plan to incorporate a time element into their model (since ocean currents can vary over both space and time), and better capture how noise - such as that produced by wind - can impact the data.



“Our hope is to take this noisily observed field of velocities from the buoys, and then say what is the actual divergence and actual vorticity, and predict away from those buoys, and we think that our new technique will be helpful for this,”&nbsp;Broderick concluded.



<h2 id="h-why-is-it-important-to-study-ocean-currents">Why is it important to study ocean currents?</h2>



Studying ocean currents is crucial for many reasons. They play a significant role in controlling the climate, determining marine life distribution, shaping human activity, and more. Here's a breakdown of why we study them:



<h3 id="h-climate-regulation">Climate Regulation</h3>



Ocean currents distribute heat around the planet, helping to regulate climate. For example, the Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up to the North Atlantic, moderating the climate in Western Europe. Understanding these currents allows scientists to make accurate climate predictions and models.



<h3 id="h-biodiversity-and-ecosystems">Biodiversity and Ecosystems</h3>



Ocean currents impact the distribution of nutrients, which in turn affects where marine organisms can live and thrive. Currents can carry nutrient-rich cold water to the surface in a process called upwelling, supporting biodiversity hotspots. By studying ocean currents, we gain insights into marine ecosystems and the factors influencing their health and biodiversity.



<h3 id="h-navigation-and-shipping">Navigation and Shipping</h3>



For centuries, mariners have used ocean currents to help in navigation. Understanding ocean currents can lead to more efficient shipping routes, saving time and fuel.



<h3 id="h-pollution-dispersion">Pollution Dispersion</h3>



When spills or leaks occur (like oil spills), ocean currents help determine where the pollution will spread. By modeling these currents, we can predict the movements of such pollutants and devise better clean-up strategies.



<h3 id="h-fisheries-management">Fisheries Management</h3>



Many commercial fish species follow particular ocean currents during their life cycles. Knowing these patterns helps in managing and protecting these fisheries.



<h3 id="h-weather-prediction">Weather Prediction</h3>



Ocean currents play a role in weather systems. For example, El Niño, a warm ocean current, affects weather patterns around the globe. Understanding these currents can contribute to more accurate weather forecasting.



<h3 id="h-climate-change-study">Climate Change Study</h3>



Ocean currents are expected to change with climate change, affecting global weather patterns, sea levels, and marine life. Studying them helps us understand the impacts of climate change and guide mitigation strategies.



<h3 id="h-marine-archeology-and-history">Marine Archeology and History</h3>



Currents also impact the dispersion of artifacts from shipwrecks, offering clues into historical events and lost civilizations.



Overall, understanding ocean currents is crucial to a wide array of fields, including climate science, biology, navigation, conservation, and more.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Machine learning can more accurately predict ocean currents

To investigate ocean currents, scientists usually release GPS-tagged buoys and...

Methane emissions play a very large role in climate change. In the fight against global warming, a recent study by <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/">Queen Mary University of London</a> (QMUL) reveals a shocking fact. The experts report that only around 13 percent of global methane emissions are currently regulated. 



Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is responsible for at least 25 percent of the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-endured-rapid-global-warming-300-million-years-ago/">warming</a> we're experiencing today.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2023.04.009">One Earth</a>, this comprehensive global review uncovers not only the shortage of regulations, but also raises questions about the efficacy of existing policies.&nbsp;



A significant concern is that many policy decisions are based on methane emission estimations that may not accurately represent reality, potentially downplaying the severity of the problem.



<h2 id="h-urgent-action-needed">Urgent action needed</h2>



In no uncertain terms, the QMUL researchers emphasize the urgent need for increased regulation and improved understanding of their impact, particularly in the context of meeting global climate targets. They propose a global, consistent approach that relies on accurate quantification and reporting, which could open up fresh avenues to substantially cut global warming levels.



To achieve the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global temperature increase to 1.5°C, we must reduce man-made methane emissions by at least 40-45% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.&nbsp;



Reducing methane is not only a cost-effective strategy for tackling global warming, but it also offers the added benefit of improving air quality. Alarmingly, methane emissions have been rising faster in recent years than at any point since the 1980s.



<h2 id="h-study-reviewed-global-methane-emissions-policies">Study reviewed global methane emissions policies</h2>



The QMUL study provides the first systematic review of methane policies across major man-made emission sources, including agriculture, energy, and waste.&nbsp;



Researchers scrutinized 281 policies worldwide, of which 255 are currently active. They examined the policies' geographical reach, strength, and effectiveness in monitoring and reducing methane emissions.



The study found that three regions have adopted 90 percent of the identified national policies: North America (39%), Europe (30%), and Asia Pacific (21%).&nbsp;



Globally, there has been a gradual increase in methane policies since 1974. However, policies targeting fossil methane emissions, such as those from coal, oil, and gas sectors, are generally less stringent than those aimed at biogenic methane sources, especially in the waste sector.



In regions where fossil methane policies are in place, there are still opportunities for further mitigation. For instance, reducing emissions along supply chains, like emissions from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier ships, could have a significant impact. This possibility was explored by a team of QMUL researchers led by Dr. Balcombe.



A significant hurdle in controlling methane emissions is the accurate identification and quantification of sources. Technological innovations, such as satellite monitoring, can offer invaluable assistance in this area. They could aid policymakers in measuring and verifying emissions, ensuring compliance, and detecting super-emitters.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-feedback-and-commentary-from-the-research-team">Feedback and commentary from the research team</h2>



If we introduce policies with broader coverage, include mitigation solutions for major sources, and set measurable goals, we could significantly reduce methane emissions and slow down global warming.



Maria Olczak, lead researcher on this project from Queen Mary University of London, said:&nbsp;“Methane reduction is still perceived as a choice rather than a necessary step alongside CO2 reduction to combat global warming. And with so many different sources, there needs to be stronger social support and the political will to act.



“Our review highlights the value of setting policies that are predictable and clear for the industry. They will aid effective investment decisions aligned with the long-term climate mitigation goals, including the decrease in emission intensity and in production across developed and developing economies.”



Dr Paul Balcombe, study author and senior lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Queen Mary, said:&nbsp;“It’s shocking to see that most methane emissions aren’t regulated when they contribute heavily to global warming today, although accurately monitoring emissions is not easy. Our chances of reaching global climate targets are slim if this goes unchecked.



“The good news is that there’s an enormous opportunity to limit warming in the short term if we act fast to get on top of methane emissions. We urgently need tighter regulation on better monitoring of methane and concrete actions towards reduction measures.”



Andris Piebalgs, study author, part-time Professor at the Florence School of Regulation and a former EU Commissioner for Energy, said:&nbsp;“Over the last few years, we have seen growing attention to methane thanks to multilateral initiatives such as the International Methane Emissions Observatory and the Global Methane Pledge."



"The European Union and the US EPA are now working to finalise ambitious regulations targeting methane emissions in the energy sector. I hope that the upcoming COP28 and the first Global Stocktake will make the policymakers across the world realise that methane mitigation is an effective way to enhance their climate commitments.”



<h2 id="h-more-about-methane-emissions">More about methane emissions</h2>



Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas, and it is the simplest hydrocarbon in the alkane series. It's a key component of natural gas and a significant contributor to climate change. Here are some important facts about methane:



<h3 id="h-natural-and-man-made-sources">Natural and Man-made Sources</h3>



Methane is produced both naturally and by human activity. Natural sources include wetlands, termites, oceans, and wildfires. Man-made sources include energy production (like coal mining, oil extraction, and natural gas systems), waste treatment, biomass burning, and livestock farming (where it's a byproduct of the digestive process in ruminants like cows).



<h3 id="h-greenhouse-gas">Greenhouse Gas</h3>



Methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Although it's less prevalent in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2), it is much more effective at trapping heat. Over a 100-year period, the global warming potential (GWP) of methane is 25 times greater than that of CO2. This means that, pound for pound, methane warms the planet 25 times more than CO2 over a century.



<h3 id="h-shorter-atmospheric-lifespan">Shorter Atmospheric Lifespan</h3>



Methane has a relatively short lifespan in the atmosphere, around 10-12 years, compared to CO2, some of which can persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years. However, when methane breaks down, it forms ground-level ozone, another harmful air pollutant.



<h3 id="h-climate-change-connection-to-methane-emissions">Climate Change Connection to Methane Emissions</h3>



Methane emissions contribute significantly to global warming and climate change. Human activities, especially the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, along with agriculture, are the major sources of methane emissions.



<h3 id="h-use-as-energy-source">Use as Energy Source</h3>



As the main component of natural gas, methane is a widely used energy source. It's burned to produce heat and electricity, and used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.



<h3 id="h-methane-hydrates">Methane Hydrates</h3>



Methane can be found in a solid form called methane hydrates or clathrates, which are ice-like structures found in deep sea floors and Arctic permafrost. They represent a vast potential energy source but also a potential source of large methane emissions if destabilized by warming.



<h3 id="h-mitigation-strategies-for-methane-emissions">Mitigation Strategies for Methane Emissions</h3>



Strategies for reducing methane emissions include improving the efficiency of coal mining and gas systems, promoting waste management, reducing methane emissions from livestock, and improving the handling and use of manure.



<h3 id="h-role-in-chemistry-and-industry">Role in Chemistry and Industry</h3>



Methane is a starting material in the production of many chemicals, including hydrogen, methanol, and synthetic hydrocarbons. It's also used in the production of polymers and resins.



<h3 id="h-methanogenesis-and-methanotrophs">Methanogenesis and Methanotrophs</h3>



Methanogenesis is a form of anaerobic respiration used by microbes called methanogens, which produce methane. Conversely, methanotrophs are bacteria that use methane as their carbon and energy source, helping to limit the release of methane into the atmosphere.



In sum, while methane is a critical energy source and industrial chemical, its role as a potent greenhouse gas necessitates careful management and reduction strategies to combat climate change.



—-



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Alarming fact: only 13% of methane emissions are actively monitored

Methane emissions play a very large role in climate change....

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A team of researchers led by the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/">University of Florida</a> (UF) has recently found that, as woody plants such as trees or shrubs replace grasses, spot fires can occur farther away from the original fire perimeter. This so-called “woody encroachment” is becoming a significant problem not only in grasslands, but also in wetlands and savannahs.



During the past decade, over 61,000 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-ultimately-benefit-plant-and-animal-diversity/">wildfires</a> have decimated about 7.2 million acres annually. Once wildfires start spreading, extinguishing them is challenging due to issues such as spot fires, where winds carry lofted sparks and ignite new fires outside the original fire perimeter. Moreover, the greater the potential spot fire distance, the more difficult it becomes to monitor, control, and suppress wildfires.



“Spot fires are one of the most common reasons why houses burn in a wildfire,” said lead author Victoria Donovan, an assistant professor of Forest Management at UF, who conducted this study as a researcher at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a>. 



“It’s not typically because the flames from wildfire reach a house, but that embers from that fire land on roofs, travel through home ventilation systems, or land on other combustible material on or near the home, and ignite the house from there. They’re a big concern for structural damage.”



Donovan and her colleagues examined three phases of wood encroachment: a largely grassland area, a grassland with new forested growth, and a dense forest. By using a mathematical fire simulation program and taking into account the various conditions in the Loess Canyons Experimental Landscape in south Nebraska, they found that prescribed fires – which are often used in Florida to keep woody plant growth under control – could contribute to a significant reduction of spot fires.&nbsp;



“Our study shows that the risk of spot fire is much lower when you’re burning under the weather conditions used for prescribed fire, regardless of encroachment phase, compared to waiting for the potentially more extreme conditions we can see during wildfires,” Donovan said. “This tells us that using prescribed fire early to control encroachment and reduce fuel load is a lot safer than waiting for a wildfire to occur.”



Moreover, the investigation revealed that it is not only spot fire distance that increases wildfire risk from woody plants. Another major problem is that shrubs and trees can grow much taller than grasses. 



“Think about putting out your campfire on the ground by pouring water on it, and compare that to trying to put out a fire a couple stories above you,” Donovan explained.



The concerns this study highlights are universal and show marked similarities regardless of the type of land where the wildfires occur. In Florida, for example, fire suppression has led to a massive encroachment of shrubs, creating dense forest stands that are very different from the open savannah systems in which more wildfires occurred in the past.



Although Florida has recently become a model for prescribed fires, there is still a high degree of hesitancy among some private landowners. However, using prescribed fire as a controlling process for woody encroachment remains less risky than allowing the encroachments and waiting for wildfires to occur.



“Across the country, data has shown that fire is inevitable. Using prescribed fire allows us to decide what we want a lot of that fire to look like,” Donovan concluded. The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0283816">PLoS ONE</a>.



<h2 id="h-wildfires-and-climate-change">Wildfires and climate change</h2>



Wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, but they have become more destructive in recent decades, and this trend is partially attributed to climate change. Here's how climate change is contributing to an increase in wildfires:



<h3 id="h-warmer-temperatures">Warmer Temperatures</h3>



Climate change has led to increased temperatures and earlier spring melt. This results in hotter, drier conditions that can prolong fire seasons. Additionally, warmer temperatures aid the spread of pests like the pine beetle, which can kill trees and create more potential fuel for fires.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-precipitation">Changes in Precipitation</h3>



While some areas are experiencing increased rainfall, others are becoming drier due to shifts in weather patterns caused by climate change. In areas that are becoming drier, these changes can contribute to drought conditions that make forests more susceptible to severe wildfires.



<h3 id="h-increased-lightning-activity">Increased Lightning Activity</h3>



Warmer conditions can lead to more thunderstorms, which in turn increase the likelihood of lightning – a major cause of wildfires.



<h3 id="h-stronger-winds">Stronger Winds</h3>



Climate change can also cause changes in wind patterns, and high winds can help spread wildfires.



The relationship between wildfires and climate change is a kind of positive feedback loop. On one hand, climate change creates conditions that can increase the risk of wildfires.&nbsp;



On the other hand, wildfires themselves can contribute to climate change. They release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) - a greenhouse gas - into the atmosphere, thereby exacerbating global warming. Moreover, when forests that act as carbon sinks are destroyed by fires, they are unable to absorb CO2, further compounding the problem.



Mitigating climate change, therefore, could help reduce the risk of future wildfires. This would involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions through actions like shifting towards renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and protecting and restoring forests.&nbsp;



Adaptation measures, such as better land management practices and the development of more fire-resistant infrastructure, could also help communities become more resilient to wildfires.



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By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Wildfires spread farther where woody plants replace grasses

A team of researchers led by the University of Florida...

Scientists at the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/">University of Cambridge</a> have broken new ground, ushering in a new era of green energy. The researchers have unveiled a cutting-edge solar-powered technology that transforms carbon dioxide and water into liquid fuels.&nbsp;



The real game changer here is that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-emissions-can-be-turned-into-clean-fuels/">fuels</a> can directly power a car's engine without any modifications - a so-called "drop-in" fuel.



This innovative technology leverages photosynthesis, the natural process through which plants convert sunlight into energy. It manages to replicate this process, using the sun's power to turn CO2 and water into multicarbon fuels. These fuels, ethanol and propanol, pack a high energy density, and the bonus is that they're also simple to store and transport.



<h2 id="h-zero-net-carbon-emissions-thanks-to-photosynthesis">Zero net carbon emissions thanks to photosynthesis</h2>



There's an important difference between these solar fuels and their fossil fuel counterparts. The solar fuels developed by these researchers produce zero net carbon emissions - a critical factor in our fight against climate change.&nbsp;



They are fully renewable, and in contrast to the majority of bioethanol fuels, their production does not encroach on any agricultural land that could otherwise be used for food production.



Although this technology remains at the laboratory stage, it's seen as a significant step toward our departure from a fossil fuel-dependent economy. The groundbreaking findings are documented in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41560-023-01262-3">Nature Energy</a>.



<h2 id="h-breaking-free-of-biofuels">Breaking free of biofuels</h2>



Bioethanol has long been championed as a cleaner substitute for petrol, being plant-derived rather than reliant on fossil fuels. It's noteworthy that many cars and trucks on our roads today operate on petrol with an ethanol content of up to 10% (known as E10 fuel).&nbsp;



The United States holds the title as the world’s largest bioethanol producer. Around 45 percent of all corn grown in the US is dedicated to ethanol production, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.



However, biofuels like ethanol have not escaped controversy. "They take up agricultural land that could be used to grow food instead,” said Professor Erwin Reisner, who led the research.



Reisner and his team, based in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, have been working tirelessly for several years on developing sustainable, zero-carbon fuels. These are inspired by photosynthesis and utilize artificial leaves.



Prior to this breakthrough, these artificial leaves could only generate simple chemicals, such as syngas, a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide used in the manufacture of fuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fertilizers. The real challenge was to create more complex chemicals in a single step powered by the sun.



<h2 id="h-major-breakthrough-by-the-research-team">Major breakthrough by the research team</h2>



The team's latest accomplishment has been to adapt the artificial leaf to produce clean ethanol and propanol directly, bypassing the intermediate syngas production step.&nbsp;



This was made possible by developing a catalyst based on copper and palladium. This catalyst was specifically optimized to allow the artificial leaf to create these multi-carbon alcohols.



This achievement is a first. While other scientists have produced similar chemicals using electrical power, it's the first time that such complex chemicals have been produced with an artificial leaf harnessing only solar energy.



Dr. Motiar Rahaman, the paper's first author, expressed his excitement: “Shining sunlight on the artificial leaves and getting liquid fuel from carbon dioxide and water is an amazing bit of chemistry.”&nbsp;



He emphasized that their achievement of converting CO2 into a practical liquid fuel using only sunlight was a tremendous leap forward, one that opens up a whole new path in their work.



<h2 id="h-still-lots-of-work-to-be-done">Still lots of work to be done</h2>



As it stands, this device is a proof of concept, currently demonstrating only modest efficiency.&nbsp;



The experts are striving to improve the light absorbers for enhanced sunlight absorption and tweaking the catalyst for better sunlight to fuel conversion. Moreover, the device's scalability needs attention for it to produce fuel in larger volumes.



"Even though there's still work to be done, we've shown what these artificial leaves are capable of doing," said Reisner. He believes it’s vital to demonstrate that they can push beyond the production of the simplest molecules and generate materials that are directly useful in our transition away from fossil fuels.



This revolutionary research was funded in part by the European Commission Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, the Cambridge Trust, and the Winton Programme for the Physics of Sustainability.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-a-very-bright-future-for-clean-cars-thanks-to-sunlight">A very bright future for clean cars, thanks to sunlight</h2>



This groundbreaking work undertaken by the Cambridge team signals a promising future for renewable fuels. It's a major advancement in green energy research that could pave the way towards a future less reliant on fossil fuels.&nbsp;



While the technology is still in its early stages, its potential implications for combating climate change and promoting sustainable fuel production are truly exciting. As we continue to battle the effects of climate change, this pioneering work on solar fuels could be a critical piece of the puzzle in our quest for a cleaner, greener world.



<h2 id="h-more-about-clean-energy-and-zero-net-carbon-emissions">More about clean energy and zero net carbon emissions</h2>



Clean energy, also known as renewable energy, refers to energy produced from sources that do not deplete when used or those that naturally replenish within a human lifetime. These sources include wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and even certain forms of biomass.&nbsp;



As a result of their renewable nature, they have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional energy sources like coal, oil, and gas.



One of the most compelling arguments for the use of clean energy is its potential to help achieve zero net carbon emissions or carbon neutrality.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-the-importance-of-carbon-neutrality">The importance of carbon neutrality</h3>



Carbon neutrality means balancing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere with an equivalent amount of CO2 sequestered or offset, or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference. In essence, it’s when the net amount of carbon dioxide emissions (emissions minus offsets) equals zero.



Why is achieving carbon neutrality important? Well, carbon dioxide is one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming and climate change. An excess of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere traps heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures—a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.



Clean energy technologies play a crucial role in achieving zero net carbon emissions. For example, solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, and wind turbines generate power from wind flow. Both methods produce electricity without releasing CO2, unlike traditional fossil fuel power plants.



Further, when used for heating, cooling, and transportation – which together account for a large portion of global CO2 emissions – clean energy technologies can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and thereby lower greenhouse gas emissions.



<h3 id="h-achieving-energy-efficiency-through-clean-energy">Achieving energy efficiency through clean energy&nbsp;</h3>



It's worth noting that clean energy also involves energy efficiency. By optimizing how we use energy, we can achieve the same results with less, reducing the overall demand for energy and thereby contributing to lower emissions.



While transitioning to a clean energy future involves significant challenges – including technology and infrastructure development, costs, and policy and regulatory hurdles – the long-term benefits for our environment, health, and economy make it a compelling goal.&nbsp;



This is the context in which the work by the researchers at the University of Cambridge, as well as many other scientists worldwide, takes on such importance. These efforts represent vital steps towards creating sustainable and scalable solutions for clean energy and achieving zero net carbon emissions.



—-



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Breakthrough: Sunshine will soon power your car instead of gasoline

Scientists at the University of Cambridge have broken new ground,...

The resurgence of apex predators and wolf populations across the continental United States, a result of measures under the Endangered Species Act, has been a hot topic among conservationists. While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-wolves-headed-to-south-carolina-from-ohio/">wolves</a>, along with other apex predators, have been recognized for their role in keeping smaller predator species in check, new research now reveals an unexpected facet of this ecological dance.



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf2472">Science</a> on May 18, reveals that in Washington state, the dual presence of apex predators – wolves and cougars – does regulate populations of mesopredators, such as bobcats and coyotes.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-surprising-discoveries">Surprising discoveries</h2>



However, the twist in the tale lies in the fact that these apex predators were not found to be the primary cause of mortality among the mesopredators.



Instead of falling prey to the fangs and claws of their larger counterparts, the bobcats and coyotes were driven into areas with higher human activity. The consequences were inevitable - it was the humans who ended up playing the grim reaper.



The study was led by wildlife ecologist Laura Prugh and her collaborative team from the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/">University of Washington</a>, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that bobcats and coyotes were more than three times as likely to die from human activities, such as hunting or trapping, than from encounters with cougars and wolves.



This revelation provides a stark illustration of how humanity's ever-expanding footprint is significantly altering interactions among wildlife species.&nbsp;



"When cougars and wolves moved into an area, coyotes and bobcats employed a specific strategy to avoid apex predators by moving into more human-impacted regions," explained Professor Prugh.



"That indicated to us that coyotes and bobcats likely perceived these large carnivores as a greater threat to them than people. But when we looked at causes of mortality for the mesopredators, humans were by far the largest cause of death.”



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



For the investigation, the researchers embarked on a five-year journey, from winter 2017 to summer 2022, tracking the activity of 22 wolves, 60 cougars, 35 coyotes, and 37 bobcats in two study areas in north-central and northeastern Washington as part of the Washington Predator-Prey Project.&nbsp;



They used GPS collars to monitor the animals across a diverse landscape comprising national forests, camping, hunting, and fishing recreational areas, as well as lands devoted to agriculture, timber harvesting, ranching, and residential use.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-about-apex-predators">What the researchers learned about apex predators</h2>



The study revealed a fascinating shift in animal behavior. When wolves or cougars moved into their region, bobcats and coyotes altered their movements to avoid them.&nbsp;



"Coyotes and bobcats started using areas that had twice as much human influence compared to where they were before the large carnivores moved in," said Prugh.



Further, upon investigating the causes of death for any animals tracked during the study, the team found that areas with high human activity were far more lethal for mesopredators than those with a lesser human presence.



For instance, of the 24 coyotes that died during the study, over half were killed by humans. Similarly, humans were responsible for half of the 22 bobcat deaths recorded. Some mesopredators were shot after preying on livestock, others were targeted for threatening poultry.



In a nutshell, human activities accounted for three to four times more mesopredator deaths in this study than the apex predators – wolves and cougars.



<h2 id="h-no-urgent-need-for-action">No urgent need for action</h2>



Interestingly, the study doesn't signal immediate danger for the overall populations of bobcats and coyotes, which rank among the most widespread mesopredators in North America. Neither are endangered, and coyotes especially are highly adaptable to human presence.&nbsp;



However, Professor Prugh warns that not all mesopredator species share this resilience. Some reproduce more slowly, while others may be vulnerable in multiple ways to human activities. For example, rodent poisons used in pest control can be lethal for fishers, another type of mesopredator.



Looking forward, researchers need to investigate how mesopredators use space and resources in areas with high human activity. They should also explore the potential risks these shifts pose to humans. "These are not trivial shifts in territory or space. There are real consequences," said Professor Prugh.



<h2 id="h-human-shield-hypothesis">Human shield hypothesis</h2>



The study also sheds new light on the "human shield hypothesis," a working theory in wildlife-human interactions. This hypothesis suggests that prey species move to areas with higher human activity due to the presence of predators.&nbsp;



Instances of this behavior can be seen in Yellowstone National Park, where elk have moved near hiking trails, typically avoided by wolves and other large carnivores.



However, the human impact in areas like Yellowstone is typically less compared to other recreational spaces or farming, grazing, and residential developments. This has prompted scientists to question the efficacy of humans as a "shield" in such environments.



"In these areas with higher levels of human activity, it was unknown whether a mesopredator would perceive the apex predator or humans as the greater threat," Prugh said.&nbsp;



"Here, we found that bobcats and coyotes perceived their apex predators as the greater threat, but their strategy of avoiding those large carnivores backfired by bringing them into contact with a much more effective predator: us."



<h2 id="h-apex-predators-and-humans-a-complex-relationship">Apex predators and humans - a complex relationship</h2>



The research presents a sobering reminder of our role in reshaping wildlife interactions. As apex predators continue to reclaim their former habitats, our growing human footprint also modifies these ecosystems.&nbsp;



Balancing our presence with the needs of these animals becomes an ever more pressing issue. The dance between apex predators, mesopredators, and humans continues to play out, and only time will tell where this dynamic interaction will lead us.



The research was funded by the National Science Foundation, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Australia Fulbright Program.



<h2 id="h-more-about-mesopredators">More about mesopredators</h2>



A "mesopredator" is a term used in the science of ecology to identify medium-sized, mid-ranking predators that are not apex predators. This category includes a broad variety of species across numerous animal groups, which can vary according to the specific ecosystem and food web under consideration.



Generally speaking, mesopredators are small to medium-sized carnivores that occupy an intermediate trophic level in food webs. Examples of mesopredators include raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes in North America, or jackals and servals in Africa. In aquatic environments, mesopredators might include certain species of sharks or large fish.



One crucial role of mesopredators in an ecosystem is controlling the populations of smaller animals, usually herbivores or omnivores, which they prey upon. This relationship can help maintain a balance and biodiversity in the ecosystem.



However, the population and behavior of mesopredators are often controlled by larger predators, or apex predators. In ecosystems where apex predators have been removed or their populations significantly reduced (often due to human activity), mesopredators can become overabundant.&nbsp;



<h3 id="h-complex-relationship-with-humans">Complex relationship with humans</h3>



This situation, referred to as "mesopredator release," can lead to declines in the prey species and overall biodiversity loss. For example, in the absence of wolves (an apex predator), coyote (a mesopredator) populations can increase, leading to declines in smaller mammal and bird populations.



Furthermore, as demonstrated in the study discussed earlier, mesopredators can have complex relationships with humans.&nbsp;



Some mesopredators have adapted well to human-dominated environments and can live in close proximity to human settlements (e.g., urban foxes or coyotes). However, this proximity can also make them more susceptible to threats such as vehicle collisions, hunting, trapping, or poisoning.



In terms of reproduction and survival rates, mesopredators can vary widely. Some species, like coyotes, can quickly adapt to a variety of environments and have relatively high reproduction rates, enabling their populations to sustain despite threats. In contrast, other mesopredators may reproduce more slowly or be more vulnerable to human activities, potentially leading to population declines in certain areas.



Overall, mesopredators play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. Understanding their behavior, interactions with other species, and responses to human activity is essential for effective wildlife management and conservation strategies.



—-



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Coyotes move into towns to avoid apex predators, only to be killed by humans

The resurgence of apex predators and wolf populations across the...

In a landmark study published today in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abo2812">Science</a>, experts warn that over half of the world's largest lakes are experiencing water loss. As expected, the primary culprits are a warming climate and unsustainable human consumption patterns.



Fangfang Yao, the lead author of the study and a visiting fellow at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), now a climate fellow at the University of Virginia, offers a silver lining amid the alarming data.&nbsp;



“This is the first comprehensive assessment of trends and drivers of global lake water storage variability based on an array of satellites and models,” says Yao.



Yao's motivation to conduct the research originated from witnessing environmental crises in some of the planet's largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-water-is-the-key-to-a-long-and-healthy-life/">water</a> bodies, such as the drying of the Aral Sea situated between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



To measure changes in water levels in almost 2,000 of the world's largest lakes and reservoirs, Yao teamed up with colleagues from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/">University of Colorado Boulder</a>, Kansas State University, France, and Saudi Arabia. These bodies of water account for 95 percent of the total lake water storage on Earth.



The researchers created an innovative technique that combines three decades of satellite observations with models to track and explain changes in lake storage on a global scale.&nbsp;



Freshwater lakes and reservoirs store 87 percent of Earth's water, underscoring their importance to both human and natural ecosystems. Despite their significance, these lakes have been under-monitored compared to rivers, even though they supply more water to human communities.



“Until now, our understanding of long-term trends and changes to water levels has been largely limited," said study co-author Professor Balaji Rajagopalan. “We are able to provide insights into global lake level changes with a broader perspective using this novel method,” he adds.



The team used a quarter of a million snapshots of lake areas captured by satellites from 1992 to 2020 to survey the area of 1,972 of Earth's biggest lakes. They combined recent water level measurements with long-term area measurements to reconstruct the volume of lakes dating back decades.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The findings are sobering: 53 percent of lakes worldwide have seen a reduction in water storage. This loss equates to the volume of 17 Lake Meads, the largest reservoir in the United States.



To unpack these trends in natural lakes, Yao and his team drew on the latest advances in water use and climate modeling. Both climate change and human water consumption were found to be primarily responsible for the global net decline in natural lake volume, as well as water losses in about 100 large lakes.



“Many of the human and climate change footprints on lake water losses were previously unknown, such as the desiccations of Lake Good-e-Zareh in Afghanistan and Lake Mar Chiquita in Argentina,” said Yao.



Worryingly, lakes in both dry and humid regions globally are losing volume. This loss in humid tropical lakes and Arctic lakes indicates a broader drying trend than previously acknowledged.



<h2 id="h-the-team-also-studied-reservoirs">The team also studied reservoirs</h2>



In addition to studying natural lakes, Yao and his colleagues examined water storage trends in reservoirs. They discovered that almost two-thirds of Earth's large reservoirs have undergone substantial water losses.



“Sedimentation dominated the global storage decline in existing reservoirs," noted study co-author Professor Ben Livneh. For reservoirs established before 1992, sedimentation was found to be more impactful than either droughts or years of heavy rainfall.



However, not all lakes are shrinking. The study shows that 24 percent of global lakes have witnessed significant increases in water storage.&nbsp;



These expanding lakes are primarily located in underpopulated areas, such as the inner Tibetan Plateau and Northern Great Plains of North America, and in regions with new reservoirs, such as the Yangtze, Mekong, and Nile river basins.



The study's authors estimate that approximately 2 billion people, or roughly one-quarter of the world's population, live in the basins of these drying lakes. This striking statistic underscores the urgent need to consider the impacts of human consumption, climate change, and sedimentation on water management strategies.



<h2 id="h-disturbing-results-lead-to-potential-solutions">Disturbing results lead to potential solutions</h2>



While the news seems concerning, the study's authors believe it could provide a pathway to potential solutions. According to Livneh, "If human consumption is a significant factor in lake water storage decline, then we can adapt and explore new policies to curb large-scale declines."



The team's research highlights one such success story: Lake Sevan in Armenia. Over the past two decades, Lake Sevan has witnessed an increase in water storage, a positive trend that the authors attribute to the enforcement of conservation laws restricting water withdrawal since the early 2000s.



In conclusion, the study marks a significant advancement in the understanding and tracking of global lake water storage trends. Though the results are worrying, they offer invaluable insights that could potentially guide policy changes and prompt more sustainable water use.&nbsp;



The findings underscore the urgent need for policymakers, water managers, and communities around the world to pay heed and take action to protect this critical resource and the vital ecosystems it supports.



<h2 id="h-more-about-climate-change-and-earth-s-freshwater-supply">More about climate change and Earth’s freshwater supply</h2>



Climate change is having a significant impact on Earth's freshwater supply in several ways. Here are some of the most notable effects:



<h3 id="h-changes-in-precipitation-patterns">Changes in Precipitation Patterns</h3>



Climate change is altering the global water cycle, which affects where, when, and how much precipitation falls. Areas that are dry may become drier, and places that are wet may become wetter or experience more intense rainfall leading to flooding. Both scenarios can have serious implications for freshwater availability.



<h3 id="h-rising-temperatures-and-increased-evaporation">Rising Temperatures and Increased Evaporation</h3>



As global temperatures rise due to climate change, evaporation rates also increase. This leads to a reduction in the amount of surface water in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, as well as groundwater in aquifers. Higher temperatures can also increase water demand from both humans and vegetation.



<h3 id="h-melting-glaciers-and-reduced-snowpack">Melting Glaciers and Reduced Snowpack</h3>



Many regions, particularly those in the western United States and parts of Asia, depend on runoff from snowmelt and glaciers for their freshwater supply. As global temperatures rise, glaciers are melting at an accelerated pace and winter snowpack is declining, leading to decreased water availability in spring and summer when it's most needed.



<h3 id="h-sea-level-rise-and-saltwater-intrusion">Sea-Level Rise and Saltwater Intrusion</h3>



As sea levels rise due to the melting of polar ice caps, saltwater can intrude into freshwater aquifers, particularly those near coasts. This phenomenon is known as saltwater intrusion and can contaminate drinking water supplies and agricultural lands, reducing the availability of freshwater for those purposes.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-ecosystem-health">Changes in Ecosystem Health</h3>



Climate change can impact the health of freshwater ecosystems. Higher water temperatures, changes in water flow, and increased prevalence of drought can stress or even kill fish, birds, and other wildlife that depend on freshwater habitats.



<h3 id="h-increased-frequency-and-severity-of-droughts">Increased Frequency and Severity of Droughts</h3>



Climate change is expected to make droughts more frequent and severe in certain regions, reducing the availability of freshwater.



All of these factors pose significant challenges to managing water resources effectively and ensuring a sustainable freshwater supply for both human and ecological needs. It highlights the urgent need for implementing water conservation measures and developing resilient water management strategies in the face of a changing climate.



—-



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Alarming study: Most of the world’s largest lakes are quickly losing water

In a landmark study published today in the journal Science,...

The global phenomenon of El Niño events - a warm band of ocean water stretching from South America to Asia - periodically disrupts worldwide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-anxiety-can-lead-to-climate-action/">climate</a> patterns. 



When it occurs, it often brings severe floods, destroys crops through drought, decimates fish populations, and increases the frequency of tropical diseases. This year, El Niño is expected to return.&nbsp;



A new study by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/">Dartmouth</a> researchers, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adf2983">Science</a>, suggests that the economic impact of this recurring climatic pattern extends well beyond the event itself. It could cause a lingering financial aftermath that lasts for years, potentially amounting to trillions of dollars in lost income worldwide.



<h2 id="h-el-nino-impacts-more-than-the-weather">El Niño impacts more than the weather</h2>



The Dartmouth study is a pioneering work in the field, offering an evaluation of El Niño's long-term costs. The projected losses it outlines far surpass previous estimations.



El Niño is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation - a natural fluctuation between warm and cold temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This cycle also includes the cooler La Niña phase.&nbsp;



El Niño events alter global weather patterns, generally resulting in a wetter, warmer winter for the West Coast of the US and a milder Atlantic hurricane season.



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



Over two years, the researchers scrutinized worldwide economic activity in the decades following the significant El Niño events of 1982-83 and 1997-98. They detected a "persistent signature" of slowed economic growth extending for over five years.&nbsp;



These two events led to global economic losses of $4.1 trillion and $5.7 trillion, respectively, in the subsequent half-decade. Most of this burden fell upon the world’s poorest nations located in the tropics.



Looking to the future, the researchers anticipate that global economic losses during the 21st century could reach a staggering $84 trillion. This figure takes into account the potential amplification of El Niño's frequency and strength due to climate change.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



Even if world leaders fulfill their current pledges to reduce carbon emissions, these predictions will remain the same. For instance, they estimate that the upcoming 2023 El Niño could constrain the global economy by up to $3 trillion by 2029.



Christopher Callahan, the lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate in geography at Dartmouth, shared that this research contributes to an ongoing discussion about society's resilience in the face of major climatic events like El Niño.



"We can say with certainty that societies and economies absolutely do not just take a hit and recover," said Callahan, explaining that the negative economic impact following an El Niño event could linger for up to 14 years, if not longer.



"In the tropics and places that experience the effects of El Niño, you get a persistent signature during which growth is delayed for at least five years." He emphasized the need to account for this prolonged impact when quantifying the financial cost of such events.



<h2 id="h-seeking-to-determine-the-economic-toll-of-climate-change">Seeking to determine the economic toll of climate change</h2>



Study senior author Professor Justin Mankin highlighted the significance of year-to-year climate variations in determining the economic toll of global warming. Even though these climate swings largely operate independently from global warming, they can either intensify or reduce its effects.



El Niño events, which Mankin calls the "trunk of the tree of climate variability," is the most significant source of year-to-year climate variation. It alters weather globally and leaves a substantial imprint on national economies.



Mankin argues that while world leaders and the public rightly focus on the consistent rise in global average temperature when discussing climate change, they must also consider El Niño.&nbsp;



"If you're estimating the costs of global warming without considering El Niño, then you are dramatically underestimating the costs of global warming," said Professor Mankin.



"Our welfare is affected by our global economy, and our global economy is tied to the climate." His research demonstrates that El Niño's effect on climate variation is incredibly costly, stagnating growth for years. This finding has led to cost estimates much larger than previous ones.



<h2 id="h-analysis-of-past-el-nino-events">Analysis of past El Niño events</h2>



According to Mankin and Callahan's analysis, the 1982-83 and 1997-98 El Niño events resulted in the gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States being approximately 3% lower in 1988 and 2003, respectively, than it would have been otherwise. In contrast, the GDPs of tropical coastal nations like Peru and Indonesia were more than 10% lower in the same years.



"The global pattern of El Niño's effect on the climate and the prosperity of different countries reflects the unequal distribution of wealth and climate risk - not to mention the responsibility for climate change - worldwide," Mankin said. He pointed out that El Niño magnifies existing climate change inequities, disproportionately affecting the least resilient and prepared among us.



According to Professor Mankin, the prolonged and substantial financial repercussions revealed by their research suggest that we are currently maladapted to our existing climate.&nbsp;



"Our accounting dramatically raises the cost estimate of doing nothing. We need to both mitigate climate change and invest more in El Niño prediction and adaptation because these events will only amplify the future costs of global warming.”



<h2 id="h-concerns-about-the-2023-el-nino-impact">Concerns about the 2023 El Niño impact</h2>



The El Niño predicted for 2023 is slated to arrive at a time of record-high sea-surface temperatures. Callahan noted that the last major El Niño event, which occurred in 2016, contributed to making that year the hottest in recorded history.



Since then, global warming has only intensified. Moreover, the world is now emerging from a prolonged La Niña phase, and these two phases can intensify each other. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a higher than 80% chance of El Niño setting in by late summer.



"The deck is potentially stacked for a really big El Niño," said Callahan. He suggests that there is likely to be a significant economic toll that depresses economic growth in tropical countries for potentially up to a decade. This could result in a global loss of trillions of dollars in productivity compared to a world without this El Niño.



<h2 id="h-more-about-el-nino">More about El Niño</h2>



El Niño is a naturally occurring climate pattern that involves changes in the temperature of waters in the central and eastern part of the tropical belt of the Pacific Ocean. Its full name, "El Niño Southern Oscillation" (ENSO), refers to the cycle of warm (El Niño) and cool (La Niña) phases this area undergoes.



During El Niño events, the ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific become significantly warmer than usual. This heating affects the atmospheric pressure patterns, leading to a reversal of the usual trade winds. 



Normally, these winds blow east to west, pushing warm water toward the western Pacific (near Asia). However, during El Niño, these winds weaken or even reverse, causing warm water to spread eastward toward South America.



The effects of El Niño are wide-ranging and global. Here are some of its potential impacts:



<h3 id="h-rainfall">Rainfall&nbsp;</h3>



Regions that are normally dry might receive heavy rainfall, leading to flooding. On the flip side, areas that typically have a wet climate may experience drought. For example, during El Niño events, countries like Peru and Ecuador often face heavy rain and flooding, while Australia and parts of Southeast Asia may experience drought.



<h3 id="h-temperature">Temperature&nbsp;</h3>



El Niño often causes above-average winter temperatures over western and northern Canada and over the western and northern United States. Simultaneously, it can lead to cooler than normal temperatures in the southeastern states of the U.S.



<h3 id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h3>



Changes in rainfall and temperature can significantly affect agricultural productivity. This can lead to food shortages, increased food prices, and economic problems, especially in countries heavily reliant on agriculture.



<h3 id="h-fisheries">Fisheries&nbsp;</h3>



El Niño can disrupt marine ecosystems. The warmer water temperature leads to a decline in nutrients, which causes a reduction in the marine food chain's productivity. This has a direct impact on the fishing industry, especially in South American countries where economies can be significantly affected.



<h3 id="h-health">Health</h3>



There can be health implications too. Increased rainfall in certain regions can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially leading to outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.



<h3 id="h-wildlife">Wildlife</h3>



Shifts in ocean temperatures and rainfall can also disrupt terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, impacting species distribution and behavior.



El Niño events typically occur every two to seven years and can last for up to a year or sometimes longer. They are part of a natural cycle and have been occurring for thousands of years. However, scientists are researching how climate change might impact the frequency and severity of El Niño events.



El Niño is followed by a phase called La Niña, characterized by cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific. This phase also has its own set of global impacts, often opposite to those of El Niño.



Predicting El Niño events and their intensity is an active area of scientific research. Improved prediction models can help countries better prepare for the potential environmental and socio-economic impacts.



—-



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El Niño events cost the global economy trillions of dollars

The global phenomenon of El Niño events - a warm...

Big,Ben,And,Shining,Orange,Sun,Heat,Wave,In,London

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/">University of Oxford</a> has found that climate change is causing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-index-is-greatly-underestimated-on-the-hottest-days/">hottest days</a> in North-West Europe to warm at double the rate of average summer days, particularly in England, Wales, and Northern France. The research suggests that extreme heat events – such as UK’s massive heatwave last summer – are likely to become more common in the near future.&nbsp;



Moreover, the experts discovered that although current climate models accurately predict the warming of average summer days, they greatly underestimate the rate at which the hottest days are warming compared to real-life observations.&nbsp;



“These findings underline the fact that the UK and neighboring countries are already experiencing the effects of climate change, and that last year’s heatwave was not a fluke. Policy makers urgently need to adapt their infrastructure and health systems to cope with the impacts of higher temperatures,” said study author Matthew Patterson, a postdoctoral fellow in Climate Dynamics at Oxford.



By analyzing data from the past 60 years (1960-2021) recording the maximum daily temperature (provided by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), Patterson discovered that while the maximum recorded temperature varied between years, the hottest days for North-West Europe had warmed at twice the rate of average summer days.&nbsp;



For instance, while average summer days temperatures in England and Wales increased by about 0.26C per decade, the temperatures in the hottest days increased by 0.58C per decade. This faster warming of the hottest days was not observed to this extent in other regions in the Northern Hemisphere.



According to Patterson, the reason causing this faster warming may be linked to hot air transported north from Spain. Since Spain is warming faster than countries in North-West Europe, the air carried in from this region is considerably hotter than the ambient air in the north.&nbsp;



One such phenomenon occurred in 2022, when a plume of hot air carried north from Spain and the Sahara led to massive heatwaves. However, further research is needed to verify these hypotheses.



“Understanding the warming rate of the hottest days will be important if we are to improve climate model simulation of extreme events and make accurate predictions about the future intensity of such events. If our models underestimate the rise in extreme temperatures over the coming decades, we will underestimate the impacts this will have,” Patterson concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL102757">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



<h2 id="h-global-warming-and-human-health">Global warming and human health</h2>



Global warming, a type of climate change, has significant potential impacts on human health, both directly and indirectly. These impacts can be categorized into several broad areas:



<h3 id="h-heat-related-illnesses-and-deaths">Heat-related illnesses and deaths</h3>



Rising temperatures can increase the likelihood of heat strokes, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with existing health conditions.



<h3 id="h-air-quality">Air quality</h3>



Warmer temperatures can increase the concentration of pollutants like ozone in the air, exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Additionally, higher temperatures can enhance the production of allergens such as pollen, leading to more severe and prolonged allergy seasons.



<h3 id="h-vector-borne-diseases">Vector-borne diseases</h3>



Warmer climates can extend the range of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, potentially leading to a rise in diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease, and Zika virus.



<h3 id="h-water-and-food-supply-impacts">Water and food supply impacts</h3>



Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect the availability and quality of water and food supplies. For example, droughts can lead to water shortages, and warmer temperatures can increase the risk of food contamination.



<h3 id="h-mental-health-impacts">Mental health impacts</h3>



The effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events, can lead to mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.



<h3 id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h3>



Global warming can increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These can directly cause injuries and deaths, as well as indirectly affect health by causing displacement, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting essential services such as healthcare.



To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to undertake both mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation strategies to prepare for and respond to the health risks associated with climate change.



<h2 id="h-rising-temperatures-and-wildlife">Rising temperatures and wildlife</h2>



Rising temperatures due to global warming can have profound impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. Here are several ways this can occur:



<h3 id="h-habitat-loss">Habitat Loss</h3>



One of the most significant impacts of rising temperatures is the potential for habitat loss. For instance, warmer temperatures are causing Arctic ice to melt, threatening species like polar bears and seals that depend on sea ice for survival. Similarly, warmer temperatures can also dry out wetlands, harm coral reefs, and lead to forest die-offs.



<h3 id="h-altered-timing-of-natural-events">Altered Timing of Natural Events</h3>



Many species rely on the timing of natural events, such as flowering or insect emergence, for survival. For example, birds may migrate and breed based on the length of daylight. If these patterns are disrupted by changing temperatures, it can lead to mismatches between animals and their food sources.



<h3 id="h-threat-to-cold-adapted-species">Threat to Cold-adapted Species</h3>



Species adapted to cold climates, such as penguins, snow leopards, and many species of fish, may struggle to survive as temperatures rise.



<h3 id="h-spread-of-diseases-and-invasive-species">Spread of Diseases and Invasive Species</h3>



Warmer temperatures can allow disease vectors and invasive species to move into new areas, impacting native wildlife. For example, warmer winters have allowed pine beetles to devastate North American forests they couldn't previously inhabit due to cold.



<h3 id="h-changes-in-food-availability">Changes in Food Availability</h3>



Changes in temperature can affect the availability of food sources for many species. For example, changes in sea temperature can affect the abundance and location of fish stocks, impacting the birds and mammals that rely on them for food.



<h3 id="h-species-distribution-and-migration">Species Distribution and Migration</h3>



Warmer temperatures can cause changes in species distribution and migration patterns. Some species may move to higher altitudes or latitudes to find cooler conditions, potentially leading to competition with other species.



In many cases, wildlife's ability to adapt to rising temperatures is hindered by other human impacts, such as habitat destruction and pollution. Therefore, efforts to protect wildlife from climate change often involve addressing these other threats as well.



—--



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Brutal effects of climate change have already arrived in the UK

A recent study led by the University of Oxford has...

At the beginning of 2023, the U.S. <a href="https://www.epa.gov/">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) proposed new rules for maximum allowable levels in drinking water for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Although these human-made so-called “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-are-raining-down-all-over-the-world/">forever chemicals</a>” have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products due to their unique properties, such as oil and water resistance, temperature resistance, and low friction, they can persist for a very long time in the environment, accumulate in the food chain, and lead to a number of health risks.



Unfortunately, according to a recent study led by the&nbsp;<a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/">Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences</a>&nbsp;(SEAS), in various sites across the U.S. – particularly in the vicinity of military bases – drinking water currently contains significantly higher levels of PFAS than EPA’s new guidance would allow.



PFAS are present in fire retardant foams which are widely used by the U.S. military for fire training drills and fighting fires in the form of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which is one of the largest sources of PFAS contamination in drinking water.&nbsp;



The problem with monitoring the levels of these chemicals in and around military bases stems from the fact that PFAS compounds come in two forms – a precursor and a terminal form. While the terminal compounds do not degrade under normal environmental conditions, the precursor ones are usually transformed through biological and environmental processes into terminal forms. 



Since the EPA’s draft drinking water rules are for six terminal compounds, they fail to take into account the massive presence of precursor compounds in military fire-retardant foams.



“Many PFAS precursors present in AFFF are difficult to measure. This work shows that they are slowly transforming into PFAS of health concern at AFFF-contaminated sites and contributing to downstream contamination,” said senior author Elsie Sunderland, a professor of Environmental Chemistry and Earth and Planetary Sciences at SEAS.&nbsp;



Since much of the PFAS at military sites consists of precursors which are omitted from standard analytical methods, Sunderland and her colleagues used a previously developed technique to capture all the precursors in AFFF and model the expected duration and contribution of these precursors to groundwater contamination. The analysis revealed that the contamination of two newly regulated PFAS chemicals - perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorbutane sulfonate (PFBS) – at a military base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts is sustained by microbial precursor transformation in the soil, from which they subsequently leak into groundwater in their terminal form at concentrations thousands of times higher than EPA’s safe threshold.&nbsp;



According to the experts, without urgent advances in remediation technology that are effective at cleaning both terminal and precursor compounds, widespread PFAS contamination of drinking water supplies at the Cape Cod military base, as well as possibly 300 other military facilities across the country, is likely to persist for centuries.



“The role of PFAS precursors in sustaining hazardous levels of contamination at Joint Base Cape Cod raises concern about whether exposure risks are underestimated near hundreds of other sites where they are not measured,” concluded lead author Bridger Ruyle, a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://carnegiescience.edu/">Carnegie Institution for Science</a> in California and former doctoral student in Sunderland’s lab.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.3c00675">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a>.



<h2 id="h-more-about-forever-chemicals">More about forever chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



"Forever chemicals" is a term used to describe a group of man-made chemicals that are highly persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and can accumulate over time. The most well-known and widely studied of these are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).



PFAS are a large group of more than 4,000 synthetic chemicals that are used in a wide variety of industries and products thanks to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These characteristics have led to their use in a wide array of products, including non-stick cookware and food packaging materials.



However, because PFAS don't readily break down in the environment, they can contaminate soil and water and then accumulate in wildlife and humans. Once in the body, they can stay for a long time and have been associated with a number of health concerns, including certain types of cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and issues with the immune system.



In recent years, there has been increasing concern about and attention to the environmental and health impacts of PFAS, leading to efforts to limit their use and improve their management. However, their wide use and persistence make this a significant challenge.



<h2 id="h-more-about-water-contamination">More about water contamination&nbsp;</h2>



Water contamination can occur due to various factors, including both natural and human activities. Natural contamination can occur due to the presence of minerals like arsenic or fluoride in the groundwater, for instance. On the other hand, human activities can lead to water contamination through industrial effluents, sewage discharge, agricultural runoff, and more.



When it comes to drinking water, PFAS contamination is a major concern. These chemicals can accumulate in water sources like rivers, lakes, or groundwater, eventually making their way into the water supply.&nbsp;



Several methods are available for the treatment and removal of PFAS from water, such as granular activated carbon (GAC), ion exchange resins, and high-pressure membrane systems like reverse osmosis. However, these technologies can be costly and complex to implement, especially for small communities. Also, they don't destroy the PFAS but merely concentrate them, creating a challenge for safe disposal.



In many regions, regulations are being put in place to limit the levels of PFAS allowed in drinking water, and to mandate testing for their presence. There are also ongoing efforts to limit the use of these chemicals, to manage their disposal more effectively, and to clean up contaminated sites.



—-



By <a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com">Andrei Ionescu</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer



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Forever chemicals are an underestimated source of water contamination

At the beginning of 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...

Climate change, a global crisis, is poised to push species over their survival tipping points rather abruptly as the geographic range of these species face unprecedented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-changes-negatively-impact-bumblebees/">temperature</a> levels. These findings come from a groundbreaking study spearheaded by a researcher at <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/">University College London</a>.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02070-4">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a>, the study has provided crucial predictions on when and where species worldwide are likely to encounter dangerously high temperatures due to climate change.&nbsp;



An international team of researchers from UCL, University of Cape Town, University of Connecticut, and University at Buffalo made this possible by examining data from an extensive list of more than 35,000 animal species.&nbsp;



This list included a diverse range of species, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, corals, fish, cephalopods, plankton, and seagrasses. The data covered all continents and ocean basins and was studied alongside climate projections running up to 2100.



<h2 id="h-how-the-study-on-tipping-points-was-conducted">How the study on tipping points was conducted</h2>



The researchers' primary focus was on determining when areas within each species' geographic range would cross a crucial threshold of thermal exposure.&nbsp;



They defined this as a period of five consecutive years where temperatures consistently surpass the most extreme monthly temperature experienced by a species across its geographic range over recent history (1850-2014).



Crossing this thermal exposure threshold doesn't spell instant doom for the species, but it certainly rings alarm bells. There is no substantial evidence that these species could survive the higher temperatures. This means that many species could face an abrupt loss of habitat due to future climate change.



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned</h2>



The results revealed a worrying trend. For many animals, the thermal exposure threshold is likely to be crossed within the same decade for much of their geographic range.



“Climate change isn't likely to make environments gradually more challenging for animals to survive in. Rather, large portions of their geographic range are likely to become unfamiliarly hot in a short span of time," said study lead author Dr. Alex Pigot.



“While some animals may endure these higher temperatures, many others will need to relocate to cooler regions or evolve to adapt, something they likely can't achieve within such short timeframes.”



The study also underscored the devastating impact of global warming. If the planet warms by 1.5 degrees Celsius, 15 percent of studied species will be at risk of experiencing unfamiliarly hot temperatures across at least 30 percent of their existing geographic range in a single decade. However, this risk doubles to 30 percent of species at 2.5 degrees of warming.



“Our study is a stark reminder of the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to alleviate the harmful effects climate change is inflicting on animals and plants, and to avert a massive extinction crisis,” said Dr. Pigot.



<h2 id="h-using-the-study-results-for-conservation-efforts">Using the study results for conservation efforts</h2>



The findings from this study could aid in directing conservation efforts by providing an early warning system to pinpoint when and where particular animals are likely to be at risk.



“Previously, we had snapshots showing the impact of climate change. But now, our data is more like a film, where you can see the changes unfold over time. This shows that for many species the risk is a bit like everything, everywhere, all at once," said study co-author Dr. Christopher Trisos.



“By animating this process, we hope to direct conservation efforts before it’s too late, while also showing the potentially catastrophic consequences of letting climate change continue unchecked.”



The researchers suggest that this pattern of abrupt exposure may be an inevitable feature of living on a round planet – more area is available to species in hotter environments, such as in low-lying areas or near the equator.



Previous studies by the same lead authors suggest that even if we halt climate change so that global temperatures peak and start to decline, the risks to biodiversity could persist for decades.&nbsp;



Furthermore, they found in another analysis similar to the current study that many species facing unfamiliar temperatures will be living alongside other animals experiencing similar temperature shocks. This situation could pose serious threats to local ecosystem functionality.



<h2 id="h-the-time-to-prevent-tipping-points-is-now">The time to prevent tipping points is now</h2>



The research shines a light on the impending crisis for biodiversity due to climate change and emphasizes the urgency of mitigating its impact. This study underscores the urgency of not just mitigating climate change but also preparing to protect biodiversity from the inevitable changes that will occur even if global warming is slowed or stopped.



Dr. Pigot and his team have given us a stark warning about the impact of climate change on biodiversity and the urgency of taking action.&nbsp;



The time for action is now - to reduce carbon emissions, to prepare for changes, and to protect the myriad species that share our planet. This research has provided an invaluable tool for targeting conservation efforts, and the challenge now lies in using this information before it's too late.



<h2 id="h-more-about-climate-change-tipping-points">More about climate change tipping points</h2>



Climate change tipping points refer to thresholds where a slight rise in Earth's temperature can cause significant changes in the environment and ecosystems. These changes are often abrupt and potentially irreversible. Here's a deeper look at how these tipping points affect plants, animals, and the environment.



<h3 id="h-tipping-points-for-animals">Tipping Points for Animals</h3>



Many animal species have specific climatic conditions in which they can survive. These conditions involve particular temperature ranges, levels of precipitation, and availability of food and water. If the climate changes and crosses these thresholds, these species may struggle to survive. For example, polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt; if the ice melts too early in the year due to rising temperatures, they have less time to find food and reproduce.



<h3 id="h-plants">Plants</h3>



Similar to animals, plants also have specific climatic conditions that allow them to thrive. They may not be able to survive or reproduce effectively if temperatures rise beyond a certain point, or if there are changes in precipitation patterns. Changes in climate can also make plants more susceptible to diseases, pests, and wildfires. For instance, warmer winters might not kill off pests like pine beetles, leading to large-scale tree mortality.



<h3 id="h-environment">Environment</h3>



Climate change can lead to a variety of environmental tipping points. This includes melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, which contributes to rising sea levels and potential flooding of coastal communities. Changes in ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching, a phenomenon that can devastate coral reefs and the marine species that rely on them. Warmer temperatures can also lead to more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts.



<h3 id="h-interactions">Interactions</h3>



Climate change can also lead to tipping points through interactions between species. For instance, changes in the availability of a particular plant species can affect the herbivores that rely on them for food, which in turn can impact predators. Changes in one part of an ecosystem can have cascading effects that lead to broader ecosystem changes.



<h3 id="h-feedback-loops">Feedback Loops</h3>



There's also the concern about feedback loops. For instance, as the Arctic warms, ice melts and reveals dark water and land that absorb more sunlight, leading to further warming and melting – this is known as the ice-albedo feedback loop. Another example is the thawing of permafrost, which can release stored methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which then contributes further to global warming.



<h3 id="h-global-scale">Global Scale</h3>



On a larger scale, scientists worry about tipping points in the Earth's climate system that could lead to a much warmer world. For instance, the melting of the Greenland ice sheet could eventually raise sea levels by several meters. The dieback of the Amazon rainforest could release vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.



These tipping points, once crossed, could lead to significant and largely irreversible changes. Understanding and predicting these thresholds is a crucial part of climate change research and underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change.



—-



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Climate change will abruptly push species over their tipping points

Climate change, a global crisis, is poised to push species...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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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

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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

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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"

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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



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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



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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



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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



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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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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



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Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

[sendtonews key="EPdZexVR30-1731237-12187" 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 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



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Ocean heat influences regional climate

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the importance of monitoring the shape of the sea surface, which is constantly changing. These observations have many applications, such as ship routing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modem-ocean-is-a-tough-place-for-whales-to-survive/">ocean</a> current forecasting, and debris tracking.



"A project supported by the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities recently investigated a new technique to measure sea surface topography very precisely," reports ESA.



"The technique involves looking at satellite navigation (GNSS) signals that have been reflected off of the sea surface at very low angles. At these so-called grazing angles, waves and surface roughness have very little impact on the reflection process; the sea surface acts as a very smooth mirror."



Estel Cardellach is the principal investigator at the Institute for Space Studies of Catalonia, who first submitted the idea for the project.



“In a mirror-like reflection the phase of the signal can be tracked – it is continuous," said Cardellach. "Different surface heights result in different phase measurements. It gives a very precise measurement of the surface altitude at a few centimetres’ precision.”



The researchers developed a GNSS receiver and set up an experiment in the Balaeric Islands to collect signals from the receiver that were reflected off the sea surface. Ultimately, these signals will provide improved measurements of the shape of the sea surface.



Image/ Video Credit: ESA



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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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