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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

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

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/">University of Bristol</a> emphasizes the need for better preparedness in regions across the world that are most susceptible to the devastating effects of extreme heat. The research, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/ncomms/">Nature Communications</a>, identifies areas such as Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and Central America as being particularly high risk.&nbsp;



The study reveals that these regions are more likely to experience unprecedented heat extremes due to a combination of socioeconomic vulnerability, the potential for record-breaking temperatures, and rapid population growth.



One of the main reasons behind the vulnerability of these regions is that countries which have yet to experience the most intense heatwaves often only introduce adaptation measures after the event has occurred. Limited healthcare and energy provision further exacerbate the risks.&nbsp;



Other hotspots identified by the researchers include Beijing and Central Europe, where millions of people would be adversely affected if record-breaking heatwaves were to occur.



"As heatwaves are occurring more often, we need to be better prepared. We identify regions that may have been lucky so far - some of these regions have rapidly growing populations, some are developing nations, some are already very hot. We need to ask if the heat action plans for these areas are sufficient," said study lead author and climate scientist Dr. Vikki Thompson.



To pinpoint the regions most likely to experience extreme heat events, the researchers employed extreme value statistics, a method used to estimate the return periods of rare events. They analyzed large datasets from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a> models and observations, focusing on the areas where temperature records are most likely to be broken soonest and the communities consequently in greatest danger of experiencing extreme heat.



The researchers also warn that statistically implausible extremes, such as the 2021 Western North America heatwave, could occur anywhere. In their study, they found that such unlikely events transpired in almost a third (31%) of the regions assessed where observations were deemed reliable enough between 1959 and 2021.



Study co-author Dann Mitchell is a professor in Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Bristol Cabot Institute for the Environment. He emphasized the importance of preparedness: "Being prepared saves lives. We have seen some of the most unexpected heatwaves around the world lead to heat-related deaths in the tens of thousands. In this study, we show that such record-smashing events could occur anywhere. Governments around the world need to be prepared."



As human-induced climate change continues to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, it is crucial to prioritize mitigation efforts in the most vulnerable regions. The study's findings serve as a call to action for policymakers in hotspot regions to develop and implement strategies that reduce the risk of deaths and associated harms resulting from climate extremes.



In light of the growing threat posed by climate change, the University of Bristol became the first UK university to declare a climate emergency in 2019, reflecting the institution's commitment to understanding and addressing the dangerous consequences of climate change.



<h2 id="h-more-about-extreme-heat-and-heatwaves">More about extreme heat and heatwaves</h2>



Heatwaves and extreme heat events have significant impacts on both humanity and ecosystems. These impacts are exacerbated by climate change, which is causing a rise in the frequency, intensity, and duration of such events. Below are some of the key effects of heatwaves and extreme heat on humans and ecosystems:



<h3 id="h-human-health">Human health</h3>



Extreme heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Heatwaves can also exacerbate air pollution, contributing to respiratory issues like asthma and allergies.



<h3 id="h-increased-mortality">Increased mortality</h3>



During severe heatwaves, there is often a spike in the number of heat-related deaths. For example, the 2003 European heatwave led to over 70,000 excess deaths, while the 2010 Russian heatwave caused an estimated 56,000 fatalities.



<h3 id="h-agriculture-and-food-security">Agriculture and food security</h3>



High temperatures and prolonged heatwaves can negatively impact crop yields, livestock health, and overall agricultural productivity. This can lead to food shortages, higher food prices, and increased malnutrition.



<h3 id="h-water-resources">Water resources</h3>



Heatwaves can increase evaporation rates, leading to reduced water availability for humans, agriculture, and ecosystems. They can also exacerbate drought conditions, contributing to water scarcity and increased competition for water resources.



<h3 id="h-energy-demand">Energy demand</h3>



As temperatures rise, the demand for cooling systems, such as air conditioning, increases. This can strain energy infrastructure and lead to power outages, further impacting vulnerable populations.



<h3 id="h-ecosystems">Ecosystems</h3>



Extreme heat can have a detrimental effect on ecosystems, including coral reefs, forests, and wetlands. High temperatures can cause coral bleaching, reduce biodiversity, and increase the risk of wildfires, which can lead to habitat loss and the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.



<h3 id="h-economic-impact">Economic impact</h3>



The combined effects of heatwaves and extreme heat events can result in significant economic losses. Agriculture, tourism, and energy sectors are among the industries most affected by these events. Additionally, increased healthcare costs and reduced labor productivity due to heat-related illnesses can also strain economies.



Climate change is playing a significant role in exacerbating the impacts of heatwaves and extreme heat events. As global temperatures continue to rise due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting. This increases the potential for devastating consequences on human health, ecosystems, and the global economy.&nbsp;



Addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures is crucial to reducing the risks and impacts associated with heatwaves and extreme heat events.



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Study reveals countries most at risk from extreme heat

A recent study led by the University of Bristol emphasizes...

The seas surrounding the Arctic are major ecological regions and fisheries. Unfortunately, they are also among the areas most affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-favors-some-arctic-insects-over-others/">climate change</a>, which leads to warming waters and loss of sea ice, affecting ecosystems in often unpredictable ways.&nbsp;



To better understand the impact of climate change on Arctic biodiversity and ecology, a team of scientists led by <a href="https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/">Hokkaido University</a> in Japan has examined Arctic-wide and regional changes in species richness, composition, and potential species associations, and discovered that recent changes in biodiversity were driven by pervasive poleward species range expansions.



“We used data on the occurrences of 69 species of apex predators and mesopredators in eight Arctic areas from 2000-2019,” said study lead author Irene Alabia, a postdoctoral fellow in Marine and Fisheries Science at Hokkaido. “We combined this information with climate and productivity data across the same period to map species-specific habitat distributions.”



For each of the eight Arctic areas, the experts computed the species richness, community composition, and co-occurrences between species pairs in order to infer potential species associations.&nbsp;



The analyses revealed that species richness (the number of different species) has increased over the past two decades, a phenomenon largely driven by the northward migration of apex predators such as sharks, whales, and seabirds. By contrast, mesopredators like fish and crabs showed a relatively limited degree of northward expansion.&nbsp;



According to the scientists, these Arctic biodiversity changes caused alterations in potential species associations due to habitat overlap between taxa from various marine communities during a period of unprecedented changes in temperature and sea ice extent.



“Our findings revealed that changes in climate and species richness in the Arctic vary across different large marine areas and highlight potential regions of climate and productivity hotspots, and emerging areas of species gain. This information is relevant for strengthening conservation and management efforts for the sustainable use of resources under the expanding footprints of climate change in the Arctic,” Alabia concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30943-y">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



—



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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Climate change pushes Arctic marine predators northward

The seas surrounding the Arctic are major ecological regions and...

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have detected seismic waves traveling through the core of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-may-have-finally-discovered-life-on-mars/">Mars</a>, providing crucial information about the Red Planet's composition and leading to new insights about the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets. The study, published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2217090120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>, reveals that Mars has a completely liquid core, rich in sulfur and oxygen, which differs significantly from Earth's core.



An international research team, including seismologists from the <a href="https://www.umd.edu/">University of Maryland</a> (UMD), used data acquired by the NASA InSight lander to directly measure properties of Mars's core. The study confirms model predictions of the core's composition and provides new details about the geological differences between Earth and Mars. These differences could play a role in the planets' ability to sustain life.



"In 1906, scientists first discovered Earth's core by observing how seismic waves from earthquakes were affected by traveling through it," explained study co-author Professor of Geology Vedran Lekic. "More than a hundred years later, we're applying our knowledge of seismic waves to Mars. With InSight, we're finally discovering what's at the center of Mars and what makes Mars so similar yet distinct from Earth."



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



To uncover these differences, the researchers tracked the progression of two distant seismic events on Mars - one caused by a marsquake and the other by a large impact. They detected waves that traveled through the planet's core and compared the time it took for these waves to travel through Mars with waves that stayed in the mantle.&nbsp;



By combining this information with other seismic and geophysical measurements, the team estimated the density and compressibility of the material that the waves traveled through. Their findings indicate that Mars has a completely liquid core, unlike Earth's combination of a liquid outer core and solid inner core.



Furthermore, the researchers inferred details about the chemical composition of the planet's core, discovering that it contains a surprisingly large amount of light elements such as sulfur and oxygen. The study suggests that a fifth of the core's weight is made up of these elements, a stark contrast to the lower weight proportion of light elements in Earth's core. This indicates that the core of Mars is less dense and more compressible than Earth's core, suggesting different formation conditions for the two planets.



"The properties of a planet's core can serve as a summary about how the planet formed and how it evolved dynamically over time. The end result of the formation and evolution processes can be either the generation or absence of life-sustaining conditions," explained study co-author Professor of Geology Nicholas Schmerr. "The uniqueness of Earth's core allows it to generate a magnetic field that protects us from solar winds, allowing us to keep water. Mars's core does not generate this protective shield, and so the planet's surface conditions are hostile to life."



Although Mars currently lacks a magnetic field, scientists hypothesize that it once had a core-generated magnetic shielding similar to Earth's, based on traces of magnetism found in the Martian crust. According to Lekic and Schmerr, this could imply that Mars evolved from a potentially habitable environment to its current hostile state. The researchers believe that conditions in the planet's interior and violent impacts may have played key roles in this transformation.



"It's like a puzzle in some ways," Lekic said. "For example, there are small traces of hydrogen in Mars's core. That means that there had to be certain conditions that allowed the hydrogen to be there, and we have to understand those conditions in order to understand how Mars evolved into the planet it is today."



<h2 id="h-future-implications-of-the-research">Future implications of the research&nbsp;</h2>



The findings of the study have not only provided valuable insights into the Red Planet's composition and evolution, but have also confirmed the accuracy of current modeling estimates that aim to reveal the hidden layers beneath a planet's surface. This groundbreaking research is paving the way for future expeditions to other celestial bodies, including planets like Venus and Mercury.



Jessica Irving, a senior lecturer at Bristol University and first author of the study, described the significance of this research. "This was a huge effort, involving state-of-the-art seismological techniques which have been honed on Earth, in conjunction with new results from mineral physicists and the insights from team members who simulate how planetary interiors change over time. But the work paid off, and we now know much more about what's happening inside the Martian core."



Professor Lekic emphasized the lasting impact of the InSight mission, which ended in December 2022 after four years of seismic monitoring. "Even though the InSight mission ended, we're still analyzing the data that was collected. InSight will continue to influence how we understand the formation and evolution of Mars and other planets for years to come."



The successful application of advanced seismological techniques may present opportunities for future studies on other planets to gain new insights into their formation, evolution, and potential habitability. As scientists continue to analyze data from the InSight mission, they will uncover more information about Mars's geological history and the processes that shaped it. This will help researchers better understand the underlying mechanisms that drive the formation and evolution of planets.



<h2 id="h-signs-of-life-on-mars">Signs of life on Mars</h2>



While there is no definitive evidence of past or present life on Mars, many scientists believe that the planet may have once had conditions suitable for life. There are several lines of indirect evidence that suggest Mars may have harbored life at some point in its history:



<h3 id="h-water">Water</h3>



Liquid water is considered a key ingredient for life as we know it, and there is evidence that Mars had liquid water on its surface in the past. Observations made by various Mars missions show signs of ancient riverbeds, lakes, and even a possible ancient ocean. Today, water is mostly present in the form of ice, but some evidence suggests that liquid water might still exist underground.



<h3 id="h-organic-molecules">Organic molecules</h3>



In 2018, NASA's Mars rover Curiosity discovered complex organic molecules, which are the building blocks of life, in ancient sedimentary rocks. Although the presence of these molecules does not necessarily imply that life existed on Mars, it shows that the planet had the necessary ingredients for life.



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



Methane, a gas often associated with biological processes on Earth, has been detected in the Martian atmosphere in varying concentrations. While methane can also be produced through geological processes, the presence of the gas raises the possibility of past or present microbial life on the Red Planet.



<h3 id="h-habitability">Habitability&nbsp;</h3>



Studies of Martian meteorites and data from Mars rovers suggest that the planet's environment may have been more hospitable to life in the past, with a warmer and wetter climate.



Despite these intriguing findings, no direct evidence of past or present life on Mars has been discovered. Future missions, such as NASA's Mars Perseverance rover and the European Space Agency's ExoMars rover, will continue the search for signs of ancient life and help us better understand the habitability of Mars.



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Secrets of Mars: Seismic discoveries and the quest for past life

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have detected seismic waves traveling...

A new study from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/">University of East Anglia</a> has found that poor air quality could be causing cognitive deficits in babies and toddlers. The negative impact on children’s brain development could potentially have life-long consequences.&nbsp;



The research, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.83876">eLife</a>, reveals a link between poor air quality in India and impaired cognition among infants under two years old. The study is the first to demonstrate a link between poor air quality and cognitive problems in babies during the critical period when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fathers-experience-slight-shrinkage-of-the-brain/">brain</a> growth is at its peak and the brain may be particularly sensitive to toxins.



“Very small particulate fragments in the air are a major concern as they can move from the respiratory tract into the brain," said lead researcher Professor John Spencer. "Until now, studies had failed to show a link between poor air quality and cognitive problems in babies, when brain growth is at its peak and the brain may be particularly sensitive to toxins. Our study is the first to show this association. We worked with families in rural India to see how in-home air quality affects infants’ cognition.”



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



The team collaborated with the Community Empowerment Lab in Lucknow, India - a global health research and innovation organization that works with rural communities to engage in science collaboratively. They worked with families from a range of socio-economic backgrounds in Shivgarh, a rural community in Uttar Pradesh. This particular Indian state has been strongly impacted by poor air quality.



The experts assessed the visual working memory and visual processing speed of 215 infants using a specially-designed cognition task from October 2017 to June 2019. On one display, the tots were shown flashing colored squares that were always the same after each ‘blink’. On a second display, one colored square changed after each blink.&nbsp;



The researchers used air quality monitors in the children’s homes to measure emission levels and air quality, and also took into account and controlled for family socio-economic status.



“This research shows for the first time that there is an association between poor air quality and impaired visual cognition in the first two years of life, when brain growth is at its peak,” said Professor Spencer.&nbsp;



“Such impacts could carry forward across years, negatively impacting long-term development. Reversely, our research indicates that global efforts to improve air quality could have benefits to infants’ emerging cognitive abilities. This, in turn, could have a cascade of positive impacts because improved cognition can lead to improved economic productivity in the long term and reduce the burden on healthcare and mental health systems.”



The researchers found that air quality was poorer in homes that used solid cooking materials like cow dung cake, with the cooking fuel commonly used at home being one of the key factors the team measured. “Therefore, efforts to reduce cooking emissions in homes should be a key target for intervention," said Professor Spencer.



Consistent with this aim and with the goal of improving maternal and child health, the Government of India has launched a national-level flagship program called the “Ujjwala Yojana” – a scheme that brings LPG fuel to women below the poverty line across the entire country.



The research was led by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with Durham University, the Community Empowerment Lab in Lucknow (India), and Brown University (US). The study was funded in part by the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings and conclusions contained within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.



<h2 id="h-global-efforts-to-improve-air-quality">Global efforts to improve air quality</h2>



There are several global efforts underway to improve air quality. One example is the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines, which provide recommendations on safe levels of air pollution exposure. Another example is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which includes a goal on promoting sustainable cities and communities, including actions to reduce air pollution.



In addition, there are international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This agreement includes commitments from countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to air pollution and climate change.



At the national level, many countries have implemented policies and regulations to improve air quality, such as reducing emissions from transportation and industry, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.&nbsp;



Overall, global efforts to improve air quality are aimed at reducing the negative impacts of air pollution on human health, the environment, and the economy.



<h2 id="h-additional-health-issues-associated-with-poor-air-quality">Additional health issues associated with poor air quality</h2>



Poor air quality can have a range of negative impacts on human health, including both short-term and long-term effects. Some of the most common health issues associated with poor air quality include:



<h3 id="h-respiratory-problems">Respiratory problems&nbsp;</h3>



Air pollution can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also trigger asthma attacks and worsen existing respiratory conditions.



<h3 id="h-cardiovascular-disease">Cardiovascular disease</h3>



Exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. This is because air pollution can cause inflammation in the body, damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of blood clots.



<h3 id="h-cancer">Cancer&nbsp;</h3>



Certain air pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde, have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Long-term exposure to air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.



<h3 id="h-cognitive-problems">Cognitive problems</h3>



As the recent study from the University of East Anglia showed, poor air quality can be linked to cognitive deficits in infants and toddlers. Studies have also linked air pollution to cognitive problems in adults, including decreased attention, memory, and problem-solving abilities.



<h3 id="h-reproductive-and-developmental-problems">Reproductive and developmental problems</h3>



Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. It can also affect the development of the fetal brain.



Overall, poor air quality is a major public health concern, and efforts to improve air quality are essential for protecting human health and well-being.



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Poor air quality linked to cognitive problems in infants

A new study from the University of East Anglia has...

A recent study led by the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/">University of Melbourne</a> and <a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/">Macquarie University</a> has found that, in Australia, nature-based management is currently making <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-caused-unprecedented-changes-to-rivers/">rivers</a> more resilient.&nbsp;



The experts analyzed the articles delivered to the long-running <a href="https://www.rbms.org.au/australian-stream-management-conference/">Australian Stream Management</a> (ASM) conference over a period of 25 years (1996 to 2021) to assess how the structure and approaches of Australia’s river management industry have changed over time.&nbsp;



Although the analysis revealed that the industry has significantly matured during the study period, with increasing diversity and collaboration between its different components, unfortunately there has been little expansion of the participation of local communities and the use of adaptive management (“learning by doing” or “learning from mistakes”).



An event such as the flooding of the Wollombi Brook in New South Wales in July 2022 is a good example of sustainable environmental restoration in the management of rivers.&nbsp;



“Yes, there was widespread inundation, but the flood waters were slower and the vegetation prevented large scale erosion and sediment movement,” said co-author Kirstie Fryirs, a geomorphologist at Macquarie. “All the hard work that a very active community put into nature-based rehabilitation for more than 20 years, such as continuous streamside revegetation, played a role in this outcome.”



However, the researchers warned that, although Australia is performing rather well at the local level, this work needs urgent upscaling and better resourcing in order to be able to meet the river health goals set by the United Nations in its <a href="https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/">Decade on Ecosystem Restoration</a>.&nbsp;



Adopting UN’s environmental goals as principles in river management is essential for conserving and improving river health, making effective use of diverse and traditional knowledges, integrating grassroot movements to the global action, improving the robustness and cost efficiency of restoration efforts, and securing river resilience to climate change and natural disasters.



On the basis of their analyses, the experts provided five recommendations to boost sustainable development:



<ol>
<li>Practitioners from various areas of management should collaborate among themselves and with other communities (including First Nations communities) holistically.</li>



<li>Nature-based rather than engineering solutions should be found, prioritized, and implemented.</li>



<li>More resources should be devoted to adaptive river management.</li>



<li>Knowledge and understanding should be preserved by institutions.</li>



<li>Practitioners should have more influence in formulating government policies.</li>
</ol>



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00748-y">Nature Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



—



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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Nature-based management increases river resilience

A recent study led by the University of Melbourne and...

In a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2022.0112">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B</a>, researchers are exploring the phenomenon of multispecies flocks of birds in Southeast Asia that seem to converge on a similar appearance, even when they are distantly related.&nbsp;



Study co-author Scott Robinson of the <a href="https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/">Florida Museum of Natural History</a> commented on this curious observation: "They all share haphazard traits, like crests or yellow bellies, which makes them almost identical. You can't really tell them apart without looking at their markings."



This similarity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hummingbirds-have-more-colors-than-all-other-birds-combined/">plumage</a> is thought to be a type of mimicry, which is not uncommon in birds. Alfred Russel Wallace, the co-discoverer of natural selection, was the first to suggest that some bird species engage in mimicry when noting the similarities between orioles and friarbirds in Australia. Birds can mimic one another to reduce aggression from a dominant species, to resemble a more formidable adversary to predators, and in at least one case, to make themselves appear toxic.



However, study lead author Professor Rebecca Kimball from the University of Florida believes that the resemblance in multispecies flocks is a different form of mimicry.&nbsp;



"In mimicry, you often want to look like something because there's an advantage to being that other thing. You want species to think you're toxic or low-profitable prey," said Professor Kimball. "In flocking birds, one idea is that this has more to do with a predator's ability to isolate a target. When there are a bunch of birds moving around, it may be easier for predators to identify an individual that has a distinct color pattern."



This idea of unrelated birds finding safety in collective obscurity was first proposed in the 1960s for flocks along the Andes Mountains, but follow-up studies failed to show conclusive evidence of mimicry in Andean multispecies flocks, and the theory was largely abandoned. However, Robinson began observing a similar phenomenon in 2010 while working with a Chinese colleague in Yunnan province. Over the next several years, he and his colleagues documented similarities in China's multispecies flocks, uncovering the same pattern repeatedly.



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



Robinson and his team found examples of birds that mimic more than one species as they mature, as well as birds whose appearances vary across their range. Somewhat counterintuitively, this conformity within multispecies flocks may be contributing to diversity in the region. If these differences persist long enough, Robinson said, it might ultimately result in one species becoming two.



The researchers believe there are two main ingredients required to create this type of mimicry in flocks, both of which might help explain why this pattern appears to be so prominent in China but absent elsewhere. First, a flock must be composed of just a few species, with some more common than others. Second, the flock must face significant predation pressure, which is the case in Southeast Asia, where the region harbors almost 30% of all raptor species.



The experts plan to conduct wide scale genetic analyses to determine whether similarity among flocking species is the result of mimicry or other potential causes. "Just how widespread mimicry is in birds is something that's only been appreciated recently," Robinson said. "Taxonomy work is based on appearance, with the assumption that birds are closely related if they look similar. Now that we can study DNA, we're realizing they often look alike because they live together."



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



Bird mimicry is a fascinating natural phenomenon where one bird species imitates the appearance, sounds, or behaviors of another species to gain an advantage. There are several forms of bird mimicry, each serving a different purpose:



<h3 id="h-batesian-mimicry">Batesian mimicry</h3>



In this form of mimicry, a harmless bird species imitates the appearance of a dangerous or unpalatable species to deter predators. By resembling a toxic or unprofitable prey, the mimicking bird reduces its risk of being attacked. For example, the Viceroy butterfly mimics the toxic Monarch butterfly, deterring predators that have learned to avoid the Monarch.



<h3 id="h-mullerian-mimicry">Müllerian mimicry</h3>



This occurs when two or more unpalatable or dangerous species resemble each other. Predators learn to avoid both species because of their shared appearance, providing a mutual benefit to both mimicking species. An example of this type of mimicry is found in some species of Heliconius butterflies, which share similar color patterns to warn predators of their unpalatability.



<h3 id="h-aggressive-mimicry">Aggressive mimicry</h3>



Here, a predatory bird species imitates the appearance, sounds, or behaviors of a harmless species to deceive its prey. By blending in with the harmless species, the predator can get closer to its prey without raising suspicion. For instance, the Zone-tailed Hawk resembles the Turkey Vulture in appearance and flight behavior, allowing it to approach prey unnoticed.



<h3 id="h-vocal-mimicry">Vocal mimicry&nbsp;</h3>



Some birds are capable of imitating the songs and calls of other bird species, as well as non-bird sounds. This type of mimicry serves various purposes, such as attracting mates, confusing rival birds, or avoiding predators. Notable vocal mimics include the Northern Mockingbird, which can imitate up to 200 different bird songs, and the Lyrebird, known for its remarkable ability to mimic various sounds, including chainsaws and camera shutters.



Bird mimicry is an adaptive strategy that has evolved in response to various ecological pressures, such as predation, competition, and reproduction. As a result, these remarkable adaptations showcase the complex relationships that exist within bird communities and ecosystems.



<h2 id="h-other-examples-of-remarkable-bird-adaptations">Other examples of remarkable bird adaptations</h2>



Birds have evolved numerous adaptations to help them survive and thrive in diverse environments. These adaptations are often related to their feeding habits, locomotion, reproduction, and other aspects of their biology. Here are some examples of bird adaptations:



<h3 id="h-beak-shape">Beak shape&nbsp;</h3>



Birds have developed various beak shapes to suit their feeding habits. For example, hummingbirds have long, slender beaks for sipping nectar from flowers, while raptors have sharp, hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey. Finches, on the other hand, have strong, conical beaks for cracking seeds.



<h3 id="h-feet-and-leg-structure">Feet and leg structure&nbsp;</h3>



Different bird species have specialized feet and leg structures that enable them to exploit various habitats and food sources. Wading birds like herons have long legs and wide-spreading toes for walking in shallow water, while woodpeckers have zygodactyl feet (two toes facing forward and two backward) for clinging to tree trunks.



<h3 id="h-wing-shape">Wing shape</h3>



The shape and size of a bird's wings can influence its flight capabilities. Albatrosses have long, slender wings for efficient gliding over vast ocean expanses, while birds of prey have broad wings with slotted tips for soaring and maneuvering during hunting. Swifts and swallows have short, tapered wings for rapid, agile flight.



<h3 id="h-camouflage">Camouflage</h3>



Many bird species have evolved coloration and patterns that help them blend into their environment, making them less visible to predators or prey. For example, ground-nesting birds like the Common Pauraque have cryptic plumage that closely resembles leaf litter, while Arctic birds like the Snowy Owl have white feathers that help them blend into snowy landscapes.



<h3 id="h-migration">Migration</h3>



Some birds have adapted to migrate long distances to exploit seasonal resources or escape harsh weather conditions. For example, the Arctic Tern breeds in the Arctic during the summer and migrates to the Antarctic for the southern hemisphere's summer, covering around 25,000 miles each year.



<h3 id="h-nesting-behavior">Nesting behavior</h3>



Birds have developed various nesting strategies to protect their eggs and young from predators and environmental factors. Some birds, like the Weaver, construct elaborate hanging nests from grasses and other materials, while cavity-nesting birds like the Eastern Bluebird use tree cavities or nest boxes for shelter.



<h3 id="h-vocalizations">Vocalizations</h3>



Birds have evolved complex vocalizations to communicate with one another. These vocalizations serve various purposes, such as attracting mates, defending territories, or warning of predators. The intricate songs of the Song Sparrow and the mimicry abilities of the Northern Mockingbird are examples of this adaptation.



These are just a few examples of the countless adaptations that have allowed bird species to survive and flourish in a wide range of environments and ecological niches.



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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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Birds "blend in" to adapt to diverse environments

In a recent study published in the journal Philosophical Transactions...

Most previous studies on the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-observe-supernova-explosions/">supernova explosions</a> focused on the dangers from two periods – the massive radiation produced by a supernova in the days and months following the explosion, and the energetic particles arriving hundreds to thousands of years afterwards.&nbsp;



Now, by using observations from NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/chandra/main/index.html">Chandra X-ray Observatory</a> and other telescopes, a team of astronomers led by the <a href="https://illinois.edu/">University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a> has found that between these two previously identified dangers lurks another one: if a supernova’s blast wave happens to strike dense surrounding gas, it can produce massive doses of X-rays that can severely damage the atmospheres of planets up to 160 light-years away.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Low-Res_cr-4snr-m.JPG.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1917180"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Astronomers using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and other telescopes have identified a new threat to life on planets like Earth: a phase during which intense X-rays from exploded stars can affect planets over 100 light-years away. Image Credit: Graphic by NASA/CXC/M. Weiss</figcaption></figure>



“If a torrent of X-rays sweeps over a nearby planet, the radiation would severely alter the planet’s atmospheric chemistry,” said lead author Ian Brunton, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/home/index.html">NASA Johnson Space Flight Center</a> and former student at Illinois. “For an Earth-like planet, this process could wipe out a significant portion of ozone, which ultimately protects life from the dangerous ultraviolet radiation of its host star.”



According to the experts, if a planet with Earth’s biology were hit with such sustained high-energy radiation from a nearby supernova, a wide range of organisms would vanish – particularly in marine ecosystems at the foundation of the food chain – and likely initiate a mass extinction.



“The Earth is not in any danger from an event like this now because there are no potential supernovae within the X-ray danger zone,” said co-author Connor O’Mahoney, a Physics and Astronomy student at Illinois. “However, it may be the case that such events played a role in Earth’s past.”



For instance, the detection in different regions around the world of a radioactive type of iron suggests that supernovae likely occurred close to our planet between two and eight million years ago. Although such evidence does not tie supernovae to any particular mass extinction event on Earth, it does suggest that cosmic explosions have probably affected our planet during its history. In fact, since our solar system is located in the so-called “Local Bubble” – a hot, low-density region in space thought to be a product of many supernovae explosions about 14 million years ago – the chance for Earth to have been exposed to massive radiation bursts from supernovae is quite significant.



Although our planet and solar system are currently in a safe space in terms of potential supernovae explosions, various other planets in the Milky Way where conditions may be conducive to life are not. Thus, better understanding the complexity of effects of supernovae explosions could not only shed new light on the life cycle of stars, but also help us better understand which areas of our galaxy may potentially harbor life.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/acc728">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.&nbsp;



—



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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Supernova explosions could damage distant planets

Most previous studies on the effects of supernova explosions focused...

A recent study from the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/wild-bird-populations-in-the-uk/a-brief-introduction-to-the-wild-birds-populations-indicator">UK Department for the Environment</a> has revealed a worrying trend in bird populations, indicating a continued decline in both long-term and short-term population numbers.&nbsp;



As the government's own data paints a bleak picture for the country's avian species, a recent article in The Guardian warns that the government will not meet its legally binding targets to halt the decline of species by 2030, unless radical policy changes are implemented.



The alarming statistics released by the government indicate that in 2021, the abundance of 130 breeding species was, on average, 12% below its 1970 value. Although the majority of this decline occurred between the late 1970s and the late 1980s, driven mainly by steep declines in woodland and farmland birds, a significant 5% decrease was still observed between 2015 and 2020.&nbsp;



The most recent five-year period shows that 24% of species increased, 28% showed little change, and 48% declined. Woodland birds continue to suffer the most, with a 12% decline between 2015 and 2020.



Wildlife experts unanimously agree that habitat loss is the primary cause of the decline in bird populations. The UK government acknowledged this issue in 2021 by passing the Environment Act, which mandates a halt in species decline by 2030. However, campaigners argue that the government's current policies will not suffice to meet this legally binding target.



Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, told The Guardian: "As political parties turn their sights to the general election, they would do well to heed the warning written into today’s wild bird statistics. The decline of nature has continued, relentless and unabated, for decades."&nbsp;



He added that achieving the legally binding target by the end of the next parliament requires "serious, sustained investment, proper penalties for pollution, and action in every sphere of government."



Dr. Richard Gregory, head of science at the RSPB, expressed his concern, stating, "Everyone should be concerned that UK bird populations are continuing to decline as this is a crucial indicator of the condition of our environment and health of our natural world."&nbsp;



He emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling it a "nature and climate emergency" that needs to be addressed to "keep common species common and save those already on the brink of being lost."



The UK government acknowledges that bird population trends can serve as a reliable indicator of the overall state of wildlife in the country. The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs">Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs</a> (Defra) explains that bird populations are a well-studied taxonomic group and their responses to environmental pressures can provide valuable insight into the health of the broader ecosystem.



A Defra spokesperson stated: "Under the Environmental Improvement Plan, we set out clear steps to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030 and improve the status of wild birds and other species which play an important role in our ecosystems."&nbsp;



The spokesperson also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce pressures on wild birds and improve their habitats, such as targeted species recovery initiatives that have improved the conservation status of 96 priority species, including the curlew and bittern.



The ongoing decline of bird populations in the UK is a pressing issue that demands urgent and comprehensive action. To meet the legally binding targets and safeguard the nation's biodiversity, the government must implement radical changes to policy and invest significantly in conservation efforts. Failure to do so will have far-reaching consequences for the UK's environment, wildlife, and ecosystems.



<h2 id="h-birds-are-disappearing-around-the-world">Birds are disappearing around the world</h2>



Bird populations are declining around the world. According to various studies and reports, many bird species are facing significant declines in their populations due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and urbanization.



A 2019 study published in the journal Science revealed that North America had lost nearly 3 billion birds since 1970, representing a 29% decline in the total bird population. Similar trends have been observed in other regions, including Europe, Asia, and South America.



The decline in bird populations is not limited to rare or endangered species; even common birds, which play a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, are experiencing substantial declines.&nbsp;



The loss of bird populations is concerning because birds are vital components of ecosystems, acting as pollinators, seed dispersers, and predators that help control insect populations. Additionally, birds serve as important indicators of environmental health, as their population trends often reflect the overall condition of ecosystems.



Efforts to combat this global decline include habitat restoration, conservation programs, policy changes, and international cooperation to address the underlying causes of population declines. Public awareness and engagement are also crucial in supporting the conservation of bird populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.



<h2 id="h-birds-and-their-importance-to-ecosystems">Birds and their importance to ecosystems</h2>



Birds play several crucial roles in Earth's ecosystems, making them essential for maintaining the balance and overall health of these environments. Some of the key ways birds contribute to ecosystems include:



<ol>
<li>Pollination: Birds, particularly hummingbirds and sunbirds, help pollinate plants by transferring pollen between flowers as they feed on nectar. This process is essential for plant reproduction and the production of fruits and seeds, which support various food chains.</li>



<li>Seed dispersal: Birds contribute to the dispersal of seeds by consuming fruits and later excreting the seeds in different locations. This helps plants to spread and colonize new areas, ensuring the survival and diversity of plant species.</li>



<li>Pest control: Many bird species feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, helping to keep their populations in check. By consuming these pests, birds can play an essential role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and supporting agriculture by reducing the need for chemical pesticides.</li>



<li>Nutrient cycling: Birds contribute to nutrient cycling in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil through their droppings. This process helps to maintain soil fertility and promote plant growth.</li>



<li>Scavenging: Scavenging birds, such as vultures, play a critical role in disposing of dead animals. By consuming carcasses, they help to keep ecosystems clean and reduce the spread of diseases.</li>



<li>Predation: Birds, particularly raptors like eagles, hawks, and owls, are important predators in many ecosystems. They help control the populations of small mammals, reptiles, and other birds, maintaining a balance within the food web.</li>



<li>Indicator species: Birds serve as valuable indicator species, as their population trends often reflect the overall health of ecosystems. Monitoring bird populations can provide early warning signs of environmental issues, such as habitat loss, pollution, or climate change.</li>



<li>Ecotourism: Birds are a significant attraction for ecotourism, providing economic benefits to local communities and promoting the conservation of natural habitats. Birdwatching and related activities can raise awareness about the importance of preserving ecosystems and the diverse species they support.</li>
</ol>



In summary, birds play vital roles in maintaining the balance, health, and functioning of Earth's ecosystems. Their diverse roles, ranging from pollination to pest control, underline the importance of conserving bird populations and the habitats they depend on.



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Half of all UK bird species are in a state of decline

A recent study from the UK Department for the Environment...

Hornets are the largest types of social wasps and play critical ecological roles as top predators. In their native regions, for instance, they act as natural pest controllers, helping to regulate populations of insects such as flies, caterpillars, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beetles-have-backpacks-to-protect-their-eggs/">beetles</a>, and other types of wasps, thus contributing to healthy, functional ecosystems, while also benefiting agriculture.&nbsp;



However, hornets often become established in areas they are not native to, where they tend to be very successful as invasive species. In such cases, they may cause major ecological and economic damage by preying on important pollinators, such as honeybees, wild bees, and hoverflies.



To better understand why hornets have been so successful as invasive species around the world, a team of researchers from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/">University College London</a> (UCL) has sequenced for the first time the genomes of the European hornet (Vespa crabro) and the Asian hornet (Vespa velutino), and compared them with that of the giant northern hornet (Vespa mandarinia), which was recently decoded by another research team.



While the European hornet is an important top predator protected in several regions of Europe, the invasive yellow-legged Asian hornet has become established through much of Europe over the past two decades, threatening native ecosystems, and the giant northern hornet – a species known for its critical role as a pest controller, pollinator, and food provider in its native Asian range – has only recently arrived to North America, where it could possibly threaten native fauna.



By analyzing the differences among the genomes of these three species, the experts identified genes which have been rapidly evolving since the species differentiated themselves from other wasp species and from one another that are particularly related to communication and olfaction.



“We were excited to find evidence of rapid genome evolution in these hornet genomes, compared to other social insects. Lots of genes have been duplicated or mutated; these included genes that are likely to be involved in communication and in sensing the environment,” explained study lead author Emeline Favreau, an entomologist and evolutionary biologist at UCL.



“Hornets are carried to different parts of the world accidentally by humans. All that is needed is a small number of mated queens to be transported, hidden in cargo perhaps. The genomes suggest that hornets have lots of genes involved in detecting and responding to chemical cues – these may make them especially good at adapting to hunt different types of prey in non-native regions,” added co-author Alessandro Cini, a zoologist at the <a href="https://www.unipi.it/index.php/english">University of Pisa</a>.&nbsp;



Sequencing these hornets’ genomes can provide important information about their ecology and evolution that other methods cannot, and may thus help improve the management of hornet populations both for their ecosystem services in their native ranges, and as ecological threats in regions where they are invasive.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31932-x">Nature Scientific Reports</a>.



—



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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Why are hornets so successful as invasive species?

Hornets are the largest types of social wasps and play...

As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-mortality-risk-escalated-by-climate-change/">climate change</a> continues to be a pressing issue worldwide, the Biden administration is reportedly preparing to unveil a new proposal that aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants by 2040.&nbsp;



According to anonymous sources familiar with the plans, this proposal is the latest attempt to regulate one of the United States' largest contributors to climate change, following the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the previous effort.



The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) is set to impose stringent limits on power plants, which could result in fossil-fuel-burning facilities either adopting carbon capture technology for their emissions or switching to alternative fuels.&nbsp;



Although the proposal is still under final analysis and could undergo changes before its completion and announcement, the proposed limits could nearly eliminate emissions from fossil-fuel burning plants once the most stringent standards are fully implemented.&nbsp;



However, another source suggests to the New York Times that while there will be significant emission reductions, the cuts may not be as dramatic as some have predicted.



The EPA has been planning an announcement in the coming days, but as the final details are still being determined, a formal proposal could be more than a week away.&nbsp;



The process of turning the proposal into a final rule package would likely take several more months, with the strictest standards not taking effect until the 2030s. This timeframe would allow the industry to gradually comply with the new regulations.



The electric power sector, which accounted for a quarter of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, has been a primary target for climate regulations. President Biden has previously pledged to eliminate emissions from power plants by 2035.&nbsp;



However, the Supreme Court has complicated these efforts, ruling that the EPA exceeded its authority during the Obama administration by pushing power companies to switch fuels across their fleets and replace coal with cleaner alternatives.



In response, the Biden administration aims to develop new rules that apply within a plant's fence line, focusing on individual plant emissions.&nbsp;



The proposed policy would not mandate any specific technology or fuel. However, anonymous sources familiar with the plan suggest that the limits would be so strict that fossil-fuel-burning plants would likely need to use carbon-capture technology or be capable of switching to hydrogen fuel, which does not produce greenhouse gas emissions.



“EPA cannot comment because the proposals are currently under interagency review,” agency spokeswoman Maria Michalos said in an emailed statement to the Washington Post. “But we have been clear from the start that we will use all of our legally-upheld tools, grounded in decades-old bipartisan laws, to address dangerous air pollution and protect the air our children breathe today and for generations to come.”



In recent weeks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been issuing a series of new rule proposals in an effort to fulfill President Biden's ambitious climate promises before he faces reelection.&nbsp;



After the administration spent its first year pushing climate legislation through Congress, which resulted in the approval of nearly $370 billion in new climate spending, Biden officials are now focused on finalizing accompanying regulations before the possibility of a Republican takeover that could undo these advancements.



Fossil-fuel advocates, including several Republican-led states, have already expressed their intention to challenge these new proposals in court. Furthermore, if Republicans were to gain majorities in Congress, they could employ the Congressional Review Act to repeal any regulations that weren't finalized within 60 legislative days of their implementation.



Many of these new proposals aim to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. Last week, the EPA announced the strictest restrictions ever on emissions for cars and trucks, which are the largest source of planet-warming emissions in the United States.&nbsp;



Additionally, the EPA has promised to finalize a proposed rule on the oil and gas industry's emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas that traps approximately 85 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, later this year.



Researchers who model emissions assert that this collection of regulations is crucial for meeting Biden's commitment to cut total U.S. emissions in half from 2005 levels by 2030. The Inflation Reduction Act, last year's climate spending bill, would put the country on track to reduce emissions by up to 42% by the target date.



According to analysis released by the Rhodium Group last month, the executive actions on power plants, vehicles, and methane would contribute an additional 6 percentage points of reduction.



However, environmental groups are concerned that the specifics of the EPA's power plant proposal may not be strong enough and plan to advocate for faster timelines. These groups are waiting for the EPA to release more details before analyzing the proposal. One major concern is the discrepancy between the proposed 2040 timeline and Biden's initial promise to eliminate the sector's emissions by 2035.&nbsp;



John Paul Mejia, the national spokesman for the Sunrise Movement, emphasizes the importance of avoiding marginalization of minority and poor neighborhoods near industrial polluters, as environmental justice groups have opposed technologies that they perceive as supportive of polluters.



“This is a step in the right direction, but it needs to be much more stringent,” Mejia said. “This proposal should be in line with the scale of ambitions that were promised to us.”



Fossil fuels, primarily gas and coal, continue to play a significant role in the United States' energy production, accounting for approximately 60% of the country's electricity in 2021, according to data from the Energy Department.&nbsp;



Although there has been a shift toward zero-emissions sources like wind and solar, resulting in the retirement of numerous fossil fuel power plants, especially coal, this trend appears to be slowing down.



Between 2015 and 2020, the industry retired around 11 gigawatts of coal-fired capacity annually. However, the <a href="https://www.eia.gov/">U.S. Energy Information Administration</a> estimates that only 8.9 gigawatts will be shuttered this year. To support companies in reducing their emissions, Congress has provided subsidies for the development of carbon-capture technology, aiming to make it more profitable. A federal tax credit offers businesses up to $180 per metric ton for utilizing carbon capture. Also, the Inflation Reduction Act increases the tax credit for legacy carbon capture technologies used by oil and gas companies by 70%, raising it to $60 per ton.



These changes have implications for EPA rulemaking. If the necessary technology for compliance becomes more affordable and efficient, the EPA can leverage this to impose higher standards, as it should be easier for businesses to meet them.



According to two sources speaking with the Washington Post who are familiar with the details, the agency is also considering flexibilities for individual power plants. Targets will differ based on factors such as plant size and usage.&nbsp;



In some cases, coal-fired plants scheduled for retirement in the coming years may not be required to meet the new standards at all. This approach acknowledges the unique circumstances and challenges faced by each facility while still working toward a collective goal of reducing emissions and combating climate change.



As the details of the EPA's power plant proposal have yet to be made public, environmental groups and concerned citizens will be eagerly awaiting further information to determine the potential impact of these regulations on the United States' progress in combating climate change.



<h2 id="h-more-about-greenhouse-emissions-from-power-plants">More about greenhouse emissions from power plants</h2>



Power plants emit greenhouse gases, primarily in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), when they burn fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil to produce electricity. These greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and other adverse environmental effects.



Here is a detailed explanation of how power plants emit greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change:



<h3 id="h-burning-fossil-fuels">Burning fossil fuels</h3>



The majority of power plants generate electricity by burning fossil fuels. The combustion process releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. For instance, coal-fired power plants are particularly significant sources of CO2 emissions due to the high carbon content of coal.



<h3 id="h-methane-ch4-emissions">Methane (CH4) emissions</h3>



Natural gas-fired power plants also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Although burning natural gas produces less CO2 than coal, the extraction, processing, and transportation of natural gas can lead to methane emissions, another potent greenhouse gas. Methane has a much higher global warming potential than CO2, trapping approximately 25 times more heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.



<h3 id="h-nitrous-oxide-n2o-emissions">Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions</h3>



Power plants that burn fossil fuels also emit nitrous oxide, a lesser-known but potent greenhouse gas. Nitrous oxide has a global warming potential nearly 300 times greater than that of CO2 over a 100-year period. While N2O emissions from power plants are relatively small compared to CO2 emissions, they still contribute to climate change.



<h3 id="h-indirect-emissions">Indirect emissions</h3>



Power plants can also indirectly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through activities such as land use changes for mining or drilling, the construction and maintenance of power plants and transmission lines, and the production and transportation of fossil fuels.



The cumulative effect of these greenhouse gas emissions from power plants has a significant impact on climate change. As the Earth's atmosphere becomes more saturated with these heat-trapping gases, global temperatures rise, causing disruptions to weather patterns, melting of polar ice caps, sea-level rise, and an increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events.&nbsp;



To mitigate the contribution of power plants to climate change, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as well as investing in energy efficiency and carbon capture technologies.



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New research challenges the notion that people are unmotivated to act on climate change because they perceive it as a distant issue. This misconception could hinder progress in mitigating climate change due to social influence, suggests a study published on April 21 in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2023.03.006">One Earth</a>.



The concept of psychological distance is often used to explain the lack of action on climate change, with NGOs and governmental agencies assuming that people view the problem as affecting faraway regions in the future.&nbsp;



However, the recent research, led by Dr. Anne M. van Valkengoed of the <a href="https://www.rug.nl/?lang=en">University of Groningen</a>, found that most people actually regard climate change as an important and timely issue even if its impacts are not immediately noticeable.



“There is no consistent evidence that perceiving climate change as psychologically distant hinders climate action, with studies reporting mixed results,” the authors wrote.&nbsp;



To support this claim, van Valkengoed and her team analyzed results from public opinion polls that surveyed people about their views on climate change. Some of these polls included over 100,000 participants from 121 different countries.&nbsp;



Surprisingly, more than 50% of respondents believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a> change is happening either now or in the near future and that it will impact their local areas, not just distant locations.



Furthermore, the researchers reviewed 26 studies that investigated the relationship between psychological distance and climate action. Only nine of these studies found a positive association between the two.&nbsp;



In some cases, the perception of climate change affecting distant places and communities actually motivated people to take more action. Additionally, 25 out of 30 studies failed to prove that experimentally decreasing psychological distance increased climate action.



This widespread misconception about the relationship between psychological distance and climate action could have adverse effects on mitigating climate change.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Low-Res_ONEEAR763_Figure-1.jpg.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1917136"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Perceiving climate change as psychologically distant is not a key reason why people do not engage in climate action Image Credit: One Earth/Anne M. van Valkengoed et al.</figcaption></figure>



If people believe that others perceive climate change as a psychologically distant issue and, as a result, are not taking action, they might be less likely to act themselves. Moreover, they could feel that their individual efforts are futile because real environmental change relies on the combined efforts of many.



Given these findings, the researchers suggest that it is crucial to shift the focus of researchers, communicators, and policymakers.&nbsp;



“We therefore recommend researchers, communicators, and policymakers instead focus on how to leverage the finding that many people already perceive climate change as occurring here and now,” they said.&nbsp;



By harnessing this understanding, policymakers and communicators can develop more effective strategies to promote climate action and inspire collective efforts to address the global crisis.



<h2 id="h-difficulties-achieving-climate-change-mitigation-goals">Difficulties achieving climate change mitigation goals</h2>



Meeting climate change mitigation goals around the world is a complex and multifaceted challenge. Various factors contribute to the difficulties, including:



<h3 id="h-political-barriers">Political barriers</h3>



Climate change mitigation often requires long-term commitment and investment from governments. However, political priorities can change with each election cycle, leading to inconsistent or short-term policies that undermine efforts to tackle climate change.



<h3 id="h-economic-obstacles">Economic obstacles</h3>



Shifting away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources can be costly, especially for developing countries. These nations may face difficulties in securing funding or making the necessary investments in infrastructure, technology, and workforce development.



<h3 id="h-technological-challenges">Technological challenges</h3>



While advances in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies have been significant, they may not be enough to meet global climate goals. Moreover, access to and adoption of these technologies may be uneven, particularly in developing countries.



<h3 id="h-social-and-cultural-barriers">Social and cultural barriers</h3>



Public opinion and cultural norms can hinder climate change mitigation efforts. Resistance to change, skepticism about climate science, and attachment to traditional ways of life can all impede the adoption of new technologies and practices.



<h3 id="h-inequity-between-developed-and-developing-countries">Inequity between developed and developing countries</h3>



Developing countries often have fewer resources to invest in climate change mitigation efforts and may be more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This can exacerbate existing inequalities and make it more challenging to achieve global climate goals.



<h3 id="h-coordination-and-cooperation">Coordination and cooperation</h3>



Climate change is a global issue that requires coordinated efforts among nations. However, differences in national priorities, economic conditions, and political contexts can make it difficult to reach international agreements and implement coordinated actions.



<h3 id="h-short-term-focus">Short-term focus</h3>



Many governments, businesses, and individuals prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This can result in decisions that may not be aligned with climate change mitigation goals.



<h3 id="h-monitoring-and-enforcement">Monitoring and enforcement</h3>



Effective implementation of climate change mitigation measures requires monitoring, reporting, and verification systems. However, these systems can be complex and resource-intensive, and enforcement can be challenging, particularly in countries with weak governance structures.



These difficulties emphasize the need for a global, collaborative approach that takes into account the unique challenges faced by individual countries. By working together, sharing knowledge and resources, and adopting effective policies and practices, the world can overcome these obstacles and move towards a more sustainable future.



<h2 id="h-most-pressing-concerns-about-climate-change">Most pressing concerns about climate change</h2>



Climate change presents a range of pressing concerns for humanity and the Earth. Some of the most critical issues include:



<h2 id="h-extreme-weather-events">Extreme weather events</h2>



Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts. These events can lead to loss of life, property damage, infrastructure disruption, and agricultural losses.



<h2 id="h-sea-level-rise">Sea level rise</h2>



Melting polar ice caps and thermal expansion of seawater due to rising temperatures contribute to sea level rise. This poses a threat to coastal communities, as it can lead to flooding, erosion, and displacement of populations.



<h2 id="h-ocean-acidification">Ocean acidification</h2>



Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to the acidification of oceans, negatively affecting marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and shellfish populations. This can have cascading impacts on global food chains and the livelihoods of those who rely on fishing and other marine resources.



<h2 id="h-loss-of-biodiversity">Loss of biodiversity</h2>



Climate change disrupts ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, species extinction, and reduced biodiversity. This can have profound consequences for the balance of ecosystems, the provision of essential services, and the resilience of Earth's natural systems.



<h3 id="h-food-and-water-insecurity">Food and water insecurity</h3>



Climate change affects agriculture through changes in precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the spread of pests and diseases. This can lead to food shortages, price volatility, and increased risk of malnutrition. Similarly, water scarcity may become more prevalent in some regions due to changing climate patterns, affecting access to clean and safe drinking water.



<h3 id="h-human-health-impacts">Human health impacts</h3>



Climate change can exacerbate existing health issues and create new challenges. These include heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, vector-borne diseases, and mental health impacts due to displacement and loss of livelihoods.



<h3 id="h-economic-consequences">Economic consequences</h3>



Climate change can have significant economic implications, including disruptions to global supply chains, reduced productivity, and increased costs associated with adaptation and disaster response.



<h3 id="h-migration-and-displacement">Migration and displacement</h3>



Climate change may lead to the displacement of populations due to sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity. This can result in increased migration and potential conflicts over resources, as well as the need to support affected communities.



<h3 id="h-inequality-and-social-justice">Inequality and social justice</h3>



The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, women, children, and indigenous peoples. This can exacerbate existing inequalities and create additional social and economic challenges.



<h3 id="h-geopolitical-tensions">Geopolitical tensions</h3>



Competition for scarce resources, migration, and the impacts of climate change on national security can heighten geopolitical tensions and create the potential for conflict.



Addressing these pressing concerns requires urgent action from governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance adaptation measures, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.



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Study: Most people view climate change as a very important issue

New research challenges the notion that people are unmotivated to...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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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 



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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