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...

According to a new study conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/">Chalmers University of Technology</a> and Lund University, the use of coal power is not declining rapidly enough to meet the Paris Agreement's target of limiting global warming to a maximum of two degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



Instead, the world appears to be headed towards a temperature increase of 2.5-3 degrees Celsius. However, the researchers suggest that it is still feasible to prevent even higher warming.



"More and more countries are promising that they will phase out coal from their energy systems, which is positive. But unfortunately, their commitments are not strong enough. If we are to have a realistic chance of meeting the 2-degree target, the phasing out of coal needs to happen faster," explained Professor Aleh Cherp.



Phasing out coal is necessary to prevent the world's temperature increase from exceeding two degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. For the study, experts from the research program Mistra Electrification analyzed the pledged commitments of 72 countries to phase out their coal use by 2022-2050.



In the best-case scenario, the researchers found that it is possible to keep the temperature increase at two degrees Celsius. However, this assumes that China and India will begin phasing out their coal use within the next five years and that their phase-out will be as rapid as that of the UK, which is the fastest ever seen in a large country, and faster than Germany has promised. This may create inequities that will need to be addressed by international policies.



The researchers also developed scenarios that they consider to be the most realistic. These scenarios indicate that the Earth is headed towards a global warming of 2.5-3 degrees Celsius.



"The countries' commitments are not sufficient, not even among the most ambitious countries. In addition, Russia's invasion of Ukraine may prevent some countries from phasing out coal as they promised," said Professor Jessica Jewell.



The study highlights that the 72 countries' commitments to phase out coal power are similar to each other and in line with historical data for how quickly coal power was phased out in the past. However, given the urgency of the climate crisis, more ambitious and rapid action is needed to meet the Paris Agreement's target and avoid catastrophic levels of global warming.



Coal has been a significant source of energy for many years, and it has played a critical role in driving the industrialization of nations. However, the burning of coal to produce energy has significant environmental impacts that affect climate change. Coal is one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and its impact on climate change is a global concern. In this article, we will discuss how using coal for power impacts climate change and what measures can be taken to mitigate its effects.



Coal-fired power plants are responsible for producing a large amount of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. According to the International Energy Agency, coal-fired power plants are responsible for about 30 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, which leads to global warming and climate change.



Apart from carbon dioxide, coal combustion also releases other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and mercury. These pollutants have serious health implications and can cause respiratory diseases, heart disease, and premature death. Additionally, they contribute to acid rain, which can harm forests, lakes, and streams.



The impacts of climate change are already being felt globally, including rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts, and disruptions to ecosystems and wildlife. The use of coal for power production has a significant impact on climate change, and its continued use will result in even more severe impacts in the future.



To mitigate the impacts of coal on climate change, countries and industries need to shift to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro are viable alternatives that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a more sustainable source of energy. Many countries have set targets to reduce their reliance on coal and increase the share of renewable energy in their energy mix.



In addition to switching to renewable energy sources, technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) can also help mitigate the impacts of coal on climate change. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants and storing them underground or using them for industrial processes. Although CCS technology is still in its early stages, it has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.



In summary, the use of coal for power production has a significant impact on climate change. Coal-fired power plants are responsible for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, and their continued use will lead to even more severe impacts in the future. To mitigate the impacts of coal on climate change, countries and industries need to shift to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy, such as renewables, and invest in technologies such as carbon capture and storage.



About Mistra Electrification



The Mistra Electrification research program aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and efficient energy system. The program will produce knowledge, with a focus on electrification and sector coupling, to enable a fair transition. The main financier is the research foundation Mistra. The program is hosted by the research company Energiforsk, which leads the program together with Chalmers University of Technology. Read more at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mistraelectrification.com/">www.mistraelectrification.com</a>



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Coal use is not declining fast enough to slow global warming

According to a new study conducted by researchers from Chalmers...

New evidence collected from the eastern Shennongjia Forestry District of China’s Hubei Province suggests that the Earth was not completely frozen during the Marinoan Ice Age, 635 million years ago, as previously thought.&nbsp;



While the ice age, one of the most extreme in Earth’s history, created glaciers from pole to pole and persisted for 15 million years, new findings suggest that there were patches of open water in some of the shallow mid-latitude seas.



“We called this ice age ‘Snowball Earth,’” said Thomas Algeo, a professor of Geosciences at the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/">University of Cincinnati</a>’s College of Arts and Sciences. “We believed that Earth had frozen over entirely during this long ice age. But maybe it was more of a ‘Slushball Earth.’”



The study was published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37172-x">Nature Communications</a> and led by Huyue Song from the China University of Geosciences, with contributions from researchers from the United Kingdom and the United States.&nbsp;



The researchers found benthic phototrophic macroalgae in black shale dating back more than 600 million years, which requires light from the sun to convert water and carbon dioxide into energy through photosynthesis. They conducted an isotopic analysis and found that habitable open-ocean conditions were more extensive than previously thought, extending into oceans that fall between the tropics and the polar regions and providing refuge for single-celled and multi-celled organisms during the waning stages of the Marinoan ice age.



“We present a new Snowball Earth model in which open waters existed in both low- and mid-latitude oceans,” said Song. “We found that the Marinoan glaciation was dynamic. There may have existed potential open-water conditions in the low and middle latitudes several times. In addition, these conditions in surface waters may have been more widespread and more sustainable than previously thought and may have allowed a rapid rebound of the biosphere after the Marinoan Snowball Earth.”



The study raises intriguing questions about other ice ages, particularly the second one during the Cryogenian Period that scientists also believe created near-total glaciation of the planet. Algeo speculates that multicellular organisms might have triggered these ice ages by removing carbon from the atmosphere, leading to carbon burial and the cooling of the Earth.&nbsp;



Today, humans are releasing carbon quickly in huge amounts, which is having a significant impact on global climate.



“One of the general take-home messages is how much the biosphere can influence the carbon cycle and climate,” Algeo said. “We know that carbon dioxide is one of the most important greenhouse gases. So we see how changes in the carbon cycle have an impact on the global climate.”



Paradoxically, the refuges of life in the open waters during the Marinoan Ice Age likely helped to warm the planet and end the ice age, as the algae in the water released carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over time, gradually thawing the glaciers.



The study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the China Geological Survey. The findings suggest that life can persist under extreme conditions, and it is crucial to understand the impact of the biosphere on the Earth’s climate.



Other theories about ‘Snowball Earth’



The Snowball Earth hypothesis is a theory that proposes that the Earth was once entirely covered in ice and snow for millions of years, possibly around 650 million years ago. The theory is based on geological evidence and is supported by various lines of evidence, including sedimentary deposits, glacial features, and isotope records.



There are several theories as to what could have caused the Snowball Earth event. One theory suggests that a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels could have triggered the onset of global glaciation. This could have occurred due to a decrease in volcanic activity, which reduces the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, or due to the weathering of rocks, which consumes CO2 through chemical reactions.



Another theory suggests that the Earth's position in the solar system could have played a role. The amount of solar radiation that the Earth receives is controlled by several factors, including the tilt of the Earth's axis and the shape of its orbit. It is possible that a combination of these factors caused a decrease in solar radiation, leading to global cooling and the onset of glaciation.



A third theory suggests that a series of large volcanic eruptions could have caused the Snowball Earth event. These eruptions would have released large amounts of volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide and ash, into the atmosphere. This would have blocked sunlight and caused a cooling effect, which could have triggered global glaciation.



Despite the many theories about what caused the Snowball Earth event, scientists still do not have a clear answer. The debate continues, with researchers using a variety of methods, including computer simulations and laboratory experiments, to try to better understand the conditions that led to this unique period in Earth's history.



Regardless of the cause, the Snowball Earth event had a profound impact on the evolution of life on Earth. The extreme cold and lack of sunlight would have made it very difficult for most organisms to survive, and many species may have gone extinct. However, the survivors would have had to adapt to extreme conditions, leading to the evolution of new and unique forms of life.



What is an ice age?



An ice age is a long period of time, usually lasting thousands of years, during which the Earth's climate is significantly colder than usual. These cold periods are marked by the growth of massive ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice, which cover much of the Earth's surface.



Ice ages are caused by a complex interplay of factors, including variations in the Earth's orbit and the amount of solar radiation it receives, changes in the distribution of land masses, and fluctuations in atmospheric and oceanic circulation. During an ice age, temperatures can drop by several degrees Celsius, and large portions of the planet become uninhabitable for most species.



Despite their name, ice ages are not marked by a continuous period of freezing temperatures. Instead, they are characterized by a series of cycles of glacial advances and retreats, during which ice sheets and glaciers grow and shrink in response to changing climate conditions.



The last major ice age, known as the Last Glacial Maximum, occurred between 26,000 and 19,000 years ago, when large portions of North America, Europe, and Asia were covered in ice. Since then, the Earth's climate has warmed significantly, and we are currently living in a warm interglacial period.



Although ice ages may seem like a distant and ancient phenomenon, they have had a profound impact on the history of life on Earth, shaping the evolution of species and influencing the development of human civilizations. Understanding the causes and effects of ice ages is therefore essential for understanding the complex dynamics of our planet's climate system.



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"Snowball Earth’ may not have been frozen solid

New evidence collected from the eastern Shennongjia Forestry District of...

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are a key part of the planning process for new developments, but according to new research from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/">University of East Anglia</a>, they may be hugely underestimating the effect that these developments have on wildlife.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14691795">Animal Conservation</a>, shows that these assessments often fail to take into account how birds and other animals move around between different sites, leading to a drastic underestimation of the number of animals impacted by new developments.



The research team has been studying Black-tailed Godwits across Europe for over 30 years and found that any species that moves around is likely to be under-represented by EIAs. The impact of a planned tidal barrage across the Wash estuary in the UK, for example, could be much worse than predicted for wild birds and England’s largest common seal colony.



“Environmental Impact Assessments are carried out when developments are planned for sites where wildlife is protected. But the methods used to produce these reports seldom consider how species move around between different sites. This can drastically underestimate the number of animals impacted, and this is particularly relevant for species that are very mobile, like birds,” said Professor Jenny Gill from UEA’s School of Biological Sciences.



The researchers conducted a case study of the Tagus Estuary in Portugal, where a new airport is planned. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the airport estimated that less than six percent of the Black-tailed Godwit population would be affected by the plans.&nbsp;



However, by tracking the movements of individual Godwits to and from the affected area, the researchers found that over 68 percent of the Godwits in the estuary would actually be exposed to disturbance from airplanes.



“Many of these Godwits spend the winter on the Tagus Estuary,” said Dr. José Alves, a researcher at the University of Aveiro and visiting academic at UEA’s School of Biological Sciences. “So we used local sightings of color-ringed birds to calculate how many of them use sites that are projected to be affected by airplanes. We were then able to predict the airport’s impact on future Godwit movements across the whole estuary."



The researchers have been studying individual Black-tailed Godwits for three decades by fitting them with uniquely identifiable combinations of colored leg-rings. With the help of a network of birdwatchers across Europe, they have recorded the whereabouts of individual Godwits throughout the birds’ lives.&nbsp;



The method used to calculate the footprint of environmental impact could be applied to assess many other proposed developments in the UK, particularly those affecting waterbirds and coastal habitats where tracking data is available.



“Eight environmental NGOs together with Client Earth have already taken the Portuguese government to court to contest the approval of this airport development. We hope our findings will help strengthen the case by showing the magnitude of the impacts, which substantially surpass those quantified in the developer’s Environmental Impact Assessment,” said Dr. Alves.



The research highlights the need for EIAs to consider the movement of wildlife between different sites to provide a more accurate assessment of the environmental impact of new developments. This could help prevent the underestimation of the number of animals impacted and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect wildlife and their habitats.



Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are important because they provide an assessment of the potential environmental effects of proposed projects and developments. These reports aim to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of a project on the natural and human environment, and to identify ways to mitigate or avoid negative impacts.



EIAs are often required by law and are typically part of the permitting process for a proposed development. This means that developers must prepare an EIA before they can proceed with their project, and the EIA must be reviewed and approved by government agencies responsible for environmental protection.



By providing a detailed assessment of the potential impacts of a project, EIAs can help decision-makers and the public understand the trade-offs involved in proposed developments. They can also help identify ways to reduce or mitigate potential negative impacts, and to explore alternative options that may have fewer negative effects on the environment.



Overall, EIAs play an important role in ensuring that environmental concerns are taken into account in decision-making about proposed developments, and can help ensure that new developments are planned and implemented in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and to the communities that depend on it.



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Environmental reports greatly underestimate wildlife impacts

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are a key part of the...

As the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-creates-an-unclear-future-for-u-s-forests/">climate</a> continues to change, many species are expected to adapt by changing their habitat and behavior. However, a recent study conducted in California's high-elevation Sierra Nevada by researchers at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/">UC Davis</a> suggests that climate change is only one of several factors to consider when predicting where a species will make its home in a changing world.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9949">Ecology and Evolution</a>, the study focused on three species of squirrel, including the yellow-bellied marmot, Belding's ground squirrel, and the golden-mantled ground squirrel, and analyzed nearly 6,000 observations of individual squirrels collected over four years.



To better understand the niche of these animals, which includes all the environmental conditions necessary for an animal to live in a particular area, the researchers looked beyond just climate conditions, incorporating topography and land cover into their analysis.&nbsp;



“We’re trying from a conservation perspective to understand what will happen to these species as the world changes,” said lead author Aviva Rossi, who conducted the study while a UC Davis graduate student in the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. “A quantitative analysis of what makes a species able to live where it lives allows us to bring that information forward, and better understand differences between species.”



The experts found that non-climatic factors such as topography, including the steepness of an area, and land cover, such as meadows or forests, also play an essential role in determining where a species can thrive. For example, a species that is adapted to living on steep, rocky slopes may not be able to survive in flatter areas with different land cover, even if the climate is suitable.



These findings have important implications for predicting which species will be most vulnerable to climate change. Understanding the niche of animals helps scientists learn which changes are expected to most impact a species and, therefore, which animals may be most vulnerable to climate change.



The researchers found that these three species of squirrels use the same space differently because their niche is different.&nbsp;



While grassland meadows were particularly important for both the yellow-bellied marmot and Belding’s ground squirrel, they each preferred slightly different conditions within the meadow. Marmots preferred drier conditions, while Belding’s ground squirrels favored wet vegetation. On the other hand, golden-mantled squirrels preferred forested areas and did well with more snow-free days. Belding’s ground squirrels, however, preferred having snow on the ground longer.



Rossi emphasized that even with these overall selection patterns, there can still be too much of a good thing in extreme years. Mammals in high-elevation mountains are often perceived as vulnerable to climate shifts, yet the results underscore the importance of including factors that go beyond climate when defining their niche.



“There’s hope in some areas and not in others,” Rossi said. “If one species is there because of a meadow and another is there because of an outcropping of rocks, as the world changes, it may change where one species lives but not the other. We just want to better understand what’s likely to happen so we can make better conservation decisions.”



Study co-author Robert Klinger of the U.S. Geological Survey added that the research demonstrates the complexity of the impact of climate change.&nbsp;



The findings have important implications for conservation efforts in the region, highlighting the need to consider ecological niches beyond just climate when developing strategies for managing these species.&nbsp;



While the study was focused on squirrels in California's Sierra Nevada, the findings could have broader implications for predicting how other species will respond to climate change. By considering a broader range of environmental factors beyond just climate, researchers may be better able to predict which species are most at risk and develop strategies to protect them.



The study was funded through the USGS National Climate Change and Wildlife Science Center, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, with support from the Gulch Environmental Foundation.



How other species are adapting to climate change



One of the most visible ways that species are adapting to climate change is by shifting their ranges. As temperatures rise, many species are moving to areas that were previously too cold for them. For example, some butterfly species in the United Kingdom have expanded their ranges northward by over 200 miles in the last few decades. Similarly, some bird species are migrating earlier or later in the year to take advantage of changes in the timing of food availability.



Another way that species are adapting to climate change is by changing their behavior. For example, some animals are altering their breeding seasons to match changes in the timing of food availability. Some species are also changing their feeding habits. For example, some seabirds have started eating more squid and less fish as the ocean temperatures warm and the availability of different prey changes.



In addition to changing their ranges and behavior, some species are evolving in response to climate change. For example, some plants are evolving to have shorter lifecycles, which allows them to reproduce before the growing season ends. Some species are also evolving to have smaller body sizes, which helps them to regulate their body temperature more effectively in warmer conditions.



Finally, some species are adapting to climate change through human intervention. For example, some conservationists are creating "corridors" of suitable habitat between areas of protected land. These corridors allow species to move between different areas as their ranges shift. Other conservationists are also using assisted migration, which involves moving species to new areas where they are better suited to the changing climate.



In summary, climate change is a significant threat to many species around the world, but it is also true that some species are adapting to the changing climate. From shifting their ranges and behavior to evolving and benefiting from human intervention, these species are demonstrating the resilience and adaptability that is essential for survival in an ever-changing world.&nbsp;



However, it is important to note that not all species have the capacity to adapt as quickly or effectively, and it is therefore critical that we continue to take action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the diversity of life on Earth.



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How are squirrels adapting to climate change?

As the Earth's climate continues to change, many species are...

A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.120957">Applied Energy</a> suggests that the use of underground water, through Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES), could reduce natural gas and electricity consumption by 40 percent in the heating and cooling sector of the U.S. This approach also has the potential to prevent blackouts caused by high power demand during extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/">weather</a> events.



“We need storage to absorb the fluctuating energy from solar and wind, and most people are interested in batteries and other kinds of electrical storage. But we were wondering whether there's any opportunity to use geothermal energy storage because heating and cooling is such a predominant part of the energy demand for buildings," said study first author A.T.D Perera. "We found that, with ATES, a huge amount of energy can be stored, and it can be stored for a long period of time.”



ATES works by pumping water up from existing underground reservoirs and heating it at the surface in the summer with environmental heat or excess energy from solar, or any time of the year with wind. The water is then pumped back down underground where it can be used to heat buildings during the winter or to cool them during hot summer months.



Study co-author Peter Nico is the deputy director of the Energy Geosciences Division at <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/">Berkeley Lab</a> and lead of the Resilient Energy, Water and Infrastructure Domain. He explained that the Earth acts as a good insulator, allowing the water to maintain its temperature even after months of storage. “It's a way of storing energy as temperature underground," said Nico.



The experts found that ATES is a promising option for energy storage in the heating and cooling sector, which, when combined with other technologies such as batteries, could help reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived backup power and enable a fully renewable grid.



ATES systems are not yet widely used in the U.S. but are gaining recognition internationally, particularly in the Netherlands. One significant advantage of these systems is that they obtain "free" thermal energy from seasonal temperature changes, which can be supplemented by artificial heating and cooling generated by electricity.



Moreover, ATES systems are designed to avoid using critical drinking water resources, as the water used often comes from deeper aquifers than the drinking water supply, and they do not introduce any chemicals into the water.



The research team developed a case study to estimate the potential savings in energy consumption and cost of using ATES. The experts designed a computational model of a neighborhood in Chicago composed of 58 two-story, single-family residence buildings to evaluate the feasibility and climate resilience of the ATES system.



ATES involves pumping water into a porous rock formation or an underground aquifer, where it is stored until needed to either heat or cool a building. This system is more efficient and takes up less space than traditional geothermal heat pump systems, which rely on heat transfer with the underground earth soil.



To test the effectiveness of ATES, the team used future climate projections to understand how much of the neighborhood’s total energy budget is currently taken up by heating and cooling demands, and how these demands might change in the future. They then designed a microgrid simulation for the neighborhood that included renewable energy technologies and ATES. The results showed that adding ATES to the grid could reduce consumption of petroleum products by up to 40 percent.



While ATES would cost 15 to 20 percent more than existing energy storage technologies, the researchers believe that after a few years of developing ATES, the costs would be offset by its efficiency. "But, on the other hand, energy storage technologies are having sharp cost reductions, and after just a few years of developing ATES, we could easily break even. That’s why it’s quite important that we start to invest in this research and start building real-world prototype systems,” said study co-author Professor Rizwan-uddin Perera.



One major advantage of ATES is that it doesn't take up as much space as above-ground tank-based water or ice storage systems. ATES is also more efficient and can scale up for large community cooling or heating.



Another benefit of ATES is its ability to become more efficient as weather becomes more extreme in the coming years due to climate change. The hotter summers and harsher winters predicted by the world’s leading climate models will have many downsides, but one upside is that they could supercharge the amount of free thermal energy that can be stored with ATES.&nbsp;



“It’s making lemonade, right? If you're going to have these extreme heat events, you might as well store some of that heat for when you have the extreme cold event,” said study co-author Ashlynn S. Stillwell.



Furthermore, ATES could make the future grid more resilient to outages caused by high power demands during heat waves – which happen quite often these days in many high-population U.S. areas, including Chicago – because ATES-driven cooling uses far less electricity than air conditioners. It only needs enough power to pump the water around.



“It's very much a realistic thing to do and this work was really about showing its value and how the costs can be offset. This technology is ready to go, so to speak. We just need to do it,” said study co-author Anna G. Stefanopoulou.



Overall, ATES has the potential to revolutionize the way we store and use energy for heating and cooling in homes and businesses, potentially reducing energy consumption and contributing to the goal of a fully renewable grid.



This research was funded by the Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office. The team’s diverse expertise across the energy geosciences, climate science, and building science fields allowed them to put all the factors together into one model, making this research possible.



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Underground water could be a great source of renewable energy

A new study published in the journal Applied Energy suggests...

A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-00704-w">Communications, Earth &amp; Environment</a> reveals that the Amazon rainforest and its Indigenous territories can absorb up to 26,000 metric tons of dangerous pollutants released by fires each year. This prevents thousands of cases of deadly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and significantly reduces healthcare costs in some of the region’s most deforested cities.



The research team analyzed a decade of data and found that each hectare of burning forest costs cities at least US$2 million for treating associated illnesses. However, Indigenous forests can prevent an estimated 15 million cases of respiratory and cardiovascular disease every year, which would otherwise cost the healthcare system US$2 billion. Additionally, heavily forested Indigenous lands are protecting urban and rural populations in the “arc of deforestation,” the southeastern region of the rainforest that has lost the most forest cover to agroindustry and other legal and illegal activities.



“Worldwide, forests are known for absorbing pollutants from fires through pores on the surface of the leaves, but this is the first time we have estimated the capacity of tropical forests to do this," said study lead author Dr. Paula Prist, a research scientist at the EcoHealth Alliance. "Our results indicate that the Amazon rainforest can absorb as much as 26,000 metric tons of the particles every year, and Indigenous territories are responsible for 27% of this absorption, while covering only 22 percent of the rainforest.”



The findings were released just days before President Lula completes his first 100 days in office. The study could add urgency to the Brazilian leader’s promise to recognize and enforce the land rights of Indigenous peoples, already proven to play an outsize role in reducing the deforestation and biodiversity loss in the Amazon.



Study co-author Dr. Florencia Sangermano is an expert in the use of geospatial analysis and satellite remote sensing to evaluate changes in the earth system, and to assess their effect on ecosystems and biodiversity.



“Science has shown that Indigenous-managed forests suffer less deforestation that drives climate change and pandemic risk, but this is the first effort to quantify how they benefit human and economic health, indicating that the benefits go far beyond the borders of these territories,” said Dr. Sangermano.



The researchers focused their analysis on the Brazilian Legal Amazon, an area that covers more than half the Brazilian territory, including 722 towns and cities. During the fire season, from the end of July through November, the region becomes “among the most polluted places on earth,” noted Dr. Prist and her co-authors.



Forest fires in tropical forest countries are responsible for 90 percent of global emissions of the particulate matter released by fires, including those in the Amazon basin. The evergreen broadleaf forests of the Amazon are more likely than forests in other biomes to release black and organic carbonaceous aerosols, the primary components of the fine particulate matter implicated in the rising rate of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in the region.



The report also highlights that fires in the Amazon consumed 519,000 hectares of forest between May 19 and October 31, 2021, with Brazil losing the most forest cover to fires. Prist said, “The number of fires has been increasing in the last few years, and in 2020, deforestation rates reached the highest levels of the decade in the Brazilian Amazon.”



Previous studies have demonstrated that Indigenous communities' management of land is safeguarding significant forested regions from wildfires. They also concluded that the Amazon rainforests are shielding nearby areas from smoke damage while simultaneously protecting neighboring communities. The recent research delves deeper by examining the pollutants' potential to travel over long distances and the rainforest's ability to soak them up. The study's authors concluded that Indigenous territories may be supplying health and economic advantages to populations residing up to 500 kilometers away from where the fires are occurring.



“Our results suggest there is a need to act now - in advance of the fire season - to protect Indigenous peoples and their forests as a matter of public health,” said Dr. Prist. “Failure to recognize and enforce the land rights of Indigenous peoples in the Amazon could lead to deforestation of their lands and an increase in the number of reported infections, as well as a significant rise in health care costs, particularly in already deforested areas.”



Currently, just five Indigenous territories in the Brazilian Legal Amazon, mainly situated in the densely forested western region of the Brazilian Amazon, account for eight percent of the rainforest’s ability to absorb particles from forest fires. Currently, there are 383 recognized Indigenous territories in the Brazilian Legal Amazon, spanning over 1,160,000 square km.



Based on a decade's worth of reports of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases across the Amazon, along with data on pollutants and forest cover, the scientists identified two million cases of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The study traced these cases to an estimated 1.7 metric tons of particles released annually by fires during the dry season, which typically commences in late July. This suggests that if the rainforest is damaged, it could lead to a higher quantity of pollutants and greater rates of disease.



The scientists relied solely on satellite data to quantify emissions from fires as precise meteorological data was lacking. The fires are frequently set intentionally to illegally clear land for crops or pasture. The researchers did not calculate the rainforest's actual removal rates; instead, they estimated the Amazon's capacity to absorb the particles released by fires during the dry season. They made assumptions based on studies conducted in temperate regions.



"Despite the challenges, we were able to evaluate the contribution of the Amazon forest and the Indigenous territories to the maintenance of human health, and the economic benefits that its conservation can bring," said Dr. Sangermano. "Our numbers probably underestimate the ecosystem services provided by the Amazon rainforest and its Indigenous territories because there are no calculations for the pollutant absorption rates of tropical trees."



The study reveals the crucial role of Indigenous territories in absorbing dangerous pollutants and preventing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which could significantly reduce healthcare costs in the region. The research provides additional evidence to support the recognition and enforcement of Indigenous land rights in the Amazon, which can help prevent further deforestation.



Why is the Amazon rainforest so important?



The Amazon Rainforest, also known as the "Lungs of the Earth," is the world's largest tropical rainforest, spanning over 6.7 million square kilometers across nine South American countries. It is home to an estimated 40,000 plant species, 2.5 million insect species, and more than 2,000 species of birds and mammals. The Amazon Rainforest plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate, maintaining global biodiversity, and providing essential ecosystem services to humans.



Regulation of the Earth's Climate



The Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the "Lungs of the Earth" because of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. The rainforest is estimated to absorb approximately 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, which helps to regulate the Earth's climate by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The Amazon also plays a critical role in regulating the Earth's water cycle by releasing moisture into the atmosphere through a process called evapotranspiration. This process helps to maintain global rainfall patterns and prevents droughts in other parts of the world.



Maintaining Global Biodiversity



The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, with an estimated 16,000 tree species alone. The region is home to many iconic species, such as jaguars, sloths, anacondas, and macaws. However, many of these species are endangered due to deforestation, climate change, and human activities. The loss of these species not only has a significant impact on the rainforest's ecosystem but also on the wider global biodiversity. The Amazon is a vital component in maintaining the world's biodiversity, and the loss of the rainforest could have severe consequences for the planet's ecosystems.



Providing Essential Ecosystem Services to Humans



The Amazon Rainforest provides numerous ecosystem services that are essential to human well-being. These services include regulating the climate, purifying the air and water, providing food and medicine, and supporting economic activities such as tourism and agriculture. The rainforest's biodiversity is a significant source of medicine, with approximately 25% of modern medicine derived from rainforest plants. Additionally, the Amazon is a crucial source of food for many indigenous communities, providing fish, fruits, and nuts.



The Amazon also plays a crucial role in supporting global agriculture, with approximately 80% of the world's soybeans and 40% of the world's beef coming from the region. However, the continued expansion of agriculture and ranching into the Amazon Rainforest is causing significant deforestation, which threatens the region's ecosystem services and the livelihoods of local communities.



In summary, the Amazon Rainforest is one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, providing essential ecosystem services to humans and maintaining global biodiversity. The rainforest's role in regulating the Earth's climate, providing food and medicine, and supporting economic activities cannot be overstated. However, the Amazon Rainforest is under threat from deforestation, climate change, and human activities. It is essential that we take action to protect this vital ecosystem and ensure that it continues to provide essential ecosystem services to humans and maintain global biodiversity for generations to come.



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Indigenous forests prevent 15 million yearly cases of disease

A new study published in the journal Communications, Earth &amp;...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-study-insects-are-also-declining-in-forests/">Forests</a> play an important role in mitigating climate change. They absorb carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, storing it in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. This carbon storage superpower is one of the reasons why forests have been identified as a potential climate solution, in addition to reducing human greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;



However, a recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01166-7">Nature Geoscience</a> suggests that climate change itself might compromise how permanently forests are able to store carbon and keep it out of the air.



The study was conducted by Zhaosheng Wu, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University's School of Earth, Energy &amp; Environmental Sciences, and William Anderegg, an assistant professor at the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/">University of Utah</a>'s School of Biological Sciences.



The researchers looked at how different regions and tree species in the United States would respond to climate change and found a wide range of estimates of how much carbon forests in different regions might gain or lose as the climate warms. They also found that the regions most at risk of losing forest carbon through fire, climate stress, or insect damage are those where many forest carbon offset projects have been set up.



“This tells us there's a really urgent need to update these carbon offsets protocols and policies with the best available science of climate risks to U.S. forests,” said Anderegg.



For this study, the researchers were interested in forecasting changes in the amount of aboveground carbon storage in forests of different regions in the United States. Aboveground carbon refers to any living parts of a tree that are above ground, including wood and leaves or needles.&nbsp;



To do this, the experts used a combination of methods, including historical and future projections of climate, datasets from long-term forest plots, machine learning, and complex models that include interactions between the ecosystem and the atmosphere.



“Each different method has inherent advantages and limitations,” said Wu. “No model is perfect.”



“By bringing in many different approaches and different model types and comparing them, we can get a sense of what the different models are telling us and how can we learn to improve the models. And we might have much more confidence if all of the models and all of the approaches tell us the same story in a given region," said Anderegg.



Despite the differences in the models’ forecasts, the researchers found some consistency in predictions of how different regions’ carbon storage might change in the future. For example, the Great Lakes and Northeastern US, as well as parts of the Southeastern US and the northern Rockies, consistently showed carbon gains in future projections. However, the models also showed significant risks of losing carbon from forests through the climate triple threat of fire, climate stress, and insect damage.



With those risks, the models projected a net carbon gain in forests nationwide of between three and five petagrams of carbon by the end of the 21st century (a petagram is a quadrillion grams – about 25 times the mass of all humans on Earth). Without those climate stresses, forests might be able to pack away a net 9.4 petagrams of carbon.



The researchers also applied their analysis to 139 current projects to offset carbon emissions to the atmosphere by aiming to increase the carbon stored in forests through various approaches. However, depending on the model method and the climate scenario, the results showed that large numbers of carbon offset forest projects, particularly in the Southeastern US and on the West Coast, are projected to lose carbon by the end of the century.



“For carbon offsets to be effective, they have to store carbon for a pretty long amount of time – multiple decades to centuries. So if fire’s burning them down or insects are wiping out different areas, it could vastly undermine their effectiveness as climate change solutions," explained Anderegg.



The experts found that tree demographic models, which simulate forest dynamics by tracking the growth of new trees and the death of old ones, do not account for the potential influence of different types of vegetation that appear following a disturbance like a forest fire.&nbsp;



Additionally, these models do not consider the potential for rising carbon dioxide levels to improve plant growth, a phenomenon known as CO2 fertilization.



“These current models didn't consider the disturbance-vegetation feedback,” said Wu. “And also they didn't consider CO2 fertilization.”



Ultimately, Wu and Anderegg identified three key areas of research that could improve climate projections. First, they suggested investigating how rising concentrations of carbon dioxide may benefit plant and tree growth.&nbsp;



Second, they identified the need for better data and understanding of climate-driven tree mortality caused by factors such as fire, climate stress, and insects.&nbsp;



Finally, they highlighted the need to investigate how biomes will shift around following a disturbance, such as how some forests may be able to grow back while others may transition to grasslands and be lost entirely.



“These are some of the biggest unknowns that the field is really racing to tackle,” said Anderegg. “Working to tackle climate change as quickly as possible and move to a lower carbon future massively decreases the risks that forests are likely to face in the 21st century and increases the potential benefits that we might get from forests.”



The study highlights the importance of further research to improve our understanding of the complex interactions between climate change, forests, and the wider environment. By doing so, we can better prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and work towards a more sustainable future.



Why forests are so important



Forests are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth, and they provide a wide range of benefits to both humans and the environment. From regulating the climate to providing habitat for millions of species, forests play a critical role in the health and well-being of the planet.



It is important to understand the complex interconnections between forests and other ecosystems, as well as the ways in which human activities can impact these systems. In this article, we will explore the many reasons why forests are so important to Earth's ecosystems, and why we must work to protect and conserve them for future generations.



Regulating the Climate



Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, acting as carbon sinks that absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis, which converts carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy and oxygen. This process helps to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which in turn helps to mitigate the effects of climate change.



Additionally, forests help to regulate local and regional climates by controlling temperature and humidity levels. The canopy of trees provides shade and helps to cool the air, while the soil and vegetation help to retain moisture and prevent flooding.



Biodiversity and Habitat



Forests are home to millions of species of plants and animals, and they provide critical habitat for many endangered and threatened species. The dense canopy of trees provides cover and nesting sites for birds, while the forest floor provides a habitat for small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.



Forests are also home to a wide range of plant species, many of which are used in traditional medicine and as a source of food and shelter for wildlife. The loss of forests can have a devastating impact on biodiversity, as species lose their habitat and are forced to compete for resources in an increasingly degraded environment.



Soil Conservation



Forests play a critical role in soil conservation, helping to prevent erosion and maintain soil health. The root systems of trees help to stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and landslides, while the leaves and other organic matter provide nutrients and promote soil fertility.



Forests also help to maintain water quality, acting as natural filtration systems that remove pollutants and other contaminants from water sources. The loss of forests can lead to increased soil erosion, water pollution, and other environmental problems.



Economic Benefits



Forests provide a wide range of economic benefits, from timber and other forest products to ecotourism and recreational opportunities. In many parts of the world, forests are a vital source of income for local communities, providing jobs and supporting local economies.



However, the economic benefits of forests must be balanced with the need to protect and conserve these vital ecosystems. Sustainable forestry practices, such as selective logging and reforestation, can help to ensure that forests continue to provide economic benefits without sacrificing their ecological value.



In conclusion, forests are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth, providing critical services to both humans and the environment. From regulating the climate to providing habitat for millions of species, forests play a vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of the planet.



As humans, it is our responsibility to study and understand the complex interconnections between forests and other ecosystems, and to work to develop sustainable solutions to the many environmental challenges we face. By working to protect and conserve our forests, we can help to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come.



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Climate change creates an unclear future for U.S. forests

Forests play an important role in mitigating climate change. They...

By deploying a series of seismic arrays in California’s Long Beach and Seal Beach, a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/">California Institute of Technology</a> (Caltech) managed to detect over a thousand tiny earthquakes during an eight-month period, most of them located at surprisingly shallow depths of less than two kilometers below the surface. 



These findings suggest that the region’s portion of the Newport-Inglewood fault splays widely at these shallow depths, providing evidence for the first time that it may spread out by more than a kilometer.



To detect these shallow earthquakes, the scientists used three dense nodal seismic arrays containing approximately 100 sensors per square kilometer. Since the constant hum of urban areas can make it challenging to identify small-magnitude earthquakes, the data was recorded during the night, allowing the detection of 1262 nighttime earthquakes, many of which were previously undetected by the larger regional network.



According to the experts, the massive 6.4 Long Beach earthquake from 1933 has likely partly ruptured on the Newport-Inglewood fault. Yet, shallow seismicity as the one recently detected indicates that there are many possible paths for a rupture to propagate to the surface.



In this densely populated area – part of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan region – shallow seismicity could have important implications for earthquake hazard planning. The regulatory zone surrounding the surface traces of active faults in California – known as the Alquist-Priolo zone and spanning a minimum of 50 feet, or 0.01 kilometers – should be re-considered by experts and policymakers.



“Our results suggest the zone of high hazard at the surface may therefore be much wider than the Alquist-Priolo zone indicates,” the study authors explained.



To better characterize seismic hazard, other faults in southern California should be examined for such shallow earthquakes. “The Newport-Inglewood fault along its entire length, as well as the whole Los Angeles Basin, could benefit from such studies. This would help to see if there are faults that have not been detected with the permanent seismic network or through geologic mapping,” concluded lead author Yan Yang, a seismologist at Caltech.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1785/0220220358">Seismological Research Letters</a>.



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



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Over 1,000 shallow earthquakes detected in California

By deploying a series of seismic arrays in California’s Long...

A recent study published in <a href="https://beta.nsf.gov/now-leaving-5baef9b4ae2e21776e14fb9f77?external_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41558-023-01603-w&amp;back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbeta.nsf.gov%2Fnews%2Fsea-level-rise-poses-particular-risk-asian%3Futm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery">Nature Climate Change</a> has identified the areas most at risk from sea level rise caused by natural ocean fluctuations and climate change. 



The research, which was supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/">US National Science Foundation</a> and co-authored by a scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), mapped sea-level hotspots across the globe.



The study revealed that certain Asian megacities are particularly vulnerable, including Chennai, Kolkata, Yangon, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila. The authors warn that these cities may face significant risks by 2100 if society continues to emit high levels of greenhouse gases.



“Internal climate variability can greatly reinforce or suppress the sea-level rise caused by climate change,” explained NCAR scientist Aixue Hu, who co-authored the paper. “In a worst-case scenario, the combined effect of climate change and internal climate variability could result in local sea levels rising by more than 50% of what is due to climate change alone, thus posing significant risks of more severe flooding to coastal megacities and threatening millions of people.”



The study used a computer model of global climate and a specialized statistical model to determine the extent to which natural fluctuations can amplify or reduce the impact of climate change on sea-level rise in certain regions.&nbsp;



The researchers found that internal climate variability could increase sea-level rise in some locations by 20%-30% more than what would result from climate change alone, exponentially increasing extreme flooding events.



For example, the study predicts that coastal flooding events in Manila will occur 18 times more often by 2100 than in 2006 based solely on climate change. In a worst-case scenario, they could occur 96 times more often based on a combination of climate change and internal climate variability.



Internal climate variability will also increase sea-level rise along the west coasts of the US and Australia.



While the study acknowledges the uncertainties associated with predicting sea-level rise due to the complex and unpredictable interactions in the Earth's climate system, the authors stress the importance of developing effective adaptation strategies.



“The paper emphasizes that the estimates of sea-level rise come with considerable uncertainties because of the complex and unpredictable interactions in Earth's climate system,” the researchers wrote. “But the authors said it's critical for society to be aware of the potential of extreme sea-level rise to develop effective adaptation strategies.”



The current predictions for sea-level rise worldwide vary depending on the rate of greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global sea levels have already risen by about 15 cm since the start of the 20th century.



The IPCC's fifth assessment report, published in 2014, projected a global sea-level rise of between 26 and 82 cm by 2100, depending on the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. However, more recent research suggests that the upper end of this range may be an underestimate, and that sea-level rise of over one meter by 2100 is possible if emissions continue to rise at their current rate.



It's worth noting that sea-level rise is not uniform around the world, and some regions are more vulnerable than others. The study discussed in this article, for example, identified certain Asian megacities, western tropical Pacific islands, and the western Indian Ocean as particularly at risk from sea-level rise. Other vulnerable regions include low-lying coastal areas, such as the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and small island states in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.



It's also important to note that sea-level rise is a slow process and may not be immediately noticeable in many places. However, it can have significant impacts on coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure over time, particularly when combined with extreme weather events such as storms and hurricanes. Developing effective adaptation strategies will be critical for minimizing the impacts of sea-level rise in the coming years.



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Asian megacities at highest risk from sea level rise

A recent study published in Nature Climate Change has identified...

New research led by <a href="http://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/index_e.html">Okayama University</a> has analyzed fragments from the asteroid Ryugu to investigate the abundance of amino acids within them. The study aims to investigate whether amino acids necessary for the formation of life on Earth came from extraterrestrial sources such as meteorites.



The solar system was formed from a molecular cloud composed of gas and dust. When the cloud collapsed, the early sun was formed, and a large disk of gas and dust was formed orbiting it. The dusty material collided to produce rocky material that eventually gave rise to planetesimals. Some of the planetesimals contained large amounts of ice, including volatile compounds such as water and organic compounds, likely including some amino acids.



Over time, the ice melted due to the presence of radioactive material that heated up the bodies. This period of liquid water enabled many reactions to occur, including Strecker synthesis and Formose-like reactions, which resulted in the production of new organic material, including amino acids. The same process also changed the rocky materials from their original minerals to new secondary minerals.



After several million years, the planetesimals began to freeze, and later catastrophic collisions and interactions with the solar system planets broke up the large bodies, sending their asteroidal and cometary fragments close to Earth. Impact events have since delivered fragments of these asteroids and comets to the Earth's surface, supplying the Earth with organic material, including amino acids, over the course of its history.



Amino acids are necessary for living organisms, as they are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for many processes within organisms. Interestingly, most amino acids come in at least two forms that are mirror images of each other, similar to human hands, and life on Earth uses one particular type of amino acid in its proteins, the left-handed optical isomer.



Currently, only a certain class of meteorites (carbonaceous chondrites) is known to contain excesses of left-handed optical isomers, which has led to the idea that the amino acids used by life may have originated from these meteorites. Despite this, the amino acids in meteorites could have formed before their incorporation into the meteorites or after the meteorites had already formed.



The scientists analyzed several fragments of the asteroid Ryugu and calculated the abundance of amino acids within them. The abundance of mineral phases within the particles had been previously reported in another publication, which allowed for a comparison between the abundance of amino acids and minerals.



It was found that one particle (A0022) contained a high abundance of an uncommon amino acid in extraterrestrial materials, called dimethylglycine (DMG), whereas the other particle (C0008) did not contain this amino acid above the detection limit. Meanwhile, the abundance of glycine was found to be lower in A0022 compared to C0008, while the abundance of β-alanine showed the opposite trend. Accordingly, the ratio of β-alanine to glycine was higher for A0022 than for C0008.



The ratio was shown previously to be indicative of the extent of aqueous alteration operating on planetesimals. Therefore, it was hypothesized that some reaction related to higher levels of aqueous alteration in A0022 may explain the high abundance of DMG in this particle, compared to C0008.



The mineral phases were examined to see if any additional evidence for what reaction may be causing the different amino acids abundances between the Ryugu particles. It was found that the abundance of secondary minerals (formed after aqueous alteration), including carbonate, magnetite, and Fe-sulfides, was higher in A0022 than in C0008.



The higher abundance of carbonate in A0022 compared to C0008 suggested that there was a greater quantity of CO or CO2 in the region of the planetesimal where A0022 had been altered. This, coupled with the stronger evidence of aqueous alteration from the β-Alanine to glycine ratio, indicated that there may have been more ice in the precursor of A0022 than in C0008.



One method for producing DMG, an essential nutrient for humans, is the Eschweiler-Clarke reaction, which involves the reaction of glycine with formic acid and formaldehyde in water and generates CO2. Comets contain glycine, formaldehyde, and formic acid, and it is anticipated that these chemicals would be present in the planetesimal precursors of asteroids.



Thus, if the Eschweiler-Clarke reaction occurred during aqueous alteration in the precursor of A0022, it could explain why this particle had a higher level of DMG and lower abundance of glycine compared to C0008. Moreover, the CO2 produced may have contributed to the formation of carbonates in A0022.



Overall, the results of this study suggest that even minor variations in the conditions during aqueous alteration on planetesimals can have significant impacts on the ultimate abundance of amino acids. The destruction or creation of some amino acids can have consequences for the availability of amino acids at the genesis of life on Earth.



Astronomers have found the building blocks of life, such as amino acids, in various places in the universe. Some of these places include meteorites, comets, and interstellar dust particles.&nbsp;



These building blocks have also been detected in the atmospheres and on the surfaces of planets and moons within our own solar system, such as Mars, Saturn's moon Enceladus, and Jupiter's moon Europa.&nbsp;



Additionally, complex organic molecules have been detected in the gas and dust clouds between stars, known as interstellar clouds, and in the protoplanetary disks around young stars.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37107-6">Nature Communications</a>.



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How did the building blocks of life form?

New research led by Okayama University has analyzed fragments from...

Exposure to fine particulate air pollutants, also known as PM2.5, may increase the risk of developing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mediterranean-diet-reduces-the-risk-of-dementia/">dementia</a>, according to a new meta-analysis conducted by researchers at <a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a>. 



Dementia is a syndrome that affects cognitive function, including memory, thinking, language, and the ability to carry out daily activities. It is caused by damage to the brain cells and can be progressive, meaning it gets worse over time.



Dementia can have a significant impact on a person's life, including their ability to communicate, their mood and behavior, and their independence. People with dementia may experience memory loss, difficulty with language, confusion, personality changes, and impaired reasoning and judgment.&nbsp;



Individuals who suffer from dementia may also have difficulty with everyday tasks, such as dressing, grooming, and eating. As the condition progresses, individuals may require increasing levels of care and support from their loved ones or healthcare professionals.



The study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to use the new Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Exposure (ROBINS-E) tool, which addresses bias in environmental studies in greater detail than other assessment approaches. It is also the first to include newer studies that used "active case ascertainment," a method that involved screening entire study populations followed by in-person evaluation for dementia among individuals who did not have dementia at baseline.



The researchers identified 51 studies that evaluated the association between ambient air pollution and clinical dementia, all published within the last ten years. The studies were assessed for bias using ROBINS-E, and 16 of them met the criteria for the meta-analysis.&nbsp;



The majority of the research was focused on PM2.5, with nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide being the next most common pollutants studied. Of the studies used in the meta-analysis, nine used active case ascertainment.



The researchers found consistent evidence of an association between PM2.5 and dementia, even when annual exposure was less than the current EPA annual standard of 12 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3). Among the studies using active case ascertainment, the researchers found a 17-percent increase in risk for developing dementia for every two μg/m3 increase in average annual exposure to PM2.5.&nbsp;



They also found evidence suggesting associations between dementia and nitrogen oxide (five percent increase in risk for every 10 μg/m3 of annual exposure) and nitrogen dioxide (two percent increase in risk for every 10 μg/m3 of annual exposure), though the data was more limited.



"This is a big step in providing actionable data for regulatory agencies and clinicians in terms of making sense of the state of the literature on this hugely important health topic," said study lead author Professor Marc Weisskopf. "The results can be used by organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency, which is currently considering strengthening limits on PM2.5 exposure. Our findings support the public health importance of such a measure."



More than 57 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia, and estimates suggest that number will increase to 153 million by 2050. Up to 40 percent of these cases are thought to be linked to potentially modifiable risk factors, such as exposure to air pollutants.&nbsp;



Air pollution's estimated association with the risk of dementia is smaller than that of other risk factors, such as education and smoking. However, because of the number of people exposed to air pollution, the population-level health implications could be substantial.



"Given the massive numbers of dementia cases, identifying actionable modifiable risk factors to reduce the burden of disease would have tremendous personal and societal impact," said Professor Weisskopf. "Exposure to PM2.5 and other air pollutants is modifiable to some extent by personal behaviors—but more importantly through regulation."



Air pollution is caused by the release of harmful substances into the air by human activities such as transportation, industrial processes, and energy production. These substances can include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds.



The impact of air pollution on the planet can be significant. Particulate matter, for example, can cause respiratory problems and other health issues in humans and animals. Nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides can lead to acid rain, which can damage crops and forests, harm aquatic life, and erode buildings and monuments. Ozone, when it is present in the lower atmosphere, can be harmful to human health and vegetation.



Air pollution also contributes to climate change. Carbon dioxide, which is released through the burning of fossil fuels, is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to rising global temperatures. This can lead to a range of impacts, including sea level rise, changes in weather patterns, and more frequent and severe natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires.



Overall, air pollution has significant negative impacts on both human health and the environment, and addressing this issue is crucial for creating a sustainable and healthy future for our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-071620">The BMJ</a>.



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Air pollution linked to increased risk of dementia

Exposure to fine particulate air pollutants, also known as PM2.5,...

<a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/">UC Santa Barbara</a> scientists have conducted research into how coral reefs are affected by different kinds of natural disasters. The study, led by doctoral student Kai Kopecky and published in the journal <a href="https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/19399170">Ecology</a>, found that coral is less likely to recover from bleaching than from storms, even when the mortality rate is similar between the two events.



“Natural disasters can devastate a region, abruptly killing the species that form an ecosystem’s structure,” wrote the researchers. “While fires scorch the landscape to the ground, a heatwave leaves an army of wooden staves in its wake. Storm surges and coral bleaching do something similar underwater.”



Most shallow-water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-additives-reduce-breeding-success-of-corals/">corals</a> host symbiotic algae that provide them with food in exchange for a safe home and nutrients. However, extreme conditions can cause the coral to expel the algae, known as bleaching, which can be fatal.



The researchers studied coral and their reef ecosystems around the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, where they have been conducting research since the late 1980s. During Kopecky’s second visit to the island, a major bleaching event occurred, and he noticed that seaweed, a major competitor with coral for space on the reef, began colonizing the bleached skeletons left behind.



Kopecky wondered whether the presence of the skeletons was setting the reef on a pathway toward a more algae-dominated state. Previous work at Moorea had shown that tropical reefs can host either coral- or seaweed-dominated communities.&nbsp;



These distinct states are resilient to small disturbances, but a large shock can flip the ecosystem from one to the other in a process called hysteresis, after which the reef won’t revert to its previous state even if conditions do. The system finds a new equilibrium.



To compare reef dynamics after a bleaching event, which leaves skeletons in place, and after a storm, which scours the reef bare, Kopecky developed a mathematical model using a system of five differential equations to capture the transition between empty space, live and dead branching coral, and seaweed cover on the reef.



“The results were telling,” said Kopecky. “Just the fact that those skeletons are left on the reef results in these fundamentally different patterns of recovery.”



Coral skeletons play a protective role for young algae by shielding them from herbivores that would otherwise consume them. The crevices in the coral structure provide a safe haven for the algae to grow and spread, which is not possible in the open reef.&nbsp;



However, this protection does not appear to provide the same benefits to young coral. The authors of the study suggest that coral does not face as much pressure from predators as algae does. Furthermore, algae can outgrow coral when given the opportunity.



Holly Moeller, an assistant professor of ecology, evolution, and marine biology, explained: "Coral is literally laying down rock, while the algae are mostly just fast-growing, soft, leafy material."



Reef buildup is a slow process, and new growth incorporates dead skeletons into the larger reef structure. However, bleaching kills a lot of coral at once, particularly the oldest and youngest, and the skeletons eventually become brittle through erosion. This is not a sturdy foundation for young coral to build upon.



The idea of removing dead coral skeletons to promote coral recovery is gaining popularity in other ecosystems.&nbsp;



"Think of prescribed fires or the thinning of dead trees in forests so that the system is more resilient to future disturbances," explained Kai Kopecky, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Santa Barbara.



However, coral skeletons provide numerous benefits, including providing habitats for various types of animals. Additionally, some evidence suggests that the structural complexity of a reef correlates with faster coral recovery. "The effect really depends on what the nature of that structure is," Kopecky said. "Those aspects need to be taken into consideration before you go out and just start jackhammering the reef."



The researchers have ongoing experiments in Moorea, including one that examines how the reef recovers when dead coral skeletons are removed. Others are testing the assumptions Kopecky used to create his model. For example, how much does dead coral actually reduce herbivory? And how do the skeletons affect the growth of living corals?



Moeller believes that the study is a classic example of the value of mathematical models in ecology. Coral can live for hundreds of years, and reef recovery can take decades. "That's just not an experiment that you can realistically do," she said. "But if you have a model, and you trust the way you set that model up because you've done other experiments, then you can make these projections decades into the future."



Coral reefs are incredibly diverse ecosystems that are home to many different species of marine animals and plants. However, these ecosystems are under threat from a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Coral bleaching occurs when the coral's symbiotic algae, which provide them with food and color, are expelled due to changes in temperature, light, or nutrients.



When coral bleaches, it turns white, loses its color and may eventually die. The loss of coral has serious implications for the ocean's biodiversity, as well as the millions of people who depend on these ecosystems for food and income.



Climate change is the primary cause of coral bleaching. As ocean temperatures rise, the coral becomes stressed, which can cause it to expel its algae. Other factors that can cause bleaching include pollution, overfishing, and nutrient runoff.



Scientists are working to understand how to protect coral reefs from bleaching. One approach is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which would help slow the rate of warming oceans. Another is to reduce pollution and overfishing in coral reef areas.



In summary, coral bleaching is a serious problem that threatens the health of coral reefs and the many species that depend on them. While there is no easy solution to this problem, scientists are working hard to find ways to protect these important ecosystems from further damage. It's up to all of us to take action to protect the ocean's biodiversity and the millions of people who rely on it.



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Coral skeletons improve reef recovery after bleaching

UC Santa Barbara scientists have conducted research into how coral...

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</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...

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</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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</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...

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</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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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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https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
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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



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

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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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

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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