Plants can’t pull carbon from the air without nitrogen in the ground. A new global study finds that forests, prairies, and other natural areas are receiving far less new nitrogen than scientists previously believed. This shortfall could weaken nature’s ability to slow climate change.



Meanwhile, farms worldwide are increasing biological nitrogen inputs to boost crop growth. But when those nutrients spill over, they threaten water, air, and biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted"><a></a>How the study was conducted</h2>



The analysis was led by Carla Reis Ely while she was a postdoctoral scholar in the <a href="https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/">Oregon State University College of Forestry</a>. The project involved 24 scientists from around the world.



The team re-examined field measurements of biological nitrogen fixation, the microbial process that turns <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrous-oxide-emissions-erupt-from-farms-in-unpredictable-bursts/">nitrogen gas</a> in the air into plant‑usable forms. In doing so, they uncovered a major blind spot.



Past studies focused on places where nitrogen‑fixing organisms were especially common. These hotspots were represented in the data about 17 times more often than they occur across natural ecosystems globally. Correcting for that bias drove estimated natural nitrogen inputs sharply downward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-fuels-plant-growth">Nitrogen fuels plant growth</h2>



Nitrogen makes up more than three‑quarters of Earth’s atmosphere (most of the rest is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oxygen-detected-in-the-most-distant-and-primitive-galaxy-ever-analyzed/">oxygen</a>), yet most organisms can’t use it in that gaseous form (N₂).



Nitrogen‑fixing bacteria step in. They convert N₂ into ammonia and related compounds that plants can take up through their roots. 



Plants need nitrogen to build proteins and chlorophyll - the green pigment that powers photosynthesis. This allows them to grow, stay healthy, reproduce, and convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into biomass.



“In natural ecosystems, nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility and supports plant growth, thereby increasing carbon storage,” said Reis Ely.



“However, our new estimate of natural nitrogen fixation, based on improved scientific understanding, suggests less new nitrogen enters natural ecosystems.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-nitrogen-less-carbon">Less nitrogen, less carbon</h2>



If soils in wild landscapes are getting less fresh nitrogen, plants in those systems may be more nutrient‑limited than expected. That could mean slower growth and, over time, less CO₂ capture than many global carbon budgets assume.



According to Reis Ely, one implication of the revised numbers is that natural ecosystems may take up less carbon dioxide than scientists had projected, which in turn lowers the expected capacity of unmanaged lands to buffer climate change.



While nature’s nitrogen input shrinks on paper, agriculture’s slice is growing. Farmers are planting more legumes - soybeans, alfalfa, peanuts, and clovers - that host nitrogen‑fixing bacteria in root nodules. 



That living fertilizer reduces the need for synthetic nitrogen, supports yields, and can help rebuild tired soils.



“Using nitrogen-fixing crops in rotation can support long-term soil health and reduce environmental damage from chemical fertilizers,” Reis Ely said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-farms-flood-soil-with-nitrogen">Farms flood soil with nitrogen</h2>



There is a tipping point, though. Reis Ely explained that too much nitrogen can throw off the overall balance of nutrients in the soil, and excess nitrogen can leach into groundwater or run off into lakes and streams, causing algae blooms and harming aquatic life.



Surplus nitrogen can also transform into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nitrous-oxide-is-a-growing-threat-to-human-and-planetary-health/">nitrous oxide</a>, a potent greenhouse gas, and can tilt plant communities toward fast‑growing invasive species that crowd out natives and reduce biodiversity.



“High agricultural nitrogen fixation is a complex issue. We do benefit from it, but along with applications of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer, it contributes to nitrogen pollution and climate change,” noted Reis Ely.



“Measuring and monitoring biological nitrogen fixation need to be ongoing to help us ensure we have all the nitrogen in the ground that we need without it becoming too much of a good thing.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-math-needs-updating">Carbon math needs updating</h2>



The study’s recalibration matters beyond academic interest. Governments and companies are banking on land-based carbon removal - through reforestation, restoration, and soil carbon programs - to help meet climate targets.



Those plans rest on assumptions about how much <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-produce-their-own-nitrogen-fertilizer/">plants</a> can grow under rising CO₂. If nitrogen limits are tighter, projected carbon gains may need adjusting. 



Likewise, nutrient management rules, water quality programs, and climate policies that address nitrous oxide all depend on accurate knowledge of nitrogen levels. It's essential to know where nitrogen is scarce and where it exists in excess.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-nitrogen-on-the-farm">Keep nitrogen on the farm</h2>



The path forward is not to abandon nitrogen‑fixing crops but to use them wisely. Better crop rotations, timing, and residue management can keep nitrogen cycling on the farm and out of rivers.



Cutting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-has-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/">food waste</a> - one of the biggest hidden sources of nitrogen loss across the production‑to‑plate chain - would reduce pollution pressure without sacrificing food supply. 



In addition, continued monitoring of biological nitrogen fixation in both natural and managed systems will help keep the global nitrogen ledger in balance.



Nature’s soils seem to be running leaner than we hoped; our farms, richer than we can afford to waste. Bridging that divide - feeding people while protecting water, air, and climate - will require paying closer attention to the invisible flow of nitrogen that underpins life on Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09201-w">Nature</a>.



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Soil is losing nitrogen, along with its climate-fighting power

Plants can’t pull carbon from the air without nitrogen in the ground. A new global study finds that forests, prairies, and other natural areas are receiving far less new nitrogen than scientists previously believed. This shortfall could weaken nature’s ability to slow climate change. Meanwhile, farms worldwide are increasing biological nitrogen inputs to boost crop growth. But when those nutrients spill over, they threaten water, air, and biodiversity. How the study was conducted The analysis was led by Carla Reis Ely while she was a postdoctoral scholar...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/links-between-climate-and-heart-disease-must-be-addressed/">Climate change</a> can lead to the introduction and spread of invasive species, a serious ecological concern in many parts of the world. Experts have theorized that climate change will further increase the negative impact of non-native species.



In a new study led by the <a href="https://www.umass.edu/">University of Massachusetts Amherst</a>, researchers have found that the ecological impacts of non-native species alone are similar to those associated with the combination of invasives, warming temperatures, drought, and artificial fertilizers.&nbsp;



The study shows that climate change will not amplify the negative effects of non-native species as much as previously estimated. "The good news is that the bad news isn't quite as bad as we thought," said study senior author Bethany Bradley.



The research team reviewed and analyzed 95 previously published studies and found 458 cases that documented the combined effects of non-native species with drought, nitrogen, or global warming. The results were unexpected.&nbsp;



"What we found surprised us. There were a number of cases where the interactions made everything worse at the local scale, which is what we expected to see, but only about 25 percent of the time. The majority of the time, invasions and environmental change together didn't make each other worse. Instead, the combined effects weren't all that much more than the impact of invasive species alone," explained study lead author Bianca Lopez.



The researchers noted that it is essential to be vigilant when considering the impacts of non-native species. "Our work shows that dealing with invasive species now will make our ecosystems more climate resilient," said Bradley.&nbsp;



Study co-author Jenica Allen emphasized that the research can help inform invasive species management. "What is so important about our findings is that they highlight the critical importance of managing invasive species at the local scale."&nbsp;



The researchers mentioned that controlling invasive species can be done relatively cheaply. Also, considering that we now have the necessary technological tools available, we don't have to wait. We can take action now. In fact, some of us already have.&nbsp;



"Organizations like the <a href="https://www.risccnetwork.org/">Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (RISCC) Network</a>, which is a consortium of scientists and natural resource managers dedicated to sharing information and best practices about dealing with invasives, are already implementing a whole range of proactive practices to deal with invasive species," said Allen.&nbsp;



“Our work shows that dealing with invasive species now will make our ecosystems more climate resilient,” said Bradley.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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By <a href="mailto:nire518@gmail.com">Erin Moody </a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Managing invasive species can improve climate resilience

Climate change can lead to the introduction and spread of...

Bumblebee,Insect,On,White,Blooming,Cherry,Blossom.,Bumblebee,Insect.,The

The decline of pollinators is threatening ecosystems and economies around the world. According to a new study, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drones-can-assist-efforts-to-save-bees-and-other-pollinators/">pollinator</a> decline is likely the result of increased pesticide use in agriculture. The world's most widely used herbicide, glyphosate, may contribute more to this development than was previously known.



The study was led by Dr. Anja Weidenmüller, an expert in the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour at the <a href="https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/">University of Konstanz</a>. The researchers set out to investigate how bumblebee colonies regulate the temperature of their brood.



Bumblebee colonies use nectar as "fuel" to keep their broods at a temperature of about 32 degrees. "Just as we humans keep our body temperature constant, the animals in a colony collectively show homeostasis in the temperature regulation of their brood," said Dr. Weidenmüller.&nbsp;



This thermoregulation is important for colony development. The study clearly showed that glyphosate impacts the collective thermoregulatory capacity of bumblebee colonies.



Broods require high temperatures to develop from egg to bumblebee, and to develop a colony from a single queen to several hundred individuals. When these colonies are exposed to glyphosate, resources become limited and the collective thermal behavior is affected. Unfortunately, the impacts don’t stop there.&nbsp;



"Bumblebee colonies are under really high pressure to grow as quickly as possible within a short period of time," explained Dr. Weidenmüller. If the colony cannot maintain the necessary brood temperature, the brood will develop slowly or not at all. This limits the growth of the colony. "Only when they reach a certain colony size during the relatively short growth period are they able to produce the sexually reproductive individuals of a colony, i.e. queens and drones."



Bumblebee colonies contaminated by glyphosate are less able to keep their brood warm. In Germany’s agricultural landscape, fewer wild flowers are available to insects, resulting in resource scarcity. "The combination of resource scarcity in cleared agricultural landscapes and pesticides can therefore pose a massive problem for colony reproduction."&nbsp;



According to Dr. Weidenmüller, rethinking the approval process for pesticides is critical to bumblebee survival. Current approvals only test how many animals die after coming into contact with a substance after 24 or 48 hours.&nbsp;



"Sublethal effects, i.e. effects on organisms that are not lethal but can be seen, for example, in the animals' physiology or behaviour, can have a significant negative impact and should be taken into account when pesticides are approved in future," noted Dr. Weidenmüller.&nbsp;



The study revealed that bumblebees exposed to glyphosate also lived an average of 32 days, thus reaching an average bumblebee age. This research approach can be applied to many of the commonly used pesticides, such as other herbicides and fungicides. Currently, information is lacking on the effects of pesticides on wild bees and other pollinators.&nbsp;



Glyphosate is currently approved for use in the EU until 15 December 2022. The Glyphosate Renewal Group (GRG) applied for renewal in 2019.



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By <a href="mailto:katherinebucko@gmail.com">Katherine Bucko</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Glyphosate disrupts brood care in bumblebees

The decline of pollinators is threatening ecosystems and economies around...

A new study led by <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a> has found that, as greenhouse gas emissions continue to warm the world’s oceans, marine biodiversity could plummet within the next few centuries to levels not seen since the extinction of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-of-the-dinosaurs-were-warm-blooded/">dinosaurs</a>. According to the experts, tropical waters would experience the greatest loss of biodiversity, while polar animal species will be at the highest risk of extinction. However, reversing greenhouse gas emissions could reduce these risks by up to 70 percent.



The scientists combined existing physiological data on marine species with models of climate change in order to predict how environmental changes will affect the survival of sea animals over the next few centuries.&nbsp;



The experts compared their models to past mass extinctions captured in the fossil record, such as the end-Permian extinction about 250 million years ago (the Earth’s deadliest extinction event, in which 81 percent of marine species was wiped out). This analysis revealed that, as in the case of previous extinctions, factors such as increased water temperatures and low oxygen availability will make large swaths of the ocean uninhabitable, leading to massive losses of marine life.



Although marine animals have physiological mechanisms flexible enough to allow them to cope with many environmental changes, the massive upheaval caused by unmitigated emissions would probably lead most polar species to extinction. While tropical marine animals may likely fare better because they have traits allowing them to adapt to warmer, low-oxygen conditions – and, in addition, they might have the possibility to migrate to newly suitable habitats – tropical biodiversity would nevertheless be severely affected.&nbsp;



Fortunately, if urgent actions are taken to curb emissions, the risks of extinction and biodiversity loss could be reduced by 70 percent. “Aggressive and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are critical for avoiding a major mass extinction of ocean species,” said study senior author&nbsp;Curtis Deutsch, a professor of Geosciences&nbsp;at Princeton.



“The silver lining is that the future isn’t written in stone,” added study first author&nbsp;Justin Penn, a postdoctoral research associate working together with Professor Deutsch. “The extinction magnitude that we found depends strongly on how much carbon dioxide [CO2] we emit moving forward. There’s still enough time to change the trajectory of CO2&nbsp;emissions and prevent the magnitude of warming that would cause this mass extinction,” he concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe9039">Science</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

Unchecked emissions may lead to marine mass extinction

A new study led by Princeton University has found that,...

Many studies have shown that tiny plastic particles are now spread everywhere on Earth – in the water, food, and air, and even inside the human body, in our blood, lung tissue, and stool. According to a recent cover story published in <a href="https://cen.acs.org/">Chemical &amp; Engineering News</a>, an independent news outlet of the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS), scientists are just beginning to investigate the health and environmental risks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-microplastics-have-entered-our-food-chain/">microplastics</a> and nanoplastics, by using lessons learned from nanotoxicology.&nbsp;



Microplastics (plastic particles smaller than five millimeters in diameter) and nanoplastics (particles smaller than one µm) can be made of a variety of materials, and are of different sizes and shapes. Due to their diversity, a proper investigation of their health and environmental effects is a complicated matter.&nbsp;



So far, scientists have mostly used polystyrene beads in their experiments since they are easily accessible. However, these beads are far from being representative of the diversity of microplastics found in the environment: most of these particles are irregular fragments rather than spheres, and environmental factors such as ultraviolet light can change their properties after they are released in the environment. Moreover, polystyrene is not the only polymer found in the environment; fragments of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide are also abundant in our surroundings.



Since there is limited data regarding the effects of exposure to microplastics, making regulatory decisions is challenging. This is a problem that the toxicology community has also faced over the past decade when trying to assess the risks of nanoparticles, so scientists hope that lessons from nanotoxicology could be applied to our understanding and assessment of micro- and nanoplastics.&nbsp;



Currently, researchers are beginning to standardize the various microplastics used in studies, in order to be able to reproduce results and better replicate real-world situations. Moreover, laboratory systems simulating bodily functions are increasingly used to investigate how ingested or inhaled plastic particles could affect human gut and lung cells.



“We really need to launch a micro- and nanoplastic safety consortium similar to what we did with nanomaterials and bring a lot of groups and scientists together to address these fundamental questions,” said Philip Demokritou, an expert in Nanoscience and Environmental Bioengineering at <a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/">Rutgers University</a>. “Because right now, with a little bit of funding here and a little bit there, we won’t be able to generate the data that risk assessors need.”&nbsp;



The full cover story - written by senior correspondent Britt Erikson - can be accessed <a href="https://cen.acs.org/biological-chemistry/toxicology/Microplastics-health-risk-toxicology-particle-characterization-nanomaterials/100/i19">here</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

Nanotoxicology could help assess the risks of microplastics

Many studies have shown that tiny plastic particles are now...

A rare, spectacular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aprils-night-sky-is-set-for-a-spectacular-planetary-alignment/">planetary alignment</a> will be visible starting in the early morning hours of Friday, June 3, 2022, when Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will line up in order of their distance from the Sun across the pre-dawn sky. While it is quite common to see two or three planets close together, seeing all these five planets aligned is an infrequent event that has not occurred since December 2004.



“This is really cool,” said Prof Beth Biller, an expert in exoplanet characterization at the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/">University of Edinburgh</a>. “We now know of many other stars hosting multiple planets. This is a rare opportunity to see the same thing closer to home, with all five ‘naked eye’ planets in our solar system visible at once.”



According to Dr. Greg Brown, the public astronomy officer at <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/">Royal Museums Greenwich</a>, Venus and Jupiter will be the easiest to see since they will appear first in the night sky, while Mercury will be rather hard to spot because it will only rise later, just before dawn.&nbsp;



“Your only chance to see all five planets at the same time is during a very narrow window after Mercury has risen but before the sun has,” Dr. Brown said. “A pair of binoculars or a telescope may well be enough to overcome the twilight in the case of the fainter planets, but do be very careful when trying to observe particularly Mercury in this way. Ensure that the sun is below the horizon to avoid accidentally looking directly at it, which would be very dangerous for your eyes.”



However, Mercury will become easier to spot later in June, as it rises in the sky and brightens. In addition, on June 24, the five planets will be joined by a crescent moon between Venus and Mars, making for an “extraordinary scene” – as Dr. Samantha Rolfe, the principal technical officer at the <a href="https://www.herts.ac.uk/">University of Hertfordshire</a>’s observatory put it.



“You do not need binoculars or a telescope if you don’t have them – just enjoy the sight from wherever you can, even if you can’t see all five from your location,” Dr. Rolfe said. “This is a rare spectacle that can help us feel connected to nature and the world around us, and enjoying the night sky in general is a great wellbeing exercise.”



“Knowing that so many people are looking up at the same sky, as our ancestors did, and our descendants will, is something to behold. Check the weather forecast for clear or even partially clear skies, and set an alarm – it will be worth getting up for.”&nbsp;



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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

Rare planetary alignment will be visible during June

A rare, spectacular planetary alignment will be visible starting in...

Alpine,Forest,On,A,Mountain,Slope.,Beautiful,Mountain,Forest,In

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html">University of Lausanne</a> and the <a href="https://www.unibas.ch/en.html">University of Basel</a> has found that global warming has a significant impact on the Alpine region. Just like the Arctic, this European mountain range is becoming greener, with satellite data showing evidence that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-vegetation-are-a-key-driver-of-global-temperatures/">vegetation</a> above the tree line has increased in nearly 80 percent of the Alps. Moreover, the experts have also detected decreases in snow cover in 10 percent of the area.



By using high-resolution satellite data from 1984 to 2021, the scientists discovered that, over this period, the plant biomass above the tree line increased in more than 77 percent of the observed regions – a phenomenon of “greening” caused by climate change that is already well documented in the Arctic.



“The scale of the change has turned out to be absolutely massive in the Alps,” said study lead author Sabine Rumpf, an assistant professor of Ecology at the University of Basel. 



According to Professor Rumpf and her colleagues, the Alps are becoming greener because an increasing number of plants are colonizing new areas, and the vegetation is becoming denser and taller due to changes in precipitation and rising temperatures. Yet, although Alpine plants are well-adapted to harsh conditions, they are not very competitive, and may soon lose their evolutionary advantage. “The unique biodiversity of the Alps is therefore under considerable pressure,” Professor Rumpf warned.



In contrast to such massive changes in vegetation, the extent of snow cover above the tree line has not changed so radically since 1984. Although significant decreases in snow cover have only been found in about 10 percent of the Alps, the researchers consider it a worrying trend.



“Previous analyses of satellite data hadn’t identified any such trend,” explained study senior author Antoine Guisan, an ecologist at the University of Lausanne. “This may be because the resolution of the satellite images was insufficient or because the periods considered were too short.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;



“For years, local ground-based measurements have shown a decrease in snow depth at low elevations,” added study co-author Grégoire Mariéthoz, an expert in Earth Surface Dynamics at the same university. “This decrease has already caused some areas to become largely snow-free.”



According to the scientists, as global warming continues, the Alps will turn increasingly greener, creating a vicious circle. &nbsp;



“Greener mountains reflect less sunlight and therefore lead to further warming – and, in turn, to further shrinkage of reflective snow cover,” explained Professor Rumpf. In addition, rising temperatures will cause further melting of glaciers and thawing of permafrost, which can lead to landslides, mudflows, and rockfalls. Finally, snow melting will have a significant impact on drinking water supplies, as well as on tourism and recreation activities.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abn6697">Science</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

Greening in the Alps is visible from space

A new study led by the University of Lausanne and...

At the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cop26-deal-failure-or-historic-achievement/">COP26</a> climate congress in 2021, the United States has set a very ambitious goal: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent until 2030. A recent study led by an international team of scientists and policy analysts has described the necessary actions the US needs to take to accomplish this goal. The experts suggest that, although there are multiple pathways to achieve this, strong and immediate commitments are absolutely necessary to keep the plan firmly on track.



“This study should give policy makers and other energy stakeholders some level of comfort, by showing that everybody in the field is pointing in the same direction. The case for clean energy is stronger than ever before and our study shows that the 2030 emission target can be achieved,” said study co-author Nikit Abhyankar, an expert in Electricity Markets and Policy at the <a href="https://www.lbl.gov/">Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory</a>. “With the right policies and infrastructure, we can reduce our emissions, while saving American consumers billions of dollars and generating new employment.”



According to Dr. Abhyankar and his colleagues, the most urgent actions that should be taken will be to double the amount of renewable capacity built each year, and to transition predominantly to electric vehicles by the end of this decade. In order to reduce emissions by 50 percent, the electricity grid will need to run on 80 percent clean energy (up from today’s 40 percent). To accomplish this, a coordinated policy response between states and the federal government will be necessary.&nbsp;



A clean-energy transition would significantly reduce air pollution, and prevent up to 200,000 premature deaths, while avoiding over $800 billion in health and environmental costs by mid-century. Many of this health benefits will occur in minority communities, which are currently disproportionately exposed to vehicle and industrial pollution.



“Our study provides the first detailed roadmap for how the United States can reach its 50 percent greenhouse gas emissions-reduction target by 2030,” said study lead author&nbsp;John Bistline, program manager in the Energy Systems and Climate Analysis Group at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.epri.com/">Electric Power Research Institute</a>. 



“This will require tripling the pace of historic carbon reductions, an ambitious but achievable target if stakeholders collaborate across all sectors. By comparing results across six independent models, we provide greater confidence about the policies and technology deployment needed to achieve near-term climate goals, laying the groundwork for an affordable, reliable, and equitable net-zero future.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abn0661">Science</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

How U.S. emissions could be cut in half by 2030

At the COP26 climate congress in 2021, the United States...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.utexas.edu/">University of Texas at Austin</a> has found that an ancient bout of global warming 56 million years ago that acidified oceans and wiped-out a wide range of marine life had a milder effect in the Gulf of Mexico, where life was protected by the basin’s unique geology. Besides shedding new light on an ancient mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-white-sharks-may-have-sped-up-megalodon-extinction/">extinction</a>, these findings could help scientists predict how current climate change will affect marine life.



“This event known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum or PETM is very important to understand because it’s pointing towards a very powerful, albeit brief, injection of carbon into the atmosphere that’s akin to what’s happening now,” said study lead author Robert Cunningham, a geochemist at the University of Texas <a href="https://www.ig.utexas.edu/">Institute of Geophysics</a> (UTIG).



Dr. Cunningham and his colleagues investigated the impact of this ancient period of global warming on the Gulf of Mexico by studying a group of sand, mud, and limestone deposits found across the area. They found an abundance of microfossils from radiolarians, a type of plankton that seemed to have thrived in the Gulf during that period. This discovery suggests that a steady supply of river sediments and circulating ocean waters had helped radiolarians and other local microorganisms survive while our planet’s climate became largely hostile to marine life.



“In a lot of places, the ocean was absolutely uninhabitable for anything,” said study co-author Marcie Purkey Phillips, a biostratigrapher at UTIG. “But we just don’t seem to see as severe an effect in the Gulf of Mexico as has been seen elsewhere.”



According to the scientists, the Gulf was largely spared because about 20 million years before the ancient global warming, the rise of the Rocky Mountains had redirected rivers into the northwestern part of the Gulf (a tectonic shift called “the Laramide uplift”), sending much of the continent’s rivers through what are now Texas and Louisiana into the Gulf’s deeper waters. When North America became hotter and wetter, the rain-filled rivers transported nutrients and sediments into the basin, providing sufficient sustenance for phytoplankton and other marine life-forms. These findings also confirm that the Gulf remained connected to the Atlantic Ocean and the salinity of its waters have never reached the extremes seen elsewhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Clarifying how the water and ecology of the Gulf changed during a period of intense climate change could help scientists better understand and predict the effects of today’s global warming on this unique region, as well as on other similar areas.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105634">Marine and Petroleum Geology</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

Gulf of Mexico was spared from ancient mass extinction

A new study led by the University of Texas at...

Today, June 1st, 2022, is the 4th annual <a href="https://worldreefday.org/">World Reef Day</a>, which serves as a call to action to raise awareness about the critically important benefits of healthy coral reef ecosystems.



Coral reefs are among the world's most diverse ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for 25 percent of all marine life. Across the globe, about 500 million people depend on coral reefs for food and income. Through recreation and tourism, reefs generate billions of dollars for coastal communities every year.&nbsp;



Unfortunately, the future is uncertain for coral reef ecosystems. Global warming is set to continue for decades, or even centuries, and a hotter world will be a difficult place for coral reefs to exist. Experts around the world are urgently studying how corals are responding to rising temperatures - in an effort to save them before it is too late.



Beyond climate change, coral reefs are under an enormous amount of strain from human activities, such as extreme fishing, plastic pollution, and sedimentation. One of the greatest dangers to corals is ocean acidification, which corrodes coral skeletons and causes them to dissolve. To make matters worse, as CO2 levels rise, corals have fewer carbonate ions to rebuild and strengthen their skeletons.&nbsp;



When corals are exposed to elevated temperatures, they respond by expelling algae that they need for survival. This phenomenon, known as bleaching, leaves corals vulnerable to infection and death. Back-to-back bleaching events in 2016 and 2017 destroyed about half of the Great Barrier Reef, the biggest reef system on the planet.



"Coral reefs support more species than any other marine environment and rival rainforests in their biodiversity. Countless numbers of creatures rely on coral reefs for their survival. These important habitats are threatened by a range of human activities," reports NOAA.



"Many of the world’s reefs have already been destroyed or severely damaged by an increasing array of threats, including pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and global climate change. However, we can still protect and preserve our remaining reefs if we act now."



NOAA is leading efforts to study and conserve reefs for future generations through the activities of the <a href="https://coralreef.noaa.gov/">Coral Reef Conservation Program</a>.



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

World Reef Day: We must act now to protect coral reefs

Today, June 1st, 2022, is the 4th annual World Reef...

With a growing world population and decreases in agricultural production due to geopolitical conflicts, food security is becoming an increasingly critical issue. Now, a research team led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a> has uncovered another way to increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wild-grass-could-protect-crops-against-deadly-pathogens/">crop</a> production. The researchers found that removing nitrogen oxides (NOx) gases from the air benefited crop production.



“Nitrogen oxides are invisible to humans, but new satellites have been able to map them with incredibly high precision. Since we can also measure crop production from space, this opened up the chance to rapidly improve our knowledge of how these gases affect agriculture in different regions," explained study lead author David Lobell.



Nitrogen oxide gases are a common air pollutant released by cars and industrial equipment. NOx gases directly damage plant cells. Moreover, they generate air particulates, which prevent crops from receiving light, and ozone, a toxin that reduces yields.&nbsp;



These effects are far from benign. The researchers believe that cutting nitrogen oxide emissions in half would significantly improve crop yield. According to their estimates, winter crop yield in China would increase by 25 percent, and summer crop yield would increase by 15 percent. Summer and winter crop yields would both increase by 10 percent in Western Europe, and summer crops in India would rise by about 8 percent, while winter crops would rise about 6 percent.



The researchers mentioned that North and South America have very low NOx exposure and did not report any difference in crop production in these regions. It’s not lost on the experts that their findings relate to the struggle against climate change.&nbsp;



“The actions you would take to reduce NOx, such as vehicle electrification, overlap closely with the types of energy transformations needed to slow climate change and improve local air quality for human health," said study co-author Jennifer Burney.



The researchers hope to learn more about how nitrogen dioxide affects crops during the different growing seasons. They also look forward to exploring how other pollutants affect crop yield. Furthermore, they want to look at the relationship between nitrogen dioxide and climate to better understand why it affects regions differently.



“It’s really exciting how many different things can be measured from satellites now, much of it coming from new European satellites," said study co-author Stefania Di Tommaso. “As the data keep improving, it really drives us to be more ambitious and creative as scientists in the types of questions we ask.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/journal/sciadv">Science Advances</a>.



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By <a href="mailto:nire518@gmail.com">Erin Moody </a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Reducing nitrogen oxide pollution could boost crop yields

With a growing world population and decreases in agricultural production...

A new study led by the <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/">University of Nottingham</a> has found that plant species adapt to the altitude where they grow by “sensing” the oxygen levels that surround them. By analyzing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-release-a-variety-of-biological-particles-into-the-air/">plants</a> growing at both low- and high-altitude locations, the experts identified how oxygen-sensing controls the pathway of chlorophyl synthesis, permitting plants to match the levels of a toxic chemical to surrounding oxygen levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Altitude is an essential part of plant ecology. At least 30 percent of plant species diversity is currently contained in the mountains. Moreover, since climate change is leading to the displacement of a large variety of wild species and crops to higher altitudes, it is essential to understand the mechanisms that allow plants to live at such heights, where oxygen levels are low.



“Altitude is a key component of ecology with different altitudes subjecting plants to changing environments, some components of which are fixed by altitude and others that are not,” said study lead author Michael Holdsworth, a professor of Crop Science at the University of Nottingham.&nbsp;



“For life at high altitude, it was previously considered that plants need to adapt to many variables, including high UV light and lower temperatures usually present at high altitude, but this study is the first time that perception of atmospheric oxygen levels has been shown to be a key determinant of altitude adaptation in plants.”



Professor Holdsworth and his colleagues discovered that atmospheric oxygen level is the key determinant of altitude perception. “We define the molecular pathway through which oxygen-sensing results in an adapted phenotype and we find that distinct species of flowering plants are adapted to absolute altitude through conserved oxygen-sensing control of chlorophyll synthesis and hypoxia gene expression. Showing that this mechanism works in diverse species provides a new paradigm for plant ecology,” Professor Holdsworth explained.&nbsp;



This better understanding of the genetic changes that plants go through at various heights could lead to new approaches to help plant breeders enhance the ability of crops to grow at higher attitudes – a feature which will become increasingly important as climate change advances.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04740-y">Nature</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

Plants adapt to altitude by sensing oxygen levels

A new study led by the University of Nottingham has...

After years of field and laboratory work, and the collection and analysis of thousands of samples of feces, scientists have been able to develop a detailed reconstruction of chimpanzee (Pan troglodites) population structure and historical patterns of isolation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/assisted-migrations-could-help-species-survive-climate-change/">migration</a> and connection across the species’ range. Apart from giving support to the existence of four separate subspecies of chimps, the method can also be used to identify any illegally traded, confiscated or orphaned chimp to its place of origin, within about 100 kilometers.&nbsp;



Study first author Claudia Fontsere is an expert at the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint center of CSIC and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona, Spain.



“Chimpanzees are an endangered species with massive population declines in recent years,” said Fontsere. “Our efforts to describe the current genomic diversity of this species are an attempt to provide a fine-scale map of connectivity between populations that can be of service to conservationists as a baseline and guide to build upon their conservation efforts.”&nbsp;



The research was conducted under the auspices of the Pan African Program (PanAf) that coordinated the sampling of thousands of chimpanzee fecal samples at 48 locations across the species’ range. This was followed by years of effort to develop successful methods to retrieve and enrich the portions of the host DNA (hDNA) of interest, and then to analyze and compare the results for the 828 individual chimps involved.&nbsp;



Previously, only 59 whole chimpanzee genomes had been sequenced and this gave limited information about geographical differences. And, although large datasets from thousands of geo-referenced fecal samples do exist, the genetic analysis used on these samples only focused on very small fragments of the entire genome, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms on a few autosomal, sex-linked, or mtDNA markers.&nbsp;



In the current study, the researchers focused on the entire genetic sequence of chromosome 21, which is the smallest contiguous nuclear sequence in the chimpanzee genome. Using this chromosome provided a wealth of genomic sequence data that was helpful for inferring chimpanzee population structure and relationships between subspecies. Since the fossil record and the existence of ancient DNA are limited for chimpanzees, the analysis of population genetics for this species is restricted to the use of modern DNA.



“Since we are using sequencing of a whole chromosome with thousands of independent markers, compared to few microsatellite markers, we have a much broader view of the genome [that] is needed to refine and describe the very complex evolutionary history of chimpanzees,” said study co-lead author Tomas Marques-Bonet, principal investigator from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE).&nbsp;



“Impressively, we are doing it with non-invasive samples, which, in a sense, are the best of all worlds - a valuable source of genomic DNA but collected in a way that animals never need to be contacted or disturbed beyond researchers existing in their habitat.”



The findings support the existence of four distinct subspecies of chimpanzees. These subspecies are often geographically separated by the presence of large rivers, such as the Ubangi River, which would have been a barrier to gene transfer most of the time, but not always. During peak glacial periods, lower river levels may have allowed migrations between the groups, thus introducing new genetic variations.



“We were able to show, using different analyses that look at very old and more recent variation, that the history of chimpanzees is complex, much like that of our own species,” said co-lead author Mimi Arandjelovic, from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.



“Chimpanzee subspecies were indeed separated in the past but have since also experienced genetic exchange between populations. This nicely explains why different studies aiming at reconstructing different ancestral periods have come to different conclusions about the evolutionary history of chimpanzees.”



By using genetic sequences on chromosome 21, the researchers were able to discover many new variations in the genes, in comparison with previously published chimpanzee whole genomes. They hypothesize that these rare variations likely emerged recently (during the past few hundreds to thousands of years), and are probably specific to particular geographic locations. The experts thus used the rare variant data from 434 samples of sufficient quality, in 38 locations, to develop a strategy to deduce the genetic origin of fecal samples.&nbsp;



“Just by our sampling method, we have discovered around 50 percent more, and new, genetic variants on chromosome 21 than previous studies,” said Fontsere. “Our dataset has been key in understanding recent and past gene flow between populations where previous sampling gaps impeded their study. Also, it has allowed us to describe if populations have been isolated recently or whether there was a historical event that did so.&nbsp;By characterizing the genomic singularities of each community or population, we also created a map that links genomic information to geographic location so that we were able to devise a strategy to infer the geographic location of chimpanzee individuals.”



This catalog of genomic diversity in wild chimp populations has important conservation applications. It can help ensure that confiscated chimpanzees from the illegal pet trade are placed into sanctuaries in their countries of origin, as mandated by international standards. In addition, the sequencing of confiscated chimps or wildlife products, such as trophies or bushmeat, can identify hotspots of poaching to which the relevant authorities can be directed. This is particularly useful when dealing with endangered species that need to be protected urgently.&nbsp;



The authors of the study state that retrieving useful hDNA from fecal samples is challenging for many reasons. The samples usually contain only small amounts of rather poor quality DNA, and can be contaminated with the DNA from dietary organisms. In this study, some 100 fecal samples contained DNA that was very similar to that of chimpanzees, but that came from other primate species. The researchers concluded that this was due either to chimpanzees including these primate species in their diets, or due to the erroneous collection of the feces of other primate species by the field workers.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, the use of feces has the advantage that many samples may be collected with negligible disturbance or interference to the animals. The researchers now feel that the methods they’ve developed for chimpanzees can be used with other great apes and primates. Their findings in chimpanzees confirm that fecal samples, although more complex than blood samples, are a good source of host DNA for any species



The PanAf continues to analyze data collected over eight years from 18 countries across Africa, at over 40 temporary and long-term research and conservation sites. The goal is to understand the evolutionary and ecological drivers of chimpanzee cultural and behavioral diversity.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-genomics/fulltext/S2666-979X(22)00062-3">Cell Genomics</a>.



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By <a href="mailto:bosman@truewan.co.za">Alison Bosman</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Genetic catalog of chimpanzees will help conservation efforts

After years of field and laboratory work, and the collection...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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



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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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