Natural,Environment,Climate-neutral,Long-term,Emissions,Strategy,Net,Zero,2050,Carbon

Balancing cleaner air with rising incomes is not a luxury question for developing countries. It is a real-world, and real-life, policy problem that shapes health, jobs, and the future of their cities.



A new <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0217590825500304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> lays out when zero emissions can go hand in hand with steady <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-will-cut-world-gdp-by-a-staggering-40-percent-if-nothing-changes/">growth</a>, even when governments rely on foreign aid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zero-emissions-and-economic-growth">Zero emissions and economic growth</h2>



The work comes from <a href="https://tus.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/hideo-noda" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hideo Noda</a> at the Tokyo University of Science (<a href="https://www.tus.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TUS</a>) with coauthor Fengqi Fang, a Ph.D. candidate in Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business Administration at TUS. 



The team builds a simple but testable way to check if a country can hit zero net <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-trade-is-fueling-a-dangerous-rise-in-methane-emissions/">emissions</a> while its economy keeps expanding.



They also verify the model numerically using real world style parameters so it is not just a chalkboard exercise. 



The paper connects theory to a specific United Nations target on decoupling growth from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5c-is-almost-certainly-out-of-reach/">environmental damage</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zero-emissions-models">Zero emissions models</h2>



First, the authors define a zero-emissions <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zero-coalition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">policy</a> as keeping net pollution at zero at every point in time, by matching abatement to emissions. That requires money, technology, and clear rules to assign who pays.



They run two versions of the economy. 



One is a public goods <a href="https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/stantcheva/files/lecture8.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">model</a> where government services like roads or schools lift private production for everyone at once, a standard growth <a href="https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/261726" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">model</a> introduced by Robert Barro in 1990. 



The second adds <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-will-climate-change-hit-hardest-global-index-reveals-vulnerability/">congestion</a>, where more people share the same public services so the boost per person shrinks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimum-income-rule">Minimum income rule</h2>



The key test is whether gross domestic product (<a href="https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GDP</a>) per capita rises above a minimum income threshold so a country can fully clean what it emits. 



The authors call this the kindergarten rule level of abatement, as in: “clean-up what you make dirty.”



"Following the Kindergarten rule means implementing zero emission technologies in either finite time or asymptotically," noted M. Scott Taylor and William Brock in their related <a href="https://www.nber.org/papers/w9597" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>. 



This frame anchors the new threshold concept for developing countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aid-supports-clean-income-growth">Aid supports clean income growth</h2>



Many low income governments fund services with official development assistance (<a href="https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/policy-issues/official-development-assistance-oda.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ODA</a>), so the model lets outside aid pay for both cleaning and public services. 



That design reflects classic work showing how aid aimed at productive public services can shift long run growth.



In related <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304387806000290" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theory</a>, flexible labor and aid tied to public capital influence the path of output and welfare. The new paper extends this logic to pollution control that must be paid for every year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-income-threshold">Changing income threshold</h2>



The threshold depends on clean technology, population size, and how much aid is fixed to environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-oil-and-gas-fields-threaten-global-climate-goals/">uses</a>. Better abatement technology lowers the income bar because each dollar of cleanup removes more pollution.



Population matters differently across the two models. In the public goods case, a larger labor force can raise growth because services scale with the economy, while in the congestion case that scale effect drops out as services get diluted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taxes-and-zero-emissions-targets">Taxes and zero emissions targets</h2>



The model also looks at tax policy, focusing on a labor income tax that finances services. 



There is a tax rate that maximizes the growth of income per person, and under both models governments can reach the needed income threshold in finite time if they choose that growth maximizing rate.



Public services that complement private capital are the link. When governments tax and spend on those services efficiently, private firms produce more and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-economies-can-grow-while-cutting-emissions/">economy climbs</a> to the income level that makes full abatement feasible.



"Both models indicate that implementing the zero-emissions policy is compatible with sustainable economic growth," wrote Noda. 



They also show the kindergarten rule threshold is higher with congestion than without it, so crowding of public services slows the crossing.



"We call this threshold the kindergarten rule level of pollution abatement in terms of GDP per capita," wrote Noda. The result gives policymakers a clear income target, not just a slogan about decoupling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-income-growth-and-sdgs">Income growth and SDGs</h2>



Target 8.4 of the Sustainable Development Goals (<a href="https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SDGs</a>) asks countries to decouple growth from environmental degradation. 



The authors argue their framework helps explain when that is possible in practice, and how policy levers change the timing.



The UN defines the <a href="https://metadata.un.org/sdg/8.4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">target</a> as improving resource efficiency and decoupling growth from environmental harm through 2030. The paper’s threshold view fits that mandate with a concrete yardstick.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-results-still-matter">Why results still matter</h2>



Earlier <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652621009112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> in the same research stream focused on developed, innovation-driven economies and showed that zero emissions could be achieved alongside continued growth. 



That study examined whether sustained economic expansion could occur while also maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/">zero net pollution emissions</a>.



The new paper shows the same compatibility can hold in aid dependent settings where innovation is not the main growth engine. 



That extension fills a real gap, because many low income countries face tighter fiscal and technological limits.



Build or buy cleaner technology so the threshold falls. Treat tied aid for environmental programs as a growth tool and not just a cost center.



Set tax policy to raise the growth rate of income per person, then sustain it long enough to pass the threshold. Guard against congestion by scaling services with population, so gains are not diluted.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/10.1142/S0217590825500304" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Singapore Economic Review</a>.



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Net-zero emissions and rising income levels can both be achieved simultaneously

Balancing cleaner air with rising incomes is not a luxury question for developing countries. It is a real-world, and real-life, policy problem that shapes health, jobs, and the future of their cities. A new study lays out when zero emissions can go hand in hand with steady growth, even when governments rely on foreign aid. Zero emissions and economic growth The work comes from Hideo Noda at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) with coauthor Fengqi Fang, a Ph.D. candidate in Business Administration from the Graduate School...

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, such as wind and solar, comes with a challenge: how to store energy for use when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.



One possible solution is compressed-air energy storage (CAES), a system that compresses air and stores it underground when energy demand is low, then releases the air to generate electricity when demand is high. 



While CAES has promise, high startup costs have slowed its adoption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-role-for-abandoned-wells">A new role for abandoned wells</h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> have explored a way to make CAES more efficient by tapping into natural geothermal heat in abandoned oil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells-litter-the-world-and-must-be-cleaned-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas wells</a>. 



The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are around 3.9 million such wells across the country. 



According to the study, repurposing these wells for CAES could improve energy efficiency by 9.5% over current methods, making the technology more viable for widespread use.



“This improvement in efficiency can be a game changer to justify the economics of compressed-air energy storage projects,” said Arash Dahi Taleghani, a professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering at Penn State.



“And on top of that, we could significantly avoid the upfront cost by using existing oil and gas wells that are no longer in production. This could be a win, win situation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geothermal-heat-boosts-energy-storage">Geothermal heat boosts energy storage</h2>



Depleted oil and gas wells provide access to hot rock formations deep underground. Gases, like compressed air, increase in pressure as temperatures rise, meaning these wells could store more energy.



When electricity is needed, the heated, compressed air is released to drive a turbine, generating power more efficiently than traditional CAES systems.



“Without taking advantage of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geothermal-energy-is-cheap-and-clean-and-having-its-moment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geothermal</a> setup, you could not get enough encouraging numbers,” Taleghani explained. 



The researchers used numerical modeling simulations to study the effect of placing CAES systems inside abandoned wells. They found that the geothermal heat significantly increased air temperature within the system.



“And on top of that, drilling new wells may not justify the economics of this type of storage. But by combining these two factors, and by going back and forth through modeling and simulation, we found this could be a very good solution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-crucial-step-toward-clean-energy">A crucial step toward clean energy</h2>



Energy storage is a key component of the clean energy transition. Renewables are inherently intermittent - there’s no sun at night, and wind speeds fluctuate - so storing excess energy and releasing it when needed is essential for grid stability.



“The problem is that sometimes when we need energy, there is no sunshine or there is no wind,” Taleghani said. 



“That’s a big barrier against further expansion of most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-must-be-doubled-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a> that is available to us. That’s why it’s very important to have some storage capacity to support the grid.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-and-economic-benefits">Environmental and economic benefits</h2>



Beyond improving energy efficiency, repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells could help address environmental concerns. 



Many orphaned wells, if not properly sealed, can leak <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-previously-unknown-sources-of-methane-production/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">methane</a> into the atmosphere and groundwater. Pennsylvania alone has hundreds of thousands of these wells, posing potential risks.



“If we use existing wells, we are basically hitting two birds with one stone,” Taleghani said. 



“First, we are sealing these wells. That stops any potential leaks. And then if we are repurposing these wells for energy storage, we are still using the infrastructure that is in place in these communities. It can potentially maintain employment in the area and allow communities to be part of the energy future.”



This approach could create new job opportunities in regions that were historically reliant on the fossil fuel industry.



By converting old infrastructure into an asset for renewable energy, communities can participate in the clean energy transition while preserving local employment levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-energy-storage">The future of energy storage</h2>



With improved efficiency and the potential to repurpose existing wells, CAES could become a more attractive option for large-scale energy storage. 



While further research and investment are needed, this study highlights a promising way to bridge the gap between renewable energy supply and demand, without the heavy costs of drilling new wells.



As the world moves toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shape-shifting-membrane-could-be-the-key-to-cleaner-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner energy</a>, innovative solutions like this could help reshape how we store and use power, making renewable energy more practical and reliable for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2352152X25000301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Energy Storage</a>.



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Abandoned oil wells could revolutionize energy storage

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, such as wind...

Many people focus on pollution when they worry about unhealthy air. The dryness of the air is rarely considered, even though emerging findings suggest it can inflame the lining of our airways.



Scientists say rising global temperatures allow air to grab more moisture, which can strain our <a href="https://training.seer.cancer.gov/lung/anatomy/respiratory.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respiratory tracts</a>. Experts also suggest that as humidity hovers at the same levels in many regions, this dryness risk could escalate in the coming decades.



Air dryness is as critical to air quality as air dirtiness, explained David Edwards, adjunct professor of medicine at the <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a>. His team has found that dry conditions can shrink the protective <a href="https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2020/08/marvels-mucus-phlegm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mucus lining</a> inside the nose, throat, and lungs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-air-dryness-affects-the-airways">How air dryness affects the airways</h2>



Researchers have <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/physrev.00039.2014" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shown</a> that low humidity can draw water from the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25868842/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bronchial epithelium</a>, the tissue lining our breathing passages. This phenomenon weakens mucus layers and can increase <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">irritation</a> in people who suffer from asthma, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538186/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allergic rhinitis</a>, or chronic cough.



Dehydrated tissues often release <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24585-cytokines" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cytokines</a>, which are proteins that can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. Studies indicate that these signals may spread more rapidly if the airway surface is already thinned out.



Some experts believe extended exposure to very dry conditions can lead to tissue changes deep in the respiratory tract. This shift might pave the way for recurring throat irritation or stubborn coughs in otherwise healthy individuals.



Researchers also see dryness as a concern for older adults who are prone to less efficient airway hydration. <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronic dehydration</a> of these surfaces may intensify existing problems such as hoarseness or reactive airway symptoms.



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



Warmer conditions raise the vapor pressure deficit of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-weakens-brain-function-and-focus-in-daily-tasks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air</a>, which is the measure of how eagerly the atmosphere wants to soak up water. This process can leave mucus layers more vulnerable to drying out, especially in places that already have lower humidity levels.



Scientists have projected that large parts of the United States may see more days with elevated dryness by the late 21st century. The combination of warmer temperatures and stable relative humidity increases the thirst of the air for moisture.



People living in regions with frequent heat waves might experience extra dryness during extended hot spells. This pattern could lead to seasonal spikes in airway inflammation and persistent discomfort.



Although global concerns often revolve around wildfire smoke or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-people-die-from-air-pollution-each-year-yet-theres-still-a-lack-of-monitoring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, dryness has flown under the radar for many. Researchers want to widen the conversation about clean air to include adequate hydration of our breathing passages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mouth-breathing-and-indoor-air">Mouth breathing and indoor air</h2>



Experts caution that mouth breathing deprives the air of the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3338294/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nasal humidification</a> step. Even relaxed mouth breathing can intensify dryness inside the throat and lungs, heightening the chances of discomfort.



Indoor conditions are another piece of this puzzle. Temperature-controlled environments can lower humidity indoors, so everyday exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air</a> conditioning or heating systems may gradually sap moisture from airway surfaces.



One portion of this work was supported by the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institutes of Health</a>, reflecting the growing attention on dryness-related inflammation. While pollution monitoring remains a public health priority, dryness is gaining recognition as an environmental factor worth addressing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-ways-to-maintain-moisture">Practical ways to maintain moisture</h2>



Some professionals recommend placing a small humidifier in closed living or work areas to keep air from becoming too dry. This step can help keep the mucus lining properly hydrated and may lessen throat irritation.



Others encourage people to stay mindful of mouth breathing, especially during exercise or when feeling congested. Closing the mouth more often might help the nose humidify incoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air</a> and shield sensitive tissues in the windpipe.



“This manuscript is a game changer for medicine," said study co-author <a href="https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/justin-s-hanes/2777120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Justin Hanes</a>, the Lewis J. Ort Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine.



“Understanding how our airways dehydrate on exposure to dry air can help us avoid or reverse the inflammatory impact of dehydration by effective behavioral changes,” said Edwards.



Staying hydrated by drinking water is another common suggestion, though it may not fully counteract constant exposure to dry environments. Still, small changes in routines could make a difference in day-to-day comfort.



Some individuals have also reported relief by adjusting airflow direction from vents or heaters at home. This method reduces the direct blast of dry air, potentially minimizing irritation during extended indoor stays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-risks-and-solutions-for-air-dryness">Future risks and solutions for air dryness</h2>



Researchers are exploring whether dryness may affect other membranes, such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/eye-tissue">ocular tissue</a>. Preliminary <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4181208/">data</a> indicate that the same dehydration that troubles airways might irritate our eyes and lead to chronic dryness in more than one spot.



They also note that people living in semi-arid or desert regions should keep watch on local climate trends. Shifts in temperature and humidity patterns could amplify dryness over time, making airway problems more common in those areas.



While dryness lacks the high profile of pollution, it is a force that could grow stronger if climate models are correct. Researchers hope that more attention on this issue can spur communities to consider the moisture content of the air they breathe.



Specialists believe that further studies might open the door to preventive measures that address hydration of mucosal surfaces. That might lead to new therapies aimed at keeping the protective layers of the airways better hydrated in extreme conditions.



Long-range strategies could include better building design, improvements in public alerts during harsh weather, and medical therapies to fortify airway linings. Every bit of knowledge gained now might shape healthier breathing for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02161-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Air dryness might be as harmful to your lungs as air pollution

Many people focus on pollution when they worry about unhealthy...

Antarctica has always been a place of mystery, with its icy surface concealing an entire world beneath. Scientists have long sought to understand what lies below the vast ice sheet and, now, a new map offers the most detailed view yet.



Known as Bedmap3, this remarkable project has been led by the British Antarctic Survey (<a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BAS</a>) and brings together more than six decades of data. 



By combining information gathered from satellites, aircraft, ships, and even dog-drawn sleds, scientists have created a stunningly precise model of the bedrock beneath the Antarctic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-hidden-ice-dynamics-will-redefine-sea-level-projections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a>.



This map offers insights into the highest mountains, the deepest canyons, and the overall structure of the land hidden beneath 27 million cubic kilometers (6.5 million cubic miles) of ice.



The findings, published in the journal Scientific Data, will help researchers understand how Antarctica’s ice might shift in response to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quest-to-map-the-hidden-world">Quest to map the hidden world</h2>



Efforts to map <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-waters-are-dramatically-changing-microbial-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>’s ice-covered terrain have been ongoing for decades. The first version of Bedmap was released in 2001, followed by an improved second version. 



Now, Bedmap3 takes precision to a new level, incorporating twice as many data points as its predecessor - 82 million in total. 



This enormous dataset allows scientists to visualize the layout of the ice-covered continent as if its ice were completely stripped away.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_topography_BedMap3_credit-Scientific-Data_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_topography_BedMap3_credit-Scientific-Data_1s.webp" alt="Removing the 27 million cubic km of ice that covers Antarctica, the hidden locations of the tallest mountains are revealed. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)" class="wp-image-1962797"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Removing the 27 million cubic km of ice that covers Antarctica, the hidden locations of the tallest mountains are revealed. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)</figcaption></figure>



One of the most remarkable revelations in the new map is the location of the thickest ice. Earlier studies placed it in the Astrolabe Basin in Adélie Land. 



However, the latest findings pinpoint the thickest ice in an unnamed canyon in Wilkes Land, located at 76.052°S, 118.378°E. 



This ice reaches a staggering thickness of 4,757 meters (about 16,000 feet), which is more than 15 times the height of the Shard, the tallest skyscraper in the U.K.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-antarctica-s-ice-movement">Predicting Antarctica’s ice movement </h2>



Understanding the shape of Antarctica’s bedrock is key to predicting how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-zones-found-in-antarctica-were-recently-mapped-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice</a> will move as global temperatures rise. 



"This is the fundamental information that underpins the computer models we use to investigate how the ice will flow across the continent as temperatures rise. Imagine pouring syrup over a rock cake - all the lumps, all the bumps, will determine where the syrup goes and how fast," explained Dr. Hamish Pritchard, a glaciologist at BAS.



"And so it is with Antarctica: some ridges will hold up the flowing ice; the hollows and smooth bits are where that ice could accelerate."



The ice sheet’s movement depends on the features beneath it. Some areas of high ground can slow down the ice, while lower, smoother areas may allow it to slide more quickly. 



If temperatures continue to rise, this map will help scientists determine which parts of the ice sheet are most vulnerable to melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-filling-the-gaps-in-antarctica-s-geography">Filling the gaps in Antarctica’s geography</h2>



For years, Antarctica has kept its secrets, with its hidden world buried beneath thick ice. Scientists had only fragments of the full picture. 



But now, new surveys have filled in crucial blanks, and uncovered details about East Antarctica, the South Pole, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the shifting coastlines of West <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-has-a-bizarre-dark-red-waterfall-nicknamed-the-blood-falls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>.



The towering Transantarctic Mountains, once only partially mapped, now appear in sharper detail than ever. 



Thanks to high-precision satellite measurements, deep valleys and rugged peaks that were once obscured by ice are finally visible.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_tallest-mountains_credit-Scientific-Data_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/antarctica_under-the-ice_tallest-mountains_credit-Scientific-Data_1s2.webp" alt="Bedmap3 reveals new insights into the topography of Antarctica. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)" class="wp-image-1962798"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bedmap3 reveals new insights into the topography of Antarctica. Credit: Scientific Data (2025)</figcaption></figure>



The height and shape of the ice sheet have been redefined, while the floating ice shelves extending into the ocean have been measured with greater accuracy.



Even more critical is the mapping of grounding lines - the invisible boundaries where Antarctica’s ice leaves solid ground and begins to float. 



These lines dictate how the ice interacts with ocean currents and may hold the key to understanding Antarctica’s future, as warm waters seep inwards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-antarctica-s-ice-and-its-impact">Measuring Antarctica’s ice and its impact</h2>



Scientists use a combination of radar, seismic reflection, and gravity measurements to survey the landscape beneath Antarctica’s ice. 



By subtracting this rock bed topography from the height of the ice, researchers can calculate several striking statistics about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-in-antarctica-could-wake-sleeping-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frozen continent</a>.



Antarctica’s total ice volume is now estimated at 27.17 million cubic kilometers (6.52 million cubic miles). The ice sheet covers an area of 13.63 million square kilometers (5.26 million square miles), with an average thickness of 1,948 meters (6,391 feet). 



If floating ice shelves are excluded, the average ice thickness increases to 2,148 meters (7,047 feet). These figures highlight the sheer scale of Antarctica’s ice and its potential impact on global sea levels.



If all of Antarctica’s ice were to melt, it could raise global sea levels by approximately 58 meters. 



While such an event would take thousands of years, scientists are particularly concerned about how much ice could melt in the coming centuries due to rising temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-is-teetering-on-the-edge">Antarctica is teetering on the edge</h2>



The Bedmap3 project has revealed a more fragile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-will-antarctica-contribute-to-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> Ice Sheet than previously thought.



"In general, it's become clear the Antarctic Ice Sheet is thicker than we originally realized and has a larger volume of ice that is grounded on a rock bed sitting below sea level," noted Peter Fretwell, a mapping specialist and co-author at BAS.



"This puts the ice at greater risk of melting due to the incursion of warm ocean water that's occurring at the fringes of the continent. What Bedmap3 is showing us is that we have got a slightly more vulnerable Antarctica than we previously thought."



The discovery that more ice is grounded below sea level is particularly alarming. Ice sitting on land above sea level is relatively stable, but ice resting on a submerged bed is more prone to melting as warm ocean water moves underneath. 



This means that changes at the edges of the continent could trigger further ice loss deeper inland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



With Bedmap3 providing an unprecedented level of detail, scientists now have a critical tool for studying the future of Antarctica’s ice. 



The map will allow researchers to refine climate models, predict potential sea-level rise, and monitor the impact of warming ocean waters.



As new technology improves and more data becomes available, future versions of Bedmap may further refine our understanding of Antarctica’s hidden landscape. 



For now, Bedmap3 stands as a significant achievement in Antarctic research, offering a clearer picture of a world that has remained hidden beneath ice for millions of years.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-04672-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Data</a>.



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What lies beneath 16,000 feet of Antarctic ice? A world never before seen by humans

Antarctica has always been a place of mystery, with its...

Most people around the world are breathing air that doesn't meet basic health standards. This situation stems from various factors, including industrial emissions, power generation, and traffic-related pollutants. <a href="https://sunwayuniversity.edu.my/research/planetaryhealth/meet-team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fatimah Ahamad</a>, chief scientist and air pollution expert at Malaysia-based Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, has described serious health risks linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-weakens-brain-function-and-focus-in-daily-tasks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">poor air conditions</a>.



One <a href="https://www.iqair.com/us/world-air-quality-report?srsltid=AfmBOooSoChiuev00y-EtkypXSduKant1aU7EdTAvXV_iuQRQDSKiPVu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from a Switzerland-based monitoring network shows that only 17% of cities meet guidelines on safe levels of air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-regions-struggle-with-air-pollution">Some regions struggle with air pollution</h2>



Many areas, particularly in developing regions, lack widespread monitoring stations. Some parts of Africa have only one station per 3.7 million residents, which leads to a huge gaps in data.



Experts say actual pollution in such places could be even higher than current measurements show. Additional monitors are being installed, but some regions continue to face problems associated with limited resources and expertise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-causes-millions-of-deaths">Air pollution causes millions of deaths</h2>



The <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Health Organization</a> warns that close to 7 million people die each year from exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-alters-the-atmosphere-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unhealthy air</a>. 



"Breathing in polluted air over a long period of time can cause respiratory illness, <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/air-pollution-linked-dementia-cases">Alzheimer's disease</a> and cancer," said Ahamad.



She believes urgent steps are needed to combat this threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality-and-everyday-life">Air quality and everyday life</h2>



"If you have bad water, no water, you can tell people to wait for half an hour a day, the water will come. But if you have bad air, you cannot tell people to pause breathing," said Ahamad, stressing the importance of immediate action.&nbsp;



Polluted urban centers such as Byrnihat in northeastern India show how harmful industrial emissions can be. Other places, including parts of Congo and Pakistan, continue to struggle with visible smog and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health concerns</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-progress">Examples of progress</h2>



Some large cities have started introducing tighter regulations on vehicle emissions. Others have upgraded public transportation and embraced cleaner forms of energy.



Beijing, Seoul, and Rybnik in Poland have seen improvements from implementing policies that limit particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide emissions. They have also invested in infrastructure that favors pedestrians and reduces congestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southeast-asia-unites-to-fight-air-pollution">Southeast Asia unites to fight air pollution</h2>



Ten Southeast Asian nations have joined forces in an <a href="https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-asean" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations pact</a> that is aimed at preventing transboundary haze. This haze often comes from big forest fires that rage during dry seasons.



Though results have been mixed, these collaborative steps offer some hope. Many observers say more robust coordination is still needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-and-climate-change">Pollution and climate change</h2>



"Air pollution and climate crisis are two sides of the same coin," said <a href="https://climateandhealthalliance.org/who-we-are/our-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shweta Narayan</a>, a campaign lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance who believes air pollution links closely to global warming.&nbsp;



High emissions often come from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. Cutting those emissions can not only reduce global temperatures but also help people breathe more easily.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-2025-database-update">WHO 2025 database update</h2>



An updated resource known as the <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/air-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2025 Air Quality Standards database</a> is now available to the public. It collects information on policies for major pollutants, such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, from about 140 countries.



"The updated WHO Air Quality Standards database is a crucial tool highlighting global progress in setting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> regulations to protect public health. It provides essential data for evidence-based policymaking, and helps to reduce air pollution impacts on communities worldwide," said <a href="https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/advisory-panel-members/maria-neira">Dr. Maria Neira</a>, Director, Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-increases-risk-of-major-diseases">Air pollution increases risk of major diseases</h2>



Air pollution is a known contributor to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27448464/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">noncommunicable diseases</a> such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The harm goes beyond the lungs and circulatory system, and affects multiple bodily functions.



It can also burden healthcare systems and create long-term expenses for families. Younger populations are at particular risk of developing health issues that can last well into adulthood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-health-sectors">Role of health sectors</h2>



Several health agencies now call for more involvement from doctors, nurses, and public health workers. They say these voices can influence policymakers to keep stricter limits on harmful pollutants.



Regulations anchored in national law often succeed more than voluntary steps. Stakeholders hope that local communities will speak up and demand better air for everyone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-strategies-ahead">Cleaner strategies ahead</h2>



Experts note that stronger standards can shift industries toward less harmful operations. Stricter laws also act as a deterrent against companies that pollute without consequences.



New technology is another piece of the puzzle. Alternative energy projects and improved waste management may cut back on soot and chemical discharge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-summit-focuses-on-air-pollution-solutions">WHO summit focuses on air pollution solutions</h2>



Leaders from multiple fields will meet at the 2nd <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2025/03/25/default-calendar/second-global-conference-on-air-pollution-and-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO Conference on Air Pollution and Health</a>, to be held in Cartagena, Colombia, in the last week of March. They plan to share updates on cutting-edge research and policy breakthroughs.



Some hope this event will spark commitments from governments to toughen air quality targets. Others believe it could encourage deeper collaboration between nations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stepping-toward-a-healthier-future">Stepping toward a healthier future</h2>



Environmental hazards, including dirty air, fuel a quarter of the <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)32399-6/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global disease burden</a>. Many of these threats are preventable if cities and countries enforce new rules on industry and transportation.



Promoting better standards can save lives, reduce health care costs, and protect children for decades. Experts hope this momentum becomes a top priority at national and international forums.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-with-data">Moving forward with data</h2>



Access to reliable statistics is vital for guiding bold initiatives. Up-to-date measurements help show where pollution is highest and how policy changes bring results.



People working in research, public health, and local activism can all benefit from these insights. The development of stronger networks between scientists and lawmakers may keep the conversation going long after the conference ends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holding-polluters-accountable">Holding polluters accountable</h2>



Many grassroots movements demand that governments be firm with factories and other large polluters. Community-led activism can spark local monitoring projects and ensure that official data matches on-the-ground observations.



Addressing dirty air is a commitment to life itself. Widespread awareness and political will can make the difference.



The report was published by the <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/air-quality-standards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute</a>.



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Air pollution kills 7 million people annually

Most people around the world are breathing air that doesn't...

Increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are raising concerns about extreme weather and rising temperatures. They are also prompting scientists to examine how crops are responding to these changes, particularly in terms of yield and nutritional quality.



Global research on <a href="https://ripe.illinois.edu/blog/difference-between-c3-and-c4-plants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">C3 plants</a>, which include wheat, rice, and many vegetables, suggests that extra carbon dioxide can raise <a href="https://www.saps.org.uk/teaching-resources/resources/157/measuring-the-rate-of-photosynthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis rates</a> in certain species. 



That might sound like good news, but the same studies flag worrisome drops in proteins, vitamins, and minerals - sparking concerns about <a href="https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/protein-calorie-malnutrition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protein-calorie malnutrition</a> and <a href="https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/conditions/protein-calorie-malnutrition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">micronutrient deficiency</a> in regions that already struggle with poor soil.



Felix D. Dakora from <a href="https://www.tut.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tshwane University of Technology</a> and fellow researchers have studied these trends to find ways to guard future harvests against the pitfalls of high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide exposure</a>.



The team examined both the reasons behind these nutrient drops and what can be done to lessen the damage. The study also highlights the ripple effects that might harm food security for billions of people across the planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dual-impact-of-co2">The dual impact of CO2</h2>



Elevated carbon dioxide often <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-102209-144647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boosts</a> plant growth in C3 plants by improving water-use efficiency through lower stomatal conductance and <a href="https://cid-inc.com/blog/transpiration-in-plants-its-importance-and-applications/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transpiration</a>.



That can be a plus in regions where drought looms. Yet at the same time, certain crops end up with reduced nitrogen content, which dents the protein makeup. The research team reported a 7.4% decrease in wheat grain protein under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high carbon dioxide</a>.



Lower protein weakens the nutritional value of these grains. It may also bring about a rise in starchy components, which could lead to higher rates of diabetes in areas that already rely on carbohydrate-heavy diets. 



Some experts believe the shift in amino acids, vitamins, and mineral levels might be an even bigger worry down the road.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-dioxide-lowers-crop-nutrition">Carbon dioxide lowers crop nutrition </h2>



<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nature13179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientists</a> find that soil minerals, like zinc and iron, drop in grains raised in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-dioxide-rich fields</a>. 



In maize, certain studies show lower levels of iron and copper that can hinder basic human dietary needs. This is particularly alarming in places where these nutrients are already scarce.



Experts note that reduced <a href="https://www.who.int/tools/elena/bbc/biofortification" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biofortification</a> traits in many crop varieties contribute to the problem. Slowed mineral uptake and altered enzyme activities also play a part. Under high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> conditions, some plants downregulate processes that normally absorb and distribute minerals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-a-healthier-harvest">Strategies for a healthier harvest</h2>



Researchers recommend selecting crop genotypes that hold onto vital elements even when gas levels climb. Some varieties appear to lose fewer nutrients, and programs aimed at improving mineral uptake could protect farmers from yield losses. 



Shifting to more legume-based meals is another option. Beans and peas rely on <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/nitrogen-fixation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">N2 fixation</a>, which generally holds better under high carbon dioxide compared to mineral nitrogen sources in fertilizers.



Tree planting can lock extra <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-has-regulated-earths-climate-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> into forests and farmland. Trees enhance soil structure and create a friendlier habitat for microbes involved in natural fertilization.



Some efforts, including large-scale planting of N2-fixing shrubs, may cut back on fertilizer use and slow the buildup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crops-that-can-withstand-carbon-dioxide">Crops that can withstand carbon dioxide </h2>



Scientists are turning to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570104/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> (AI) and high-tech breeding to pinpoint genetic traits that help crops cope with carbon dioxide surges. 



Tools that assess growth, water usage, and nutrient density help experts spot patterns hidden to the naked eye. By mixing big data with genomics, plant breeders can zero in on seeds that are more resilient, saving both time and resources.



AI also allows researchers to simulate future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-has-regulated-earths-climate-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> more accurately. This leads to better predictions for how certain crop lines will adapt. 



Optimizing for stronger nutrient uptake may keep harvests robust and nutritious, ensuring fewer communities suffer malnutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-crops-reduce-the-impacts">Diverse crops reduce the impacts</h2>



Planting diverse species that can thrive under changing conditions helps build a buffer for unpredictable swings in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-emissions-reduction-20-percent-possible-only-2-percent-economic-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>. 



Combining species with strong <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-carbon-sequestration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon uptake</a> could also reduce the negative side effects of high carbon dioxide. Drawing on local biodiversity and building varied cropping systems often stabilizes production and dietary quality.



Communities near desert regions, where farmland is fragile, might see benefits from more shrubs and trees suited to local conditions. These species could capture extra carbon while strengthening the soil for staple crops. 



Experts say small-scale experiments are already successful in certain parts of Africa, building new paths toward long-term food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-tomorrow-s-food-supply">Protecting tomorrow’s food supply</h2>



Many scientists emphasize the need to explore how carbon dioxide interacts with other factors like temperature and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-declared-ocean-pollutant-international-court-ruling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>. 



Finding ways to keep proteins, amino acids, and essential minerals from eroding will be key to meeting global nutrition standards.



Switching to diets richer in legumes and vegetables may trim <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20406-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> from livestock. This can also bring more variety to local plates, adding proteins and minerals that cereals under carbon stress might lack.



Meanwhile, regional approaches to reforestation and soil restoration can draw down some portion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-emissions-reduction-20-percent-possible-only-2-percent-economic-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric carbon</a>.



Policy shifts will matter, too. If governments support research into better seed varieties and push for climate-smart irrigation methods, farmers will be more prepared. Collaboration between scientists, local communities, and industry groups could speed up large-scale solutions.



People who depend on common grains may have the most to lose from inaction. By staying alert to nutrient drops now, it may be possible to avoid bigger crises later. 



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095809924007355" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Engineering</a>.



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Rising carbon dioxide makes crops grow bigger but less nutritious

Increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide are raising concerns about...

The natural world faces a biodiversity crisis, but conservation efforts have shown promising results. A major review of over 67,000 animal species highlights both the successes and the urgent need for action. 



The study, based on data from the IUCN Red List, emphasizes that targeted measures can bring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-earths-biodiversity-can-be-tracked-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> back from the brink of extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biodiversity-needs-urgent-conservation-efforts">Biodiversity needs urgent conservation efforts</h2>



The world is losing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> at an alarming rate. About 28% of over 160,000 assessed species are threatened with extinction.



Human activities have put nearly one million species at risk. However, conservation efforts can succeed when backed by evidence-based strategies.



A team led by the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with IUCN, BirdLife International, and other institutions, examined whether conservation measures improved species' survival.



They found that efforts such as habitat protection, breeding programs, and legal protections have helped many species recover.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-boosts-biodiversity-recovery">Conservation boosts biodiversity recovery</h2>



“We found that almost all the species that have moved from a more threatened category to a less threatened category have benefitted from some sort of conservation measures. It’s a strong signal that conservation works," said lead author Ashley Simkins, a PhD candidate at Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Zoology</a>.



While no single solution fits all cases, some patterns emerge in successful conservation stories. Many recovering species live in isolated areas, such as islands, where conservation efforts can be fully implemented. 



These strategies include habitat restoration, breeding programs, and reintroductions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-stories-in-wildlife-recovery">Success stories in wildlife recovery</h2>



Despite the biodiversity crisis, several species have made remarkable recoveries through conservation efforts. The Iberian lynx, once the world’s most endangered cat, has grown from a few hundred individuals to a few thousand. 



The kākāpō, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, has benefitted from dedicated recovery programs. The European bison, which was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century, now roams parts of Eastern Europe due to sustained <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-shaped-plant-biodiversity-for-thousands-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a>.



Marine species have also seen dramatic recoveries. Humpback and blue whales, once on the brink of extinction due to commercial whaling, have made a comeback following international bans on whaling. 



Challenges remain, however, considering that six times more species are currently declining than improving.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventative-conservation-measures">Preventative conservation measures</h2>



Conservation researchers stress the importance of proactive measures over emergency interventions. 



“Humans have gotten pretty good at what could be considered ‘A&amp;E’ conservation – focusing on species at very high risk of extinction,” said Simkins. 



“What we’re less good at is preventing species from becoming threatened in the first place. We need to move beyond treating the symptoms of biodiversity loss and start addressing the root causes.”



Preventative conservation is often more cost-effective and successful in the long term. Protecting habitats, controlling invasive species, and regulating human activities can help species before they reach critical endangerment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-led-conservation-efforts">Community-led conservation efforts</h2>



Researchers emphasize the importance of collaborative conservation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landscapes-with-a-mix-of-habitats-are-biodiversity-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efforts</a>.



In Papua New Guinea, conservationists worked with local communities to replace tree kangaroo hunting with sustainable farming and fishing. This approach benefited both people and wildlife.



“It’s vital that we as conservationists are working with stakeholders, rather than dictating to them, whether that’s an Indigenous community in Papua New Guinea or a farmer in Somerset,” said Simkins. 



“Conservation doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game – there are compromises that can benefit both the natural world and human society.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-to-save-biodiversity">Conservation to save biodiversity </h2>



Despite constant reports of wildlife decline, conservation efforts continue to make a real impact. 



“In this climate of constant stories about wildlife declines and insufficient political action to protect nature, it’s important to realise that there are also many success stories and that conservation efforts are making a real, demonstrable impact in the world,” said co-senior author Dr. Silviu Petrovan. "Conservation works if given the chance.”



Study co-author Dr. Stuart Butchart, Chief Scientist at <a href="https://www.birdlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BirdLife International</a>, noted that this research sheds light on which actions to save species have been effective, and what interventions are needed.



“Governments need to turn their words into actions and rapidly scale up efforts to save species from extinction and help populations to recover. Safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations depends upon this," said Dr. Butchart.



“Almost everyone will have their own favourite example of a conservation success story, whether it’s the bald eagle in North America or the red kite in the UK,” said Simkins. 



“We need joint action to ensure these positive stories aren’t the exception – they’re the norm.”



The research received support from the Natural Environment Research Council (<a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NERC</a>), part of UK Research and Innovation (<a href="https://www.ukri.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UKRI</a>).



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003051" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Conservation success stories offer hope for biodiversity

The natural world faces a biodiversity crisis, but conservation efforts...

The thawing of Arctic permafrost endangers the livelihoods, security, health, and food stability of the populations residing in these northern regions, according to an international team of scientists.&nbsp;



In a wide-ranging study, the researchers compared four distinct Arctic regions - in Russia, Canada, Norway, and Greenland - to pinpoint and evaluate the main risks posed by the ongoing melting of permafrost.



They discovered that, due to the loss of ice in the soil, these four areas experience crumbling infrastructure, interruptions to mobility and supply routes, a decline in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-at-risk-climate-change-is-diminishing-global-water-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water quality</a>, difficulties with food availability, and higher chances of encountering diseases and contaminants. 



“Since our study areas represent perspectives from a range of human and natural Arctic permafrost settings, the framework and risk assessment we present here are applicable to other (continuous) permafrost regions experiencing similar hazards and impacts, thereby supporting the development of overarching adaptation and mitigation strategies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-at-permafrost-thaw-worldwide-nbsp">Looking at permafrost thaw worldwide&nbsp;</h2>



Unlike typical single-region analyses, this project adopted a comparative approach across multiple fields of study, integrating both environmental and societal perspectives.&nbsp;



The scientists factored in a variety of risk perceptions while synthesizing their findings, producing an assessment applicable to continuous permafrost zones worldwide.&nbsp;



Reinforcing the weight of their conclusions is the fact that the research came about through a consortium-based collaboration spanning major global institutions involved in climate studies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-melting-permafrost-nbsp">Consequences of melting permafrost&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change has been held responsible for the erratic and long-term shifts in Earth’s climate and weather, with a notable acceleration in global warming over recent decades.&nbsp;



The ensuing rise in temperatures is responsible for permafrost thaw in the Arctic - a phenomenon meaning that ice long locked in frozen soil has begun to melt. Such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abrupt-permafrost-thaw-releases-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thaw</a> can lead to dire effects on local ecosystems, physical infrastructure, and residents.



“Climate change is accelerating Arctic permafrost thaw, posing significant risks to both the environment and human communities,” said co-author Khaled Abbas, an associate professor in environmental health sciences at the <a href="https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sharjah</a>. “This research examines these threats, focusing on the growing concerns associated with permafrost degradation and human activity.”



With a model that integrates environmental and community-based viewpoints, the study conveys important insights into how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> drives the degradation of permafrost and sparks a domino effect in Arctic communities. At the same time, it advocates strategies for both mitigation and adaptation to bolster resilience in the affected areas.



“The research underscores the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling these complex challenges. By bringing together experts from environmental science, public health, engineering, and policy, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of how permafrost thaw impacts not only Arctic communities but also global populations,” Abbas said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-broad-impact-beyond-the-arctic">A broad impact beyond the Arctic</h2>



Although the focus is on high-latitude landscapes, the authors emphasize that the effects of permafrost thaw are a global concern with ramifications stretching far beyond local boundaries.&nbsp;



“Permafrost thaw poses diverse risks to Arctic environments and livelihoods. Understanding the effects of permafrost thaw is vital for informed policymaking and adaptation efforts,” Abass explained.&nbsp;



“Our findings show that permafrost thaw is not only an environmental issue but also a direct challenge to the safety, health, and well-being of Arctic communities.”



Through an inter- and transdisciplinary method that relies on knowledge exchanges and network analysis, the team underscores how crucial permafrost is within Arctic ecosystems and details the primary dangers connected to its susceptibility to climate change.&nbsp;



The experts assessed risks in their four case-study regions “by characterizing the relationships between the physical processes, key hazards, and societal consequences on life domains via thematic network analysis and how each of these relationships was perceived across the four case studies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-five-principal-hazards">Five principal hazards</h2>



In describing the hazards of permafrost thaw across the four regions, the authors identify five key problem areas:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Infrastructure breakdown: Soils losing their frozen structure leads to economic burdens and heightened threats to planning, safety, and well-being.</li>



<li>Interruptions of mobility and supplies: Ground instability and erosion reduce people’s access to resources and hamper day-to-day life, impacting costs and opportunities for recreation.</li>



<li>Growing soil weakness: As ice melts, the ground becomes less stable, posing a direct threat to health, welfare, and economic stability.</li>



<li>Changing flora, fauna, and hydrological and biochemical cycles: Food security suffers, coupled with ramifications for local economics, cultural practices, and languages.</li>



<li>Heightened health and safety concerns: With permafrost no longer locked in place, communities are exposed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-infectious-disease-landscape-is-changing-and-we-must-prepare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a> vectors and contaminants formerly trapped in icy soil.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-information-on-permafrost-thaw-nbsp">Critical information on permafrost thaw&nbsp;</h2>



According to Abbas, the study is a stark reminder that climate-driven permafrost thaw is wreaking havoc on Arctic life.&nbsp;



“This research underscores the urgent need for improved planning and adaptation strategies to help Arctic communities navigate these growing threats. As the frozen ground warms, roads, houses, and infrastructure are collapsing, disrupting transportation and access to essential supplies,” said Abbas.



In parallel, water sources risk contamination, and shifting habitats undermine traditional food availability for Arctic populations. The exposure of formerly frozen pollutants and pathogens could herald emergent health risks for both humans and local fauna.



Given these concerns, the findings hold particular relevance for policymakers, environmental organizations, and industries overseeing infrastructure and resource management.&nbsp;



“This study provides critical information for governments and policymakers to develop climate adaptation strategies in Arctic regions and beyond. It emphasizes the need for improved urban planning, infrastructure reinforcement, and sustainable resource management. The research also highlights the urgency of preparing for permafrost thaw’s consequences on ecosystems and human livelihoods,” Abbas said.



Taken together, these findings paint a clearer picture of how climate change is fueling permafrost thaw and underlines the need to move decisively, addressing vulnerabilities and safeguarding both Arctic and global communities against the mounting dangers lurking in once-icy ground.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01883-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications: Earth and Environment</a>.



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Permafrost thaw is a rising threat to Arctic communities

The thawing of Arctic permafrost endangers the livelihoods, security, health,...

Hurricanes cause extensive damage on land and to offshore platforms - effects that scientists understand well. However, their impacts on deep ocean environments remains largely unexplored.



These storms stir up ocean layers, influencing marine ecosystems in ways that are difficult to study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-and-ocean-changes">Hurricane and ocean changes</h2>



A deep-sea observatory southeast of Bermuda is shedding light on this mystery. This platform, anchored to the ocean floor, collects sediment, microplankton shells, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-hurricane-activity-will-change-over-the-next-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a>. 



The station has recorded environmental changes for nearly five decades. The Oceanic Flux Program (<a href="https://www.mbl.edu/research/research-centers/ecosystems-center/research-projects/oceanic-flux-program-ofp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OFP</a>) at the Marine Biological Laboratory (<a href="https://www.mbl.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MBL</a>) operates this mooring.



Recently, the observatory provided crucial data on how hurricanes affect deep-sea ecosystems. The findings show that these storms move massive amounts of material from shallow reefs into deeper waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-sea-impact-of-hurricanes">Deep-sea impact of hurricanes</h2>



A team led by Rut Pedrosa-Pamies, an assistant research investigator at MBL, examined sediments from Hurricanes Fabian (2003) and Igor (2010). 



These storms transported large amounts of carbonate-rich material from Bermuda’s shallow reefs into the deep ocean. The researchers found that these sediments remained in the ecosystem for weeks.



Fabian moved as much sediment in two weeks as would normally accumulate in a year. This material helps trap carbon for millennia and buffers ocean acidification caused by rising CO2 levels.



“This is the first time that a study has demonstrated, in near real time, this hurricane-induced transport from a shallow carbonate platform to the deep ocean,” said Pedrosa-Pamies.



“And it’s not just carbonate; [a hurricane] also transports a lot of other materials like phosphorus, lithogenic minerals, and also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-amplified-hurricane-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a>, such as lead.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricane-driven-ocean-particles">Hurricane-driven ocean particles </h2>



“I’ve been interested in extreme weather events for a long time now,” said Pedrosa-Pamies. 



When a hurricane passes through, there is an upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters that nourish bacteria and plankton in the ocean’s upper layers, stimulating their productivity.



But how hurricanes can impact the deep-ocean water column that surrounds shallow-water reefs has not been well studied.



Hurricane Fabian’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediments</a> settled quickly, but those from Igor remained suspended for weeks. This suggests that storm-driven sediment transport lasts much longer than expected.



“That’s a key finding, because it proves that particles that get suspended from these extreme weather events can last for a long time in the ecosystem and the water column,” noted Pedrosa-Pamies.



“And I’m sure this has implications for the microbiome at different water depths, and also in terms of sedimentation rates and how the particles are aggregating.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-shallow-water-reefs">Role of shallow-water reefs</h2>



Shallow-water reefs exist worldwide and create extensive carbonate platforms. These platforms shape ocean sedimentary processes and influence the carbon cycle. 



They generate about half of all shallow-water carbonate and contribute more than a quarter of the carbonate buried in the deep ocean.



While Fabian and Igor’s effects are small on a global scale, the study revealed how storms transport <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment</a>. This knowledge helps researchers understand how major storms influence carbon storage and ocean acidification.



"This study demonstrates, for the first time, hurricane-induced transport of deep sediments from reef carbonate platforms to the deep ocean in near-real time," wrote the researchers.



"This phenomenon has important implications for the marine carbon cycle because carbonate platform-derived carbonates may dissolve in the deep ocean and contribute to its buffering and carbon storage capacities."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decades-of-deep-sea-monitoring">Decades of deep-sea monitoring</h2>



The OFP has collected deep-sea data continuously since 1978. 



“Without having this time series, studying episodic events, like hurricanes in this case, would not be possible. You cannot sit out there when there is a storm passing and collect particles, while you have wind and big waves,” said Pedrosa-Pamies.



Bermuda’s location makes it ideal for such research. Bermuda is the northernmost subtropical coral reef and carbonate platform in the world, and it’s frequently impacted by hurricanes, noted Pedrosa-Pamies.



Retrieving the OFP’s samples is a complex, day-long process. Every six months, scientists pull up the mooring line to analyze the trapped particles.



“I just cannot reinforce enough how important the team effort is in a time <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricane-helene-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-natural-disasters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">series</a> like this. It would not be possible with help of the entire crew,” said Pedrosa-Pamies. "And they are all fantastic, and we’ve been working with them for a long time.”



The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JC020500" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Oceans</a>. 



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How hurricanes help oceans fight climate change

Hurricanes cause extensive damage on land and to offshore platforms...

Freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers, streams, and estuaries, are growing saltier as a result of a combination of natural and human processes.



Several factors are driving this change, threatening the fragile balance of these precious water sources and the species that rely on them.



The growing issue of salinity is addressed in a recent study, which brings to light its long-term impacts on infrastructure, agriculture, and drinking water resources, with economic and environmental implications.



As salinity continues to increase, the need to comprehend, track, and execute mitigation measures becomes more important than ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinization-from-both-land-and-sea">Salinization from both land and sea</h2>



Scientists from the <a href="https://umd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Maryland</a> have been studying freshwater <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influx-of-salt-in-water-soil-and-air-poses-a-potential-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinization</a> for years. Their research examines how human activities like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/less-ice-more-salt-the-environmental-cost-of-deicing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road salt use</a>, mining, and land development accelerate the natural "salt cycle."



But their latest study adds another dimension: the role of ocean saltwater mixing with freshwater supplies, particularly in coastal regions.



"Our paper involves oceanographers for the first time to point out the growing problem of double trouble: salinization from both land and sea," said study lead author Professor Sujay Kaushal.



"We now recognize that these salts are coming from two directions and represent an emerging risk that's going to affect a lot of infrastructure, ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies around the world."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-costs-of-saltier-freshwater">Hidden costs of saltier freshwater</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salt contamination in freshwater</a> is not just an environmental issue - it has real-world consequences for public health, agriculture, and infrastructure stability.



About 70% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-water-quality-will-suffer-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking water</a> in the United States comes from rivers and surface water, making it especially vulnerable to rising salinity levels.



Higher salt concentrations make water purification more challenging and expensive, increasing costs for municipalities and households alike.



Farmers also rely on freshwater for irrigation, and increased salinity can damage crops, reduce yields, and degrade soil quality over time. This threatens overall food production.



Infrastructure like bridges, wastewater pipes, and underwater cables can corrode faster due to prolonged exposure to salty water, leading to costly repairs and safety concerns.



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



Salt levels in freshwater can fluctuate due to extreme weather events, making the issue even more unpredictable.



Droughts, floods, and rising temperatures all influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-threats-groundwater-salinity-is-on-the-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>, sometimes worsening the problem by concentrating salts or introducing new sources of contamination.



Researchers warn that climate change, land-based salt pollution, and saltwater intrusion do not act independently but rather interact in complex ways.



Instead, these factors can trigger chemical reactions in water that further amplify contamination, potentially creating toxic byproducts that threaten aquatic life and human health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unintended-effects-of-road-salt">Unintended effects of road salt</h2>



Study co-author Gene E. Likens explained how road salt, commonly used in winter for safety, can have unintended side effects.



"What we started realizing is that some of the primary mobilized chemical cocktails react with other contaminants to form secondary chemical cocktails, packing a one-two punch to water quality," said Likens.



 "What's concerning is that these chain reactions are happening all along the freshwater-marine continuum now with cascading effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-threats-from-saltier-freshwater">Mitigating threats from saltier freshwater</h2>



As salinization intensifies, it is becoming increasingly important to seek effective solutions to protect ecosystems, public health, and economies.



Experts stress the need for ongoing observation of salt levels in freshwater environments and the adoption of preventive measures to avoid future contamination before such damage becomes permanent.



Mitigation of the intensifying threats to water quality and availability could be achieved by dealing with road salt runoff, managing industrial salt discharge, enhancing wastewater treatment, and coastal saltwater intrusion management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-freshwater-salinization">Preventing freshwater salinization </h2>



The research offers a useful framework for predicting and preventing freshwater salinization, providing policymakers, environmental authorities, and local communities with direction.



As the world's temperature rises, precipitation patterns shift, and human activity increases, forward-thinking measures such as sustainable land management and enhanced water conservation strategies are needed to protect vital water resources.



Without immediate action, the world’s rivers, lakes, and drinking water supplies will remain under threat of a saltier and more unpredictable future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10533-025-01219-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biogeochemistry</a>.



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Freshwater is getting saltier - with cascading effects worldwide

Freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers, streams, and estuaries, are growing...

A recent study indicates that many people react to the overwhelming scope of the climate emergency by distancing themselves psychologically, instead of pursuing constructive climate measures.&nbsp;



This phenomenon - known as collective dissociation - functions as a trauma response, the researchers argue, impeding collaboration and perpetuating an inability to confront a daunting reality.



The researchers explored the psychology behind climate inaction, noting that the colossal scale and intricacy of the crisis can leave individuals feeling powerless.&nbsp;



Faced with this sense of helplessness, many turn to denial or dissociation, which offers temporary emotional relief but hampers coordinated efforts to address the root causes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-volcanic-past-reveals-the-shocking-reality-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-trauma-and-dissociation">Climate trauma and dissociation </h2>



According to the study, climate-related disasters such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-amplified-hurricane-strength/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hurricanes</a>, droughts, and floods not only cause immediate damage to communities but also create lasting mental health challenges.&nbsp;



People directly impacted may develop trauma responses that include avoidance and numbness. These subconscious coping strategies, although self-protective in the short term, can dilute public demand for robust climate measures.



When individuals and entire populations withdraw from acknowledging the true scale of the problem, it becomes harder to form coalitions that could press governments or industries to shift away from harmful practices like excessive fossil fuel extraction. 



Collective climate dissociation thus magnifies the consequences of the crisis by slowing the societal response.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-mental-health-and-climate-action">Linking mental health and climate action</h2>



The experts suggest that recognizing the emotional and psychological dimensions of climate change could lead to more impactful strategies. 



Instead of framing the climate emergency purely in terms of environmental data, policymakers might benefit from emphasizing the human cost and mental toll of inaction. 



This perspective could inspire a form of climate advocacy that is empathetic and more resonant with everyday experiences, promoting both community resilience and a sense of efficacy in the face of the climate threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-effects-on-vulnerable-populations">Severe effects on vulnerable populations</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-crisis-half-of-the-worlds-population-will-be-affected-by-age-75/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> fallout from climate impacts disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. People already at risk, such as those living in food-insecure areas or facing displacement, bear the brunt of escalating weather extremes.&nbsp;



Beyond the physical dangers, such threats bring heightened risks of anxiety, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-with-a-history-of-depression-tend-to-process-more-negative-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">depression</a>, and post-traumatic stress disorder.



Study senior author Don-Eliseo Lucero-Prisno, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine</a>, noted that local moral support is vital for fostering sustainable adaptation strategies and community resilience to climate change, such as by organizing vulnerability assessments and developing tailored action plans.&nbsp;



“These plans should include measures for improving infrastructure, enhancing social cohesion, and providing mental health support, reducing vulnerability to climate-related stresses,” said Lucero-Prisno.



“Emphasizing community engagement reduces despair, providing essential solidarity for coping with climate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childhood-trauma-can-cause-muscle-decline-adult-life/">trauma</a>. Local leadership should support community-based climate action by providing resources and frameworks, facilitating engagement, and ensuring mental health support is accessible.”



According to this view, empowering communities to share knowledge and resources can ease the sense of isolation that emerges when climate pressures mount. Such efforts may also spark renewed urgency to address environmental hazards at local and regional levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confronting-structural-inertia">Confronting structural inertia</h2>



Beyond focusing on individual and local community actions, the new study emphasizes systemic causes of climate inaction.



“To make meaningful progress, we need to move beyond rhetorical calls for citizen action and directly confront the systemic forces that perpetuate the climate emergency,” said lead author Deborah Shomuyiwa, from the <a href="https://unilag.edu.ng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Lagos</a> Faculty of Pharmacy and <a href="https://ghfocus.org/portfolio-types/africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Health Focus Africa</a>.



“Corporate resistance, government paralysis, and prioritising profits over environmental sustainability all drive community inaction. The financial sector's continued investment in coal and oil, alongside unchecked consumerism, greenwashing, and the war economy, accelerate the climate emergency.”&nbsp;



“Citizens see these decisions by those in power and are alienated by these, which can foster feelings of helplessness and dissociation from the emergency.”



In this context, the authors argue that citizen-led sustainability efforts alone cannot counter the scale of damage done by major polluters. Instead, they call for firmer oversight, accountability, and policy measures that take aim at corporate and governmental inactivity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-climate-dissociation">Combating climate dissociation</h2>



The paper outlines four main avenues that would help combat collective dissociation:



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Make political funding transparent and accountable so that climate solutions can be pursued with consistent public support.</li>



<li>Ensure that leaders prioritize sustainable policy approaches and set up mechanisms for tracking outcomes, responding dynamically to new findings and technologies.</li>



<li>Organize widespread educational campaigns to highlight how the climate emergency impacts mental well-being, thereby galvanizing stronger public backing and resilience.</li>



<li>Direct support to at-risk communities, fostering inclusivity and community cohesion in tackling the climate crisis.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-beyond-climate-dissociation">A path beyond climate dissociation </h2>



Ultimately, the study reveals that climate change is not only an environmental dilemma but also a profound mental challenge.&nbsp;



Without acknowledging and addressing the trauma-related aspects of such a sweeping threat, the authors believe that societies may stay locked in patterns of denial.&nbsp;



The concluding message is that progress calls for reframing the crisis in ways that emphasize empathy, collective responsibility, and structural reforms, so that people do not retreat from the reality of climate change - but instead come together to shape meaningful solutions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2024.119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health</a>.



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Climate trauma leaves us frozen in a state of dissociation

A recent study indicates that many people react to the...

A region in China’s Turpan-Hami Basin served as a refugium - or “life oasis”- for terrestrial plants during the end-Permian mass extinction. This event is widely recognized as the most severe biological crisis since the Cambrian period.&nbsp;



The discovery of this life-saving refuge, which is detailed in a recent study,&nbsp;challenges the longstanding belief that land-based ecosystems experienced catastrophic losses on par with marine environments at that time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-a-life-oasis-on-land">Evidence of a “life oasis” on land</h2>



The research team was led by Professor Liu Feng from the <a href="http://english.nigpas.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology</a> (NIGPAS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.



According to Professor Feng, the Turpan-Hami Basin offered a protective area where terrestrial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-underground-networks-to-eavesdrop-on-their-neighbors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a> communities remained largely intact.&nbsp;



Rather than succumbing to widespread die-off, these plant populations continued evolving, ultimately facilitating a more rapid ecological recovery. Thus, these pockets of resilience played a crucial role in the rebound of life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reevaluating-the-end-permian-crisis">Reevaluating the end-Permian crisis</h2>



Occurring roughly 252 million years ago, the end-Permian mass extinction decimated over 80% of marine species. However, its impact on terrestrial life has been less certain.&nbsp;



One common explanation is that catastrophic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a> in Siberia caused extreme conditions, including wildfires and toxic gases.&nbsp;



Researchers previously based this theory on the progressive loss of the Gigantopteris flora in South China and the Glossopteris flora across Gondwanaland around the same time as the extinction.



Opposing views argue that the lethal effects were not universal, but limited by latitude and atmospheric circulation. Some fossil evidence suggests certain Mesozoic plant species actually predating the extinction, pointing to gradual transitions rather than abrupt collapse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-ancient-pollen-and-spores-nbsp">Examining ancient pollen and spores&nbsp;</h2>



Central to the study’s discoveries is the South Taodonggou section in Xinjiang Province. 



The researchers examined ancient pollen and spores and using precise radiometric dating based on a Bayesian age model developed by Professor Yang Wan of the <a href="https://www.mst.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missouri University of Science and Technology</a>.



The team detected an unbroken record of riparian fern fields and coniferous forests spanning from 160,000 years before the extinction started to 160,000 years after it ended.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/life-oasis_end-Permian_illustration_credit-Yang-Dinghua_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/life-oasis_end-Permian_illustration_credit-Yang-Dinghua_1s.webp" alt="Artistic reconstruction of the terrestrial ecological landscape after the end Permian mass extinction based on fossil palynomorphs, plants, and tetrapods recovered, as well as sedimentological data from the South Taodonggou Section. Credit: Yang Dinghua" class="wp-image-1962551"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic reconstruction of the terrestrial ecological landscape after the end Permian mass extinction based on fossil palynomorphs, plants, and tetrapods recovered, as well as sedimentological data from the South Taodonggou Section. Credit: Yang Dinghua</figcaption></figure>



“The presence of intact tree trunks and fern stems further confirms that these microfossils represent local vegetation, not transported remnants,” said Wan Mingli, a scientist at NIGPAS.



The evidence implies that certain plants vanished locally, but the overall loss of spore and pollen species in the South Taodonggou section could have been about 21% - much lower than the known marine extinction level at the time.&nbsp;



Many seemingly extinct species reappeared in Early Triassic layers elsewhere, indicating they may have migrated rather than disappeared altogether.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-recovery-and-ecological-diversity">Rapid recovery and ecological diversity</h2>



A stable vegetation foundation apparently sped up ecological resurgence in this “life oasis.”&nbsp;



Fossil data shows that just 75,000 years after the extinction ended, the region already supported a range of terrestrial vertebrates, such as the herbivorous Lystrosaurus and carnivorous chroniosuchians.&nbsp;



This contradicts earlier assumptions that ecosystems took over a million years to recover following the end-Permian extinction. In this area, it happened more than ten times faster.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/life-oasis_end-Permian_palynomorphs_illustration_credit-Yang-Dinghua_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/life-oasis_end-Permian_palynomorphs_illustration_credit-Yang-Dinghua_1s.webp" alt="Artistic reconstruction of the terrestrial ecological landscape after the end Permian mass extinction based on fossil palynomorphs, plants, and tetrapods recovered, as well as sedimentological data from the South Taodonggou Section. Credit: Yang Dinghua" class="wp-image-1962553"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artistic reconstruction of the terrestrial ecological landscape after the end Permian mass extinction based on fossil palynomorphs, plants, and tetrapods recovered, as well as sedimentological data from the South Taodonggou Section. Credit: Yang Dinghua</figcaption></figure>



The researchers attribute such resilience to the region’s semi-humid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-chaos-the-mass-extinction-that-reshaped-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> and steady rainfall, evaluated through paleosol analysis. 



The Turpan-Hami Basin consistently received around 1,000 millimeters of precipitation annually, providing lush vegetation and an environment beneficial to migrating wildlife.



Despite its apparent proximity to volcanic activity believed to have spurred the extinction, the basin functioned as a safe haven for terrestrial life, illustrating how even seemingly threatened areas can preserve crucial biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-pockets-of-resilience">Surprising pockets of resilience</h2>



“This suggests that local climate and geographic factors can create surprising pockets of resilience, offering hope for conservation efforts in the face of global environmental change,” Feng said.&nbsp;



The existence of such a shelter for plants during the crisis calls into question the scope and uniformity of land-based mass extinctions. In some locales, climates and landscapes worked in concert to protect certain species from the worst consequences.



As modern science grapples with the possibility of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-crisis-entire-branches-of-earths-tree-of-life-are-vanishing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sixth mass extinction</a> - potentially driven by human impacts - these findings underscore the importance of discovering and safeguarding present-day refugia.&nbsp;



By identifying environments where life can endure, even amid large-scale devastation, conservationists might replicate and preserve these safe harbors for future generations.



The study was published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ads5614" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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'Life oasis' provided refuge for plants during Earth's worst extinction event

A region in China’s Turpan-Hami Basin served as a refugium...

A new report reveals that more than one-third of all U.S. bird species stand in high or moderate conservation danger. Additionally, there are 112 “tipping point” species that have seen half or more of their populations vanish in the past 50 years.



The tipping point groups identified in the report include 42 red-alert species such as Allen’s Hummingbird, Tricolored Blackbird, and Saltmarsh Sparrow. These species are facing a high risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-bird-species-face-extinction-risks-in-the-neotropics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> unless swift interventions are made.



“Birds tell us that we have a full-on emergency across all habitats,” said Marshall Johnson, chief conservation officer at the <a href="https://www.audubon.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Audubon Society</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-of-the-birds-report-nbsp">State of the Birds report&nbsp;</h2>



The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report was unveiled at the 90th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.&nbsp;



Compiled by a coalition of top science and conservation organizations, the report documents sustained widespread losses in American bird populations across mainland and marine habitats, highlighting 229 species requiring urgent conservation measures.&nbsp;



The findings follow on from the influential 2019 study that found the loss of three billion birds in North America over five decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-america-s-birds">Significance of America's birds</h2>



In defending birds, the report emphasizes not just the ecological arguments but also the financial rewards for local economies. 



Nearly 100 million Americans take part in bird-related activities, from casual backyard birding to dedicated expeditions. 



The total economic output connected to bird watching activities is $279 billion, while birding related activities support 1.4 million jobs, the experts argued, referencing the latest <a href="https://www.fws.gov/program/national-survey-fishing-hunting-and-wildlife-associated-recreation-fhwar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation</a> data.



The study emphasizes that birds are also central to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-americans-have-lost-years-of-time-to-poor-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental health</a> benefits. By citing existing research, the authors explain that daily or weekly encounters with birds and nature help relieve stress and diminish symptoms of anxiety and depression - an added incentive to strengthen conservation programs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-trends-in-bird-habitats">Disturbing trends in bird habitats</h2>



In analyzing bird populations across America, the authors warn that nearly every type of ecosystem is witnessing declines. Even ducks, which had been a bright spot in past reports, are trending downward in more recent tallies.



“The rapid declines in birds signal the intensifying stressors that wildlife and people alike are experiencing around the world because of habitat loss, environmental degradation, and extreme weather events,” noted Amanda Rodewald, faculty director of the <a href="https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell Lab of Ornithology</a>’s Center for Avian Population Studies.&nbsp;



“When we see declines like those outlined in the report, we need to remember that if conditions are not healthy for birds, they’re unlikely to be healthy for us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cause-for-both-alarm-and-hope">Cause for both alarm and hope</h2>



“There is no doubt that the 2025 State of the Birds report is cause for alarm, but it is also cause for hope. Public interest in birds and the economic benefits from birding are at unprecedented levels, as is the information available about the status of each and every one of our bird species,” said Jeff Walters, conservation committee co-chair at the <a href="https://americanornithology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Ornithological Society</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bird-populations_united-states_rapid-decline_graph_credit-Cornell_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bird-populations_united-states_rapid-decline_graph_credit-Cornell_1s.webp" alt="Long-term population trends for America's birds. Credit: State of the Birds long-term population trends, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology." class="wp-image-1962322"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Long-term population trends for America's birds. Credit: State of the Birds long-term population trends, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.</figcaption></figure>



Strategies for reversing these declines emerge throughout the document. The authors highlight conservation success stories and methods that have proven effective for waterfowl, waterbirds, and other avian groups, indicating that more robust action could yield results on a larger scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effective-conservation-approaches">Effective conservation approaches</h2>



“Many bird populations are struggling. But a proven blueprint for success is science-based planning and collaborative investment in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-and-evolution-shape-the-unique-sounds-of-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat</a> conservation,” said Steve Adair, Ducks Unlimited chief scientist.



Beyond this, practical measures - like private lands programs, ranching partnerships, forest renewal projects, coastal restoration efforts, and seabird translocation - have all shown promise in reviving bird populations under stress.&nbsp;



Adair cited the strong cooperation among hunters, landowners, agencies, and corporations as having historically benefited waterfowl numbers, at least where suitable weather conditions apply.



“Decades of strategic and aggressive wetland habitat conservation from hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies, and corporations has boosted numerous waterfowl and waterbird species when weather conditions are favorable. We’ve shown it works. And we must do more,” Adair said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-america-s-bird-life">Protecting America's bird life</h2>



At the same time, the report makes clear that bird conservation has ripple effects for human communities and broader ecosystems.



“Fortunately, many of the actions that are good for birds are good for us. When we protect the habitats that birds rely upon, we also protect the ecosystem services that sustain us,” Rodewald said.



In other words, robust protections for wetlands, coasts, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/every-bird-song-can-help-scientists-make-smarter-forest-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forests</a>, and other key habitats not only safeguard bird life, but also maintain carbon storage, preserve water quality, and buffer cities and towns against natural disasters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-toward-effective-solutions">Looking toward effective solutions</h2>



Michael J. Parr, President of <a href="https://abcbirds.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Bird Conservancy</a>, praised ongoing research but emphasized that more support is crucial:



“We have clear evidence that conservation works in halting declines,” said Parr. “What we now need more than ever are programs and funding that match the scale of the greatest challenges birds face today. The science is solid on how to reverse the damage done, but to succeed, these issues need to be taken seriously.”



Marshall Johnson of the National Audubon Society reinforced this need for prompt and inclusive measures. 



“Birds unite us across the hemisphere and across the political spectrum - there should be no hesitation as we move to protect them today and in the future,” he said.



Ultimately, the 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report highlights a stark warning but also underscores the possibility for saving countless bird species if deliberate policies and robust support meet the urgency of the crisis.&nbsp;



Humans stand to benefit economically and culturally from an environment where bird populations thrive, reminding all stakeholders of the vital connections between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife conservation</a> and broader social well-being.



The report can be found <a href="https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Scientists declare a "full-on emergency" to save US bird populations

A new report reveals that more than one-third of all...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<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=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

<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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</div></figure>



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



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 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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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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