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...

A recent study has uncovered a link between our planet’s changing path around the sun and periods of intense volcanic eruptions.



Researchers studying ancient rocks and seafloor cores have identified signals that appear tied to these rhythmic variations in Earth’s orbit, which may have affected global climates on timescales of ten thousand to a million years.



Thomas Westerhold from the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://gerit.org/en/institutiondetail/29278&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi38enk7Y6MAxXeHEQIHfFLHVgQFnoECFIQAQ&amp;usg=AOvVaw0XOJ0OBGX4p7-_etkmI5ha"></a>Center for Marine Environmental Sciences (<a href="https://www.marum.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MARUM</a>) has used geological data to piece together climate archives from both the South Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific.



By aligning these records down to a 5,000-year scale, Westerhold and his colleagues found critical points in time when planetary climate shifts coincided with major volcanic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



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



These new findings challenge the notion that <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/quasiperiodicity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasiperiodic variations</a> in Earth’s orbit merely influence climate through changes in incoming solar radiation. 



The possibility that these orbital cycles also set the stage for eruptions adds another layer to our understanding of how the planet’s interior and exterior forces interact.



“Just like a metronome, we used the rhythmic changes in solar insolation imprinted in geological data to synchronize geological climate archives from the South Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific," said Westerhold. 



"These key records span the last million years of the Cretaceous and are synchronized down to 5,000 years or less, geologically a blink of an eye 66 million years ago."



Scientists already knew that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/large-igneous-province" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large igneous provinces</a>, or <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/flood-basalt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood basalt eruptions</a>, could <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/books/edited-volume/674/chapter-abstract/3807763/Large-igneous-provinces-and-mass-extinctions-An?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release</a> significant amounts of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 



By stacking these massive volcanic outpourings on top of orbital-driven temperature swings, the stage was apparently set for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dramatic climate swings</a> in a relatively short time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-sediments-reveal-past-eruptions">Ocean sediments reveal past eruptions</h2>



“The formation of the flood basalts and its subsequent weathering will leave a geochemical fingerprint in the ocean," explained co-author Junichiro Kuroda from the University of Tokyo.



"Therefore, we measured the Osmium isotope composition of the South Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific deposits. They should show the same fingerprint at the same time." 



This was another key piece of the puzzle: the hunt for a clear marker in deep-sea sediments.&nbsp;



Samples from those ocean cores revealed two distinct changes in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0012821X80901776" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">osmium isotopes</a>. These changes matched previously dated pulses of massive volcanism in India’s <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/deccan-traps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deccan Traps</a>, which are about 1.24 miles thick in places.



“To our surprise we found two steps in the Osmium isotope composition in both oceans contemporaneous with major eruption phases of the Deccan Traps in the latest Cretaceous. And even more surprising, those steps had different impacts on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruption-on-jupiters-moon-io-covers-area-larger-than-lake-superior-juno-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> as recorded by fossil remains in the drill cores,” said Westerhold.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-eruptions-linked-to-mass-extinctions">Volcanic eruptions linked to mass extinctions</h2>



Giant volcanic eruptions have long been tied to major ecological upheavals. 



Studies have suggested that flood basalt events played a central role in several mass extinctions, possibly through toxic gas releases and global temperature shifts that strained ecosystems.



“The volume of the erupted flood basalt must have been much larger than previously thought during this early phase of Deccan Trap volcanism. And the related distinct emissions of carbon and sulfur dioxide had diverse effects on the global climate system,” said Don Penman from the Utah State University.



These findings build on earlier evidence suggesting that <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> from intense volcanic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruption-zavaritzki-that-cooled-the-earth-and-turned-the-sun-green/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a> may spike temperatures. Yet when <a href="https://www.epa.gov/so2-pollution/sulfur-dioxide-basics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sulfur emissions</a> arrive in the upper atmosphere, they can produce complex cooling or warming patterns that can change ocean chemistry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weathering-warming-and-the-carbon-puzzle">Weathering, warming, and the carbon puzzle</h2>



Weathering of volcanic rocks often draws carbon dioxide out of the air as minerals break down. But if the eruptions themselves add large bursts of greenhouse gases, the balance tips. 



This interplay may show why one wave of eruptions caused modest warming, while a later pulse had more pronounced effects.



Early pulses could have been especially rich in sulfur, hitting local habitats hard but not causing a massive global temperature rise. Later periods likely unleashed more carbon-heavy emissions, shifting global temperatures upward and leaving distinct signs in marine fossils.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters-now">Why this matters now</h2>



Researchers stress that the planet’s deep past carries lessons for modern climate dynamics. Although today’s changes stem mainly from human activities, extreme volcanic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events</a> show how quickly the climate system can react when pushed.



This work also reveals the importance of precise dating in geological research. High-resolution age models provide the magnifying glass needed to see correlations between Earth’s orbital rhythms, volcanic eruptions, and environmental changes.



The team’s approach shows that even small differences in dating can mask or unveil key connections in Earth’s history. Matching up ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sediment records</a> in fine detail helps scientists identify which events happened simultaneously, offering a clearer picture of cause and effect.



These insights highlight that our world’s climate has always been shaped by both internal forces, such as molten rock movements, and external cycles influenced by cosmic mechanics. 



Looking at these linked changes over millions of years can inform how we view climate shifts on much shorter timescales.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr8584" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Earth's orbit may trigger massive volcanic eruptions

A recent study has uncovered a link between our planet’s...

For decades, researchers have pursued nuclear fusion as a potential solution for cleaner and longer-lasting energy. They have struggled to keep the process stable because it requires absurdly high temperatures and precise control.



The team operating the <a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainstokamaks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tokamak</a> in southern France recently managed to hold <a href="https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-is-plasma-160-37" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma</a> for 22 minutes (1,337 seconds), surpassing a previous record set in China. 



<a href="https://evenements.lepoint.fr/intervenants/anne-isabelle-etienvre-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Anne-Isabelle Etienvre</a> from the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) leads this scientific push toward more reliable fusion conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stable-fusion-plasma-is-key-to-clean-energy">Stable fusion plasma is key to clean energy</h2>



This form of energy creation involves fusing light atomic nuclei to release heat. Particles need temperatures above 100 million degrees Celsius (over 180 million degrees Fahrenheit) for that reaction to happen effectively, according to data from the <a href="https://www.iaea.org/publications/8879/fusion-physics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Atomic Energy Agency</a>.



At such high heat levels, atoms collide at dizzying speeds. If magnetic fields or other factors become imbalanced, the plasma can cool or leak from the magnetic confinement.



Tokamaks, which are doughnut-shaped devices that confine charged particles, aim to keep plasma hot and stable. Their success hinges on precise control of electromagnetic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/poorly-understood-force-helps-keep-atomic-nuclei-stable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forces</a> within the chamber.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-22-minute-record">Significance of the 22-minute record</h2>



Holding plasma in a steady condition for over 22 minutes suggests a major step in controlling runaway heat. Once disruptions occur, the efficiency of fusion reactors plummets.



“Experiments will continue with increased power,” said Dr. Etienvre. This short statement offers a glimpse into the <a href="https://www.iter.org/node/20687/data-west-optimize-iters-divertor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plan</a> for stretching <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molten-salt-could-reshape-the-future-of-nuclear-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stable</a> reactions to longer durations and higher temperatures.



Experts from multiple countries collaborate at the site in southern France. This record comes as a welcome sign that even more complex goals could be on the horizon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fusion-plasma-beats-fission">Fusion plasma beats fission</h2>



<a href="https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/fission-and-fusion-what-difference" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fission</a>, which splits atoms, produces energy in current nuclear power plants but creates long-lived waste. By contrast, fusion unites <a href="https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/intro-college-physics/hydrogen-nuclei" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrogen nuclei</a>, generating helium and fewer radioactive by-products.



Costs and engineering hurdles have slowed progress in commercial fusion power. Yet many see it as a promising road to net-zero emissions, a target emphasized in climate reports by the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>.



Some refer to fusion as a nearly endless energy resource because it draws on hydrogen, the most common element in the universe. This potential drives international projects dedicated to refining each design step.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-fusion-plasma-research">Advancing fusion plasma research</h2>



A joint project known as <a href="https://fusionforenergy.europa.eu/iter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ITER</a> (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) unites China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States. It is currently under construction in southern France and aims to be the largest tokamak in history.



Although ITER’s initial completion date has shifted multiple times, researchers remain optimistic about testing full-scale fusion. Funding from each participating nation underscores its global importance for future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underground-nuclear-testing-will-no-longer-be-a-secret-thanks-to-new-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean power</a>.



Success in smaller tokamaks helps iron out design concerns ahead of ITER’s launch. By the time ITER operates, any proven methods for extending plasma stability can be integrated into its larger system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-taking-aim-at-energy-output">Taking aim at energy output</h2>



Laboratories around the world are racing to produce net energy gain. A successful reactor must generate more energy than it consumes during plasma heating and containment.



High temperatures and advanced magnets have brought partial victories. In January 2022, <a href="https://euro-fusion.org/eurofusion-news/dte3record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europe’s Joint European Torus</a> achieved 59 megajoules of sustained fusion energy, showing how incremental progress can stack up.



Yet the gap remains in scaling those successes from seconds to minutes, and from modest power to a more commercially viable level. The 22-minute mark is a nudge in the right direction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clean-energy-breakthroughs">Clean energy breakthroughs</h2>



Some groups outside fusion are also pioneering fresh ideas for reducing fossil fuel dependence. A team at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-04230-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experimented</a> with storing solar power in a molecular liquid for up to 18 years.



Battery technology has seen continued improvements, although costs can still be high for widespread household adoption. Bolstering solar, wind, and potential fusion solutions could eventually diversify global energy sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-in-france">Next steps in France</h2>



Scientists plan to stretch plasma durations further while holding on to higher temperatures. Some hope to manage stable reactions for several hours, which would bring reactors closer to real-world energy demands.



Researchers are also focused on avoiding contamination inside the reaction chamber. Even minor impurities can hinder the delicate environment needed for fusion to thrive.



Each new record is seen as an affirmation that design choices and materials are improving. With each challenge solved, a future powered by fusion becomes less far-fetched.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fusion-power-and-a-cleaner-future">Fusion power and a cleaner future</h2>



As climate concerns mount, breakthroughs in controlling extreme temperatures and particle flow take on new urgency. Long-term sustainability relies on innovation that provides abundant power without worsening pollution.



The French accomplishment offers a flicker of optimism. Once a full-scale reactor can run stably and produce excess energy, a new chapter in energy might begin.



Global dependence on fossil fuels will not end overnight, yet practical milestones like this encourage continued support for research into complex systems such as tokamaks.



Humanity’s quest for stable, clean energy has persisted for generations. The long fight to perfect fusion could reward everyone if future devices replicate and expand upon this 22-minute feat.



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Nuclear fusion milestone brings clean energy closer to reality

For decades, researchers have pursued nuclear fusion as a potential...

A team of chemists has recently introduced a non-toxic, eco-friendly, solvent-free approach to recycling plastic by using moisture found in ambient air.&nbsp;



In a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D4GC05916F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Chemistry</a>, the experts describe how a low-cost catalyst splits apart the bonds in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - the most common polyester plastic.&nbsp;



After that, the fragmented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-changing-the-entire-earth-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic</a> is exposed to ordinary air, converting it into monomers that could be reconstituted into new PET products or higher-value materials. The team’s findings raise the potential for a more cost-effective, sustainable path toward creating a circular economy for plastics.



Yosi Kratish is a research assistant professor of chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern University</a>.



“The U.S. is the number one plastic polluter per capita, and we only recycle 5% of those plastics. There is a dire need for better technologies that can process different types of plastic waste,” said Kratish.



“Most of the technologies that we have today melt down plastic bottles and downcycle them into lower-quality products.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-moisture-to-recycle-plastic">Using moisture to recycle plastic</h2>



According to Kratish, what is particularly exciting about the research is that the team harnessed moisture from air to break down the plastics, achieving an exceptionally clean and selective process.&nbsp;



“By recovering the monomers, which are the basic building blocks of PET, we can recycle or even upcycle them into more valuable materials.”



Naveen Malik, the paper’s first author, noted that the study offers a sustainable and efficient solution to one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic waste.



“Unlike traditional recycling methods, which often produce harmful byproducts like waste salts and require significant energy or chemical inputs, our approach uses a solvent-free process that relies on trace moisture from ambient air. This makes it not only environmentally friendly but also highly practical for real-world applications,” said Malik.&nbsp;



Kratish co-led the study with Tobin J. Marks, a longtime chemistry professor at Weinberg and a professor of materials science and engineering at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-need-for-plastic-solutions">Critical need for plastic solutions</h2>



PET plastics, commonly used in items such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-use-in-food-packaging-could-be-drastically-reduced/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food packaging</a> and beverage bottles, make up approximately 12% of all plastics globally.&nbsp;



Their persistence in the environment underscores a major dilemma: PET is resistant to decomposition and therefore liable to end up in landfills, fragment into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-brain-alarming-new-details-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> or nanoplastics that seep into water sources, or accumulate in the natural environment.



Scientists worldwide are seeking new approaches to manage or recycle plastic, but existing processes often employ harsh conditions - extreme temperatures, high energy demands, strong solvents - that generate toxic byproducts.&nbsp;



The required catalysts can also be expensive or hazardous, compounding waste problems. Furthermore, once the recycling reaction finishes, researchers face a tough job of extracting useful materials from the leftover solvents, adding cost and complexity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solvent-free-method-for-recycling-nbsp">Solvent-free method for recycling&nbsp;</h2>



In prior work, Marks’ group at Northwestern pioneered catalytic methods that operate without solvents. This new paper builds on that achievement, once again using a solvent-free reaction approach.



“Using solvents has many disadvantages,” Kratish said. “They can be expensive, and you have to heat them up to high temperatures. Then, after the reaction, you are left with a soup of materials that you have to sort to recover the monomers.”



“Instead of using solvents, we used water vapor from air. It’s a much more elegant way to tackle plastic recycling issues.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-chemistry-to-recycle-plastic">Simple chemistry to recycle plastic </h2>



To test this new process, the team combined PET with a low-cost, non-toxic molybdenum catalyst plus activated carbon, then heated the mixture. Through this step, the large molecules of PET began to break down.&nbsp;



Next, the scientists introduced the fragmented plastic to ambient air, which contains minimal levels of water vapor, triggering a conversion of plastic remnants into monomers known as terephthalic acid (TPA) - the valuable precursor for making new polyesters.&nbsp;



The process yielded just one byproduct, acetaldehyde, which is considered relatively straightforward to remove in industrial contexts.



“Air contains a significant amount of moisture, making it a readily available and sustainable resource for chemical reactions,” Malik noted.&nbsp;



“On average, even in relatively dry conditions, the atmosphere holds about 10,000 to 15,000 cubic kilometers of water. Leveraging air moisture allows us to eliminate bulk solvents, reduce energy input, and avoid the use of aggressive chemicals, making the process cleaner and more environmentally friendly.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tasting-the-recycling-technology">Tasting the recycling technology </h2>



In preliminary trials, 94% of the TPA was recovered in merely four hours, demonstrating both speed and efficiency. The catalyst was shown to be robust and reusable, making it a practical choice for large-scale applications.&nbsp;



Because the technique selectively breaks down only polyester plastics, other types of plastic or non-plastic contaminants in a mixed batch are effectively bypassed.



When tested on actual plastic bottles, shirts, and mixed plastic waste, the process functioned similarly well, even eliminating dyes so that the recovered TPA turned out colorless.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scaling-up-the-new-method">Scaling up the new method </h2>



The scientists’ next move involves scaling up the method to meet industrial demand and handle bigger loads of discarded plastic. 



By optimizing factors such as reaction time, catalyst concentration, and temperature, they hope to create an economical solution for converting waste plastics into building blocks that can then be turned into new products.



“Our technology has the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution, lower the environmental footprint of plastics and contribute to a circular economy where materials are reused rather than discarded," said Malik. 



"It’s a tangible step toward a cleaner, greener future, and it demonstrates how innovative chemistry can address global challenges in a way that aligns with nature."



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How scientists are using air to recycle plastic

A team of chemists has recently introduced a non-toxic, eco-friendly,...

A recent research discovery suggests that, as environmental temperatures increase, the effectiveness of natural insect repellents against mosquitoes could decline.



Mosquitoes have a pain receptor called TRPA1, which acts like a fire alarm, detecting noxious heat and harmful chemicals to protect the insect.



This receptor also plays a crucial role in determining which hosts these insects find attractive, especially if they're unprotected by repellents.



Study co-author Peter Piermarini is a&nbsp;professor of entomology at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>.&nbsp;



“What we found was that the chemicals were not able to activate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-repellents-that-actually-work-yes-thanks-to-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito</a> wasabi receptor as effectively when temperatures exceeded the heat activation threshold,” explained Piermarini.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-weakens-natural-repellents">Temperature weakens natural repellents</h2>



Essentially, insect repellents work as chemical barriers, keeping away pesky mosquitoes from their potential targets. But, in warmer temperatures, the TRPA1 receptors of mosquitos become less sensitive. 



This means that natural repellents, such as citronella and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-discover-why-catnip-is-a-powerful-mosquito-repellent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catnip</a> oil, may lose some of their buzz. As a result, products containing these ingredients might not work as well in extreme heat conditions.



This, in combination with longer breeding periods caused by a warming climate, could potentially exacerbate the spread of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-borne-diseases-are-a-growing-threat-in-a-warming-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mosquito-borne diseases</a> considerably.



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



Professor Piermarini and graduate student Yeaeun Park set out to investigate the role of temperature in repellent sensitivity in mosquitos. 



The researchers removed TRPA1 mosquito receptors and injected them into frog egg cells. They then tested how these receptors responded to citronella and catnip oil under normal and elevated temperatures.



The experts found that these receptors were still activated, but were less sensitive to those substances in hotter temperatures. "It was very close to what we predicted." said Piermarini.



The second experiment involved observing how adult <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infectious-female-mosquitoes-converted-into-non-biting-males/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">female mosquitoes</a> reacted to these repellents at varying temperatures.



Once temperatures exceeded 32 degrees Celsius, mosquitoes showed less avoidance to these substances, implying a similar behavior might be observed in real-world scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-synthetic-vs-natural-repellents">Synthetic vs. natural repellents</h2>



However, not all repellents are created equal in the face of rising temperatures. A synthetic mosquito repellent, DEET, was also tested in the study. 



Unlike natural counterparts, DEET doesn’t interact with the wasabi receptor to deter mosquitos, and its efficiency remained unaffected by higher temperatures.



“This suggests that during the hottest days of the year you’d probably want to stick with a more conventional synthetic repellent and avoid using a natural product with citronella or catnip oil,” noted Piermarini.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-depth-understanding-can-save-lives">In-depth understanding can save lives</h2>



Now that we have this information, where do we go from here? The next step for the Ohio State team is to unearth the specific mechanisms behind temperature-induced desensitization of the TRPA1 receptor.



The researchers plan to study this phenomenon extensively, possibly by recruiting human participants.



“The more we learn about the mechanisms by which these natural products work, it can help us determine which ones might be better to use under certain conditions,” said Piermarini. "Understanding these limitations can potentially save lives."



When it comes to battling the bugs, our defenses should remain robust, regardless of the weather. So, as the world gets warmer, it is time we adapt our arsenals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-mosquito-control-strategies">Adapting mosquito control strategies </h2>



With rising temperatures reducing the effectiveness of natural repellents, researchers and public health officials are exploring alternative strategies to keep mosquito populations in check.



Innovations in mosquito control, such as genetically modified mosquitoes, habitat disruption, and novel synthetic repellents, are gaining attention as potential solutions.



One promising approach involves the use of spatial repellents - substances that create a protective barrier in an area rather than relying on direct application to the skin.



Scientists are also investigating plant-derived compounds that remain effective in high temperatures, ensuring that natural alternatives continue to play a role in mosquito defense.



As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mosquito-habitats-are-expanding-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> extends mosquito breeding seasons and shifts their geographic range, adapting repellent strategies will be crucial for reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. 



Future research will focus on developing heat-resistant formulations and integrated pest management techniques that can withstand the warming climate.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048357525000392?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology</a>.



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Rising temperatures could make insect repellents less effective

A recent research discovery suggests that, as environmental temperatures increase,...

Polymers are a fundamental part of our daily lives. They are found in everything from electronics and construction materials to household items and vehicles.



Traditionally deemed safe due to their large molecular size, these substances have mostly avoided regulatory scrutiny. However, a new study challenges this assumption - showing that some polymers can degrade over time, releasing smaller chemical molecules that may pose potential risks.



This discovery raises concerns about the hidden risks associated with using polymers that have long been considered harmless, and highlights the need for greater oversight.



As researchers uncover more about the breakdown processes, questions arise about the long-term environmental and health consequences of widespread polymer use.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-polymer-mystery">Unraveling the polymer mystery</h2>



Can we trust polymers to be safe? The scientific community has traditionally thought so. The logic was simple; we believed these large molecules were too big to migrate out of the products and into people, thus posing no health risks.



As a result, polymers have managed to dodge regulation, and they are exempt from fundamental toxic acts like the Toxic Substances Control Act in the U.S. and REACH in the E.U.



However, the latest study is now challenging this long-standing conviction. Researchers from <a href="https://www.jnu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jinan University</a> in China and the University of Toronto have discovered that certain polymers used as flame retardants might be breaking down into smaller, harmful chemicals.



"Our study suggests polymers can act as a trojan horse for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-kitchen-utensils-may-leach-toxic-chemicals-in-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxic chemicals</a>. They are added to products as inert large molecules but, over time, they can degrade, exposing us to their harmful breakdown products," said study senior author Da Chen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flame-retardants-and-their-hidden-risks">Flame retardants and their hidden risks</h2>



To test their hypothesis, the researchers experimented with two polymeric brominated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/household-chemicals-linked-to-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flame retardants</a> (polyBFRs). These substances were created as "non-toxic" alternatives to banned flame retardants. 



Surprisingly, the team found that both polyBFRs decomposed into dozens of types of smaller molecules.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-strengthen-the-toxicity-of-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toxicity</a> testing of these smaller molecules in zebrafish showed a considerable potential for causing mitochondrial dysfunction and developmental and cardiovascular harm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakdown-products-in-the-environment">Breakdown products in the environment</h2>



The scientists didn't stop there. They sought out these polymer breakdown products in the environment. Alarmingly, the molecules were detected in soil, air, and dust.



The highest concentration levels were detected near electronic waste recycling facilities, gradually decreasing with distance from these sites.



These findings bolster the claim that the use of polyBFRs in electronics can result in the release of toxic breakdown products into the environment, potentially exposing humans and wildlife to harm.



Miriam Diamond, a co-author and professor at the University of Toronto, expressed her concerns.



"Widespread use of these polyBFRs in electronics may result in exposures when these products are manufactured, when they're in our homes, and when they're discarded or recycled," said Professor Diamond.



"Since it is suspected that production volumes are very high (the chemical industry does not disclose the volumes), the potential for pollution - and resulting serious harm to people and wildlife - greatly concerns me."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concern-over-polymer-safety">Growing concern over polymer safety</h2>



The implications of the research extend to other types of polymers used in consumer products, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).



Despite arguments from PFAS producers that fluorinated polymers should be exempt from regulation, scientists insist that fluorinated polymers are members of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pfas-crisis-humans-are-early-warning-system-for-wildlife-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS</a> class of substances and that the use of all PFAS should be avoided.



"To escape regulation, flame retardant and PFAS producers are increasingly pivoting to polymers for use in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">everyday products</a>. As a result, problematic polymers emit toxic small molecules from products we touch, sit on, wear, and keep in our homes," said Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute.



"Regulators need to close this loophole to protect consumers - especially children - from the possibility of serious chemical harm." 



In conclusion, it's essential for us to reconsider our understanding and regulation of polymers. They might not be as benign as once thought. 



More research is needed, but one thing is clear: we need to be aware of the potential invisible risk in our everyday products.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-025-01513-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Sustainability</a>.



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Everyday polymers that are considered 'safe' release harmful toxins

Polymers are a fundamental part of our daily lives. They...

Tiny microplastic fragments, often smaller than a grain of rice, are turning up in surprising places. From city streets to remote oceans, they persist in the air, water, and soil. 



Scientists have learned that these particles can also invade the human body, showing up in organs that keep us alive. 



For years, researchers have warned us about the possible dangers microplastics pose to animals, our food sources, and human health. Now a fresh study suggests even plants are feeling the pressure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plants-photosynthesis-and-microplastics">Plants, photosynthesis, and microplastics</h2>



This new research from <a href="https://www.5gyres.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">5 Gyres Institute</a> offers new clues about how these plastic particles affect photosynthesis. 



The team gathered over 3,200 records from across the globe, focusing on how tiny bits of microplastics alter photosynthesis by changing the way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/details-photosynthesis-water-viewed-atomic-level-cryo-microscope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants use sunlight</a> to produce energy. 



Their analysis spans common food crops and aquatic species, highlighting concerns about weakened growth. 



For communities that rely on healthy harvests and marine resources, these findings add a fresh dimension to the worldwide plastic conversation.



“It’s really scary,” says Marcus Eriksen, a marine scientist at the 5 Gyres Institute, a nonprofit plastic pollution research organization, who was not involved in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-microplastics-spread-far-and-wide">How microplastics spread far and wide</h2>



Most microplastics come from everyday sources. Plastic bottles, packaging, and synthetic clothing shed fibers that break into smaller pieces. Rain and wind carry these particles into rivers, and eventually they end up in oceans. 



In agricultural fields, plastic mulch or irrigation systems contribute fragments that seep into the soil. Over time, these bits degrade further, leading to a steady accumulation in places we least expect. 



This constant spread worries experts because smaller sizes mean they can slip into living organisms more easily.



Researchers have found these particles in fish, shellfish, and even table salt. In recent years, labs have also identified plastic remnants in bottled water and tap supplies. 



While ongoing investigations continue to measure how widespread they are, one thing is clear: once plastic breaks down, it does not disappear. That lingering presence has potential consequences for all life on Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-impede-photosynthesis">Microplastics impede photosynthesis</h2>



In this new analysis, researchers show that microplastics reduce photosynthesis by 7 to 12% across different plant species. 



A computer model backs this up, indicating that plastic particles can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-photosynthesis-could-transform-power-generation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower chlorophyll</a> levels by 11 to 13%. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gardening-hack-called-green-gold-chlorophyll-works-like-magic-for-houseplants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chlorophyll</a> is the green pigment that helps plants capture sunlight for food production, so any dip in its presence can affect overall growth.



Every year, this pollution could cause a loss of 109 to 361 million metric tons of crops and 1 to 24 million metric tons of seafood, according to the study. 



Because of microplastic buildup, global harvests may drop by 4 to 13% yearly, and food from the ocean could decline by up to 7%. 



Even minor disruptions to plant growth may have ripple effects on human nutrition and economies that rely on farming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-for-the-food-supply">Challenges for the food supply</h2>



Beyond plants, these particles also affect marine life, which many communities rely on for protein. Scientists report that if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic pollution</a> continues unchecked, seafood yields could suffer even further. 



They are associated with an increase in people’s risk of heart attack and stroke, and they have been found to hamper growth and reproduction in multiple species. 



Worries about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-are-in-a-race-against-time-to-save-our-food-supply-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food safety and supply</a> also arise when these pollutants accumulate in organisms that people eat.



Researchers suggest that a modest 13% reduction in these particles could prevent the loss of up to 47 million metric tons of crops and 3 million metric<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-particles-found-in-99-of-tested-seafood-samples/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> tons of seafood</a> each year, translating to a 30% cut in overall harm. 



This projection highlights the importance of tightening plastic regulations and improving waste management to protect food resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Reduced photosynthesis does not only <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disrupt food webs</a>. When plants capture less carbon dioxide, there is less natural removal of this greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. 



In many climate strategies, forests and marine algae are expected to absorb significant amounts of carbon in the coming decades. If plastic particles undermine that process, climate models may need to be revised.



Most projections assume stable plant performance over time. Any drop in growth or carbon uptake could make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-the-world-is-on-track-for-a-catastrophic-level-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> harder to control. 



With ecosystems already under stress, additional strain from microscopic plastic fragments raises concerns about future carbon storage in forests, grasslands, and kelp beds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sounding-the-alarm">Sounding the alarm</h2>



The study’s authors emphasize the need for international efforts to address plastic waste, pointing out that large pieces eventually degrade into smaller and more invasive forms.



A global treaty on plastic issues has been in discussion since 2017, yet recent negotiations concluded without a formal agreement.



Marine biologist Richard Thompson, who specializes in microplastic pollution at the <a href="https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Plymouth</a> in England and was not involved in the study, notes that delaying action only increases the risks.



“If we don’t take action now,” he adds, “within the next 70 to 100 years, we’ll see much wide-scale ecological harm.”



Researchers say that lowering even a small amount of microplastic pollution could help protect crops, preserve marine life, and support our climate goals.



Taking action now can guard our health and ensure a healthier environment for generations to come, which doesn’t seem like too much to ask of humanity.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2423957122">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Sounding the alarm: Microplastics are disrupting  photosynthesis around the world

Tiny microplastic fragments, often smaller than a grain of rice,...

As the planet heats up and Antarctica’s ice sheet melts at a faster pace, scientists warn of a steady rise in sea levels that could put coastal communities at risk.&nbsp;



Home to enough frozen water to increase global sea levels by 190 feet if completely melted, Antarctica remains a focus of intense scientific scrutiny.&nbsp;



Yet most climate models struggle to capture the complexities of its ice movement due to limited direct observations and the interplay between ocean currents, atmospheric conditions, and the frozen surface.



In a paper published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp3300" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, a team from <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> utilized machine learning to analyze high-resolution remote-sensing data of Antarctic ice movements.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-the-behavior-of-ice-nbsp">Insights into the behavior of ice&nbsp;</h2>



By combining large volumes of satellite imagery with established physical principles, their approach identifies fundamental processes governing the large-scale flow of ice on the continent. 



The resulting insights could help refine how existing models estimate Antarctica’s future and the associated threat of accelerating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-cities-will-spend-over-3-trillion-dollars-damages-from-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>.



Ching-Yao Lai is an assistant professor of geophysics at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



“A vast amount of observational data has become widely available in the satellite age,” said Professor Lai. “We combined that extensive observational dataset with physics-informed deep learning to gain new insights about the behavior of ice in its natural environment.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-critical-component-of-global-climate">A critical component of global climate</h2>



Antarctica’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a> is Earth’s largest reservoir of frozen water, nearly twice the size of Australia. Acting like a vast sponge for the planet, it plays a pivotal role in regulating global sea levels. 



Understanding how this sheet moves and melts is essential as its rate of shrinkage increases every year.



Historically, researchers have relied on laboratory experiments to approximate Antarctic ice’s mechanical properties. However, simulating real Antarctic ice in a lab can be deceptively simplistic, explained Professor Lai.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-patterns-in-antarctica-s-ice">Finding patterns in Antarctica’s ice </h2>



Factors such as variations between seawater-derived ice and snow-compacted ice, or the presence of cracks, air voids, and other irregularities, all contribute to ice movement in nature.



“These differences influence the overall mechanical behavior, the so-called constitutive model, of the ice sheet in ways that are not captured in existing models or in a lab setting,” Lai said.



Rather than tackling every variable individually, the Stanford-led team used a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-machine-learning-can-help-us-protect-chimpanzees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">machine learning</a> model to assess large-scale patterns in the movement and thickness of ice. 



This model used satellite images and airplane radar data from 2007 to 2018, while adhering to basic physical laws that regulate ice flow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variations-in-ice-shelf-dynamics">Variations in ice shelf dynamics</h2>



The researchers examined five Antarctic ice shelves - floating extensions of land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>. These shelves maintain stable levels of continental ice by keeping large amounts of it from sliding outright into the ocean.&nbsp;



The experts discovered that areas of the shelves closer to land experience strong compression, a characteristic that aligns with typical lab-derived models for ice dynamics. 



However, ice located farther offshore experiences extension, causing it to respond differently in different directions - a phenomenon known as anisotropy.



Study first author Yongji Wang completed the project as a postdoctoral researcher in Lai’s lab and is now a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York University</a>.&nbsp;



“Our study uncovers that most of the ice shelf is anisotropic,” said Wang. “The compression zone - the part near the grounded ice - only accounts for less than 5% of the ice shelf. The other 95% is the extension zone and doesn’t follow the same law.”



This finding undermines a key assumption in many climate models that treat ice as the same in every direction. Real conditions, Wang’s analysis indicates, are considerably more nuanced.



“People thought about this before, but it had never been validated,” Wang added. “Now, based on this new method and the rigorous mathematical thinking behind it, we know that models predicting the future evolution of Antarctica should be anisotropic.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-for-coastal-areas">Consequences for coastal areas</h2>



Understanding these complex ice dynamics is crucial, especially as polar regions warm rapidly. Rising seas already cause intensifying floods, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal erosion</a>, and severe storm damage.&nbsp;



Models that overgeneralize the ice’s properties may underestimate or misjudge how fast Antarctica’s ice sheets can collapse or produce icebergs - a process called calving.



Moreover, the scientists note that many existing models have assumed the Antarctic ice sheet’s mechanical behavior is uniform. This oversimplification could translate into significant inaccuracies in projections about melt rates and sea-level rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-understanding-of-earth-processes">New understanding of Earth processes </h2>



This project exemplifies an emerging strategy that merges “big data” with fundamental physics in Earth science research.&nbsp;



Professor Lai emphasized that while machine learning can discover patterns from enormous sets of satellite images, scientists must still ensure the results adhere to the time-tested laws of physics that govern planetary processes.



“We are trying to show that you can actually use AI to learn something new,” Lai said. “It still needs to be bound by some physical laws, but this combined approach allowed us to uncover ice physics beyond what was previously known and could really drive new understanding of Earth and planetary processes in a natural setting.”



Since the data used here extend only to 2018, the team’s next steps include refining their technique with newly available images and radar signals.&nbsp;



The researchers also plan to apply the method to other parts of the Antarctic continent and possibly beyond, gleaning more clues about how these massive frozen landscapes might evolve under accelerating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guiding-adaptation-strategies-nbsp">Guiding adaptation strategies&nbsp;</h2>



As researchers plug these results into broader climate simulations, the hope is that predictions about rising oceans will incorporate Antarctica’s real-world complexities more faithfully.&nbsp;



Policymakers and coastal communities around the globe stand to benefit from improved forecasts to guide adaptation strategies - from planning dikes to restoring coastal wetlands.



Ultimately, the fusion of machine learning with physical knowledge marks a powerful advance in unraveling how Antarctica’s ice moves and melts.&nbsp;



By better capturing small-scale differences across the continent’s ice shelves, scientists can glean deeper insights into the largest reservoir of freshwater on the planet - and how its future may shape the global coastline in coming decades.



Image Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio



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Antarctica’s hidden ice dynamics will redefine sea level projections

As the planet heats up and Antarctica’s ice sheet melts...

For the first time, researchers have conducted a year-round evaluation of bacteria and microbial eukaryotes - small marine organisms like phytoplankton - at two Antarctic bases.



By sampling through all the seasons and using the same methods repeatedly, the research provides a thorough picture of how microbial communities respond to climate change.



Between July 2013 and April 2014, researchers took seawater samples from the British Antarctic Survey's long-term ecological monitoring site at Rothera and from the Palmer research station, which is 400 kilometers to the north. 



The scientists employed DNA sequence analysis to identify the bacteria, protists, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> in the water.



Special statistical models were used to forecast microbial interactions - basically charting the "who eats whom" of the microscopic world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microorganisms-shape-marine-ecosystems">Microorganisms shape marine ecosystems</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-in-tasman-sea-is-melting-the-antarctic-peninsula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Peninsula</a> is warming at a rate faster than the global average, leading to unprecedented heatwaves and declining sea ice. However, regional variations exist. 



In the waters around Palmer, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-is-losing-its-cooling-power-making-the-earth-even-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a> has decreased significantly as temperatures have risen more rapidly when compared to Rothera. This divergence influences microbial community composition in unique ways. 



"At the warmer Palmer site, bacteria influenced microbial community structure by interacting with other microorganisms, while at Rothera, it was the microbial eukaryotes that played a stronger role in shaping community dynamics," explained Engelmann.



This&nbsp;trend&nbsp;towards&nbsp;increased bacterial prevalence in warming oceans might upset biological productivity. 



Phytoplankton are producers in marine food chains, so a reduction in phytoplankton translates to fewer nutrients available for higher organisms such as krill, fish, seabirds, and marine mammals.



“These findings have significant implications for understanding and predicting microbial ecosystem responses to climate change, and are therefore relevant for a broad group of researchers and even for humanity as a whole,” Engelmann stated.



Microorganisms, through tiny, far outnumber all marine animals in terms of biomass. 



Climate-driven changes in microbial food webs within the Southern Ocean could have far-reaching consequences that impact global marine ecosystems and nutrient cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-microbial-data-in-climate-models">The role of microbial data in climate models</h2>



Looking ahead, researchers hope to integrate microbial data into climate and ocean models. 



“The microbial food web is complex; bacteria and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-viruses-may-help-slow-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microbial eukaryotes</a> have different functions and there are a lot of interactions among and between these groups, but also with larger organisms, including animals,” Engelmann commented.



“At this point, it is difficult to predict the impact of climate change on microbial productivity. Our research provides crucial baseline data for understanding the complexity of microbial communities in coastal Antarctic ecosystems, but we need more data and a better understanding of marine microbial communities before we can include them in climate and ocean models,” added Engelmann.



Researchers acknowledge the need for more data to achieve this goal and stress that including data on microbial productivity would make predictive models more accurate in future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-research-timeline">Expanding the research timeline</h2>



The 2013-2014 study marks the first comprehensive seasonal analysis of both bacterial and microbial eukaryote communities in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acidity-levels-of-antarctic-waters-will-soon-double-harming-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic waters</a>. 



Future measurements will provide a clearer picture of long-term microbial trends.



"Now, we've drawn conclusions based on climate differences at two locations. We have samples ready from 2018-2019 and also from 2022. The more of these measurements we collect over time, the more we'll learn about Antarctic marine microbial communities, their interactions, and susceptibility to climate change," Engelmann explained.



Despite the valuable insights gained from these studies, conducting research in Antarctica presents significant logistical challenges. 



Sampling requires extensive coordination, specialized equipment, and considerable resources. Furthermore, international collaboration is key to conducting successful research.



"International cooperation, such as with the British Antarctic Survey and the colleagues in the U.S. who worked at Palmer station and their home universities, is therefore crucial," stressed Engelmann.



With continued efforts, these studies will help unravel the intricate role of microorganisms in the Antarctic ecosystem and their response to an ever-changing climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-shifts-and-global-ocean-health">Microbial shifts and global ocean health</h2>



The microbial alterations that have been observed in Antarctic waters are just a part of a larger pattern being seen across marine ecosystems globally.



With rising ocean temperatures, changes in microbial communities impact nutrient cycles, carbon sequestration, and food webs, and there are likely implications for marine biodiversity and ecosystem stability.



Phytoplankton, in particular, are responsible for sustaining marine life and governing atmospheric carbon. So shifts in microbial interactions may reorganize the effectiveness of carbon sequestration in the ocean, influencing climate regulation on Earth.



Disruptions to the microbial food web could also have indirect impacts on more complex organisms and possibly reconfigure the structure of polar ecosystems.



Monitoring these microbial dynamics over a period of time will enable researchers to improve climate models and estimate how ocean ecosystems will adjust to ongoing environmental changes. 



When the newly available data for the past years is analyzed, it will help scientists to better understand the long-term patterns that will guide the future of Antarctic marine ecosystems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://environmentalmicrobiome.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40793-025-00663-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Microbiome</a>.



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Warming waters are dramatically changing microbial life in Antarctica

For the first time, researchers have conducted a year-round evaluation...

Oceans never stay still. They shift, churn, breathe - responding to forces seen and unseen. Tides roll in and out, currents snake across the globe, and deep waters keep ancient secrets. Yet, in recent decades, something has changed. Sea levels are rising at an accelerating pace.



Scientists expected this rise. What they didn’t expect was just how fast it would happen. The year 2024 delivered a sharp wake-up call, showing a spike that outpaced predictions. 



Coastal cities, fragile ecosystems, even the way storms form - all are being reshaped by the relentless expansion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sea-level-rise-is-accelerating">Sea level rise is accelerating </h2>



In 2024, global sea levels rose at a rate of 0.23 inches (0.59 centimeters) per year. That may sound small, but when spread across the vastness of Earth’s oceans, it’s staggering. 



Scientists had expected a rise of 0.17 inches (0.43 centimeters) per year. Instead, the increase came faster, driven largely by the expansion of warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-cities-will-spend-over-3-trillion-dollars-damages-from-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seawater</a>.



“The rise we saw in 2024 was higher than we expected,” said Josh Willis, a sea level researcher at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California. 



“Every year is a little bit different, but what’s clear is that the ocean continues to rise, and the rate of rise is getting faster and faster.”



Three decades of satellite data confirm the trend: rising waters, increasing speed, and an undeniable pattern. Year by year, the ocean gains height, swallowing more shoreline, shifting ecosystems, and creeping further inland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-forces-behind-rising-seas">Changing forces behind rising seas</h2>



For years, the biggest driver of sea level rise was melting ice. Glaciers and ice sheets shed their frozen mass into the ocean, accounting for about two-thirds of the increase. The rest came from thermal expansion - ocean water growing in volume as it absorbs heat.



Then, in 2024, the balance flipped. Ocean warming took the lead. Now, two-thirds of sea level rise comes from thermal expansion alone.



“With 2024 as the warmest year on record, Earth’s expanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceans</a> are following suit, reaching their highest levels in three decades,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, head of physical oceanography programs at NASA Headquarters in Washington.



This shift signals a deeper problem. Even if glaciers stopped melting tomorrow, oceans would still rise. The heat already absorbed will keep expanding water for years, if not centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellites-watching-from-above">Satellites watching from above</h2>



Tracking the rise of the sea requires precision. Satellites provide that view, giving scientists the ability to measure ocean height down to mere centimeters.



Since 1993, satellites have kept a constant eye on Earth’s waters. The data they collect reveals a clear upward trend - sea levels have climbed approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) since the early 1990s.



The mission began with <a href="https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/topex-poseidon/summary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TOPEX/Poseidon</a> in 1992. Today, <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/sentinel-6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich</a> carries the torch, delivering data with unparalleled accuracy. 



Soon, its twin, Sentinel-6B, will take over, ensuring that these vital observations continue for decades to come.



What these satellites record is more than just numbers. Their measurements help researchers forecast storm surges, predict flooding risks, and refine climate models. Without them, the world would be flying blind into an uncertain future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-heat-moves-through-the-ocean">How heat moves through the ocean</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-much-will-antarctica-contribute-to-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceans</a> don’t heat up evenly. They aren’t like a pot of water on a stove, warming from the bottom up. Instead, heat seeps in through the surface, where it can linger - or sink deep, depending on conditions.



In most places, ocean water settles into layers. Warm, lightweight water stays near the top, while colder, heavier water sinks. This layering slows the spread of heat. But sometimes, nature disrupts the system.



Powerful winds can stir the ocean, dragging warm surface waters downward. Massive currents - like those in the Southern Ocean - tilt the layers, allowing heat to slip into deeper waters.



The result? A slow but steady infusion of warmth, fueling thermal expansion and rising sea levels higher.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-and-the-heat-shuffle">El Niño and the heat shuffle</h2>



Then there’s El Niño. Every few years, a vast pool of warm water in the western Pacific sloshes eastward, shifting weather patterns across the globe.



When El Niño shifts warm water across the Pacific, ocean heat moves with it. Surface temperatures fluctuate, deep currents realign, and while some regions face rising waters, others see temporary declines.



El Niño doesn’t just affect sea levels in the moment - it adds to long-term warming. More heat in the ocean means more expansion. And more expansion means more water creeping up shorelines, year after year.



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



The acceleration of sea level rise in 2024 is more than just a statistic. It’s a warning. A reality check. A glimpse of what’s to come.



For coastal cities, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Higher seas mean stronger storm surges, flooded streets, and disappearing shorelines. Communities will need stronger defenses - sea walls, drainage systems, and emergency plans for when the waters come.



Scientists will keep watching, tracking every fraction of an inch. The satellites will keep measuring. But the ocean? It will keep rising.



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Record heat of 2024 triggered a surge in sea level rise

Oceans never stay still. They shift, churn, breathe - responding...

Grasslands, once vibrant ecosystems teeming with diverse plant and animal life, are vanishing at an alarming rate. Land-use changes, urban expansion, and agricultural development have led to their decline. Abandoned grasslands can be restored through proper management, but full recovery takes longer than expected.



A study from <a href="https://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe University</a> reveals that even after 75 years of continuous management, restored grasslands do not match the biodiversity of ancient ones. The slow return of specialized pollinators plays a key role in this delay. 



These findings highlight the need to protect old <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restored-grasslands-bring-more-peace-to-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grasslands</a>, even when they serve modern purposes like ski slopes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-restored-grasslands-lag-behind">Why restored grasslands lag behind</h2>



Grasslands undergo massive ecological shifts when left unmanaged. Woody vegetation overtakes the landscape, reducing the diversity of native grassland species. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/controlled-fires-can-help-us-save-grasslands-from-disappearing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restoration efforts</a> involve clearing invasive plants and reintroducing traditional management practices. 



While this process improves biodiversity, researchers have found that restored grasslands still struggle to match the richness of ancient ones.



“The reasons for this are not really clear and satisfying solutions have not been proposed,” noted Kobe University ecologist Ushimaru Atushi. 



Even when restored, grasslands seem unable to support the same variety of plant species as those that have been maintained for centuries. This realization led researchers to investigate the role of pollinators in the recovery process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollinators-and-grassland-recovery">Pollinators and grassland recovery</h2>



Pollinators play an essential role in maintaining plant diversity. Without them, many plant species struggle to reproduce. Insect-pollinated plants, in particular, take longer to return after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-grassland-ecosystems-handle-climate-change-better-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grassland</a> abandonment. 



Ushimaru and doctoral student Hirayama Gaku set out to examine how pollinator communities differ between old and newly restored grasslands.



The team selected ski slopes in Nagano Prefecture for their research. These sites provided a unique opportunity to study grasslands of different ages within a relatively small area.



“There is no place better suited to survey restored grasslands with very different management durations within a relatively small area than ski slopes,” noted Hirayama.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-75-years-is-not-enough">Why 75 years is not enough</h2>



The research, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, confirms that even after 75 years, restored grasslands do not support the same pollinator diversity as ancient ones. While plant species may recover, pollinators remain less specialized and less efficient in transferring pollen.



Over time, the pollinator community gradually shifts, becoming more specialized. However, this process takes centuries rather than decades. “The finding shows that once valuable old grasslands are lost, their restoration cannot be achieved quickly," said Hirayama.



The problem isn’t the number of pollinators - it’s their diversity. Restored grasslands welcome flies and hoverflies, generalists that mix pollen between different plants.



In contrast, ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-crucial-role-global-agriculture-environment-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grasslands</a> support more bees and butterflies, which specialize in pollinating specific plants. This specialization ensures that pollen reaches the right flowers, increasing plant reproduction success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-restoring-grasslands">Strategies for restoring grasslands</h2>



Restoring grasslands isn’t just about plants; pollinators matter too. Ancient grasslands give specialized pollinators a place to thrive. Without them, rare plant species struggle. 



Protecting these old ecosystems keeps biodiversity alive and flourishing. Ushimaru suggests that natural restoration alone may not be enough.



“It may also indicate that grassland restoration should not just be left to nature, but could require active human involvement such as by sowing seeds or by planting seedlings of native bee- and butterfly-pollinated grassland plants,” said Ushimaru.



This approach could speed up the recovery process, helping pollinator communities establish themselves more quickly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-conservation-efforts">Long-term conservation efforts</h2>



Restoring grasslands requires patience, commitment, and proactive strategies. The findings from Kobe University demonstrate that even a lifetime of restoration is not enough to fully rebuild lost ecosystems. Old grasslands, shaped by centuries of ecological interactions, provide irreplaceable value to biodiversity.



​This research was supported by the <a href="https://www.nagaofoundation.or.jp/e/research/research.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Japan Science Society</a>, the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the <a href="https://www.erca.go.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency</a>.​



The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Tsukuba</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.u-toyama.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toyama</a>. Their work reinforces the need for long-term conservation efforts, ensuring that grasslands remain a thriving part of our natural world.



The study is published in the <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/1365-2664.70017" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Applied Ecology</a>. 



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Restored grasslands could take centuries to fully recover

Grasslands, once vibrant ecosystems teeming with diverse plant and animal...

Climate change may lead to more precipitation and more intense floods, but a recent study highlights that the precise ways these shifts play out differ depending on the duration of rainfall events.&nbsp;



Researchers from Austria have demonstrated that shorter rainfall occurrences, on a timescale of just a few hours, are especially affected by rising temperatures, whereas longer rainfall events lasting days reveal a more nuanced relationship with climate conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-timescale">The importance of timescale</h2>



The study shows that to understand more precisely this relationship, it is crucial to distinguish between different types of rainfall and flood events, such as short-term events occuring on a time scale of hours, and longer-term events which last several days. In each of these cases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> has a different impact.



Gathering data from over a century of records, the scientists were able to track precipitation patterns in Austria’s diverse climates.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that these observations may be extended to other regions worldwide. They also indicate which areas can expect changes in flood probabilities - and how exactly they will be impacted.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exceptional-datasets-fuel-discovery">Exceptional datasets fuel discovery</h2>



Although climate change is affecting water cycles all over the globe, a look at Austria is particularly revealing.&nbsp;



“We are in the very fortunate situation of having excellent data available,” said Günter Blöschl from the <a href="https://www.tuwien.at/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vienna Institute of Technology</a>, who led the research project. 



Since 1900, two institutions - Austria’s meteorological service, now <a href="https://www.geologie.ac.at/en/about-us/geosphere-austria" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geosphere Austria</a>, and the <a href="https://info.bml.gv.at/en/topics/water/water-in-austria/hydrography/what-is-the-austrian-hydrography---hydrographie-oesterreich.html#:~:text=In%20Austria%20hydrography%20has%20been,deals%20with%20the%20related%20questions." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Austrian Hydrography</a> - have independently recorded rainfall.&nbsp;



This activity, managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, yields especially reliable numbers, suitable as a reference for global forecasts.



With these datasets, the researchers delvied into detailed analyses of short- and long-term precipitation and flood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">patterns</a> over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rise-in-brief-rainfall-events">A rise in brief rainfall events</h2>



The scientists discovered that heavy rainfall lasting only a few hours has risen significantly - by about 15% - over the past three or four decades. 



“This had already been predicted by climate models, albeit with uncertainties. We have now been able to confirm it,” Blöschl said.



Such a parallel increase was seen both north and south of the Alps. “This clearly shows that large-scale weather systems are not the decisive factor for these short-term precipitation events, because they would be different near the Mediterranean than north of the main Alpine ridge,” he explained.&nbsp;



“Instead, the temperature increase caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> leads to more intense precipitation locally. This is partly because warmer air can hold more moisture, but also because there is more energy in the system, and stronger warming at ground level leads to stronger upward movement of air masses. Then they also cool down faster, which leads to more rain.”



Because these intense downpours occur on relatively small scales, local temperature effects appear to override broader weather system influences.&nbsp;



Consequently, short, heavy rains and flash floods can occur in many places worldwide. All that is required is a moisture-rich atmosphere and localized upward air movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contrasting-long-term-rainfall-events">Contrasting long-term rainfall events</h2>



In evaluating longer rainfall scenarios - spanning multiple days - the study found a different picture. Global climate processes like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-climate-shifts-date-back-250-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a>, driven largely by temperature shifts in the oceans, play a crucial role here.&nbsp;



Such storms rely less on local temperature changes and more on large-scale atmospheric circulations. In Mediterranean countries like parts of Italy, Spain, and Greece, these multi-day precipitation bouts may actually become less frequent with climate change.



This contrast helps explain why floods don’t uniformly increase in every large watershed. Blöschl explained that flooding in smaller rivers with smaller catchment areas are strongly influenced by short-term intense rainfall. "The risk of short-term flooding is therefore much higher in areas close to such rivers."



On the other hand, large rivers like the Danube, with huge basins, experience floods driven more by multi-day rainfall episodes. Floods in such systems may display modest changes or even remain stable in response to shifting climate conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-flood-risk-assessment">Lessons for flood risk assessment</h2>



By distinguishing these processes, the Austrian data reveals the nuanced ways climate change alters water flows. Short bursts of intense rain are broadly on the rise, while extended rainfall episodes rely on more complex factors, including global weather systems and ocean temperature anomalies.



In turn, communities and policymakers have to adapt flood prevention and infrastructure plans to local conditions. Regions prone to short, severe cloudbursts may require different planning and water management than areas where large-scale deluges dominate flood risk.&nbsp;



With climate models increasingly indicating that short-term rainfall extremes will worsen worldwide, officials in many places may need to bolster flash flood readiness.



Over a century’s worth of data from Austria underscores that climate change is clearly influencing different types of rainfall and flood events, but understanding local climate drivers is crucial. In some locations, brief, intense storms will be the main threat; elsewhere, extended storm systems might prove more decisive.&nbsp;



By looking carefully at timescales, meteorologists and decision-makers can prepare for the precise mix of hazards climate change brings - and hopefully reduce the harm these shifts may cause for people living in vulnerable river basins.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08647-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Shorter storms, bigger impact: Rising flood risks in a warmer world

Climate change may lead to more precipitation and more intense...

Millions of years from now, the remnants of today’s world will be buried beneath layers of rock and sediment. While fossils of ancient creatures have long fascinated scientists, we are likely to leave behind a new kind of fossil in the future - one shaped by human activity. 



These "technofossils" include everything from plastic bottles and old mobile phones to the most unexpected of all - the blades of wind turbines.



The idea that everyday objects could become <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neanderthal-fossils-reveal-signs-of-a-population-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a> may seem strange. People associate fossils with dinosaur bones, ancient trees, and primitive sea creatures - not with discarded technology.



However, researchers have started to realize that the impact of human-made materials will last far longer than many natural formations. The structures we build and the items we use daily will leave a lasting imprint on the Earth’s geological record, creating a new chapter in the history of fossilization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-human-made-objects-become-fossils">How human-made objects become fossils</h2>



Fossilization is a slow and selective process. For an object to become a fossil, it must be buried under sediment, shielded from decay, and eventually mineralized over time. 



Most organic materials decompose before they have a chance to fossilize, but some artificial materials resist natural breakdown.



Plastics, synthetic fabrics, and certain composites are particularly durable. They do not degrade easily, which makes them prime candidates for future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/north-americas-oldest-dinosaur-is-completely-rewriting-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a>.



The layers of waste accumulating in landfills today could, under the right conditions, transform into well-preserved remnants of the Anthropocene epoch - the age of human influence on Earth.



<a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a> paleontologists Professor Sarah Gabbott and Professor Jan Zalasiewicz have explored this idea in depth. 



In their book <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/discarded-9780192869333?cc=gb&amp;lang=en&amp;" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discarded: How Technofossils Will be Our Ultimate Legacy</a>, they examine how the products of modern life will be preserved for millennia. These objects will tell the story of a civilization defined by industry, technology, and mass consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossilized-wind-turbine-blades">Fossilized wind turbine blades </h2>



Among all the potential technofossils, wind turbine blades stand out as among the most surprising. These towering structures symbolize clean energy, yet their long-term environmental fate remains uncertain.



Unlike the metal towers that hold them aloft, turbine blades are produced from materials that are difficult to recycle, making them far more likely to persist in the geological record.



“The fossils won’t be of the towers, by and large – those are made of metal, which can be recycled. The enormous wind turbine blades, though, are made of materials like fibreglass and epoxy resin and carbon fibres, which are terribly hard to recycle - but easy to fossilize,“ explained Professor Zalasiewicz.



“As wind turbines reach end-of-life and are decommissioned, huge landfills of the 50 meter-long-plus blades, sliced into truck-length segments and neatly stacked side by side, are appearing and growing."



“Some will stay buried for millions of years – and, if finally erosion-revealed and stumbled upon by some curious far-future palaeontologist, will be an amazing sight, like a graveyard of gigantic, hollow, sawn-up bones."



"Some may be squashed and crumpled by earth movements, and others may be filled with mineral growths, but their striking shape and enormous size will shine out of the strata.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-past">Piecing together the past</h2>



Future scientists may one day stumble upon these massive fossils and wonder about their origins. 



Just as modern paleontologists reconstruct dinosaur skeletons from fragmented bones, these wind turbine fossils could present a mystery for researchers in the distant future. Their aerodynamic design might hint at their original purpose, but without historical records, their function could remain uncertain.



“For our far-future explorers, they will be a huge puzzle – will they be able to tell that they were built to catch the wind, and to provide energy that is clean and renewable? Perhaps they will, if they can piece them together – like we reconstruct huge dinosaur skeletons today – to see their aerodynamic shapes,” said Professor Zalasiewicz.



These fossils will not be alone. They will be part of a vast and complex geological archive of human activity. Alongside them, future scientists may uncover the remains of other everyday objects, from metal wires and plastic containers to microchips and industrial pollutants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-impact-of-human-waste">Growing impact of human waste</h2>



While wind turbine blades are one of the more dramatic examples, they are not the only evidence of human impact on the planet. 



Every year, billions of discarded items accumulate in landfills and oceans. Over time, many of these objects will become buried beneath layers of sediment, preserving them for future generations to discover.



“They will be only one puzzle among the millions we leave behind in our daily lives (and we suspect they would also find the more sinister fossils left by fossil fuel burning). There’s been nothing like this emerging new fossil cornucopia in the Earth’s four and a half billion-year history,“ noted Professor Zalasiewicz.



“And right now, we should begin to understand this amazing, if often toxic, legacy that we are leaving for the planet. Knowing how our myriad discarded objects will fossilise into the far future can help us deal with the growing mountains of trash we live among today.”



Understanding how our waste fossilizes is not just an academic pursuit. It provides insight into the long-term effects of human consumption and pollution. 



This knowledge could encourage more sustainable practices and better waste management strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-relics-of-modern-life">Unexpected relics of modern life</h2>



The idea of human-made fossils, including turbine blades, invites some unusual questions.



What will be the strangest objects that survive millions of years into the future? Which everyday items will become the most unexpected relics of modern life?



“It’s been a real adventure to use our understanding of how fossils form in the past and now apply it to the very new world of what we call technofossils,“ Professor Sarah Gabbott noted.



“But then we were asked a really tricky question. What will the most surprising technofossil that we leave behind, millions (or billions) of years from now?



“There are so many candidates to rival wind turbines for the ‘weirdest human-made fossil of all time.' There are, for instance, the myriad different shapes that a pair of Y-fronts can take when pressed within strata (and yes, we do explore that very particular question in the book)."



“There are the tiny, but very distinctive – and very hard-wearing – fossil smoke particles that come out of our power stations. There are the strange stories of tea-bags, and of chicken feathers, non-stick pans, the minute patterns on silicon chips, the copper wires that wrap around the globe, and much more,” explained Professor Gabbott.



From fabric pressed into rock to microscopic patterns on electronic chips, these objects will provide a unique record of human civilization. Their presence in the geological archive will serve as evidence of a world driven by innovation, industry, and material consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-wind-turbine-blades">Future research on wind turbine blades</h2>



The study of technofossils is more than just a curiosity - it forces us to reconsider our relationship with waste and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term environmental impact</a>. If everyday objects will outlast entire civilizations, what responsibilities do we have in managing what we leave behind?



Gabbott and Zalasiewicz’s research challenges us to think beyond the present moment. The choices we make today will shape how future generations understand our era. 



By studying how human-made materials fossilize, we gain a new perspective on sustainability, history, and the consequences of our actions over deep time .



As we continue to innovate and build, it is worth remembering that the fossils of the future will not just be ancient bones and shells. Everything we discard has the potential to become a lasting mark on the planet. 



This is what will tell the story of a world transformed by humanity.



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What modern fossils will be the 'most surprising' to future explorers?

Millions of years from now, the remnants of today’s world...

<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...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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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"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes 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

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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