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...

Blue whales, the largest creatures on Earth, have long captivated scientists and the public alike. Reaching lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters), these immense mammals depend on huge quantities of krill - tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans - to sustain their colossal bodies.&nbsp;



Historically, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blue whales</a>, along with other baleen whales, roamed the oceans in great numbers, filtering seawater for small marine life. However, the past century brought intensive commercial whaling that nearly eradicated them.&nbsp;



Intriguingly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-krill-are-natures-unexpected-carbon-warriors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">krill</a> populations also plummeted instead of thriving in predator-free waters, and neither species has fully rebounded. This paradox has prompted scientists to investigate whales’ larger role in marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-as-nutrient-recyclers-nbsp">Whales as nutrient recyclers&nbsp;</h2>



A new study from <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW) oceanographers offers insight into this mystery. The research suggests that whales may act not just as top predators but also as crucial nutrient recyclers, fertilizing the open ocean through their excrement.&nbsp;



By providing essential trace metals like iron and non-toxic forms of copper, whales may bolster phytoplankton productivity, thereby sustaining the food web from the bottom up.



“We made novel measurements of whale feces to assess how important whales are to recycling important nutrients for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-from-africa-sparked-a-massive-phytoplankton-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a>,” said first author Patrick Monreal, a UW doctoral student in oceanography.&nbsp;



“Our analysis suggests that the decimation of baleen whale populations from historical whaling could have had larger biogeochemical implications for the Southern Ocean, an area crucially important to global carbon cycling.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-poop-and-a-nutrient-puzzle-nbsp">Whale poop and a nutrient puzzle&nbsp;</h2>



For decades, scientists assumed that if whale numbers fell, then their primary prey - krill - would flourish in predator-free waters. Instead, krill populations declined as well. This conundrum spurred the idea that whales might be more than mere consumers, potentially playing a vital role in fertilizing the waters they inhabit.&nbsp;



In particular, the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, with its strong currents and nutrient-rich upwelling, is recognized as a key player in climate regulation.&nbsp;



Despite the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> content in deep water, essential elements such as iron can be in short supply at the surface, limiting phytoplankton growth. Without abundant phytoplankton, krill lack the food needed to sustain their populations.



Understanding this dynamic is crucial because phytoplankton, akin to terrestrial plants, form the foundation of marine food webs. They convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into organic matter, sequestering carbon and fueling the entire oceanic community.&nbsp;



If whale waste - rich in iron and other trace metals - once stimulated massive phytoplankton blooms, the decimation of whales could have curtailed this nutrient supply. This may have contributed to declines in krill and reshaped oceanic ecosystems in ways still felt today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gathering-and-analyzing-whale-waste">Gathering and analyzing whale waste</h2>



To investigate whales’ nutrient contribution, researchers collected five fecal samples: two from humpback whales in the Southern Ocean and three from blue whales off central California.&nbsp;



Although securing such samples might sound challenging, opportunistic collection is possible when whales defecate at the surface - whale excrement floats, forming a distinctive cloud that can be scooped up with a small net.



“The nice thing, I guess, is that whale excrement floats,” said senior author Randie Bundy, an assistant professor of oceanography at UW.



Previously, scientists had documented high levels of nitrogen and carbon in whale poop, but the new study focused on trace metals, substances often lacking far from land but essential for phytoplankton growth.&nbsp;



The team analyzed the whale feces for iron, known to be especially limited in the Southern Ocean, as well as copper.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iron-copper-and-the-microbial-connection">Iron, copper, and the microbial connection</h2>



All five samples showed substantial iron content, reinforcing the hypothesis that whale waste functions as a fertilizer in nutrient-poor waters. The presence of copper astonished the researchers.



“We were really shocked by how much copper was in the whale poop. We initially thought, ‘Oh, no, is the whale poop actually toxic?’” Bundy said.



A deeper analysis indicated that the copper atoms were bound to organic ligands, molecules that render copper safe and bioavailable for marine life. These ligands also appear to help phytoplankton access iron more effectively.&nbsp;



The scientists suspect that gut microbes living within the whales may generate these ligands, acting as microscopic chemists that transform the animals’ feces into a highly beneficial nutrient source.



“I think animals play a larger role in chemical cycles than many experts give them credit for, especially when thinking at the ecosystem scale,” Monreal said. “When I say animals, I really mean their gut microbiome. Based on what we see, it seems like bacteria in the whales’ guts could be important.”



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



The Southern Ocean is a critical zone for global carbon cycling, making these findings especially significant. If whales once substantially fertilized these waters, their near-eradication may have altered entire food chains.&nbsp;



As whale populations slowly recover, it’s possible their nutrient recycling activity - sometimes termed the “whale pump” - could also rebound, bolstering phytoplankton and helping reestablish robust marine communities.



Moreover, given that phytoplankton sequester carbon dioxide, a fuller understanding of whales’ role in promoting these blooms may inform climate mitigation efforts.&nbsp;



By illuminating the profound but underappreciated role of whale poop, this study underscores how preserving and restoring whale populations could ripple through oceanic ecosystems, affecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, fisheries, and even carbon storage.



Ultimately, the research illustrates that whales, far from being mere consumers, actively shape their habitats. Their excrement stands as a striking example of how interconnected life in the ocean truly is - a reminder that conserving key species often helps uphold the entire, intricately balanced system beneath the waves.



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Whale poop is a natural fertilizer that keeps the ocean alive

Blue whales, the largest creatures on Earth, have long captivated...

The Arctic, long considered a remote and icy wilderness, is becoming&nbsp;warmer&nbsp;and undergoing dramatic changes. Once a symbol of resilience against the forces of nature, it now stands as one of the most vulnerable regions on Earth. 



The rising global temperatures are not only reshaping its physical landscape but also threatening the delicate ecosystems and communities that depend on it. 



The future of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-no-longer-permanent-arctic-communities-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> is not a distant concern - it is unfolding now, and the consequences will be felt worldwide.



In 2024, the world crossed a sobering threshold. For the first time, global air temperatures averaged more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.



This milestone set off a chain reaction of extreme weather events, including unprecedented rainfall and flooding in the Sahara Desert and brutal heat waves across multiple continents. 



Despite years of warnings from scientists, the reality of climate change is becoming impossible to ignore.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-a-warming-planet">Future of a warming planet</h2>



Surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) was never meant to be a stopping point. Scientists have long cautioned that without aggressive action, temperatures would continue to rise.



Based on the current commitments made by governments to limit greenhouse gas emissions, the planet is projected to warm by 2.7 degrees Celsius (4.9 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century.



This level of warming would have devastating consequences, with no place on Earth experiencing them as profoundly as the Arctic.



The Arctic is warming faster than any other region on the planet. Ice that has existed for thousands of years is vanishing. 



Permafrost, which has locked away vast amounts of carbon, is beginning to thaw. The effects of these changes will not remain confined to the polar regions.



The impacts will ripple outward, influencing global weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems in ways that are still being fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-arctic-s-fate-in-a-warming-world">The Arctic’s fate in a warming world</h2>



In a review paper published in the journal Science, researchers examined the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic.



The study was led by Julienne Stroeve, a senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and professor at the Centre for Earth Observation Science at the <a href="https://umanitoba.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manitoba</a>.



The research provides a comprehensive look at how continued warming will reshape the Arctic landscape and what that means for the planet as a whole.



“The Arctic is warming at four times the rate of the rest of the planet,” said Stroeve. 



“At 2.7 degrees Celsius of global warming, we will see more extreme and cascading impacts in this region than elsewhere, including sea-ice-free Arctic summers, accelerated melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, widespread permafrost loss, and more extreme air temperatures."



"These changes will devastate infrastructure, ecosystems, vulnerable communities, and wildlife.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-arctic-transformations">Alarming Arctic transformations</h2>



The findings of the review paper build on the work of the United Nations <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>’s Sixth Assessment Report. 



The study updates previous knowledge by focusing on three critical areas of Arctic transformation: sea ice, the Greenland Ice Sheet, and permafrost. 



By analyzing existing research, the study presents a clearer picture of how the Arctic will respond to continued warming.



If global temperatures rise to 2.7 degrees Celsius, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> air temperatures will consistently surpass historical extremes. Ice that once covered the Arctic Ocean year-round will disappear for several months each summer. 



The Greenland Ice Sheet, which holds enough ice to raise global sea levels significantly, will see an alarming expansion of areas where surface temperatures remain above freezing for extended periods. 



At the same time, surface permafrost will decline to half of its pre-industrial levels, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere and exacerbating global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impact-of-arctic-warming">Global impact of Arctic warming </h2>



The loss of Arctic ice is not just a regional issue. It is a critical factor in regulating the planet’s climate. The Arctic acts as Earth’s refrigerator, reflecting sunlight and helping to cool the atmosphere. 



As ice disappears, the darker ocean absorbs more heat, accelerating the warming process in a cycle that scientists call Arctic amplification.



This shift will have severe consequences beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>. The melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet will contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal cities and small island nations. 



Changes in Arctic weather patterns will disrupt global climate systems, leading to more frequent and intense storms, droughts, and extreme temperatures in regions far from the poles. 



The thawing of permafrost will release trapped greenhouse gases, further accelerating global warming and creating additional challenges for efforts to slow climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activity-and-arctic-warming">Human activity and Arctic warming</h2>



The study serves as a stark reminder that human activity is the driving force behind these changes. The choices made today will determine the future of the Arctic and the planet as a whole. 



Scientists hope that by presenting a clear picture of what lies ahead, decision-makers will take meaningful action to reduce emissions and slow the pace of warming.



Study co-author Dirk Notz is a professor for polar research at the University of Hamburg.



“Our paper shows that, already today, mankind has the power to wipe out entire landscapes from the surface of our planet,” said Notz. 



“It’d be amazing if we could become more aware of this power and the responsibility that goes with it, as the future of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-industrialization-how-will-it-impact-delicate-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> truly lies in our hands.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-time-to-act-is-now">The time to act is now</h2>



The study relied on data from NSIDC’s <a href="https://nsidc.org/sea-ice-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Ice Today</a> and <a href="https://nsidc.org/ice-sheets-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Sheets Today</a> projects to analyze changes in Arctic ice conditions. 



The findings add to the growing body of evidence showing that climate change is not a distant threat. It is happening now, and its effects are accelerating.



While the Arctic may seem far removed from the daily lives of many people, the changes occurring there will have far-reaching consequences for the entire planet.



The fate of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-ice-free-day-in-the-arctic-may-arrive-in-2027/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> is not yet sealed. There is still time to prevent the worst outcomes, but it will require a global effort. 



Governments must commit to stronger emissions reductions, businesses must invest in sustainable practices, and individuals must push for change.



The Arctic has long been a symbol of endurance in the face of harsh conditions. Whether it remains that way will depend on the actions taken today. The findings of this study serve as both a warning and a call to action. 



The choices made in the coming years will determine whether the Arctic continues to exist as we know it or becomes an irreversible casualty of a warming world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads1549" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Drastic warming will transform the Arctic "beyond recognition"

The Arctic, long considered a remote and icy wilderness, is...

In 2020, as human activity came to a standstill, something remarkable happened. Cities fell silent, roads emptied, and industries slowed. While people stayed indoors, Earth’s vegetation took center stage. 



A recent study revealed that 2020 was the greenest year recorded by modern satellite observations from 2001 to 2020. This surge in greenery was particularly evident in northern and temperate regions, while tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-green-spaces-are-urgently-needed-across-the-global-south/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> experienced a brief but noticeable growth period.



The findings raise an intriguing question: Did the pandemic, with its lockdowns and reduced pollution, allow nature to reclaim lost ground? Or were other forces at play?



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



Plants do far more than cover the land with greenery. They are central to life on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, regulating carbon and water cycles, producing oxygen, and sustaining countless organisms. Vegetation also plays a key role in reducing the impact of fossil fuel emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide.



Monitoring global greening trends helps scientists understand how ecosystems respond to environmental changes. This knowledge can shape conservation strategies and inform efforts to combat climate warming. 



The 2020 green surge provided a unique opportunity to analyze the forces driving Earth's vegetation growth on a global scale.



The study was led by Yulong Zhang, a research scientist in the Division of Earth and Climate Science at Duke University’s <a href="https://nicholas.duke.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nicholas School of the Environment</a>. 



“Terrestrial vegetation, like trees and shrubs, take up carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, so they can offer a natural climate-warming solution,” said Zhang.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-causes-of-2020-s-unusual-earth-s-greening">Causes of 2020’s unusual Earth's greening</h2>



To investigate the phenomenon, researchers analyzed two decades of satellite data, focusing on vegetation density, plant health, and overall structural changes. While the data showed fluctuations in global greening over the years, 2020 stood out as an anomaly.



The researchers considered whether pandemic-related reductions in human activity were responsible. Lockdowns significantly lowered pollution levels, leading to clearer skies and increased sunlight. With fewer industrial emissions and less human disturbance, plants may have received a temporary boost.



However, further analysis showed that lockdowns had only a limited impact on the surge in greenery.



“Although short-term air quality improvements and reduced disturbances slightly boosted greenness in lockdown regions, these effects faded quickly and were further counteracted by natural climate variability as the year progressed,” Zhang explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drivers-of-earth-s-greening">Drivers of Earth's greening</h2>



Instead of lockdowns, the study pointed to broader <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-environments-and-sidewalks-improve-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental factors</a> driving the record-breaking greening. Rising carbon dioxide levels, increasing global temperatures, and reforestation efforts played the most significant roles in the 2020 green surge.



The effect of climate warming was particularly noticeable in temperate and colder regions. In boreal forests, rising temperatures extended the growing season, allowing vegetation to flourish for longer periods. Warmer conditions in these cooler areas provided plants with the opportunity to expand.



Another key factor was large-scale tree planting and land restoration projects. These efforts were especially impactful in China and India, where aggressive afforestation programs contributed to significant greening.



“China and India were massive green hotspots, thanks to tree planting, land restoration and agricultural management efforts,” noted co-author Tong Qiu of the Nicholas School. 



“High rainfall in 2019-2020 also boosted vegetation growth in the tropics, likely linked with climate oscillations, or patterns, such as La Niña and the Indian Ocean Dipole.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-resilience-and-greening-trend">Earth’s resilience and greening trend</h2>



The study highlights Earth’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Despite human activity and climate challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a> continues to find ways to thrive. However, this greening trend is not a guarantee of long-term environmental health.



While increased vegetation can help slow climate warming, scientists warn that extreme climate events, water shortages, wildfires, and human pressures could reverse these gains. Greener landscapes today do not necessarily mean a more stable future.



“Climate extremes, water scarcity, wildfire risk and increased human pressures could potentially slow down or even reverse these gains under a warming climate,” said co-author Wenhong Li of the Nicholas School. 



“If that happens, we may see an acceleration of the ongoing climate warming.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-continued-monitoring">Need for continued monitoring</h2>



As climate change accelerates, scientists stress the importance of continuous monitoring. Understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/we-must-live-in-harmony-with-nature-to-create-a-sustainable-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a> responds to shifting conditions will be crucial in predicting future environmental changes. 



Advanced models and enhanced satellite data collection will be essential in tracking trends and developing strategies to protect global ecosystems.



The 2020 green surge was a striking reminder of Earth's complexity. While it may have been influenced by multiple factors, the findings reinforce the need for sustainable land management and conservation efforts. 



The future of the planet depends not just on how much greenery we gain, but on how well we maintain the delicate balance between nature and human activity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034425724005200?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Remote Sensing of Environment</a>.



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2020 was Earth’s greenest year in two decades - here's why

In 2020, as human activity came to a standstill, something...

Life on Earth is complex and ever-changing. Scientists have long relied on ground-based methods to study biodiversity, but these approaches have limits. Observing ecosystems from space provides a new way to monitor biodiversity across vast landscapes and oceans.



Thanks to advances in satellite technology and aerial imaging, researchers can track changes in biodiversity with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-must-reconnect-with-nature-now-to-save-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greater precision</a>.



A multinational team of scientists, led by <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Merced</a> civil and environmental engineering Professor Erin Hestir, has taken a major step forward in this field. With funding from NASA, the team launched <a href="https://www.bioscape.io/team" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioSCape</a>, an ambitious research project designed to measure biodiversity from the sky.



The goal is to test new techniques for tracking life on land and in water, using data collected from aircraft and satellites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-technology-to-study-biodiversity">Space technology to study biodiversity</h2>



The BioSCape project brought together experts from different disciplines and countries. 



Hestir led the effort alongside <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Buffalo</a> geography Professor Adam Wilson and Professor Jasper Slingsby from the <a href="https://www.uct.ac.za" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cape Town</a>. 



Over six weeks in late 2024, the team gathered critical data in South Africa’s Greater Cape Floristic Region, one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth.



“Over just six weeks, more than 160 scientists from around the world came together to collect and analyze data across terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems in one of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world’s biodiversity hotspots</a>,” said Wilson.



The team’s work was not limited to a single approach. They combined data from multiple sources, using both aircraft and on-the-ground research to create a detailed picture of the region’s ecosystems. 



Their efforts have provided new insights into how different species interact, how landscapes change over time, and how environmental factors influence biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-life-from-the-air">Capturing life from the air</h2>



Three aircraft played a crucial role in the BioSCape project. Two NASA planes and one South African aircraft flew over the Greater Cape Floristic Region, capturing a variety of images. 



These included ultraviolet, visual, and thermal data, which allowed researchers to detect patterns that would be impossible to see from the ground.



“This was NASA’s first ever biodiversity-focused campaign,” Hestir said. “We successfully hit all our measurement targets, and the data collected are contributing to novel techniques and methods to be able to monitor biodiversity from space across the globe. It’s a lot of exciting science.”



By using advanced imaging techniques, the experts gained a new perspective on ecosystems. They could see how plant communities were arranged, how species moved across different environments, and how climate changes affected biodiversity.



This method of data collection provided a powerful tool for studying ecosystems on a large scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-airborne-studies">Importance of airborne studies</h2>



Before investing in a new satellite, scientists must be certain that their instruments will work as expected. Airborne studies allow researchers to test their methods before committing to expensive space missions. 



The BioSCape team used this approach to ensure that their biodiversity monitoring techniques could eventually be adapted for satellite use in space.



“It’s very expensive to launch a satellite into space,” Slingsby said. “You have to be certain it will achieve its mission before taking that step." 



"That’s why we begin with airborne studies - they serve as a critical proving ground. If we can successfully gather data from a plane, it brings us one step closer to understanding how to achieve the same from space.”



The data collected during BioSCape showed that these techniques could work. Scientists now have a roadmap for expanding their research beyond South Africa. If these methods prove successful on a larger scale, future satellites could monitor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-mitigation-strategies-may-be-endangering-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> across the entire planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-strategies-to-protect-biodiversity">Developing strategies to protect biodiversity </h2>



The team chose the Greater Cape Floristic Region as it is known for its extraordinary levels of biodiversity, but it also faces significant conservation challenges. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-action-and-biodiversity-striking-the-right-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a>, habitat destruction, and human activity have put many species at risk.



In addition to its ecological importance, the region has a well-developed research community focused on biodiversity conservation. 



By working in this area, the BioSCape team could collaborate with local scientists and build on existing knowledge. The project also contributed valuable data that will support future conservation efforts.



Their findings helped researchers examine changes in species distribution, ecosystem resilience, and the ways in which nature supports human communities. This information is essential for developing effective strategies to protect biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-access-to-scientific-data">Expanding access to scientific data</h2>



One of the most important aspects of BioSCape is its commitment to sharing information. The team made their data freely available to scientists and the public, ensuring that their findings can be used to support biodiversity research using space-based technology <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-calls-for-global-change-to-stop-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worldwide</a>.



Addressing biodiversity loss requires accurate, up-to-date information. By making their data open-access, the researchers hope to advance conservation efforts and inspire new scientific discoveries. 



The team's methods could lead to better tools for tracking biodiversity, which would help governments, conservation organizations, and communities make informed decisions about protecting the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-missions-to-improve-biodiversity-tracking">Space missions to improve biodiversity tracking</h2>



BioSCape has already led to new insights, but the team believes this is only the beginning. Their work is building scientific capacity in South Africa and beyond, equipping researchers with the tools needed to monitor biodiversity more effectively.



“BioSCape is building technical capacity in South Africa and we hope to prepare the community to take advantage of NASA’s advanced and freely available satellite imagery to improve conservation,” noted Anabelle Cardoso, the science team manager.



“In a year from now we will have new findings and better insights, advancing cutting-edge technology so we can measure life on Earth from space," said Hestir.



The ability to track biodiversity from space could transform the way scientists study ecosystems. By refining these techniques, researchers can improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> efforts, detect environmental changes more quickly, and gain a deeper understanding of how life on Earth functions.



With the success of BioSCape, the next steps are clear. Expanding these efforts globally could lead to a new era of biodiversity research - one where space-based observations provide crucial data for protecting life on our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44185-024-00071-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Biodiversity</a>.



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Changes in Earth’s biodiversity can be tracked from space

Life on Earth is complex and ever-changing. Scientists have long...

Rising global temperatures may render extensive regions of the planet too hot for human survival over the coming decades, according to a new study led by King’s College London.



The research shows that if worldwide warming surpasses 2°C above pre-industrial levels, the proportion of land experiencing unsurvivable heat will triple, spanning an area nearly as large as the United States.



These extremely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high temperatures</a> would endanger healthy young adults (aged 18–60), pushing their bodies past the point where they can regulate internal heat - even with adequate shade and hydration. 



Moreover, older adults (60+) would be at high risk across nearly 35% of the global land surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-thresholds-for-human-survival">Heat thresholds for human survival</h2>



Study lead author Tom Matthews is a senior lecturer in Environmental Geography at King’s College London.



“Our findings show the potentially deadly consequences if <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-volcanic-past-reveals-the-shocking-reality-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> reaches 2°C. Unsurvivable heat thresholds, which so far have only been exceeded briefly for older adults in the hottest regions on Earth, are likely to emerge even for younger adults,” said Matthews.&nbsp;



“In such conditions, prolonged outdoor exposure - even for those in the shade, subject to a strong breeze, and well hydrated - would be expected to cause lethal heatstroke. It represents a step-change in heat-mortality risk.”



With 2023 recorded as the first full year averaging more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial norms, many scientists caution that 2°C could be reached by the middle to latter half of this century if present trends remain unchecked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rise-of-unsurvivable-heat">The rise of unsurvivable heat </h2>



The researchers connect physical climate science to human heat-mortality risks by focusing on two key thresholds:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Uncompensable heat - A critical point where the human body cannot effectively release heat, resulting in a perilous increase in core temperature.</li>



<li>Unsurvivable heat - The point at which core body temperature rises to 42°C within six hours, invariably resulting in fatal outcomes.</li>
</ul>



Between 1994 and 2023, about 2% of Earth’s land area exceeded the uncompensable threshold for healthy adults under 60. By contrast, over 20% of global land already reached those levels for older adults during periods of intense heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deaths-from-extreme-heat">Deaths from extreme heat</h2>



According to the experts, since 2000, more than 260,000 people have died from extreme heat during major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-marine-heatwaves-to-understand-their-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwaves</a>, a finding highlighting the scale of heat-related dangers.&nbsp;



The most lethal incidents - Europe’s 2003 and 2022 heatwaves, along with the 2010 Russian heatwave - together were responsible for nearly 200,000 fatalities.



Up to now, unsurvivable heat has appeared only briefly in Earth’s hottest locales, but experts predict a significant expansion of these extreme temperatures if global warming intensifies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-consequences-of-global-warming">Severe consequences of global warming</h2>



Although 2°C of warming carries serious risks, the study also indicates that a 4–5°C rise could be catastrophic. Older adults may face uncompensable heat over 60% of Earth’s land during extreme hot spells, while younger adults could encounter unsurvivable heat in the most sweltering subtropical zones.



Moreover, at 4°C above pre-industrial levels, around 40% of the globe would regularly endure uncompensable heat, restricting tolerable conditions largely to high-latitude and cooler mid-latitude areas.



Such projections place regions like Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East in particular jeopardy, where even limited outdoor exposure might become life-threatening.



“At around 4°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, uncompensable heat for adults would affect about 40% of the global land area, with only the high latitudes and the cooler regions of the mid-latitudes remaining unaffected,” Matthews explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgency-for-climate-adaptation-nbsp">Urgency for climate adaptation&nbsp;</h2>



Recognizing these thresholds is pivotal for evaluating the potential human toll of escalating temperatures and for guiding adaptation strategies.&nbsp;



While rapid cuts in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> remain essential, the study emphasizes the need to protect vulnerable groups through measures such as:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Revamping urban design to mitigate heat via increased greenery and reflective surfaces.</li>



<li>Boosting cooling infrastructure, from widespread air conditioning to designated cooling centers.</li>



<li>Ensuring sufficient water and resource availability in heat-prone regions.</li>
</ul>



“Interdisciplinary work is vital to improving our understanding of unprecedented heat’s deadly potential and how it can be reduced,” noted Matthews.&nbsp;



“As more of the planet experiences outdoor conditions too hot for our physiology, it will be essential that people have reliable access to cooler environments to shelter from the heat.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-heat-and-human-survival">Extreme heat and human survival</h2>



Ultimately, the report clarifies that rising global temperatures are a direct menace to human survival, not merely an environmental concern. If 2°C of warming is reached, massive portions of the planet may become too hot for younger adults engaging in normal outdoor activities.&nbsp;



At 4°C, almost half of the world could confront periods of inescapable heat, rendering these regions effectively uninhabitable.



The findings underscore an urgent call for global mitigation efforts as well as strategic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-power-of-imagination-in-climate-change-adaptation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate adaptation</a>.&nbsp;



Without bold intervention to curb emissions and shield populations from extreme heat, the deadly consequences of climate change could become an enduring reality - one that fundamentally alters how and where people can live safely on our planet.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43017-024-00635-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Earth and Environment</a>.



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Extreme heat is making large regions of Earth uninhabitable for humans

Rising global temperatures may render extensive regions of the planet...

Air pollution is often linked to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and other physical health concerns. However, new research suggests that even short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) may impair brain functions. 



Everyday tasks, such as grocery shopping or focusing at work, could become more difficult due to temporary declines in attention and emotional interpretation.



A study led by researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Manchester provides fresh insights into how pollution affects the brain. The findings show that high PM exposure disrupts selective attention and emotion recognition, regardless of how a person breathes.



This raises new concerns about the mental impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-causes-liver-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted environments</a>, particularly in urban areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-cognitive-abilities">Air pollution and cognitive abilities</h2>



The researchers examined the effects of PM exposure using an experimental approach. Participants were exposed to either clean air or polluted air created with candle smoke.



Cognitive tests were conducted before and four hours after smoke exposure. The goal was to assess various mental functions, including working memory, selective attention, emotion recognition, psychomotor speed, and sustained attention.



The results revealed a decline in selective attention and emotion recognition after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-deaths-in-india-linked-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution exposure</a>. These findings suggest that short-term air pollution may interfere with a person’s ability to concentrate, resist distractions, and interpret social cues.



In contrast, working memory remained unaffected, indicating that some mental processes are more resistant to air pollution than others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-air-pollution-impacts-the-brain">How air pollution impacts the brain</h2>



Scientists believe that inflammation caused by air pollution could be responsible for these cognitive deficits. 



The inhalation of fine particulate matter triggers immune responses that may disrupt normal brain function. This raises concerns about potential long-term consequences, particularly for individuals who are exposed to high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-air-quality-trends-revealed-in-new-images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> levels daily.



“Our study provides compelling evidence that even short-term exposure to particulate matter can have immediate negative effects on brain functions essential for daily activities, such as doing the weekly supermarket shop,” noted Dr. Thomas Faherty from the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>.



His statement highlights how even seemingly minor cognitive disruptions can affect daily routines. Simple tasks, like organizing a shopping list or managing social interactions, may become more challenging in polluted environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-and-social-consequences">Economic and social consequences</h2>



The decline in cognitive abilities due to air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-impacts-brain-development-in-children/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> has broader implications beyond individual health. A workforce with diminished attention and decision-making skills could lead to decreased productivity. This, in turn, may affect businesses, economies, and overall societal development.



“Poor air quality undermines intellectual development and worker productivity, with significant societal and economic implications in a high-tech world reliant on cognitive excellence," noted Professor Francis Pope from the University of Birmingham.



"Reduced productivity impacts economic growth, further highlighting the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health, particularly in highly polluted urban areas.”



Professor Pope's remarks emphasize that cognitive function is not just a personal matter - it has widespread consequences for education, professional performance, and economic stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-functions-and-their-importance">Cognitive functions and their importance</h2>



Cognitive abilities are essential for daily life, influencing everything from decision-making to emotional interactions. Selective attention allows people to filter out distractions, making it easier to focus on essential tasks. 



For instance, in a busy supermarket, selective attention helps shoppers concentrate on their list rather than being drawn to unnecessary purchases.



Working memory, another key function, allows individuals to temporarily store and manipulate information. This skill is particularly useful for multitasking, such as planning a daily schedule or managing multiple conversations.



Socio-emotional cognition enables people to recognize and interpret emotions in themselves and others. This ability is crucial for maintaining appropriate social behavior and responding to situations effectively. 



When pollution affects these functions, it can lead to misinterpretations, reduced impulse control, and difficulties in navigating social settings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-on-air-pollution-and-the-brain">Research on air pollution and the brain</h2>



The study highlights the importance of investigating the long-term effects of air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-is-fueling-more-intense-and-dangerous-thunderstorms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> on cognitive function. 



While this research focused on short-term exposure, continuous exposure in heavily polluted areas may have more severe and lasting consequences. Vulnerable populations, such as children and older adults, could be at even greater risk.



“This study shows the importance of understanding the impacts of air pollution on cognitive function and the need to study the influences of different sources of pollution on brain health in vulnerable older members of society,” noted Professor Gordon McFiggans from the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impact-of-air-pollution">Health impact of air pollution</h2>



Air pollution is the leading environmental health risk worldwide, contributing to millions of premature deaths each year. It has long been associated with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, but its impact on the brain is becoming an area of increasing concern.



Exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. The long-term cognitive decline associated with air pollution could further strain healthcare systems and lead to a lower quality of life for affected individuals.



PM2.5 is particularly harmful due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting various organs, including the brain. In 2015 alone, PM2.5 exposure contributed to an estimated 4.2 million deaths worldwide. 



To mitigate these risks, the World Health Organization (<a href="https://www.who.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WHO</a>) recommends keeping 24-hour PM2.5 levels below 15 μg/m³ and annual levels below 5 μg/m³.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stricter-air-quality-regulations-are-needed">Stricter air quality regulations are needed</h2>



Given the clear evidence linking air pollution to cognitive impairment, stricter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> regulations are needed to protect public health.



Governments and policymakers must address pollution sources, enforce emission controls, and promote cleaner technologies.



Public awareness also plays a crucial role. Individuals can take steps to minimize their exposure by avoiding high-traffic areas, using air purifiers, and advocating for cleaner urban environments. While personal measures help, systemic changes are needed to ensure lasting improvements in air quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-the-brain-from-air-pollution">Protecting the brain from air pollution</h2>



This study provides new insights into how even short-term exposure to air pollution can affect mental functions essential for daily life. From reduced focus to difficulties in emotional interpretation, these cognitive effects highlight the hidden dangers of polluted air.



More research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications, especially for vulnerable groups. In the meantime, stricter regulations and proactive public health initiatives can help reduce exposure and protect cognitive health. 



The findings serve as a reminder that clean air is not just a luxury - it is a necessity for maintaining brain function and overall well-being.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56508-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Air pollution weakens brain function and focus in daily tasks

Air pollution is often linked to respiratory diseases, heart problems,...

Emissions from coal combustion are casting a shadow over India's agricultural sector, and threatening the nation’s role as a major hub for global food security.



As the world’s second-most populous country, India relies heavily on rice and wheat production to sustain its population and export markets. However, pollutants from coal-fired power stations are having a negative impact on crop yields.



According to a recent study, coal emissions may be responsible for a significant decrease (of 10% or more) in the annual yield of these two staple grains. This means that the nutritional security of a quarter of the world’s undernourished population could be threatened.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-trade-offs-of-coal-emissions">The trade-offs of coal emissions</h2>



The goal of the study was not merely to highlight a problem, but to navigate the complexities of India's energy demands in connection with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/locust-swarms-threaten-food-security-for-millions-of-people/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food security</a>.



Study lead author Kirat Singh, a Ph.D. student in environment and resources in the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doerr School of Sustainability</a>, described the motivation for this study.



"We wanted to understand the impact of India's coal electricity emissions on its agriculture because there might be real trade-offs between meeting growing electricity demand with coal generation and maintaining food security," said Singh. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reducing-coal-emissions-for-better-harvests">Reducing coal emissions for better harvests</h2>



Considerable effort has been devoted in the past to quantify the health-related repercussions of burning coal for electricity. 



However, prior to this study, the specific implications for crop production - especially in relation to India's dependence on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coal-fired-power-generation-weakened-by-the-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal-fired</a> power stations for more than 70% of its electricity - were left unexplored.



"Crop productivity is incredibly important to India's food security and economic prospects," noted study senior author David Lobell. 



"We've known that improved air quality could help agriculture, but this study is the first to drill down to a specific sector and measure the potential benefits of reducing emissions." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deeper-insight-into-crop-damage">Deeper insight into crop damage</h2>



The study was focused on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-breakthrough-g7-commits-to-close-coal-plants-by-2035/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coal-powered</a> stations, and evaluated their impact on rice and wheat production.



By compiling data from electricity generation at 144 power stations across India, wind direction records, and satellite-measured nitrogen dioxide levels over croplands, the researchers provided a detailed picture of the situation.



According to their findings, eliminating pollution from burning coal during vital growing seasons could potentially increase the value of the rice output by approximately $420 million and the wheat output by $400 million annually.



“Any policy focused on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-reached-unprecedented-highs-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a> from coal power plants in India will be ignoring a crucial part of the problem if it does not consider the damages from air pollution to agriculture," said Inês Azevedo, a co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-benefits-of-cutting-coal-emissions">Unseen benefits of cutting coal emissions</h2>



The findings indicate that reducing coal emissions may yield more substantial and widely distributed benefits than previously recognized.



While past studies have primarily focused on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-cardiopulmonary-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">health hazards of air pollution</a>, this study highlights the importance of considering agricultural damage as well.



The analysis showed that, while the monetary value of lost crop output is generally lower than the mortality damage caused by coal emissions, the intensity of crop damage per unit of electricity generated can be even higher.



At 58 of the 144 power stations studied, rice yield losses per gigawatt-hour exceeded mortality damages, and at 35 stations, wheat damage followed the same pattern. 



This suggests that, in many regions, targeted reductions in coal emissions could provide more immediate relief to agricultural productivity than previously assumed.



“It’s rare to find a single thing - in this case, reducing coal emissions - that would help agriculture so quickly and so much,” said Lobell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-production-and-public-health">Food production and public health</h2>



Moreover, the findings indicate little overlap between the power stations causing the most severe crop losses and those linked to the highest mortality rates. 



This means that well-placed policy interventions could optimize benefits, and deliver significant increases in food production along with improvements in public health and climate change mitigation.



By considering crop losses alongside health impacts when regulating coal electricity emissions, policymakers could unlock a powerful opportunity for economic and environmental gains. 



“Well-targeted policies to cut emissions could deliver thousands of dollars of increased crop output for each clean gigawatt-hour, in addition to all the climate and human health benefits,” said Singh.



Ultimately, the study reinforces the need for a more integrated approach to energy and environmental policy - one that fully accounts for the multifaceted benefits of reducing coal pollution.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2421679122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Coal emissions threaten India's food security

Emissions from coal combustion are casting a shadow over India's...

Earth system models (ESMs) are essential tools for studying complex planetary processes, including interactions between the atmosphere and biosphere. These models help scientists and policymakers better understand climate change and its impacts.&nbsp;



However, improving the accuracy of Earth system models often requires gathering vast amounts of data - an effort that can take decades, if not centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-plant-data-for-climate-models-nbsp">Expanding plant data for climate models&nbsp;</h2>



A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04254-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Data</a> presents a breakthrough approach to this challenge. The researchers have developed a method to bypass the need for extensive field data collection across all known tree species.&nbsp;



Instead, they leveraged evolutionary relationships between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-actively-shaped-earths-climate-cycle-throughout-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> to estimate key hydrologic traits, significantly expanding the data available for global climate modeling.



Study lead author James Knighton is an assistant professor in the <a href="https://uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut</a>’s Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.



Pablo Sanchez-Martinez from the University of Edinburgh and Leander Anderegg from the University of California Santa Barbara are co-authors of the study.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-plants-in-water-movement">The role of plants in water movement</h2>



Plants play a fundamental role in Earth’s environmental systems, from capturing carbon and producing oxygen to influencing the movement of water across ecosystems.&nbsp;



According to Knighton, an estimated 60% of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainwater</a> is returned to the atmosphere through plant transpiration, a process that moves water from soil to air through plant tissues.



This water movement is currently represented in ESMs in a simplified manner, often grouping plants into broad categories called Plant Functional Types (PFTs).



“Plant Functional Types (PFTs) are used because we don’t know a lot about the details of individual plant species,” Knighton explained. “It would be harder to take a detailed map of vegetation over a continent and put in all the right values for each individual species, so it’s easier just to consider one generic PFT.”



While PFTs provide a manageable approach for modeling, they overlook key differences in plant hydrologic traits - such as root depth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-cycles-through-plants-with-unexpected-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> transport efficiency, and transpiration rates - that can significantly affect climate projections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-climate-models">A new approach to climate models</h2>



To improve the representation of plant traits in climate models, scientists have built databases like the <a href="https://www.try-db.org/TryWeb/Home.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRY Plant Trait Database</a>, which compiles field measurements of plant characteristics. However, progress in cataloging traits has been slow.



“There are around 60,000 to 70,000 tree species on Earth, meaning that after 200 years, we know maybe 5 to 10% of what’s happening,” noted Knighton.&nbsp;



“If that were the way we would do things, it would take us another 2,000 years or so to learn about all the plants that we needed to, and at that point, climate change has set in, and it’s too late.”



Given the urgency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate modeling</a>, waiting for field researchers to collect direct measurements is not a viable solution. Instead, Knighton and his colleagues devised a faster method to estimate missing plant traits using evolutionary relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-evolution-to-predict-hydrologic-traits">Using evolution to predict hydrologic traits</h2>



To address the knowledge gap, the researchers turned to phylogenetics, the study of evolutionary relationships between species. They examined available trait data - such as tree height, root depth, and water transport speed - across known species and then analyzed how closely related species share these traits.



“We looked to see how similar trait values are between closely related species, and the idea behind that is, if these traits are critical for their survival, evolution will have preserved the trait values, they won’t be randomly dispersed,” Knighton explained.&nbsp;



“For example, if growing deep roots was critical for a certain type of plant to survive, the species that branch off from that one will probably also have deep roots, and everything that’s in that family or that genus will have a similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autophagy-what-makes-plant-roots-grow-faster-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root structure</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-data-for-thousands-of-tree-species-nbsp">Missing data for thousands of tree species&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found that hydrologic traits are highly conserved across evolutionary lineages, meaning that closely related species tend to have similar characteristics. This discovery enabled them to predict missing data for over 55,000 tree species by inferring trait values from their known relatives.



“We used different numerical machine learning techniques, and in doing that, we were able to come up with a database of these very critical tree values for 55,000 tree species on Earth,” Knighton said.&nbsp;



This approach allows modelers to move beyond the oversimplified PFT system, providing a much more detailed representation of plant diversity in climate simulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-the-estimated-plant-traits">Confirming the estimated plant traits</h2>



While the research marks a major step forward, the scientists acknowledge that their method represents a first approximation. The next phase of their work involves validating the estimated traits against real-world observations.



“We consider this work to be a low-order approximation, but it is an important starting point,” Knighton explained. “As more data is collected from field researchers, the data can be used to update and refine the interpolated data to improve the accuracy of this approach.”



To test their estimates, the researchers are comparing their predictions against observational data from 10 well-documented forest sites across the United States. 



Master’s student Caroline Stanton is currently constructing ecosystem models for each site and calibrating them with high-resolution plant trait data. 



These models will then be compared to field data collected over the past two decades to assess how well the inferred traits match real-world measurements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-tool-for-climate-simulation">A new tool for climate simulation</h2>



If successful, the method could be applied to forested ecosystems worldwide. Beyond simply improving climate models, the dataset could help scientists understand what drives variation in plant traits and how these variations affect global environmental processes.



“If you want to do global modeling that includes more detail in the vegetation, which is important, you now have a starting point,” Knighton emphasized.



By dramatically expanding the dataset available for climate simulations, this research provides a new tool for modelers, ecologists, and policymakers working to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change.&nbsp;



With further refinement, it could play a key role in shaping more accurate forecasts of Earth’s future climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycles</a>.



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Smarter climate models: How plants influence the water cycle

Earth system models (ESMs) are essential tools for studying complex...

In the last few years, scientists have tracked a noticeable uptick in Earth’s average temperature. As experts investigate why warming is accelerating, a new study suggests that changes in ship aerosols may be a contributing factor.



To explore the connections between human activity and the climate system, researchers use data on greenhouse gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-and-arctic-ice-clouds-an-unexpected-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne particles</a>, and shifting ocean patterns.



The latest <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00139157.2025.2434494#abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> offers a surprising analysis of recent temperature spikes and the role of aerosols in ship pollution.



The research was conducted by Dr. James Hansen, the director of the Climate Science, Awareness, and Solutions Program at Columbia University, along with his co-authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-temperature-surge">Understanding the temperature surge</h2>



The study notes a sudden jump of more than 0.7°F over the last two years. That is about twice what experts expected from a moderate El Niño pattern alone. In January of this year, NASA confirmed this spike, denoting <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/temperatures-rising-nasa-confirms-2024-warmest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024</a> as the “warmest year on record.”



The authors suggest this amplified warming is linked to changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosol pollution</a>. They specifically spotlight new regulations on ship fuel that reduce sulfur emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ship-aerosols-once-cooled-the-planet">Ship aerosols once cooled the planet</h2>



Aerosols are tiny specks in the air that can reflect incoming sunlight. In many oceanic regions, these particles had offset some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosols-have-an-underestimated-effect-on-clouds-and-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming effect</a> of greenhouse gases.



Because ships were a major source of sulfur-based aerosols, cutting this pollution reduced the reflective haze. According to the paper, less haze means more solar energy staying in the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotter-earth-as-ship-aerosols-vanish">Hotter Earth as ship aerosols vanish</h2>



Incoming solar energy and outgoing heat must stay in sync to keep surface temperatures stable. The <a href="https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> points out that the planet has been soaking up more energy than it loses since at least the early 2000s.



The researchers found that ocean waters store most of this excess heat, fueling storms and increasing the threat of rapid intensification in tropical systems.



 The warming also amplifies extreme weather, such as sudden droughts or record-breaking rainfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-policy-implications">Possible policy implications</h2>



The research implies that the world may have underestimated how sensitive the climate is to rising carbon dioxide levels. If the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> was larger than we thought, then trimming fossil fuel use is even more pressing.



Fresh restrictions on pollution from ships do improve air quality for people. However, the study authors note that removing these cooling aerosols adds an extra kick to global warming unless greenhouse emissions decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-melting-ice">Concerns about melting ice</h2>



High latitudes face special risks. Warmer ocean currents can erode the edges of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, raising sea level by several feet over time.



Although the paper warns of a potential point of no return for key ice shelves, there is still a window to stabilize the situation. 



The researchers emphasize that faster cuts in greenhouse gases, along with stronger tracking of ocean and atmospheric changes, could help avert large-scale loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-currents-and-climate-extremes">Ocean currents and climate extremes</h2>



Tropical storms often draw energy from elevated ocean temperatures. This can lead to hurricanes or typhoons ramping up rapidly, resulting in more destructive coastal impacts.



Higher sea-surface temperatures also expand the area in which storms can strengthen. This increases the chance of unexpected events in places that once considered themselves safe from severe cyclones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-local-and-global-concerns">Balancing local and global concerns</h2>



Leaders in various regions are prioritizing reduced pollution to safeguard human health. Cutting sulfur aerosols from ships is just one example of curbing harmful air contaminants.



Yet these choices can have unintended global consequences if greenhouse gases remain unchecked. Scientists hope that local gains do not overshadow the wider need to slash <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tiny-aerosols-in-sea-spray-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>.



The authors recommend more precise tracking of ocean heat storage and ice sheet behavior. Satellites and deep-diving floats can clarify how quickly seas are warming and how fast land ice is weakening.



Improved understanding of aerosol-cloud dynamics is also essential. More continuous observations of these particles at different latitudes would resolve uncertainties about their climate impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adjusting-for-the-loss-of-ship-aerosols">Adjusting for the loss of ship aerosols</h2>



Experts have stressed that major climate organizations, including the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>, must keep refining their models. The recent findings highlight that overlooked sources of cooling, such as ship aerosols, can mask the real warming trend.



Considering that we might cross critical temperature milestones sooner than anticipated, there is an urgent need to integrate these fresh insights into policymaking and climate resilience measures.



The next few decades will show whether nations can adapt and lower emissions swiftly enough. The discussion around shipping routes, aerosol policies, and carbon pricing is now in sharp focus.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00139157.2025.2434494" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development</a>.



A conversation between the authors can be viewed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wOjk2OCZQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Faster global warming linked to fewer aerosols in ship pollution

In the last few years, scientists have tracked a noticeable...

Tiny fragments of plastic, known as microplastics, have been detected in everything from air to water and food. Now, a study of 52 donated human brains has confirmed that these microplastics can pass the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in deep brain regions.&nbsp;



Researchers found traces of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/polyethylene" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polyethylene</a> and other polymers in every sample and noticed that more recent specimens had <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher concentrations</a> than older ones.



Scientists discovered that the amount of plastic in 2024 samples exceeded what was seen in 2016, suggesting an ongoing surge. 



The research was led by University of New Mexico toxicology <a href="https://hsc.unm.edu/directory/campen-matthew-j.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">professor, Matthew Campen</a>, who emphasized caution but pointed to global plastic production as a key driver.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-dementia-patients-brains">Microplastics in dementia patients' brains</h2>



Experts also investigated whether certain conditions exacerbate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-invasion-how-microplastics-are-disrupting-land-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buildup</a> of these materials. They noted a group of dementia patients whose brains contained three to five times more plastic pieces than other samples.



&nbsp;“Every time we scratch the surface, it uncovers a whole host of, ‘Oh, is this worse than we thought?’” remarked Campen.



Scientists were surprised by the shapes of the shards seen under an electron microscope. Instead of neat spheres, many were jagged, flake-like structures. Such uneven forms could interact with cells in a different way from microplastics with smooth, round shapes. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-organs-other-than-the-brain">Microplastics in organs other than the brain</h2>



Several earlier <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2309822" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> have reported plastic residues in human organs, including arteries, kidneys, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-in-the-placenta-linked-to-preterm-births/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">placentas</a>. 



In mouse models, lab work has shown that even short-term exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/filter-feeders-transform-microplastics-into-a-bigger-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic particles</a> can lead to inflammation in multiple organs.



Some scientists caution that it may be difficult to trace specific ailments back to these particles since plastic exposure is nearly universal.



Another <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40018" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">team</a> observed that microplastics were present in the olfactory bulb of the brain, suggesting multiple pathways for these fragments to enter nervous tissue. 



The new research adds evidence that particles can lodge themselves even deeper in the frontal cortex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-microplastics-affect-brain-function">Can microplastics affect brain function?</h2>



Unanswered questions abound in connection with how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a> could affect mental sharpness or other functions.



Some point out that people with dementia often have compromised filtering systems in the brain, making it unclear if higher plastic counts contribute to such conditions or arise because the brain cannot clear them effectively.



In animal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/15/12308" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a>, microplastic exposure has been linked to minor memory changes and signs of early cellular stress in certain brain regions. 



Observers believe it may be years before human studies clarify whether these fragments bring on neurological issues directly .



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-industry-response-and-public-concern">Industry response and public concern</h2>



Manufacturers acknowledge the potential risks posed by rising amounts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-process-converts-microplastics-into-valuable-graphene-wonder-material/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic debris</a>. Efforts to minimize microplastic pollution remain a priority.



“The global plastics industry supports advancing scientific understanding of microplastics,” said <a href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/about-acc/acc-leadership/dr-kimberly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kimberly Wise White</a>, vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs at the <a href="https://www.americanchemistry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Chemistry Council</a>.&nbsp;



Some wonder if switching to reusable containers or wearing natural-fiber clothing can reduce exposure. 



For now, many scientists feel there are no quick fixes, given how widespread plastic use is and how these particles spread through air, food, and water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-challenges-ahead">Unseen challenges ahead</h2>



When asked about strategies for preventing microplastics from making their way into the brain and other vital organs, experts described filtration improvements and tighter regulations on industrial waste.



Others stressed the need for more data on which plastics are most prone to shattering into tiny shards. They added that differences in shape, size, and chemical makeup may all matter when it comes to the extent of harm caused.



Marine biologists have pointed out that early warnings about plastic debris in oceans were largely ignored, so urgent measures for human health might face similar hurdles. 



Richard Thompson, a professor at the University of Plymouth who first used the term “microplastics,” has noted that linking these particles to specific health outcomes is a big challenge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shifting-research-landscape">A shifting research landscape</h2>



New detection methods are helping scientists see what was once invisible. 



Advanced imaging tools and chemical analyses have become more precise over the past decade, which boosts confidence in the findings. Still, many worry that the problem could be larger than indicated by current tests.



<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969724043638#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> have also raised the issue of age, health status, and lifestyle factors that could influence the amount of microplastic that ends up in one person’s body in comparison to another’s.



This study found no correlation between levels of microplastics and the age at which a decedent had died, which was unexpected. The researchers plan to conduct further investigations to assess who might be at greater risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mounting-evidence-and-caution">Mounting evidence and caution</h2>



The sheer variety of plastics in everyday life complicates the effort to pinpoint harmful effects. While polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene are commonly cited, other polymers also exist.



Some break down into microscopic flakes, while others degrade into fibrous strands that could tangle in tissues.



Experts stress there is no reason to panic but advise staying informed. Greater awareness may spark changes in manufacturing practices, consumer choices, and waste management. 



Campen remarked that, as global plastic output grows, more steps will be needed to avert higher levels of these particles in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hope-for-clearer-answers">Hope for clearer answers</h2>



Research in this field is accelerating. International teams are testing how to reduce plastic release into the environment, from better recycling to new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-widespread-in-the-seafood-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials</a> that degrade more cleanly. 



More clinical trials and long-term cohort studies may fill in critical knowledge gaps on how microplastic buildup affects different populations.



Even if some questions persist, scientists say that consistent findings in humans, animals, and lab experiments point to a need for caution. 



A deeper understanding of how microplastics might disrupt brain cells or blood vessels could open doors to prevention.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Medicine</a>.



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Disturbing study finds microplastic accumulation in human brains, highest in dementia patients

Tiny fragments of plastic, known as microplastics, have been detected...

Greenland,Glacier,Melting:,A,Consequence,Of,Global,Warming.

Greenland’s Ice Sheet is cracking open at the seams, literally falling apart at speeds indicative of the brutal and accelerating impact of global climate change. In just five years, 930 million cubic meters of crevasses opened up in the Greenland ice sheet.



A recent, large-scale study from the <a href="https://www.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Florida</a> highlights how this vast, frozen expanse - the world’s second-largest ice sheet - is fracturing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-lakes-in-greenland-have-crossed-a-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">faster than expected</a>.



The findings suggest that the ice sheet’s response to warming is intensifying. This essential discovery was born out of an effective collaboration with scientists from <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University, UK</a>.



Their detailed analysis of the ice sheet over the critical period between 2016 and 2021 revealed that the crevasses - wedge-shaped fractures in the ice - have increased alarmingly in both size and depth.



These ice fractures typically appear where the ice <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/speed-of-greenland-ice-melt-confirmed-to-be-rapidly-increasing-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starts to flow faster</a>.



The data revealed that the ice sheet's response to climate changes is accelerating the formation of broader and deeper crevasses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracks-in-greenland-s-ice-sheet">Cracks in Greenland’s ice sheet</h2>



The researchers point out that these rapid changes observed in Greenland's ice sheet crevasses can, in turn, speed up the mechanisms that have resulted in the ever-quickening pace of this devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-ice-loss-tracked-by-new-gps-system-on-a-daily-basis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice loss</a>.



The team hopes their findings will help fellow scientists incorporate the consequences of ice damage and crevassing into future predictions related to the behavior of the Greenland Ice Sheet.



Throughout the years, Greenland has been one of the most important contributors to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-sea-levels-threaten-groundwater-global-cities-underground-infrastructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rise of sea levels</a>. Since 1992, about 14mm of sea level rise can be attributed to ice flow off Greenland.



This is a direct result of the melting of the ice surface, which is related to the presence of warmer air and sea temperatures, along with the increased flow of ice into the ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-greenland-s-ice-sheet-is-important">Why Greenland's ice sheet is important</h2>



As this massive ice sheet loses ice, it adds freshwater to the ocean, causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels to rise</a>. Even small increases can lead to bigger storm surges, more coastal flooding, and make some places unlivable. 



Millions of people in low-lying areas could be forced to relocate, and cities like New York and Miami could see major impacts. 



The melting also speeds up itself - less ice means less sunlight is reflected, which warms the planet even more.



If all the ice sheet in Greenland were to melt, we could see a potential rise of seven meters (23 feet) in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-levels-linked-to-the-rise-and-fall-of-early-human-societies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a> around the world.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/greenland-ice-sheet_cracking_Store-Glacier_drone-view_Durham-university_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/greenland-ice-sheet_cracking_Store-Glacier_drone-view_Durham-university_1s.webp" alt="Crevasses at Store Glacier, a marine-terminating outlet glacier of the western Greenland Ice Sheet. Credit: Tom Chudley (Durham University)" class="wp-image-1959025"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Crevasses at Store Glacier, a marine-terminating outlet glacier of the western Greenland Ice Sheet. Credit: Tom Chudley (Durham University)</figcaption></figure>



But, as bad as that sounds, it’s not just about sea levels. Greenland’s ice melt messes with ocean currents that help regulate the climate. 



The freshwater pouring into the Atlantic can slow down the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMOC</a>), a system that moves warm water from the tropics toward Europe. 



If that weakens, Europe could face colder winters, hurricanes could get stronger, and weather patterns worldwide could shift in unpredictable ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-imagery-of-greenland-s-ice-sheet">Satellite imagery of Greenland’s ice sheet</h2>



In their innovative study, the researchers from Durham University used over 8,000 3-D surface maps, that had been created using high-resolution satellite imagery.



“You can’t do it in person, because crevasses are dangerous. It’s hard to study by hand using satellite data. Automated approaches are needed to determine this at an ice-sheet scale,” said Emma MacKie, Ph.D., a professor of geological sciences at the University of Florida, co-author of the study, and expert in machine learning techniques.



This allowed them to identify cracks on the ice surface and to track the evolution of crevasses across Greenland during the period of 2016 to 2021.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/greenland-ice-sheet_cracking_Anorituup-Kangerlua-fjord_2016-2021-comparison_Durham-university_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/greenland-ice-sheet_cracking_Anorituup-Kangerlua-fjord_2016-2021-comparison_Durham-university_1s.webp" alt="Using the newly developed method, researchers extracted crevasses from digital elevation models of the ice sheet surface. The maps show how crevasses changed between 2016 and 2021 over glaciers at the head of Anorituup Kangerlua fjord, Greenland. Credit: Tom Chudley (Durham University)" class="wp-image-1959023"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Using the newly developed method, researchers extracted crevasses from digital elevation models of the ice sheet surface. The maps show how crevasses changed between 2016 and 2021 over glaciers at the head of Anorituup Kangerlua fjord, Greenland. Credit: Tom Chudley (Durham University)</figcaption></figure>



Their findings showed that, in the areas where large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> meet the sea, accelerations in glacier flow were associated with significant increases in the volume of crevasses.



A fascinating discovery was that the overall change in crevasses across the entire ice sheet ultimately balanced out due to a temporary slowdown in movement at <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1149/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sermeq Kujalleq</a>, the fastest-flowing glacier in Greenland.



Nevertheless, the flow speed of Sermeq Kujalleq has started increasing again, indicating that the period of balance between crevasse growth and closure might be over.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-temperatures-faster-ice-melt">Higher temperatures = faster ice melt</h2>



"In a warming world, we would expect to see more crevasses forming," shared study lead author Dr. Tom Chudley, a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Geography, Durham University, UK. 



"This is because glaciers are accelerating in response to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer ocean temperatures</a>, and because meltwater filling crevasses can force fractures deeper into the ice. However, until now we haven’t had the data to show where and how fast this is happening across the entirety of the Greenland Ice Sheet."



With this dataset, the scientists can see that it’s not just that crevasse fields are extending into the ice sheet, as previously observed. 



Instead, the current state of Greenland's ice sheet change is dominated by existing crevasse fields getting larger and deeper.



Notably, these developments have the potential to expedite the loss of ice from Greenland. 



“Crevasses can induce accelerated ice flow, leading to more crevassing. So there are these potential positive feedback loops caused by crevassing,” MacKie said. “This mechanism should be considered in Greenland ice sheet models that we’re using to project future sea level rise.”



It's a domino effect that could drive the loss of ice from Greenland at a much faster pace, pointed out study co-author, Professor Ian Howat, who is Director of the Byrd Polar &amp; Climate Research Center at <a href="https://www.osu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ohio State University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discerning-eye-on-the-arctic">Discerning eye on the Arctic</h2>



The high-resolution imagery for the research was provided by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (<a href="https://www.nga.mil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NGA</a>) and National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>) public-private initiative, ArticDEM project.



"The ArcticDEM project will continue to provide high-resolution Digital Elevation Models until at least 2032. This will allow us to monitor glaciers in Greenland and across the wider Arctic as they continue to respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>," Professor Howat added.



This invaluable information will reveal areas that are experiencing faster rates of warming than any other place in Earth, preparing us with information we need to mitigate the effect of climate change and protect the future of our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01636-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Greenland's ice sheet is cracking and literally falling apart at a very alarming rate

Greenland’s Ice Sheet is cracking open at the seams, literally...

Climate change is reshaping our oceans in ways that often go unnoticed, yet its impact on marine ecosystems is profound. 



It’s easy to feel disconnected from the hidden changes occurring beneath the waves, but recent research reveals how human-induced climate change is disrupting the delicate balance of ocean nutrient cycles.



The water we can't drink makes up about 97% of the Earth's water, serving as the planet's largest heat sink and providing nearly half the oxygen we breathe. This makes the ocean an essential component of our planet's health.



However, a recent study conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a> highlights how our oceans' health is threatened by global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fewer-nutrients-at-the-ocean-s-surface">Fewer nutrients at the ocean's surface</h2>



"Model studies have suggested that when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-ocean-fishes-will-get-smaller-as-the-ocean-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean warms</a> it gets more stratified, which can drain certain parts of the surface ocean of nutrients," said Adam Martiny, a professor of Earth system science and one of the study’s lead authors.



In simpler terms, the warmer our oceans get, the fewer nutrients are available at the surface. This may slow marine primary productivity, causing cascading effects throughout food webs, noted the researchers. 



"However, observing changes in upper ocean nutrients is challenging because surface concentrations are often below detection limits."



The research team, led by graduate student Skylar Gerace, analyzed 50 years of nutrient data taken from the Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO-SHIP).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-in-the-food-chain">Cascading effects in the food chain</h2>



The researchers identified a significant decline in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-phosphorus-will-limit-growth-of-the-amazon-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phosphorus</a>, a nutrient vital for the health of marine food webs, particularly in southern hemisphere oceans.



"There can be cascading effects up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-damages-the-base-of-the-marine-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food web</a>. When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-heatwaves-have-complex-effects-on-phytoplankton-food-web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> have less phosphorus, they become less nutritious, which can impair zooplankton and fish growth rates,” said Gerace.



The researchers found that concentrations of nitrate, another nutrient vital for ecosystem functioning, appear to remain steady. 



However, Professor Martiny noted that nitrate concentrations may still decline in the future as the climate continues to change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phosphorus-limitation-is-expanding">Phosphorus limitation is expanding</h2>



"The temporal trends of these depths revealed that upper ocean phosphate is mostly declining, while nitrate is mostly stable," wrote the study authors.



"Using Earth System Models, we demonstrate that this difference is likely due to decreasing iron stress for nitrogen fixation, which replenishes nitrate with increasing stratification."



According to the researchers, the findings suggest that phosphorus limitation is expanding throughout the ocean, consequently bringing many important implications for marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions </h2>



Professor Martiny highlights the importance of initiatives like GO-SHIP for conducting research of this kind. 



Without the empirical data collected by such seafaring missions, there would be no way to verify the accuracy of climate model forecasts.



The team is excited about the next steps in their research. The goal is to measure the impact of changing nutrient cycles on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-extreme-weather-impact-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> as climate change continues.



“We aim to investigate how this nutrient metric relates with broader ecosystem dynamics throughout the ocean, such as primary productivity," said Gerace.



The researchers hope that their measurements can serve as a comprehensive indicator for monitoring marine ecosystems as the oceans continue to warm and stratify.



The findings may ultimately provide scientists and policymakers with much-needed data to address the often neglected underwater effects of climate change.



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



The loss of nutrients in the ocean doesn’t just harm microscopic marine life; it has ripple effects on global fisheries and food security. 



Some of the world’s most important fisheries for fish such as anchovies, sardines, and tuna rely on nutrient-rich waters to support the plankton populations they feed on. 



A decrease in phosphorus could lead to decreases in ocean primary productivity, meaning smaller fish stocks and disruptions in the seafood industry.



Changing the nutrient dynamics could have significant impacts on fishing communities that heavily rely on fishing as a source of food and income.



Scientists are closely monitoring these shifts, which might reshape marine ecosystems in ways that are difficult to reverse.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2411835122" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Climate change is draining nutrients from the ocean's surface

Climate change is reshaping our oceans in ways that often...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.



Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.



In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.



Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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