Imagine Earth has a giant set of underground “storage lockers” where we can tuck away carbon dioxide (CO₂) for centuries so it doesn’t heat the planet. Scientists call this geologic carbon storage. 



It sounds simple: capture CO₂ from factories, power plants, or even the air, pipe it deep underground into the tiny spaces inside certain rocks, and lock it there.



For years, underground storage of carbon dioxide looked and felt like a clever climate trick. Capture the gas, lock it in rock layers, and keep burning fossil fuels while claiming progress. 



The idea seemed safe because early estimates suggested nearly limitless space.



That illusion has collapsed. New research shows the planet’s usable underground storage capacity is far smaller than imagined. Instead of centuries of security, this cushion could run out within 200 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-drops-sharply">Carbon storage drops sharply</h2>



Industry once placed global capacity at around 14,000 gigatons. A closer look, however, strips away risky regions - earthquake zones, fragile <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/construction-materials-could-store-carbon-in-homes-and-buildings-helping-the-climate/">ecosystems</a>, and crowded cities. What remains is only about 1,460 gigatonnes.



This tenfold drop changes everything. What once seemed endless is now a resource with strict boundaries, one that must be managed carefully. Every choice about how it is used carries long-term consequences. 



If reserved for short-term fixes, the world risks burning through it quickly. If protected for carbon removal, it could become a critical lifeline for stabilizing temperatures far into the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-risks-hidden-beneath-the-surface">Risks hidden beneath the surface</h2>



Underground storage carries hazards. Injecting carbon can stir up seismic activity, reactivate faults, or open escape paths. Leaks into aquifers could acidify water and release toxic metals. 



Offshore storage avoids some human risks but adds cost and geopolitical disputes. Public pushback also limits expansion, with some governments blocking projects altogether.



Opposition often stems from fears of leaks, distrust of industry promises, and concerns that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-storage-mystery-emerges-in-the-southern-ocean/">storage</a> will be used to justify continued fossil fuel use. 



These challenges mean underground storage cannot expand smoothly or universally; every project faces technical, political, and social barriers that slow progress and shrink real-world potential.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-s-uncertain-future">Carbon storage’s uncertain future</h2>



Climate plans already assume storage will be vital to reach net zero. But if it mainly serves fossil fuel plants, reserves could vanish by 2200 - and every decade of delay accelerates that timeline. 



Deep emission cuts now ease future pressure, while procrastination forces heavier reliance on shrinking storage space. 



One promising strategy is to prioritize underground capacity for carbon removal rather than fossil fuel capture.



Direct air capture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-farmland-can-be-used-for-climate-change-mitigation/">bioenergy</a> with carbon storage could actively draw carbon out of the atmosphere, offering a cooling effect. 



If the full capacity were dedicated to this role, global temperatures could fall by as much as 0.7 °C (1.3 °F), though in practice the impact may be closer to 0.4 °C (0.7 °F) because the climate system doesn’t respond perfectly symmetrically to removal and emission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reserves-unevenly-spread-worldwide">Reserves unevenly spread worldwide</h2>



Storage is not shared fairly across the globe. The United States, Russia, and Australia hold large, stable reserves. Europe and India lose far more under stricter risk rules.



Meanwhile, some nations in Africa and South America have vast potential but little historic responsibility for emissions. That imbalance raises thorny questions of justice - who gets to use the storage, and on what terms. 



Should wealthy nations pay for access to reserves in countries that contributed less to the crisis? Or should those with the largest reserves prioritize their own development needs first? 



These questions highlight deep inequalities that will shape future climate negotiations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storage-can-only-buy-time">Storage can only buy time</h2>



Some experts argue the true potential is larger, pointing to decades of safe use in oil and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-natural-hydrogen-deposit-discovery-is-worth-a-staggering-184-billion/">gas reservoirs</a>. 



They note that many depleted fields have held fluids securely for millions of years and could continue to hold injected carbon just as reliably.



Supporters of this view see existing infrastructure and technical expertise as proof that storage can operate at much greater scale than the conservative estimates suggest.



Even so, most researchers caution against treating underground storage as a limitless solution. It was never designed to be the final answer to climate change. 



At best, it should function as a bridge - a temporary measure that buys time while renewables expand, low-carbon industries mature, and societies shift away from fossil fuels.



In that sense, storage is less a cure and more a stabilizer, easing the transition without promising permanence. Its real value lies in supporting broader change, not replacing it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-future-depends-on-choices">Carbon future depends on choices</h2>



The message is clear: underground storage is limited, risky, and unevenly distributed. It can help, but only if used strategically. 



That means prioritizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/states-taking-action-on-their-own-can-cut-half-of-u-s-emissions/">emission cuts</a>, expanding clean energy, and reserving storage for removing carbon already in the air.



Treating it as infinite would squander one of the few tools that could still reverse warming, leaving future generations with fewer options, higher risks, and a far narrower path to a stable climate.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09423-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Earth has 10x less space for underground carbon storage than we thought - any other ideas?

Imagine Earth has a giant set of underground “storage lockers” where we can tuck away carbon dioxide (CO₂) for centuries so it doesn’t heat the planet. Scientists call this geologic carbon storage. It sounds simple: capture CO₂ from factories, power plants, or even the air, pipe it deep underground into the tiny spaces inside certain rocks, and lock it there. For years, underground storage of carbon dioxide looked and felt like a clever climate trick. Capture the gas, lock it in rock layers, and keep burning fossil...

Soil, often perceived as lifeless dirt, is a dynamic ecosystem teeming with bacteria, many of which naturally carry antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). These tiny genetic codes enable bacteria to resist antibiotics, posing a significant challenge when they spread to harmful bacteria capable of infecting humans.&nbsp;



Human activities like pollution and land-use changes disturb soil ecosystems, facilitating the transfer of these genes from soil bacteria to pathogens, which could exacerbate the global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antimicrobial-resistance-could-cause-39-million-deaths-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotic resistance</a> crisis.



Jingqiu Liao, an assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering, has led a new study to understand how soil bacteria contribute to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.&nbsp;



The findings emphasize that once bacteria acquire ARGs, they can rapidly transmit them to other species. This process transforms antibiotic resistance into an escalating public health concern.&nbsp;



By deciphering these mechanisms, scientists hope to develop strategies to control ARG spread, protecting human health and preserving antibiotics' efficacy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-threat-of-antibiotic-resistance-in-soil-nbsp">The threat of antibiotic resistance in soil&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-soil-bacteria-contribute-to-atmospheric-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soil</a> is a vibrant environment filled with diverse bacterial communities. While some bacteria naturally carry ARGs as a defense mechanism against antibiotics, the situation becomes dangerous when these genes spread to pathogenic bacteria. 



Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium found in soil, exemplifies this threat. When it infiltrates the food chain, it can cause listeriosis, a severe illness with fatality rates of 20–30% in vulnerable populations.&nbsp;



The ability of listeria to spread ARGs and infect humans makes it a critical model for studying the dynamics of antibiotic resistance in soil and its potential to spread to other environments.



According to Liao, soil is a crucial reservoir for ARGs, with environmental factors such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-pollution-is-harming-worms-and-bugs-to-an-unknown-degree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> and land use amplifying their prevalence. These factors create conditions that promote the survival, spread, and exchange of ARGs among bacteria. 



However, the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving ARG dynamics in soil remain poorly understood. To address this gap, her team used listeria as a model organism to unravel the emergence and development of ARGs in soil ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antibiotic-resistance-in-listeria">Antibiotic resistance in listeria</h2>



Liao’s team comprises a multidisciplinary group of researchers, including doctoral student Ying-Xian Goh, the study’s lead author.&nbsp;



Supported by <a href="https://infectiousdisease.fralinlifesci.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech’s Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens</a> Interdisciplinary Team-building Pilot Grant, the team is conducting comprehensive genetic and ecological analyses of ARGs. 



This project builds on earlier research, such as Liao’s previous study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-021-00935-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Microbiology</a>, which analyzed nearly 600 listeria genomes from soil samples across the United States.



The findings identify five primary ARGs prevalent nationwide and shed light on how these genes spread between bacteria.&nbsp;



Transformation, a process where bacteria acquire free-floating DNA containing ARGs from their environment, plays a key role.&nbsp;



Once a bacterium picks up an ARG, it can pass it to others, even across species. This rapid transfer of resistance genes underscores the urgency of the antibiotic resistance problem.&nbsp;



By studying ARG transmission in listeria, the team gained crucial insights into how resistance develops and propagates through ecosystems.



Liao highlighted the relevance of listeria as a model organism. Although clinical cases of listeria with antibiotic resistance remain low, the bacterium naturally resists several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanoplastics-can-alter-the-course-of-antibiotics-within-our-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">antibiotics</a> and is showing signs of increased resistance. This makes it an ideal candidate for tracking ARG development before it becomes a widespread clinical issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-soil-and-land-use">The impact of soil and land use</h2>



The study also examined how soil properties and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/40-percent-of-earths-land-has-became-permanently-drier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">land</a> use shape ARG diversity and distribution. For instance, soils rich in aluminum tend to encourage greater ARG diversity. 



Aluminum stress may prompt bacteria to retain resistance genes. In contrast, magnesium-rich soils seem to reduce ARG diversity, likely by lowering bacterial competition.&nbsp;



Wildlife presence in forested areas contributes to higher ARG prevalence as animals introduce these genes into the environment. Conversely, agricultural activities can alter soil composition and microbial communities, influencing ARG dynamics in bacteria like listeria.



Liao underscored the importance of minimizing activities that disturb soil conditions, such as improper waste disposal that may lead to metal contamination. She advises practicing good sanitation after activities like gardening to avoid potential exposure to ARGs and resistant bacteria in soil.&nbsp;



Understanding how environmental factors affect ARG spread is critical for developing strategies to mitigate antibiotic resistance and protect public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-combating-antibiotic-resistance">The future of combating antibiotic resistance</h2>



The study highlights the vital role of protecting natural ecosystems to curb ARG spread. Soil health preservation not only benefits the environment but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding future medical care.&nbsp;



Building on these findings, Liao aims to explore new strategies for controlling antibiotic resistance, ensuring that antibiotics remain effective against infections for generations to come.



Liao believes that a deeper understanding of the ecological drivers of ARGs in soil is essential to tackling this urgent global health threat.&nbsp;



“Establishing a fundamental understanding of the ecological drivers of these bacteria in the soil could help us better understand the emergence, evolution, and spread of antibiotic resistance,” she concluded.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54459-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Soil plays an overlooked role in antibiotic resistance

Soil, often perceived as lifeless dirt, is a dynamic ecosystem...

Common murres, resembling flying penguins, thrive in coastal ecosystems, where they dive into the ocean for fish and nest in large colonies along cliffs. Despite their robust appearance, these seabirds face immense threats from warming ocean conditions.



A new study, led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, sheds light on the devastating effects of marine heat waves on common murres in Alaska.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-counting-murre-carcasses">Counting murre carcasses</h2>



The University of Washington's Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (<a href="https://coasst.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COASST</a>), a citizen science initiative, played a vital role in uncovering the crisis. 



Coastal residents trained by COASST documented alarming numbers of murre carcasses on beaches. In 2020, COASST and other observers reported a mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-sea-ice-makes-it-harder-for-seabirds-to-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mortality event</a>, identifying over 62,000 murre carcasses along the West Coast and Alaska. 



In some areas, carcass counts exceeded normal levels by more than 1,000 times.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-heat-waves-on-common-murres">Impact of heat waves on common murres</h2>



The 2020 study, while highlighting the severity of the event, did not determine the total loss following the 2014-2016 marine heat wave known as "the blob." 



The new study fills that gap. By analyzing data from 13 murre colonies surveyed between 2008 and 2022, researchers estimate that 4 million common murres - half of Alaska’s population - died.



In the Gulf of Alaska, colony sizes declined by 50%, while colonies in the eastern Bering Sea saw a staggering 75% decline. The rate of recovery currently remains unknown.



“This study shows clear and surprisingly long-lasting impacts of a marine heat wave on a top marine predator species,” said Julia Parrish, a UW professor of aquatic and fishery sciences and co-author of the study. 



“Importantly, the effect of the heat wave wasn’t via thermal stress on the birds, but rather shifts in the food web leaving murres suddenly and fatally without enough <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seabirds-have-highly-sensitive-beaks-to-locate-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-blob-and-its-aftermath">"Warm blob" and its aftermath</h2>



The "warm blob," a patch of unusually warm water spanning from California to Alaska, disrupted ecosystems during its peak from late 2014 through 2016. 



It caused decreased ocean productivity, which led to food shortages for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reef-sharks-are-abandoning-their-homes-due-to-ocean-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine predators</a>, including seabirds. Analysis of murre carcasses confirmed starvation as the primary cause of death during the mass die-off.



Before the heat wave, Alaska housed about 8 million common murres, roughly a quarter of the global population. The murre population in Alaska has since halved in size.



Unlike previous, smaller die-offs, where murres rebounded, they do not appear to be recovering after this event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-intensifies-marine-heat">Climate change intensifies marine heat</h2>



The “warm blob” represents one of the most extreme marine heat waves recorded, but similar events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. 



A 2023 study, led by many of the same authors, revealed that even a 1°C increase in sea surface temperature over six months triggers seabird mass mortality events.



"Whether the warming comes from a heat wave, El Niño, Arctic sea ice loss or other forces, the message is clear: warmer water means massive ecosystem change and widespread impacts on seabirds," Parrish stated.



“The frequency and intensity of marine bird mortality events is ticking up in lockstep with ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emperor-penguins-are-struggling-to-survive-as-sea-ice-vanishes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troubling-lack-of-recovery">Troubling lack of recovery</h2>



The persistence of Alaska’s murre population decline highlights a critical challenge. 



The 2023 study suggested seabird populations typically need at least three years to recover from a marine heat wave. However, seven years after “the blob,” Alaska’s murres show no signs of bouncing back.



"We may now be at a tipping point of ecosystem rearrangement where recovery back to pre-die-off abundance is not possible," Parrish warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-common-murres-from-heat-waves">Saving common murres from heat waves</h2>



This study highlights the devastating and lasting impacts of marine heat waves on common murres and other marine species. 



With ocean warming intensifying under climate change, the frequency of such events will likely increase. Understanding these changes can inform conservation efforts and mitigate future impacts on vulnerable species.



Furthermore, coordinated global efforts are essential to address climate change and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/south-africa-will-bomb-invasive-mice-eating-seabirds-alive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguard marine ecosystems</a> for future generations.



Co-authors of the study include Brie Drummond and Jared Laufenberg from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, John Piatt from the World Puffin Congress, and Martin Renner of Tern Again Consulting.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq4330" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Millions of Alaska's seabirds starved to death after intense heat wave

Common murres, resembling flying penguins, thrive in coastal ecosystems, where...

Saltwater intrusion, a process where seawater infiltrates freshwater aquifers near coastlines, poses a growing threat to water supplies, ecosystems, and infrastructure.&nbsp;



According to a study led by researchers at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL), by the year 2100, three-quarters of the world’s coastal areas are likely to experience saltwater intrusion.



This is due to the combined effects of climate change, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> and reduced groundwater recharge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruption-of-the-natural-balance">Disruption of the natural balance</h2>



Under normal circumstances, coastal aquifers maintain a balance between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> flowing from land and seawater pressing inland. Rainfall replenishes these freshwater reserves, pushing the saltwater back toward the ocean, while ocean pressure exerts a counterforce.&nbsp;



In the transition zone where the two meet, a mix of freshwater and saltwater exists, but the equilibrium keeps saltwater from encroaching further inland.



Climate change is altering this delicate balance. Sea level rise, driven by global warming, is causing coastlines to shift inland, increasing the pressure of seawater on freshwater aquifers.&nbsp;



At the same time, reduced rainfall and warmer weather patterns are slowing the recharge of freshwater, weakening its ability to counteract the saltwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projected-impact-of-saltwater-intrusion-nbsp">Projected impact of saltwater intrusion&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110359" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, analyzed over 60,000 coastal watersheds worldwide to assess how saltwater intrusion might evolve by the end of the century.&nbsp;



The researchers considered two primary drivers of the phenomenon - sea level rise and reduced groundwater recharge - both individually and in combination.



Spurred by planetary warming, sea level rise is making coastlines to migrate inland and increase the force pushing salt water landward. Moreover, slower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> recharge due to less rainfall and warmer weather is weakening the force moving the underground fresh water in some regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saltwater-intrusion-into-coastal-watersheds-nbsp">Saltwater intrusion into coastal watersheds&nbsp;</h2>



When examined separately, sea level rise is expected to cause saltwater to encroach in 82% of coastal watersheds.&nbsp;



In these areas, the transition zone between fresh and saltwater is projected to move up to 656 feet (200 meters) inland, particularly affecting low-lying regions such as Southeast Asia, the Gulf of Mexico, and the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.



In 45% of the watersheds studied, slower groundwater recharge will independently drive saltwater intrusion farther inland, with the transition zone advancing as much as three-quarters of a mile (1,200 meters) in some places.&nbsp;



Regions most impacted by reduced recharge include the Arabian Peninsula, Western Australia, and Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.



Combining these effects, the study predicts that 77% of coastal watersheds will experience saltwater intrusion by 2100.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-saltwater-intrusion-nbsp">Factors influencing saltwater intrusion&nbsp;</h2>



According to study lead author Kyra Adams, a groundwater scientist at JPL, lower rates of groundwater recharge will drive how far saltwater intrudes inland, while sea level rise will have a major effect on how widespread it is around the world.&nbsp;



Adams emphasized that local management strategies will need to be tailored to the dominant factor in each region. For instance, if low recharge is the main reason intrusion is happening in one region, officials could address it by protecting groundwater resources.&nbsp;



However, if the greater concern is that sea level rise will oversaturate aquifers, officials might choose to divert groundwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impacts-of-sea-level-rise">The impacts of sea level rise</h2>



The study is part of a broader effort to evaluate how sea level rise will impact coastal regions, co-funded by <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and the <a href="https://www.defense.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Defense</a>. It used data from HydroSHEDS, a <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>-managed database based on elevation observations from NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission.&nbsp;



The researchers employed a model that incorporated variables such as groundwater recharge rates, water table changes, and sea level rise to estimate saltwater intrusion distances.



According to co-author Ben Hamlington, a climate scientist at JPL, a globally consistent framework which captures localized climate impacts is essential for countries that don’t have the necessary expertise to generate one on their own.&nbsp;



“Those that have the fewest resources are the ones most affected by sea level rise and climate change, so this kind of approach can go a long way,” he said.



Hamlington likened the issue of saltwater intrusion to the risks posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal flooding</a>.&nbsp;



“As sea levels rise, there’s an increased risk of flooding everywhere. With saltwater intrusion, we’re seeing that sea level rise is raising the baseline risk for changes in groundwater recharge to become a serious factor,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-a-new-reality">Preparing for a new reality</h2>



The findings underscore the urgency of proactive measures to manage saltwater intrusion and protect freshwater supplies.&nbsp;



From safeguarding drinking water to preserving ecosystems and infrastructure, governments and local officials must act swiftly to address this growing threat.&nbsp;



With a clear and consistent model provided by this study, communities around the globe can better understand and mitigate the long-term impacts of saltwater intrusion.



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Saltwater intrusion threatens coastal groundwater supplies worldwide

Saltwater intrusion, a process where seawater infiltrates freshwater aquifers near...

Trees offer undeniable cooling benefits during the day by providing shade and reducing heat through evaporation. However, new research&nbsp;reveals that at night, tree canopies can trap heat and potentially increase temperatures.



The study, led by scientists from the University of Cambridge, emphasizes the importance of strategic planning when integrating trees into urban landscapes to combat heat stress effectively.



"Trees have a crucial role to play in cooling cities down, but we need to plant them much more strategically to maximize the benefits which they can provide," said Dr. Ronita Bardhan, an associate professor at the University of Cambridge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-urban-heat-stress">Rising temperatures and urban heat stress</h2>



Urban heat stress has become a global concern that is linked to health issues, increased energy demands, social inequalities, and infrastructure challenges.



Many cities have turned to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> as a mitigation strategy. Yet, the study warns that the wrong species or poor placement can negate these benefits.



By analyzing 182 studies covering 17 climates and 110 cities, the researchers have conducted the first global assessment of urban tree cooling. Findings highlight the complex interplay between tree species, urban layouts, and local climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-vs-night-cooling-dynamics">Day vs. night cooling dynamics</h2>



Trees cool cities during the day by blocking solar radiation, evaporating water through their leaves, and influencing airflow with their foliage.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li></li>
</ol>



At night, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-relocating-in-a-race-against-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree</a> canopies can trap longwave radiation from the ground, leading to a warming effect. 



This phenomenon, caused by aerodynamic resistance and stomatal closure (a response to heat and drought), varies significantly across climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-specific-cooling-and-heating-effects">Climate-specific cooling and heating effects</h2>



The analysis revealed that urban trees provide varying degrees of cooling and heating depending on the climate:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Tropical wet and dry climates: Trees cooled cities by up to 12°C (21.6°F) but warmed them by 0.8°C (1.44°F) at night.</li>



<li>Arid climates: Cooling reached over 9°C (16.2°F), while nighttime warming was 0.4°C (0.72°F).</li>



<li>Temperate climates: Daytime cooling was 6°C (10.8°F), with a nighttime warming effect of 1.5°C (2.7°F).</li>



<li>Tropical rainforest climates: Cooling dropped to 2°C (3.6°F), with 0.8°C (1.44°F) warming at night.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-tree-planting-for-maximum-cooling">Strategic tree planting for maximum cooling</h2>



Cities with open urban layouts and mixed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree species</a> (evergreen and deciduous) achieved better cooling results, especially in temperate and tropical climates. Mixed species provide seasonal shading and three-dimensional cooling.



In arid regions, compact urban areas (like Cairo and Dubai) with evergreen trees experienced significant cooling benefits. Open spaces in low-rise cities allowed for larger tree canopies, further enhancing cooling by 0.4°C.



"Our study provides context-specific greening guidelines for urban planners to more effectively harness tree cooling in the face of global warming," noted Dr. Bardhan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-matching-trees-to-urban-features">Matching trees to urban features</h2>



The study emphasized the importance of compatibility between tree species and urban features. Factors such as street orientation, visible sky ratio, and aspect ratio impact tree cooling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-have-an-amazing-ability-to-adapt-to-new-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">efficacy</a>.



In compact urban zones with high temperatures, excessive canopy cover can trap heat at pedestrian levels. 



The researchers recommend using narrow species and sparse planting strategies in such areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-trees-solutions-for-urban-cooling">Beyond trees: Solutions for urban cooling</h2>



While trees are valuable, the study from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a> urges reliance on complementary strategies like solar shading and reflective materials. These solutions enhance urban cooling without the unintended effects of poorly planned tree placement.



To assist urban planners, the researchers developed an interactive map and database. This tool helps estimate cooling efficacy based on data from cities with similar climates and urban features.



"Urban planners should plan for future warmer climates by choosing resilient species which will continue to thrive and maintain cooling benefits," said Dr. Bardhan.



In summary, strategic tree planting can significantly mitigate urban heat stress, but careful consideration is essential. 



Selecting the right species, planting them in optimal locations, and incorporating complementary solutions can ensure that cities maximize cooling benefits while minimizing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-oak-trees-isoprene-emissions-air-pollution-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unintended consequences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cooling-power-of-trees">The cooling power of trees</h2>



Large, mature trees provide greater cooling benefits due to their expansive canopies, which block sunlight and facilitate higher evaporation rates. 



Broadleaf species are especially effective, offering more shade and water evaporation compared to needleleaf trees. When planted in clusters, trees create a synergistic cooling effect by enhancing air circulation and providing widespread shade.



Proximity to water bodies further amplifies cooling effects, as the combination of tree shade and evaporation from water surfaces creates cooler microclimates. 



Native species often outperform non-native ones, as they are better adapted to local climates and conditions.



Evergreen trees offer year-round cooling, particularly in regions with less distinct seasonal changes. Additionally, leaf color influences cooling, with lighter-colored leaves absorbing less heat. Tree roots also play a role, cooling the soil and supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-one-third-of-the-worlds-trees-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthier ecosystems</a>.



A diverse mix of tree species strengthens urban forests, making them resilient to pests and ensuring long-lasting cooling benefits.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01908-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Planting trees in the wrong place can make cities hotter

Trees offer undeniable cooling benefits during the day by providing...

Scientists have long wondered how the northern Gulf of Mexico receives most of its nitrogen load. An intriguing study led by researchers at Boston College has finally solved this mystery.



The team discovered that heavy rain and runoff, rather than a constant flow from sources both below and above ground, transport the highest amounts of nitrogen from fertilizer into the Gulf.



Study lead author Xingchen (Tony) Wang is an assistant professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Boston College.



Wang believes this research could advance our understanding of nitrogen delivery to the Gulf, ultimately helping to develop protective policies for the northern Gulf of Mexico.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges-faced-by-the-gulf">Environmental challenges faced by the Gulf</h2>



"The northern Gulf of Mexico faces significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/home-fragrances-impact-indoor-air-quality-and-the-health-risks-are-alarming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental challenges</a>, including nutrient overloading, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen-depleted ‘dead zones’,"&nbsp; Wang said. 



"These issues are primarily driven by nitrogen pollution transported via <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/streams-near-farms-are-fizzy-with-nitrous-oxide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>, with the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin - a major agricultural hub in North America - being a key contributor."



To comprehend how different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-nutrient-loss-due-to-heavy-rainfall-threatens-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen</a> sources, especially fertilizers, flow into the Gulf under varying hydrological conditions, Wang's lab collaborated with fellow researchers from various universities.



The Army Corps of Engineers funded this intriguing project. Wang is hopeful that the insights derived from the study will improve our grasp of pollution dynamics and inform effective mitigation strategies in future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-flow-in-the-gulf">Nitrogen flow in the Gulf</h2>



The Gulf of Mexico receives water from 33 major rivers, draining from 31 states and two Canadian provinces. 



The researchers collected water and particle samples from the Wax Lake Delta, a pivotal distributary of the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin, in 2021. Wang's lab further analyzed these samples for nitrogen isotope composition.



Nitrogen has two stable isotopes - nitrogen-14 and nitrogen-15. Wang noted that sources of nitrogen often display distinct nitrogen-15 to nitrogen-14 ratios, allowing the scientists to trace and characterize nitrogen sources effectively in the Wax Lake Delta.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasonal-shifts-in-nitrogen-sources">Seasonal shifts in nitrogen sources</h2>



The researchers found lower nitrogen isotope ratios characteristic of nitrogen originating from fertilizers. Interestingly, the nitrogen-15 to nitrogen-14 ratios in samples collected during the wet season were consistently lower than those from the dry season.



Co-authored by <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.C. Santa Barbara</a>'s Gen Li, <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>'s Michael Lamb, and <a href="https://www.bc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boston College</a> professors Noah Snyder and Hanqin Tian, the study also revealed that groundwater nitrogen becomes the dominant source during the dry season.



“We were somewhat surprised to observe such a significant shift in anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen sources</a> between the dry and wet seasons, which had not been identified in previous studies,” said co-author Jian-Jhih (Kenji) Chen, who was a postdoc researcher in the Wang Lab during the project.



The study strongly emphasizes the crucial role of hydrology in controlling nitrogen pollution in the northern Gulf of Mexico.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-challenges-of-nitrogen-pollution-in-the-gulf">Future challenges of nitrogen pollution in the Gulf</h2>



Climate change is expected to escalate the number of extreme precipitation events which would, in turn, amplify the transport of fertilizer-derived nitrogen into the Gulf. This would intensify hypoxic conditions further, warns Professor Wang.



However, the study suggests that the negative impacts could be softened by aligning the timing of fertilizer usage with crops known to diminish nitrogen loading and its environmental repercussions in the Gulf.



The team's future research will focus on tracing the journey of anthropogenic nitrogen in the Gulf of Mexico. The scientists seek to understand whether this nitrogen remains trapped in coastal zones or gets transported into the Gulf's open waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nitrogen-pollution-a-global-issue">Nitrogen pollution: A global issue</h2>



Nitrogen pollution is a global issue that affects water quality and marine life. Excess nitrogen from agriculture, sewage, and industrial waste often enters rivers and coastal areas, leading to eutrophication. 



This process results in algal blooms, which reduce oxygen levels and harm aquatic ecosystems. In addition to the Gulf of Mexico, nitrogen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-plants-produce-their-own-nitrogen-fertilizer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> impacts ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay and Baltic Sea. 



Urban areas also contribute significantly through stormwater runoff that contains fertilizers and waste. Addressing this issue requires reducing nitrogen emissions, improving wastewater treatment, and promoting sustainable farming practices.



Public awareness and community participation can play crucial roles in minimizing nitrogen’s environmental impact.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01873-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a>.



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Nitrogen pollution in the Gulf of Mexico linked to heavy rainfall 

Scientists have long wondered how the northern Gulf of Mexico...

Smoke blankets our cities more frequently than ever, thanks to uninvited wildfires that seem to burn longer each year.



In 2023, a relentless Canadian wildfire season gave rise to the usual calm smoke patterns that cast a hazy veil over American cities, but this time much further to the east than usual.



A recent study attempted to map these patterns, helping us to understand their origin and impact, especially in the context of worsening respiratory conditions like asthma that affect millions of Americans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-the-smoke-signals">Chasing the smoke signals</h2>



A team of researchers set out to decode this smoke screen, making use of satellite imagery and levels of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-driven-wildfires-worsen-u-s-air-quality-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particulate matter</a>.



Their innovative algorithm managed to identify which regions bore the brunt of the smoke in the past five years.



It came as no surprise that Oregon, Nevada, Washington, and other western states were frequently subject to high smoke levels.



However, in 2023, metropolitan areas extending as far east as Baltimore were also unexpectedly flooded with smoke, while Wisconsin and Minnesota were the unwilling recipients of smoke from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-released-640-million-metric-tons-of-carbon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian forest fires</a>.



The research was conducted by by Dan Jaffe, an atmospheric chemist at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>, and his team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-smoke-days-across-cities">Measuring smoke days across cities</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> are not a novel phenomenon, their size and frequency have been amplified by climate change. 



As people migrate from urban areas to more fire-prone ones like woodlands, more of the population finds itself at the mercy of these smoke clouds.



The traditional approach to quantifying the impact of wildfire smoke revolves around measuring "smoke days." This tedious method involves long data analysis periods that often extend to a year.



To expedite this process, Jaffe and his team devised an algorithm that could speedily sift through sets of data - including satellite images of smoke and ground-level PM2.5 concentrations - measured across the United States between 2019 and 2023.



The researchers analyzed health data from hospitals in these cities to gauge the influence of haze on emergency room visits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unsettling-2023-wildfire-season">The unsettling 2023 wildfire season</h2>



The year 2023 was branded as an anomaly, with the Canadian forests being ravaged, and the Midwest bearing the brunt of the smoke. This resulted in an unprecedented surge of emergency room visits related to wildfire smoke. 



The team estimates that smoke-related visits accounted for one-third of all PM2.5-related emergency room visits in Detroit in 2023. This spike was likely due to the influx of smoke from the Canadian fires.



During this period, the entire country recorded an additional 16,000 emergency room visits on "smoke days." 



In Bend, Oregon, a city known for its clean air outside of fire season, around 60% of asthma-related visits in 2023 were linked to smoke.



What does this tell us? Wildfire patterns are evolving in North America, with significant health implications for millions. 



The long-term impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-exposure-linked-to-mental-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke exposure</a> are just beginning to be understood. Anomalies like 2023 may not become the norm immediately, but they highlight the need for cities to plan for both "normal" and "extreme" years. 



"For cities and towns, I think it’s important to be planning ahead and thinking about what’s a normal year, and what’s an extreme year," cautioned Jaffe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-for-a-smoky-future">Planning for a smoky future</h2>



As wildfire smoke becomes an increasingly prevalent urban challenge, communities and policymakers must develop comprehensive strategies to protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">public health</a>, as adaptation is no longer optional but necessary.



Local governments can start by creating robust early warning systems that alert residents to dangerous smoke levels, enabling vulnerable populations to take protective measures.



Infrastructure improvements present another critical avenue. Cities could invest in better air filtration systems for public buildings, hospitals, and schools. 



Some municipalities are already exploring innovative solutions like creating clean air shelters during extreme smoke events, which would provide safe spaces for residents with respiratory conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-smoke-related-health-emergencies">Preparing for smoke-related health emergencies</h2>



Healthcare systems must also evolve. The research by Jaffe and his team highlights the need for hospitals to anticipate and prepare for smoke-related health emergencies. 



This might involve increasing staffing during fire seasons, creating specialized respiratory response teams, and developing targeted treatment protocols for smoke-induced health complications.



On an individual level, residents in smoke-prone regions should consider practical preparedness. This includes maintaining high-quality air purifiers at home, having N95 masks readily available, and developing personal emergency plans that account for potential smoke events.



The broader message is clear: wildfire smoke is no longer a regional problem but a national health concern. 



As climate change continues to reshape our environmental landscape, our approach to urban health must be equally dynamic and forward-thinking.



The research was presented at the AGU's 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., an event that brings together over 26,000 scientists to exchange insights on Earth and space science research. Details of the presentation are available <a href="https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu24/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1603711">here</a>.



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Smoke exposure is a growing public health threat in American cities

Smoke blankets our cities more frequently than ever, thanks to...

No two bodies of water are alike, and the North Atlantic Ocean is no exception. Each has its distinct characteristics, its own rhythm and - as recently discovered by researchers - its own memory.



Experts at the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/">University of Liverpool</a> have shifted the tides of understanding by developing an innovative technique to quantify ocean memory. 



The team found that the North Atlantic Ocean possesses a memory of anomalous environmental changes that stretches back between one and two decades - far longer than the few years previously assumed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-anomalies-in-the-ocean">Temperature anomalies in the ocean </h2>



For those unfamiliar with the concept, "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-ocean-is-losing-its-memory-and-becoming-less-predictable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean memory</a>" is a measure of the durability of marine conditions. 



The researchers set out to investigate how long temperature anomalies in the ocean persist before being fully dissipated.



The results of various models showed that such anomalies can have effects for a full 10 to 20 years before fading. 



The team noted that variability can occur from region to region due to differences in background circulation and basin size.



Understanding ocean memory is critical for predicting variations in the climate system that extend beyond immediate weather patterns.



The essential question about how long the ocean remembers has been challenging to answer. This is due to the persistent changes in atmospheric impulsion that hide the extended impacts of ocean circulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-evaluating-ocean-memory">A new approach to evaluating ocean memory</h2>



In a research paper published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, the Liverpool-based team has presented their unique approach to assessing the memory span of the oceans.



The technique involves monitoring the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-were-a-driving-force-behind-2023s-record-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> following a singular atmospheric event of great intensity.



Both swift and slow reactions were noted, revealing an immediate atmospheric effect on surface temperature, followed by a delayed reorganization of oceanic heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-the-north-atlantic-ocean-s-memory">Rethinking the North Atlantic Ocean's memory</h2>



The team attributes the North Atlantic Ocean's extended memory, in particular, to the slow progression of alterations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceanic circulation</a> and heat distribution. 



This suggests that variations in ocean temperatures can notably affect regional climates, such as air temperatures, for more than a decade.



The implications of this research are profound. It corroborates the idea that meticulous analyses of observations could augment the accuracy of future climate projections spanning over a decade.



Study lead author Dr. Hemant Khatri noted that the study addresses the fundamental question of what ocean memory truly is.



He explained that the new framework sheds light on the physical mechanisms responsible for the multi-year memory of the ocean and opens up avenues for the development of fresh methods to evaluate climate models.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-gap-in-climate-model-predictions">Critical gap in climate model predictions</h2>



Study co-author Professor Ric Williams celebrated the fact that this is the first time scientists have been able to measure ocean memory. 



Professor Williams pointed out that, in contrast to observation-based estimations, even the most advanced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a> have considerably underestimated ocean memory. These models have estimated its duration to be only 8-10 years.



This significant discrepancy could have far-reaching consequences for the precision of decadal climate forecasts that are derived from these models.



"Our work shows how the ocean affects our climate and how understanding the ocean temperature changes leads to enhanced skills over the next decade in climate projections,” said Professor Williams.



As we continue to explore the profound depths of the ocean's memory, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of our planet and the urgency for more accurate climate models. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-influence-of-the-north-atlantic-ocean">Climate influence of the North Atlantic Ocean </h2>



The North Atlantic Ocean is not merely a vast body of water, but a dynamic force that plays a pivotal role in regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tiny-aerosols-in-sea-spray-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's climate</a>. 



As a key component of the global ocean circulation system, it acts as a central hub for the transport of heat, carbon, and other essential elements across the planet. 



The intricate interplay of temperature and salinity in the North Atlantic not only influences local weather patterns but also has far-reaching implications for sea level rise and even for the stability of major climate systems.



Understanding these complex dynamics is of paramount importance in improving climate projections and enhancing our ability to prepare for future climatic shifts. 



The North Atlantic's influence extends beyond its immediate vicinity, with its interactions reverberating throughout the interconnected web of Earth's climate. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024GL110333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



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North Atlantic Ocean has a memory that lasts up to 20 years

No two bodies of water are alike, and the North...

Unfortunately for some, the simple act of breathing could be causing significant harm - and even death. A recent study from Karolinska Institutet highlights the devastating health impacts of air pollution in India.



The research emphasizes the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations to protect the health of India's 1.4 billion residents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pm2-5-a-major-health-hazard">PM2.5: A major health hazard</h2>



The study focuses on PM2.5 particles - airborne <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/home-fragrances-impact-indoor-air-quality-and-the-health-risks-are-alarming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing severe health risks.



Over a ten-year span (2009–2019), the researchers examined the connection between PM2.5 levels and mortality across 655 districts in India.



"We found that every 10 microgram per cubic metre increase in PM2.5 concentration led to an 8.6 percent increase in mortality," said study co-author Petter Ljungman, a researcher at the Institute of Environmental Medicine at <a href="https://ki.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karolinska Institutet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alarming-mortality-linked-to-air-pollution">Alarming mortality linked to air pollution</h2>



The findings reveal that air <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/understanding-how-air-pollution-forms-may-help-us-prevent-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> exceeding India's own air quality guidelines of 40 micrograms per cubic meter contributed to approximately 3.8 million deaths during the study period.



However, when measured against the stricter World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter, the toll rose to a staggering 16.6 million deaths - accounting for nearly 25% of all deaths in India during that time.



The study emphasizes that no region in India meets the WHO's air quality standards. In fact, some areas recorded PM2.5 levels as high as 119 micrograms per cubic meter, far surpassing even India's less stringent guidelines.



This means that the entire population of India is consistently exposed to harmful pollution levels, year after year.



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



“The results show that current guidelines in India are not sufficient to protect health. Stricter regulations and measures to reduce emissions are of utmost importance,” said Ljungman.



Although the Indian government launched the&nbsp;National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)&nbsp;in 2017 to tackle air pollution, PM2.5 concentrations have continued to rise in several regions of India. 



The researchers point out that PM2.5 particles can travel hundreds of kilometers, making it crucial to address both local and long-range sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fires-linked-to-1-53-million-deaths-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-collaboration-for-a-growing-problem">Global collaboration for a growing problem</h2>



This research on air pollution was a collaborative effort involving experts from&nbsp;India, Sweden, the USA, Israel, and Italy. 



It highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating air pollution - a problem that knows no borders. The study was funded by Formas, Sweden’s research council for sustainable development.



"Our study provides evidence that can be used to create better air quality policies, both in India and globally," said Ljungman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-millions-of-annual-deaths-worldwide">Millions of annual deaths worldwide</h2>



Air pollution is a growing global health crisis, impacting not only respiratory health but also increasing the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heart-disease-patients-have-a-unique-vulnerability-to-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>, diabetes, and premature births. 



According to the WHO, air pollution is responsible for&nbsp;7 million deaths worldwide annually, making it one of the leading causes of mortality. 



In urban areas, air pollution in India is driven by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and construction dust, which contribute heavily to PM2.5 levels. Rural areas, on the other hand, face challenges from biomass burning and agricultural residue fires, further worsening the pollution crisis.



Additionally, long-term exposure to pollutants can lead to chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even cognitive decline. 



Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, face heightened risks. The economic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-air-quality-trends-revealed-in-new-images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">burden of air pollution</a> is also immense, affecting productivity and leading to higher healthcare costs.



Governments worldwide are introducing measures such as emission controls, cleaner energy sources, and stricter air quality standards to combat this issue. However, achieving significant results requires collective action at local, national, and global levels.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-to-combat-air-pollution">Urgent need to combat air pollution </h2>



The findings of this study bring to light the public health emergency caused by air pollution in India.



As millions of lives are at stake, it is imperative for policymakers to adopt stricter air quality standards and implement measures to reduce emissions effectively. 



Beyond India, these results serve as a wake-up call for the global community to prioritize clean air initiatives and combat this silent killer.



The study is recently published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(24)00248-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet Planetary Health</a>.



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Millions of deaths in India linked to air pollution

Unfortunately for some, the simple act of breathing could be...

Periods of sudden melting across the Antarctic ice sheet have been discovered in a new climate record dating back over 20 million years.



This research, led by geoscientists from the University of Leicester and the University of Southampton, sheds light on the sensitivity of Earth’s early ice ages to changes in the planet’s orbit.



The study highlights the implications for the Antarctic ice sheet’s stability in today’s warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-ice-sheet-s-past">Antarctic ice sheet’s past</h2>



The Antarctic ice sheet has <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fluctuated in size</a> throughout its history, akin to a heartbeat. However, records from different ocean locations have revealed variations in these "heartbeats" - an anomaly that has puzzled scientists.



This shouldn’t happen because Antarctic ice changes should leave the same mark across the ocean.



These variations are linked to the Earth’s eccentric orbit, which changes over hundreds of thousands to millions of years. During more eccentric orbits, Earth’s distance from the Sun fluctuates significantly, leading to periods of higher heat exposure when the planet is closer. 



This increased heat disrupts the climate system, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">triggering rapid ice melting</a>. Conversely, during more circular orbits, the ice sheet remains more stable and shows less melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unstable-antarctic-ice-sheets">Unstable Antarctic ice sheets </h2>



The researchers examined the period between 28 and 20 million years ago, a time when Earth was warmer.



The team utilized geological cores from an Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) expedition to reconstruct past climate changes.



These cores, recovered from the northwest Atlantic Ocean, contain oxygen isotope records that help scientists determine whether the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet</a> expanded or contracted at different times.



"From our research, we can see that the Antarctic ice sheet is more unstable than previously thought. We demonstrate how sensitive the geologically early Antarctic ice sheet was to changes in Earth’s orbit and axis," explained Dr. Tim van Peer from the <a href="https://le.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>.



"We cannot assume that the modern-day Antarctic ice sheet is stable. If climate emissions continue unabated, we are on course to melt a large amount of the Antarctic ice sheet."



"We need to mitigate climate change by reducing our emissions. This is the only way to not cross tipping points in the stability of the Antarctic ice sheet."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-microorganisms-and-fossils">Insights from microorganisms and fossils</h2>



The research team analyzed samples containing microorganisms from the geological cores. These microorganisms preserve ocean chemistry in their shells, which record the oxygen isotope ratio. By measuring these ratios, the scientists established a timeline of ice sheet growth and melting events.



"It may be a surprising thing to learn that we take the pulse of the Antarctic ice sheet by doing some simple chemistry on pinhead-sized fossil shells from the deep seafloor on the other side of the world," noted Professor Paul Wilson from the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>.



"But the really beautiful thing is that we can do it back through the geological record over tens of millions of years. Earth science is about time travel into the past and we are always learning lessons to help us understand our future."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-effort-to-understand-earth-s-history">Collaborative effort to understand Earth's history </h2>



This research represents a multinational partnership, primarily involving scientists from the U.K. and Germany. It was supported by the U.K. Research and Innovation/Natural Environment Research Council and the German Science Foundation.



The IODP, a publicly funded international marine research program involving 21 countries, facilitated this work. IODP explores Earth’s history and dynamics by analyzing seafloor sediments and rocks. Samples for this study were collected during Expedition 342 and built upon years of collaborative effort.



The University of Leicester has a long-standing involvement in IODP, dating back to the 1980s. Recent expeditions include "Hawai’ian Drowned Reefs" and "Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench (JTRACK)." 



These expeditions continue to deepen our understanding of Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate history</a> and inform predictions about the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-the-future-of-antarctic-ice-sheets">Predicting the future of Antarctic ice sheets</h2>



The study’s findings provide a critical benchmark for improving climate models. By understanding past climate dynamics, scientists can better predict the future impacts of Antarctic ice <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-loss-may-have-reached-an-irreversible-tipping-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sheet</a> melting. 



As the research highlights, reducing emissions remains the key to preventing irreversible changes to Earth’s climate system.



This glimpse into Earth’s ancient climate highlights the delicate balance of the Antarctic ice sheet and its profound implications for our planet’s future.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-54186-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Antarctic ice sheet patterns point to rapid melting risks

Periods of sudden melting across the Antarctic ice sheet have...

Researchers have recently concluded that the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is now almost certainly out of reach.&nbsp;



This stark finding suggests that the years ahead will almost inevitably break existing heat records - no matter how quickly greenhouse gas emissions decline.



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/%202024GL111832" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, indicates a 50% chance that even if humanity achieves current targets for rapidly reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a> to net-zero by the 2050s, global warming could breach two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limiting-global-warming-with-decarbonization">Limiting global warming with decarbonization </h2>



Previous research, including assessments by the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>, had concluded that such decarbonization would likely keep warming below two degrees.



Noah Diffenbaugh, a climate scientist at the <a href="https://sustainability.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability</a>, co-authored the study with <a href="https://www.colostate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado State University</a> climate scientist Elizabeth Barnes.



“We’ve been seeing accelerating impacts around the world in recent years, from heatwaves and heavy rainfall and other extremes,” said Diffenbaugh.



“This study suggests that, even in the best case scenario, we are very likely to experience conditions that are more severe than what we’ve been dealing with recently.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-beyond-the-1-5-degree-threshold">Global warming beyond the 1.5-degree threshold</h2>



The new findings emphasize the speed at which the world is moving past critical warming goals. This year stands poised to surpass 2023 as Earth’s hottest year on record, with global average temperatures set to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius (nearly 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;



According to the study, there is a nine-in-ten chance that the hottest year this century will be at least half a degree Celsius hotter - even if the world manages rapid decarbonization.



These alarming projections underscore that surpassing the 1.5-degree threshold is no longer a question of “if” but “when.”&nbsp;



The significance is profound, given that this limit was a central target of the 2015 Paris Agreement, where nearly 200 nations pledged to keep warming “well below” two degrees while striving for 1.5 degrees.&nbsp;



The study aligns with a growing body of evidence indicating that the 1.5-degree benchmark will be crossed, shifting the conversation toward how much hotter the planet will become.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-ai-to-fine-tune-projections">Harnessing AI to fine-tune projections</h2>



For this research, Diffenbaugh and Barnes employed an innovative approach: they trained an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-reveals-hidden-climate-extremes-in-europe/">AI </a>system to forecast global temperatures under various emissions scenarios.&nbsp;



The AI integrated temperature and greenhouse gas data from extensive climate model simulations and real historical temperatures. Armed with these inputs, it provided more refined projections than previously possible.



“AI is emerging as an incredibly powerful tool for reducing uncertainty in future projections. It learns from the many climate model simulations that already exist, but its predictions are then further refined by real-world observations,” said Barnes, a professor of atmospheric science at Colorado State.



This technique reduces uncertainty and hones in on more precise outcomes. By improving accuracy, policymakers gain a clearer understanding of the future they face, potentially guiding more informed decisions about mitigation and adaptation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surpassing-three-degrees-of-warming-nbsp">Surpassing three degrees of warming&nbsp;</h2>



A second paper by Barnes, Diffenbaugh, and co-author Sonia Seneviratne from ETH-Zurich suggests that many regions - including South Asia, the Mediterranean, Central Europe, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa - will surpass three degrees Celsius of warming by 2060 under scenarios of increasing emissions.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad91ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>, notes that this warming may come sooner than previous models anticipated, indicating that some parts of the world face rapidly intensifying climate conditions.



The significance of surpassing such thresholds is immense. The consequences of even minor increases in temperature can cascade into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a>, crop failures, water shortages, and heightened risks to human health and infrastructure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-climate-extremes">Preparing for climate extremes</h2>



Both new studies build on earlier research by Diffenbaugh and Barnes that anticipated the timeline until warming goals are breached. However, rather than focusing solely on multi-year averages, the team shifted attention to the most extreme years and conditions.&nbsp;



This perspective offers a glimpse into a future where temperatures and weather events are more volatile and challenging than the current average conditions can convey.



“As we watched these severe impacts year after year, we became more and more interested in predicting how extreme the climate could get even if the world is fully successful at rapidly reducing emissions,” said Diffenbaugh.&nbsp;



This approach acknowledges that even meeting emissions targets may fail to shield humanity from extremes surpassing what we now experience.



For a scenario in which emissions are cut rapidly and reach net-zero in the 2050s - the most optimistic widely modeled scenario - there is a nine-in-ten chance that the hottest year this century will be at least 1.8 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial times.&nbsp;



Moreover, there is a two-in-three chance it will be at least 2.1 degrees hotter. If emissions remain too high to reach net-zero by 2100, a nine-in-ten chance emerges that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest year</a> will be three degrees Celsius hotter. Under such circumstances, many regions could experience anomalies at least triple what occurred in 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-a-new-normal">Adapting to a new normal</h2>



The projections highlight that even with robust decarbonization, the world must brace for greater extremes. Historically, climate policy and investment have prioritized mitigation - reducing carbon emissions - over adaptation, which focuses on reducing vulnerability to climate impacts.&nbsp;



Decarbonization spending outpaces adaptation investments worldwide, as seen in policies like the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act in the United States.



“Our results suggest that even if all the effort and investment in decarbonization is as successful as possible, there is a real risk that, without commensurate investments in adaptation, people and ecosystems will be exposed to climate conditions that are much more extreme than what they are currently prepared for,” Diffenbaugh warned.



Adapting to these changed conditions will be essential. Without measures to increase resilience - such as improved infrastructure, healthcare systems prepared for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recognizing-symptoms-heat-related-illness-as-global-temperatures-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat-related illnesses</a>, agriculture tailored to new climate realities, and water resources managed to handle drought or flood - societies risk severe disruptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-thresholds-into-severe-climate-extremes-nbsp">Beyond thresholds into severe climate extremes&nbsp;</h2>



As the planet warms and thresholds are surpassed, scientists and policymakers alike must grapple with uncertainty.&nbsp;



The research reveals a persistent gap between decarbonization goals and the severity of future extremes.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the AI-driven approach to refine climate projections may become a cornerstone of climate modeling, offering a more accurate and immediate window into what lies ahead.



The new knowledge that even optimistic emission scenarios may not prevent severe climate extremes underscores the importance of immediate and comprehensive action.&nbsp;



Ensuring that investments in both mitigation and adaptation proceed in tandem could help protect human communities, ecosystems, and the global economy from the worst consequences of an increasingly warming world.



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AI prediction: Limiting global warming to 1.5°C is "almost certainly" already out of reach 

Researchers have recently concluded that the global goal of limiting...

A recent study has revealed that hedgehogs living in the same semi-rural area show remarkable variation in their hibernation timing and patterns.&nbsp;



Some individuals begin hibernating up to three months later than others - a flexibility that researchers believe could help them adapt to climate change and urbanization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hibernation-habits-of-wild-hedgehogs-nbsp">Hibernation habits of wild hedgehogs&nbsp;</h2>



The study, carried out by researchers at <a href="https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool John Moores University</a>, tracked the hibernation behaviors of wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hedgehogs-face-extinction-as-their-habitats-vanish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hedgehogs</a> on an unused golf course in the Wirral.&nbsp;



Using radio trackers to monitor their locations and skin temperatures, alongside nighttime observations with torches, the researchers uncovered unexpected diversity in hibernation habits.



“It was a surprise to see wild hedgehogs living in the same environment have so much variation in their hibernation pattern,” said Katie Crawford, a PhD student at John Moores University who will present the research at the <a href="https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/events/bes-annual-meeting-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Ecological Society (BES) Annual Meeting</a> in Liverpool.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wide-variability-in-hibernation-timing">Wide variability in hibernation timing</h2>



All five hedgehogs in the study entered hibernation, but with significant differences in timing. 



The first hedgehog began hibernating in mid-September, when temperatures were as high as 19°C, while another didn’t hibernate until mid-December, despite temperatures dropping to -6°C.&nbsp;



The hibernation periods also varied, with differences of up to 47 days in when they ended.



“When hedgehogs hibernate, they go through cycles of torpor in which they decrease their metabolic rate and body temperature. Torpor bouts, typically lasting a few days to weeks, are interspersed with bursts of arousal for a few hours up to a couple of days,” Crawford explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hibernation-strategies-of-hedgehogs">Hibernation strategies of hedgehogs</h2>



The study revealed that some hedgehogs used shorter torpor phases followed by extended periods of activity, possibly for foraging, particularly at the start and end of their hibernation periods. This adaptability could prove advantageous in the face of unpredictable environmental changes.



“Hibernators are at significant risk from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> because they're very reliant on ambient temperatures. When temperatures are higher, they can't save as much energy because they're not reducing their body temperature as low,” Crawford said.&nbsp;



Since hibernating hedgehogs rely on stored fat for survival, this could present challenges.&nbsp;



However, their flexible hibernation strategies may allow them to secure additional food, which could be a valuable adaptation as winters in the UK grow milder and more unpredictable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hedgehog-conservation-status-and-challenges">Hedgehog conservation status and challenges</h2>



European hedgehogs are now listed as near-threatened on the <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN Red List</a>. In the UK, rural populations are declining due to threats such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-ai-system-detects-animals-on-roads-to-prevent-accidents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">road collisions</a>, while urban populations remain stable or are increasing in some areas.



The study, conducted from Spring 2023 to Spring 2024, recorded around 26 hedgehogs on the golf course during the summer, indicating a high local population.&nbsp;



“At the start of the experiment, we would go out to the golf course at night with big torches to find hedgehogs,” Crawford said.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valuable-insights-into-hedgehog-behavior-nbsp">Valuable insights into hedgehog behavior&nbsp;</h2>



With the assistance of her supervisor, Dr. Julia Nowack, the team tagged five individuals with radio trackers and monitored them daily throughout their hibernation period.



Although the sample size was small due to the intensive nature of the research, the findings provide valuable insights into hedgehog behavior.&nbsp;



The researchers are now expanding their study to include 11 hedgehogs across different habitats in Merseyside to determine if urban hedgehogs show even greater variability.&nbsp;



“We’re already seeing a lot of flexibility in the hibernation patterns of this year’s cohort,” Crawford added.



This ongoing work underscores the resilience of hedgehogs and their potential to adapt to environmental changes.&nbsp;



By understanding their hibernation patterns in greater detail, researchers hope to contribute to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> and shed light on how these animals can survive in a rapidly changing world.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-hedgehogs">More about hedgehogs </h2>



Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals known for their unique defense mechanism of rolling into a tight ball, which protects their vulnerable underbellies with a coat of sharp spines. 



Found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, they thrive in diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, and even suburban gardens. These nocturnal creatures are primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and small invertebrates - though they are opportunistic eaters and will consume fruits and vegetables when available. 



Hedgehogs have poor eyesight but compensate with excellent hearing and a keen sense of smell, which they use to forage for food.



In many cultures, hedgehogs are symbols of good luck and have become popular pets due to their endearing behavior and manageable size. Despite this, they require specific care - including warm, quiet environments and specialized diets - to thrive in captivity.



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Hedgehogs have flexible hibernation habits that help them survive

A recent study has revealed that hedgehogs living in the...

An ominous forecast awaits bighorn sheep in the the Sierra Nevada mountains. There are likely to be more frequent avalanches as the world continues to warm.



Even though a decline in snow cover is anticipated as the climate changes, avalanches could occur more often, particularly at high elevations, which spells trouble for the bighorn sheep that inhabit these areas. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-bighorn-sheep-and-their-history">Endangered bighorn sheep and their history</h2>



The Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) are true survivors, built to handle some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toughest conditions</a> in North America. 



They are smaller and leaner than their relatives, making it easier for them to scale the steep, rocky slopes of the Sierra Nevada at heights of 10,000 to 14,000 feet (3,000 to 4,200 meters). Their tan coats help them blend perfectly into the rugged landscape, keeping them safe from predators like mountain lions.



John Muir, in his 1894 book The Mountains of California, described the "perfect strength and beauty" of these wild bighorn sheep - agile creatures that effortlessly jump from one crag to another.



They have managed to survive threats from diseases and overgrazing by domestic sheep introduced into the Sierra Nevada. But today, these animals are endangered. 



Now, a new menace looms in the form of avalanches, coupled with predation by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-lions-cleverly-change-their-habits-to-avoid-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountain lions</a>. These threats have caused the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep population to fall by half since 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avalanches-and-bighorn-sheep">Avalanches and bighorn sheep</h2>



Ned Bair, a researcher from the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>, and his team have run simulations, analyzing the present (1990-2020) and future (2050-2080) climate. 



The researchers aim to determine how avalanches might continue to affect bighorn sheep.



"There's certainly going to be less snow in the future, and it's going to impact the sheep, which are very fragile as is," said Bair. "In dry winters, they don't have enough forage. And in the big winters, they die of starvation and avalanches."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bighorn-sheep-a-struggle-for-survival">Bighorn sheep: A struggle for survival</h2>



While bighorn sheep also inhabit other western mountain ranges, the Sierra Nevada subgroup is genetically unique. The approximately 350 sheep that remain of this species live at high elevations, feeding on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. 



"They like to live in very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenging environments</a>, hence the avalanche problem," Bair explained.



Snow is critical for bighorn sheep as it provides them with water. However, it can pose threats, too. 



Record-breaking precipitation during the winter of 2022-2023 in California led to approximately 18 meters (60 feet) of snow blanketing the Sierra Nevada.



That winter, avalanches led to the deaths of at least 73 bighorn sheep, with just one avalanche accounting for 12 of those deaths, as noted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-snowfall-in-the-sierra-nevada">Future snowfall in the Sierra Nevada </h2>



The researchers conducted projections on future snowfall amounts in the Sierra Nevada under climate change, basing their simulations on precipitation data from past dry years (2013 and 2018) and a wet year (2019). 



As expected, snow cover is predicted to decrease generally in the Sierra Nevada in the future. This decline, however, will mostly occur at lower elevations, where snowfall may turn to rain. Higher elevations, where bighorn sheep dwell, will experience less change in snow cover.



As climate change amplifies the number and intensity of California's atmospheric rivers, these high elevations could even witness an increase in snow accumulation. This snow could trigger more frequent avalanches at high altitudes, resulting in increased bighorn sheep fatalities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-threats-to-the-wild-sheep">Increased threats to the wild sheep</h2>



It remains unclear how the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program will respond to the rise in avalanches caused by the harsh winters.



Additionally, recovering wolf and mountain lion populations could pose increased threats to the wild sheep. 



"It's a hard population to sustain," said Bair. "I think there are some real challenges with being assured of at least my children being able to see a bighorn sheep in the wild when they're my age."



The research will be presented by Bair at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (<a href="https://www.agu.org/annual-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU24</a>).



Bair presented these findings at <a href="https://agu.confex.com/agu/agu24/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1637990" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU’s Annual Meeting</a>.



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Bighorn sheep face increasing avalanche dangers as the climate warms

An ominous forecast awaits bighorn sheep in the the Sierra...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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