Tiny fragments known as microplastics are finding their way into the Gulf of Mexico, a region teeming with marine life and critical to global seafood supplies. 



New research shows just how much these particles are concentrating in waters where sea turtles, red snapper, and dolphins live.



Scientists used computer models to track the movement of microplastics in the northern Gulf of Mexico over a three-year period. The results not only reveal where these pollutants end up but also explain which sources matter most.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rivers-drive-the-plastic-crisis">Rivers drive the plastic crisis</h2>



The study challenges a long-standing assumption about where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-escaping-from-water-treatment-plants/">microplastics</a> come from. Wastewater treatment plants have often been blamed as major culprits. Instead, the modeling shows rivers are the main pathway carrying plastic particles into the Gulf.



“The Gulf of Mexico, especially its northern part near the southern U.S., is increasingly polluted by tiny plastic particles called microplastics,” noted study co-author Annalisa Bracco, CMCC scientist.



“We used computer models to study how these plastics move over short periods (about a month) across three years. We looked at different sizes and types of plastics and found that most pollution comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-levels-of-microplastics-found-in-every-major-european-river/">rivers</a> and not from wastewater treatment plants.”



The team found that different plastics behave differently once they enter the water. Heavier ones sink and settle on the seafloor. Lighter particles float and resist the pull of waves, traveling longer distances. 



The research also identified a hotspot of microplastic buildup west of the Mississippi River Delta - an area that happens to be vital for many marine species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-critical-habitats">Microplastics in critical habitats</h2>



The study didn’t stop at mapping plastic movements. It overlaid pollution patterns with detailed data on where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/">marine animals</a> live. This step created a clear picture of how microplastics overlap with critical habitats.



Bracco calls this the most important outcome of the work. The overlap highlights risks not only for wildlife but also for people. 



“The fact that plastic impacts regions of intense fishery (which means we’re ingesting some) is often the best way to activate a policy response or gain public interest,” she said.



This connection between pollution and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seafood-is-underestimated-source-of-pfas-exposure-in-humans/">seafood</a> matters. The Gulf of Mexico supports major commercial fisheries. If fish and shellfish in these waters carry microplastics, those particles could reach dinner plates around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-roadmap-for-action">A roadmap for action</h2>



The research involved not just seasoned scientists but also an undergraduate student from <a href="https://www.gatech.edu/">Georgia Tech</a> who contributed species distribution data. Their combined efforts go beyond documenting the problem. 



By identifying specific pollution sources, the study offers tools for targeting cleanup and prevention.



“It is important to show how state-of-the-art modeling tools can be used to address coastal problems that interest the general public,” said Bracco. 



“It is somewhat easier to raise awareness of the risks associated with plastic pollution (just one of the many anthropogenic threats) when linking it to fish, turtles, and dolphins instead of simply delivering the likely plastic distribution maps.”



In practical terms, this means policymakers can act on evidence of where microplastics enter the Gulf and where they accumulate. Addressing these hotspots could reduce long-term impacts on both ecosystems and the seafood industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-the-gulf">Looking beyond the Gulf</h2>



The modeling framework created for this project has value far beyond the United States. Other coastal regions face similar pollution problems, and the approach could be adapted worldwide. CMCC’s Global Coastal Ocean division is already positioned to take this next step.



“This project is setting a framework for, hopefully, more similar efforts to come,” Bracco said. 



“In other words, it is important to look for ways to make our research relevant to everyday life (in this case the fish we consume) to help put in motion the change that is needed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-their-hidden-costs">Microplastics and their hidden costs</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/">Microplastic pollution</a> is often described as invisible, but its consequences are anything but. These particles threaten species we depend on and disrupt ecosystems we barely understand. 



By showing how plastics move and where they accumulate, the Gulf of Mexico study makes the issue visible in a new way.



It also gives people a reason to care. When pollution is tied to food security, health, and jobs, the problem is no longer abstract. It’s a challenge that affects everyone who relies on the ocean - which is, in one way or another, all of us.



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Microplastics threaten marine life in the Gulf of Mexico

Tiny fragments known as microplastics are finding their way into the Gulf of Mexico, a region teeming with marine life and critical to global seafood supplies. New research shows just how much these particles are concentrating in waters where sea turtles, red snapper, and dolphins live. Scientists used computer models to track the movement of microplastics in the northern Gulf of Mexico over a three-year period. The results not only reveal where these pollutants end up but also explain which sources matter most. Rivers drive the plastic...

Even as catastrophic floods and storms intensify in parts of the world, more than three-quarters of Earth’s land has become permanently drier in recent decades, according to a stark new analysis released by UN scientists.&nbsp;



Released by the <a href="https://www.unccd.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN Convention to Combat Desertification</a>, the report reveals that about 77.6% of Earth’s land experienced drier conditions over the three decades leading up to 2020 compared to the previous 30-year period.



Over the same three decades, drylands expanded by about 4.3 million km² - an area nearly a third larger than India - and now encompass 40.6% of all land on Earth, excluding Antarctica.&nbsp;



Within this timeframe, some 7.6% of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/land-degradation-severely-threatens-planetary-boundaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lands</a> - an area larger than Canada - surpassed aridity thresholds. Most transitioned from humid landscapes to drylands, setting off profound repercussions for agriculture, ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-emissions-scenarios-and-dryland-expansion">High-emissions scenarios and dryland expansion</h2>



The report warns that if the world does not curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, an additional 3% of today’s humid areas could become drylands by the end of this century.&nbsp;



Under high emissions scenarios, drylands are projected to spread across regions including the Midwestern United States, central Mexico, northern Venezuela, north-eastern Brazil, south-eastern Argentina, the entire Mediterranean region, the Black Sea coast, large parts of southern Africa, and southern Australia.



The study, titled The Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and Global Aridity Trends and Future Projections, was presented at the <a href="https://www.unccdcop16.org/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">16th UNCCD conference (COP16)</a> in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.



This was the largest UN land conference to date and the first in the Middle East - a region profoundly affected by aridity’s impacts.&nbsp;



“This analysis finally dispels an uncertainty that has long surrounded global drying trends,” said Ibrahim Thiaw, UNCCD Executive Secretary. “For the first time, the aridity crisis has been documented with scientific clarity, revealing an existential threat affecting billions around the globe.”



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



According to the UNCCD Science-Policy Interface, which authored the report, human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> is the primary driver of this shift.&nbsp;



Emissions from electricity generation, transportation, industry, and land-use changes are heating the planet and altering rainfall patterns, evaporation rates, and plant life - conditions that underpin increasing aridity.



Data from global aridity indexes, which monitor long-term environmental shifts, reveal extensive drying trends.&nbsp;



Areas most affected include almost all of Europe (95.9% of its land), parts of the western United States, Brazil, parts of Asia (notably eastern Asia), and central Africa.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, less than a quarter of the planet’s land (22.4%) became wetter, with some positive trends observed in the central United States, Angola’s Atlantic coast, and parts of Southeast Asia.&nbsp;



Overall, drylands are expanding globally, pushing ecosystems and societies into life-threatening challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-impacts-on-human-communities">Growing impacts on human communities</h2>



The report identifies South Sudan and Tanzania as countries with the largest percentage of land turning into drylands, and China as having the greatest total area shifting from non-drylands into drylands.&nbsp;



As of 2020, 2.3 billion people - well over a quarter of the global population - live in these expanding drylands. Aridity-related land degradation, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a>, poses a dire threat to human well-being and ecological stability.



The future could be even more bleak without action. Under worst-case emissions scenarios, up to five billion people might inhabit drylands by the century’s end. Such a scenario would mean depleted soils, scarce water resources, and collapsing ecosystems for large swaths of humanity.



Forced migration, already visible in some of the world’s driest regions, is one of the most immediate consequences. As land becomes inhospitable and farming fails, families and communities often have no choice but to relocate, intensifying social and political challenges globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-effects-of-drier-land">Cascading effects of drier land</h2>



The cascading effects of rising aridity extend well beyond agriculture and water scarcity.&nbsp;



The report warns that one-fifth of all land could undergo abrupt ecosystem transformations - forests turning into grasslands and other dramatic changes - leading to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-how-and-when-humans-and-mammals-will-face-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinctions</a> among many of the world’s plant and animal species.&nbsp;



Aridity also drives a host of other problems, from declining GDP (notably in Africa) to intensifying wildfires and even public health crises, especially for children and women.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-global-drying-trend-nbsp">The global drying trend&nbsp;</h2>



Addressing the threat of aridity demands more than just acknowledging the science - it requires concerted policy action and comprehensive adaptation measures.&nbsp;



The report calls for improving aridity monitoring and integrating these metrics into drought monitoring systems, incentivizing sustainable land use, investing in water-efficient technologies, and building resilience in vulnerable communities.&nbsp;



The experts also emphasize the need for international frameworks and collaboration, emphasizing that human rights, social justice, and responsible governance must guide this collective effort.



In essence, the global drying trend forces a new narrative: as we confront climate change, we must recognize the irreversible transformation of once-fertile lands into dry regions.&nbsp;



Successfully adapting to this reality will determine whether we can secure a sustainable and equitable future in a world defined increasingly by the absence of water and the presence of ever-expanding drylands.



The full report can be found <a href="https://www.unccd.int/resources/reports/global-threat-drying-lands-regional-and-global-aridity-trends-and-future" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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40 percent of Earth's land has became permanently drier 

Even as catastrophic floods and storms intensify in parts of...

As the Earth gets warmer, the assumption that elderly individuals have the highest risk of succumbing to heat is being challenged.



The findings from a recent study in Mexico show a contrasting reality: three-quarters of heat-related mortalities are happening among individuals who are under the age of 35, with a significant proportion being between 18 and 35.



This is an unexpected outcome, considering this age group is thought to be most resilient to heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mortality-rates-and-wet-bulb-temperatures">Mortality rates and wet-bulb temperatures</h2>



Jeffrey Shrader is a key expert behind the study, which was conducted by researchers from the Center for Environmental Economics and Policy affiliated with <a href="https://www.climate.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University's Climate School</a>.



“It's a surprise. These are physiologically the most robust people in the population. I would love to know why this is so,” said Shrader.



Mexico, with its comprehensive geographical data on both daily temperatures and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hot-nights-could-increase-the-mortality-rate-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mortality</a>, proved to be an ideal place for this exploratory study.



The researchers scrutinized the correlation between excessive mortality rates and wet-bulb temperatures - a scale measuring the amplified effects of heat when combined with humidity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-adults-and-heat-related-deaths">Young adults and heat-related deaths </h2>



According to the analysis, Mexico averaged around 3,300 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-70000-deaths-in-europe-were-heat-related-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat-related deaths</a> each year from 1998 to 2019. 



A shocking third of these deaths were observed among 18 to 35-year-olds, a figure that is wildly disproportionate to the representation of this age group in the population size.



Infants and children under 5 were found to be highly vulnerable as well. On the other hand, people aged 50 to 70 suffered the least heat-related mortality.



“We project, as the climate warms, heat-related deaths are going to go up, and the young will suffer the most,” explained R. Daniel Bressler, the study's co-lead author and a Ph.D. candidate in Columbia's Sustainable Development Program.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-that-influence-heat-vulnerability">Factors that influence heat vulnerability</h2>



Several factors could be contributing to this unexpected trend. Young adults are more likely to be engaged in outdoor labor, such as farming and construction, which may expose them to dehydration and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/feeling-the-heat-rising-temperatures-push-the-limits-of-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat stroke</a>.



This vulnerability is also applicable to indoor manufacturing in spaces that lack air conditioning. 



The researchers highlighted that younger, less experienced workers face greater heat risks due to their low position and strenuous work. Participation in rigorous outdoor sports was another risk factor linked to young adults.



The susceptibility of infants and small children may be attributed to the fact that their smaller bodies absorb heat more quickly and their underdeveloped sweat glands limit their ability to cool off.



The still-developing immune systems of these children also put them at risk to illnesses that are more prevalent in humid heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-heat-mortality-trends">Surprising heat mortality trends</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-temperature-threshold-can-the-human-body-handle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wet bulb temperatures</a>, often converted into Fahrenheit "real-feel" heat indexes by the media, play a crucial role in understanding this mortality pattern.



Young people experience the least mortality at wet-bulb temperatures around 13o C (71o F with 40% humidity).



However, the researchers found that the highest number of deaths occurred at somewhat lower wet-bulb temperatures, primarily due to the higher frequency of these temperatures - which expose more people to harmful conditions.



The experts also found a surprising trend in the among older adults, who mainly died not from heat but from modest cold.



Elderly individuals have lower core temperatures that make them sensitive to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-shattered-extreme-cold-records-during-global-heat-wave/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cold</a> and they consequently stay indoors, increasing their exposure to infectious diseases.



Although global warming receives extensive attention, cold weather is currently the leading cause of temperature-related death globally, including in Mexico.



However, the proportion of heat-related deaths has been steadily increasing since 2000, and this trend is likely to persist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-of-rising-temperatures">Global implications of rising temperatures</h2>



The implications of the research extend far beyond Mexico, shedding light on a global issue with potentially devastating consequences.



Countries in Africa and Asia that are predominantly hotter, poorer, and with youth that engage in manual labor could see massive heat-related mortality rates in the future.



The researchers plan to validate their findings by extending the research to other countries, including the United States and Brazil. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of this alarming trend.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq3367" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Rising heat is disproportionately killing young adults

As the Earth gets warmer, the assumption that elderly individuals...

Winter brings about a heartwarming urge to make our homes cozy and festive, with the help of delightful home fragrances. 



Gingerbread, cinnamon, and pine-scented candles, as well as frankincense and myrrh diffusers, are often used to set the Christmas mood.



It's no wonder the UK home fragrance market recently skyrocketed, earning a staggering $685.5 million in revenue in 2023. 



However, one could not help but question - are these fragrant products affecting the air quality in our homes? How do they impact our health?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragrances-mask-more-than-odors">Fragrances mask more than odors</h2>



In an effort to mask unpleasant odors and uplift the ambiance of our homes, we turn to items like scented <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scented-candles-toxic-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">candles</a>, air fresheners, and incense sticks. But contrary to their purpose, they do not eliminate harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/gas-stoves-create-dangerous-levels-of-indoor-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indoor pollutants</a>.



A recently published <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950362024000559" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> reveals that some of these fragrance products could potentially compromise the freshness of the air we breathe.



The research was focused on Irish homes post-energy retrofits. The results showed that home fragrances - combined with smoking and blocked wall vents - detrimentally affect indoor air quality.



Furthermore, our indoor exposure to air pollutants worsens when scented candles are used in rooms with closed windows and blocked vents.



The fine particle concentration can spike up to 15 times beyond the limits set by the World Health Organization, taking considerable time to return to standard levels in poorly ventilated areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trapped-in-a-vortex-of-chemicals">Trapped in a vortex of chemicals</h2>



Burning candles or incense sticks results in a complex mix of chemicals and particulate matter. They produce toxic gases like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen.



Home fragrances also emit harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-household-products-expose-people-to-dangerous-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volatile organic compounds</a> (VOCs), with particulate matter that can cause coughing, sneezing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.



Prolonged exposure heightens the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic bronchitis. It may also exacerbate existing conditions such as asthma.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-through-the-scented-maze">Navigating through the scented maze</h2>



According to the researchers, scented candles likely produce more fine particulate matter compared to unscented ones. Nitrogen oxides, the primary gaseous pollutant from scented candles, can harm our lungs and airways.



In the U.S. and the EU, manufacturers do not have to disclose all of the ingredients used in scented candles. Research suggests that the U.S. discloses less than 10% of home fragrance ingredients to the public.



Air fresheners have been linked to adverse health impacts such as migraines, asthma attacks, and dermatitis. 



Additionally, home fragrance products could emit cancer-causing organic compounds like benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde. 



A decline in cognitive function has been linked to short-term candle smoke exposure and to long-term incense smoke exposure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-home-fragrances-and-indoor-air-quality">Home fragrances and indoor air quality</h2>



The incense sticks produce about four times as much particulate matter as cigarettes when equal weights are burned. In non-smoking households, candle usage might be a significant source of particulate matter pollution. 



Aerosol air fresheners introduce fine and ultrafine particles into the home air, alongside a range of VOCs.



Similarly, a candle's flickering flame emits larger particles and increases black carbon emissions, further affecting indoor air quality.



Using scented candles or air fresheners in small spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms exposes us to higher concentrations of the generated pollutants, boosting health risks. 



In poorly ventilated areas, pollutants like formaldehyde can reach levels causing upper airway irritation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-fragrances-a-misleading-safety-tag">Natural fragrances: A misleading safety tag</h2>



Many consumers opt for home fragrances made with natural ingredients to avoid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/4200-harmful-plastic-chemicals-hidden-in-everyday-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">harmful chemicals</a>, but even these can release significant levels of pollution when burned. 



As the popularity of home fragrances grows, further research is needed to fully understand their long-term impacts on air quality and health.



The adverse effects of chronic exposure may only become apparent after many years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safe-use-of-home-fragrances">Safe use of home fragrances </h2>



For home fragrance enthusiasts, there are safer ways to enjoy these products. Try using them in larger spaces like the living room, and ensure windows are open. 



Check to make sure your home vents are unblocked, especially in rooms where you plan to burn scented candles. 



It's worth noting that most smoke from candles is released when the flame is extinguished. To play it safe, always snuff out candles outdoors.



In&nbsp;a world&nbsp;that&nbsp;is filled with&nbsp;home fragrances, it is highly important to understand their impacts on indoor air quality.



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Home fragrances impact indoor air quality, and the health risks are alarming

Winter brings about a heartwarming urge to make our homes...

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that springs to mind is probably of picturesque, sun-drenched beaches adorned with coconut palms. 



For centuries, these trees have been interwoven with human lives and cultures across the Pacific Ocean. The coconut palm is commonly referred to as the "Tree of Life."



Recent research, however, has highlighted the profound impact that centuries of colonial plantation farming have had on these iconic trees – transforming them from symbols of life to mere cash crops for the production of coconut oil.



A research team from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Barbara</a> and The Nature Conservancy has created the first comprehensive map of the uncharted footprint of coconut palm agriculture, scattered across Pacific atolls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coconut-palms-and-sustainability-challenges">Coconut palms and sustainability challenges </h2>



Michael Burnett, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the research. "Coconut oil used to be essential to atoll economies, but today most coconut palm plantations are abandoned and overgrown."



The research findings raise urgent concerns: over half of the tree cover on these low islands is now taken up by coconut palms, leaving formerly widespread native broadleaf trees only small portions of their natural range.



The implications of these changes are far-reaching. According to Burnett, the replacement of broadleaf forests with coconut monocrops has been linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater depletion</a>, declining seabird populations, and adverse impacts on adjacent coral reefs.



The research suggests an urgent need to understand and confront the sustainability challenges posed by these monocultures for Pacific atoll communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-rate-of-deforestation">Unprecedented rate of deforestation</h2>



The rate of deforestation linked to coconut palm monocultures surpasses the relative rate associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-islands-can-counteract-biodiversity-loss-in-oil-palm-plantations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oil palm</a> production in other parts of the world.



For instance, while 10.8% of Borneo's land had been converted to oil palm monocrops by 2015, coconut palms now cover a staggering 58.3% of the total forested area of the mapped atolls.



Furthermore, the paper reveals that 51.2% of these coconut canopies are remnants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-in-oil-palm-plantations-are-key-to-conservation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plantation agriculture</a>, indicative of drastic ecological changes. 



Despite many plantations being abandoned in recent decades, coconut palms still outcompete native broadleaf trees for canopy area.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-opportunity-for-ecosystem-restoration">An opportunity for ecosystem restoration </h2>



Study co-author Alex Wegmann, lead scientist for the Nature Conservancy’s Island Resilience Strategy, noted that this situation presents opportunities.



“As the world comes to terms with tradeoffs associated with converting primary forest to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abandoned-croplands-could-boost-food-security-and-climate-mitigation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">croplands</a>, we should not ignore atoll forests and the opportunity to recover these dynamic, resilient systems," said Wegmann.



The paper suggests that coconut plantations could be used for ecosystem restoration while striking the balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. 



Elizabeth Terk is the Micronesia conservation director for The Nature Conservancy. She pointed out that restoring abandoned copra plantations on atolls to native forests offer invaluable ecological benefits, such as biodiversity recovery and climate resilience. 



"Striking a balance between cultural heritage and environmental stewardship is essential for a sustainable future. Mapping the extent of copra plantations on atolls is a crucial step for informed decision-making," said Terk. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-converting-abandoned-coconut-plantations">Converting abandoned coconut plantations </h2>



The paper’s vegetation maps provide a valuable tool for Pacific atoll communities, helping them to visualize the state of their forests. 



Initiatives like converting abandoned coconut plantations to native forests and restoring seabird colonies could be promising ways to confront the accelerating impacts of climate change.



"These maps are part of a growing body of science exploring the numerous opportunities for conservation and resilience on atolls. We hope they will help atoll communities chart their own futures in an era of global change," concluded Burnett. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-sustainable-solutions">Local communities and sustainable solutions</h2>



The path to restoring Pacific atoll ecosystems requires the active involvement of local communities. These islands have long-standing cultural and economic ties to coconut palms, making collaboration essential for creating sustainable solutions.



Community-led initiatives, such as agroforestry practices that integrate coconut palms with native species, could provide a balanced approach to land use.



Educational programs can also play a crucial role, helping residents understand the ecological impacts of monocultures and the benefits of restoring native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-vegetation-are-a-key-driver-of-global-temperatures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>. 



By involving local leaders and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge, restoration projects can be tailored to align with cultural values while addressing environmental challenges. 



Empowering these communities can lead to solutions that are both practical and enduring, building resilience in the face of global environmental change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad8c66" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Coconut palms threaten Pacific island ecosystems

When you think about tropical landscapes, the first image that...

Heat has dominated the climate headlines in 2024 as the year cements itself in the history books as the hottest ever recorded. 



What remains less reported, however, is the uneven distribution of these dangerous, record-breaking temperatures.



Some regions are experiencing unprecedented heatwaves that push human and environmental resilience to their limits, while others remain relatively unscathed.



A recent study highlights how specific regions around the globe are bearing the brunt of this escalating climate crisis and feeling the heat far more intensely than others.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-hotspots">Mapping the hotspots</h2>



The study, a collaborative effort by researchers at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (<a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IIASA</a>) and <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a>, offers a comprehensive look at where on Earth these temperature spikes are most prevalent.



The research provides the first-ever global map of such high-risk areas, which some researchers have begun referring to as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/danger-zones-climate-change-is-altering-predator-prey-dynamics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate danger zones</a>."



Study lead author Kai Kornhuber is as an adjunct professor at the Columbia Climate School and leads the Weather Extremes and Climate Dynamics theme of the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program.



“This is about extreme trends that are the outcome of physical interactions we might not completely understand. These regions become temporary hothouses, ” said Kornhuber.



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



The researchers examined data from the past 65 years to identify these hot zones. By analyzing decades of temperature records, they revealed patterns that point to regions disproportionately affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-events-are-becoming-increasingly-common/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat events</a>.



The experts focused on locations where extraordinary heatwave events are occurring at an alarming rate, and surpass average warm-season temperatures overall.



These instances of extreme heat have increased in frequency in the last five years, with occasional spikes since the early 2000s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regions-bearing-the-brunt-of-the-heat">Regions bearing the brunt of the heat</h2>



Regions severely affected by this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rise in temperature</a> include central China, Japan, Korea, the Arabian Peninsula, eastern Australia, parts of South America, and the Arctic. 



However, the most intense and consistent heat surges were recorded in northwestern Europe, where they led to the deaths of around 60,000 people in 2022 and 47,000 in 2023.



Maximum <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature records</a> were shattered in Austria, France, Hungary, Slovenia, Norway, and Sweden during these years. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/world-temperature-changes_1958-2022_map-illustration_credit-IIASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/world-temperature-changes_1958-2022_map-illustration_credit-IIASA_1s.webp" alt="Illustration of changes in the range of high temperatures recorded between 1958 and 2022. Credit: IIASA" class="wp-image-1952769"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration of changes in the range of high temperatures recorded between 1958 and 2022. Credit: IIASA</figcaption></figure>



In addition, some parts of the U.S. Southwest and California experienced record temperatures well into October.



While these locales have seen temperatures soar at a rate far surpassing climate model predictions, not all regions have experienced this unprecedented warming. 



In many areas, the rise in temperature is, in fact, lower than model predictions. Among these are large expanses of the north-central U.S., south-central Canada, the South American interior, northern Africa, northern Australia, and much of Siberia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-extreme-temperatures">Consequences of extreme temperatures</h2>



Extreme heat waves can have serious consequences that impact both people and the environment. 



For humans, intense heat can lead to dangerous health problems like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, especially for older adults, young children, and those with preexisting conditions. 



Dehydration is another big risk, and heat waves often lead to more hospital visits and even fatalities.



Cities suffer the most because of the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-urban-heat-continues-to-rise-birds-are-moving-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban heat island</a>” effect, where buildings and pavement trap heat, making temperatures even hotter. 



Heat waves also strain power grids as people crank up air conditioning, sometimes causing blackouts when demand spikes.



The environment takes a beating too. Prolonged heat can dry out soil, damaging crops and leading to lower food production. 



Wildfires become more frequent and intense during heat waves, destroying forests, wildlife habitats, and even homes. 



Rivers and lakes can dry up, stressing ecosystems and water supplies for humans and animals alike. Even aquatic life suffers, as high temperatures reduce oxygen levels in the water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-heat-in-a-warming-climate">Extreme heat in a warming climate </h2>



“In most areas, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-earths-hottest-day-ever-was-recorded-on-july-22-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hottest days</a> of the year are warming about as fast as typical summertime days, which is the dominant signal of climate change, and in some areas even slower," noted study co-author Samuel Bartusek, a PhD candidate at Columbia University.



"In the hotspots that we point out, however, the hottest days have been warming particularly fast, which could be for various reasons."



In some places there could be more occurrences of specific heatwave-inducing weather patterns, or soil drying could be amplifying the hottest temperatures - and it will be important to untangle these specific local drivers.



“Due to their unprecedented nature, these heat waves are usually linked to severe health impacts, and can be disastrous for agriculture, vegetation, and infrastructure. We’re not built for them, and we might not be able to adapt fast enough,” Kornhuber concluded.



In charting these heatwave hotspots, the study has taken a significant step towards mapping the emerging risk of extreme, unprecedented heat and quantifying our capacity to predict these perilous signals. 



The findings open up a new avenue of climate change research and policy-making, emphasizing the need to target interventions and resources to the areas that need them most.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2411258121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Earth's climate danger zones revealed in new global heat map

Heat has dominated the climate headlines in 2024 as the...

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed by frequent and intense heatwaves, which are becoming more common in different regions of the world. 



These resilient crops are crucial in safeguarding global food supplies as climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming practices.



"We need to produce crops that can withstand more frequent and intense heatwave events if we are going to meet the population’s need for food in regions most at risk from reduced yields due to global warming," said Katherine Meacham-Hensold, scientific manager for the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project at the University of Illinois.



Working under the auspices of this project, the research team has engineered a potato that not only withstands extreme weather conditions but also thrives in them, promising greater food security for many.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-promise-of-a-climate-ready-potato">The promise of a climate-ready potato</h2>



While studying the effects of global warming on crop yields, Meacham-Hensold and her team found that this new breed of potato could yield a 30% increase in tuber mass under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-century-heatwave-may-soon-happen-every-other-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heatwave</a> conditions compared to its conventional counterparts.



"The 30% increase in tuber mass observed in our field trials shows the promise of improving photosynthesis to enable climate-ready crops," she said.



The team operates under the banner of RIPE, an international research project that seeks to address global food scarcity by enhancing the ability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-malnutrition-new-satellite-can-monitor-nutrients-in-crops-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food crops</a> to convert the sun's energy into edible matter.



Since its inception in 2017, RIPE has garnered support from numerous entities such as the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for Food &amp; Agriculture Research, and the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-silent-enemy-photorespiration">The silent enemy: Photorespiration</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-defy-climate-change-through-acclimation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photorespiration</a> is a core issue that reduces crop yields. It refers to an energy-consuming process wherein the plant enzyme Rubisco, which is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into organic molecules, reacts more readily with oxygen than with carbon dioxide when the ambient temperatures are high. 



This challenge is particularly pronounced in crops like potatoes, where high temperatures can significantly hinder growth and productivity. 



The reaction results in the production of a harmful byproduct called glycolate that, if not dealt with, can severely impair the plant's growth.



"Photorespiration is a large energy cost for the plant," explained Meacham-Hensold. "It takes away from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/local-food-production-is-undervalued-in-the-context-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food production</a> as energy is diverted to metabolizing the toxin. Our goal was to reduce the amount of wasted energy by bypassing the plant’s original photorespiratory pathway.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potatoes-that-can-thrive-in-a-heatwave">Potatoes that can thrive in a heatwave</h2>



By introducing two new genes into the potato's DNA, the team managed to improve photosynthetic efficiency.



These genes, glycolate dehydrogenase and malate synthase, help the plant metabolize the toxin in the chloroplast (the leaf compartment responsible for photosynthesis), eliminating the need for energy-draining transfer of the toxin to other parts of the cell.



This solution led to substantial growth gains in the test crops. The benefits of these modifications were further intensified under heatwave conditions, making these crops more resilient to the changing climate.



On a testing field in the year 2022, during a heatwave that consistently broke over 95°F (35°C), the modified potatoes yielded 30% more tubers than the control group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crops-that-resist-global-warming">Crops that resist global warming</h2>



Notably, the team's genetic engineering did not compromise the nutritional quality of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crop-yields-have-grown-steadily-over-the-last-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crop yield</a>. 



"Food security is not just about the amount of calories that can be produced but we must also consider the quality of the food,” noted Don Ort, the Robert Emerson Professor of Plant Biology and Crop Sciences, and Deputy Director of the RIPE project.



While further multi-location field trials are needed to confirm the findings, the promising results in potatoes open the possibility of applying similar modifications to other tuber crops. These might include cassava, a staple food in some Sub-Saharan African countries that is expected to be heavily impacted by increasing global temperatures.



In conclusion, the research by scientists from the <a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Illinois</a> presents a ray of hope in the battle against climate change.



By creating crops that not only resist the impacts of global warming but also thrive under them, we are taking steps toward a future where every table has food, and no one is left hungry.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Crops of the future: Potatoes that thrive in heatwaves

Potatoes could hold the key to addressing the challenges posed...

Fentanyl, a drug infamous for its devastating effects on human health, has now surfaced in a completely unexpected domain: marine life. Researchers at Texas A&amp;M University-Corpus Christi recently made a startling discovery - traces of fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico.



This revelation, born from a routine boating survey, raises urgent questions about the contamination of marine ecosystems and its cascading effects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-chance-discovery">A chance discovery</h2>



In September 2020, researchers conducting a routine boating survey stumbled upon a dead <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lonely-dolphin-in-the-baltic-sea-is-constantly-talking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin</a> floating in Gulf waters. 



The team took the dolphin to their lab. Two years later, when the carcass was used for hormone blubber analysis, the researchers uncovered something alarming.



"When I started this project, we did what we call an untargeted study of the blubber, where we put it in a very fancy instrument that’s able to resolve all the compounds inside. We were looking for what we actually found," explained Makayla Guinn, a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.tamucc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas A&amp;M-Corpus Christi</a>.



Guinn and her team collaborated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Precision Toxicological Consultancy, with additional support from the Frazier Family Foundation. 



The analysis revealed over 3,000 compounds in the dolphin’s blubber, including sedatives, relaxants, and, most alarmingly, fentanyl.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fentanyl-in-dolphins">Fentanyl in dolphins</h2>



The study expanded to include 89 dolphin blubber samples. Of these, 83 were collected from live dolphin biopsies and six from deceased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-dolphin-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>. 



Pharmaceuticals were detected in 30 of these samples. Disturbingly, fentanyl was present in all six of the deceased dolphins.



Dolphins were sampled from Redfish Bay, the Laguna Madre in Texas, and the Mississippi Sound. These locations are significant not only for their ecological importance but also for their role in the local fishing industry. 



"Dolphins are often used to examine ecosystem health in contaminant research because their blubber can store contaminants and be sampled," Guinn said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fentanyl-crisis-beyond-dolphins">Fentanyl crisis beyond dolphins</h2>



The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies fentanyl as being 100 times more potent than morphine. Its presence in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/military-sonar-does-a-lot-more-damage-to-dolphins-than-previously-disclosed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin</a> blubber underscores a worrying trend of pharmaceutical contamination in marine ecosystems.



"It’s not something we were looking for, so of course we were alarmed to find something like fentanyl, especially with the fentanyl crisis happening in the world right now," Guinn noted. 



"These drugs and pharmaceuticals are entering our water, and they have cascading effects in our marine life."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-sources-of-contamination">Possible sources of contamination</h2>



The study’s lead investigator, Dr. Dara Orbach, highlighted the challenge of tracing the source of the fentanyl in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>.



"One possibility but not the only possibility is that drugs might be coming from our wastewater," said Dr. Orbach.



"It’s likely they’re getting these pharmaceuticals in their system from eating prey. Those prey being the same fish and shrimp that we’re also eating over here, considering that the Coastal Bend is such an important fishing community, locally."



Dr. Orbach pointed out that this contamination is not a new issue. "Some of these samples we looked at are more than a decade old, and those animals also had pharmaceuticals. So we think this is a longstanding problem that no one's been looking at."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pharmaceuticals-in-marine-ecosystems">Pharmaceuticals in marine ecosystems</h2>



This discovery has implications that extend far beyond dolphins. Pharmaceuticals entering marine ecosystems could potentially affect a wide array of marine organisms, disrupting food chains and ecosystems. 



The contamination may also have repercussions for human health, particularly in regions dependent on seafood from these waters.



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



Both Guinn and Orbach are committed to advancing this research. They aim to identify the precise sources of pharmaceutical contamination and bring greater awareness to the issue. 



"We’re hoping to bring about more awareness to the community on how important it is to preserve our wildlife," said Guinn.



As this research on fentanyl in bottlenose dolphins progresses, the findings will undoubtedly shed light on the extent of pharmaceutical contamination and its far-reaching consequences for marine and human life.



The study, "Pharmaceuticals in the Blubber of Live Free-Swimming Common Bottlenose Dolphins," offers a foundation for further exploration and calls for urgent action to address this silent crisis.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004224027342?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iScience</a>.



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Fentanyl discovered in dolphins: What it means for marine animals

Fentanyl, a drug infamous for its devastating effects on human...

Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and ocean heatwaves -- 2023 brought alarming new climate warming records in just about every measurable category.



One of the most concerning was the rise in global mean temperature, reaching almost <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.5 degrees</a> Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.



Scientists have been working to determine what triggered this sudden surge in global warming. 



They considered anthropogenic influences like greenhouse gases, the El Niño effect, and natural events like volcanic eruptions.



Yet, these factors leave an unexplained warming gap of 0.2 degrees Celsius.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-theory-changes-in-cloud-cover">New theory: Changes in cloud cover</h2>



A research team from the Alfred Wegener Institute (<a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AWI</a>) proposes that changes in Earth's cloud cover may explain this warming gap. 



"In addition to the influence of El Niño and the expected <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unprecedented-heat-is-popping-up-in-hotspots-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long-term warming</a> from anthropogenic greenhouse gases, several other factors have already been discussed that could have contributed to the surprisingly high global mean temperatures since 2023," said Dr. Helge Goessling, lead author from AWI. 



Dr. Goessling mentioned factors like increased solar activity, excess water vapor from volcanic eruptions, and fewer atmospheric aerosol particles. 



But adding these elements still leaves 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.36 degrees Fahrenheit) unexplained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-0-2-degree-gap-mystery">The 0.2-degree gap mystery</h2>



"The "0.2-degree-Celsius 'explanation gap' for 2023 is currently one of the most intensely discussed questions in climate research," noted Dr. Goessling.



To investigate further, climate modelers from AWI and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (<a href="https://www.ecmwf.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECMWF</a>) analyzed satellite data from NASA. 



They also used the ECMWF's reanalysis data, which combines observational data with weather models. The data revealed an alarming trend - 2023 recorded the lowest planetary albedo since at least 1940.



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



Planetary albedo is all about how much sunlight a planet reflects back into space. Think of it as the planet's "shine factor." 



Earth, for example, reflects about 30% of the sunlight that hits it, which means its albedo is 0.3 (on a scale from 0 to 1). Different surfaces on a planet contribute to this reflection. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bright areas like ice caps</a> and clouds bounce a lot of light back, while darker areas like oceans and forests absorb more sunlight. 



The balance of reflected and absorbed sunlight plays a huge role in shaping a planet's climate and energy budget.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/earth-albedo_cloud-impact_illustration_credit-Yves-Nowak_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/earth-albedo_cloud-impact_illustration_credit-Yves-Nowak_1s.webp" alt="Considering the globe as a whole, high clouds and cloud-free scenes result in warming of the Earth's atmosphere, as less energy escapes into space than arrives from the sun. For low clouds, it's the opposite, so their decline leads to warming. Credit: Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Yves Nowak" class="wp-image-1952676"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Considering the globe as a whole, high clouds and cloud-free scenes result in warming of the Earth's atmosphere, as less energy escapes into space than arrives from the sun. For low clouds, it's the opposite, so their decline leads to warming. Credit: Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Yves Nowak</figcaption></figure>



On Earth, changes in albedo can have a big impact. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/">When</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-planting-trees-in-the-arctic-is-not-a-good-climate-solution/">ice melts</a> due to warming, it exposes darker water or land underneath, which absorbs more sunlight and speeds up the warming process -- a feedback loop known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-tree-planting-warm-earth-science-behind-albedo-effect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albedo effect</a>. 



"What caught our eye was that, in both the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> and ECMWF datasets, 2023 stood out as the year with the lowest planetary albedo," said study co-author Dr. Thomas Rackow from ECMWF.



Lower albedo means less sunlight reflected, contributing to increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-shatters-heat-records-earths-hottest-year-is-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>. But what caused this drop in albedo?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-altitude-clouds-and-warming-surge">Low-altitude clouds and warming surge</h2>



The answer lies in declining low-altitude clouds, particularly in the northern mid-latitudes and tropics. This trend was most pronounced over the Atlantic, which coincidentally saw unusual heat records in 2023. 



"It’s conspicuous that the eastern North Atlantic, which is one of the main drivers of the latest jump in global mean temperature, was characterized by a substantial decline in low-altitude clouds," said Dr. Goessling.



The decline in low cloud cover means a reduction in Earth’s albedo, intensifying global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-clouds-in-climate-regulation">Role of clouds in climate regulation</h2>



Clouds play a critical role in moderating Earth's temperature. They reflect sunlight, providing a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oceans-cool-the-climate-more-than-previously-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling effect</a>. 



Low clouds are especially important since they lack the greenhouse effect seen in higher clouds, which trap heat. 



As lower cloud cover declines, the cooling effect diminishes, contributing to warmer temperatures. "If there are fewer low clouds, we only lose the cooling effect, making things warmer," Goessling explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-contributing-to-fewer-low-clouds">Factors contributing to fewer low clouds</h2>



But what’s causing fewer low-altitude clouds? A combination of factors could be at play. 



Stricter marine fuel regulations have reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric aerosols</a> -- tiny particles that serve as condensation nuclei for cloud formation. 



Aerosols also reflect sunlight, and fewer aerosols mean less cloud formation and less sunlight being reflected.



Natural climate fluctuations and ocean feedbacks might also contribute, but Goessling believes these aren't the whole story. "Global warming itself may be reducing low cloud cover," he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-surge-and-cloud-loss">Warming surge and cloud loss</h2>



This feedback loop between warming and cloud loss could indicate a worrying trend. 



"If a large part of the decline in albedo is indeed due to feedbacks between global warming and low clouds, as some climate models indicate, we should expect rather intense warming in the future," noted Dr. Goessling.



This means we might cross the critical 1.5-degree threshold of global warming sooner than anticipated. 



If that happens, the remaining carbon budgets under the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a> would shrink, making adaptation measures even more urgent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloud-cover-and-global-warming">Cloud cover and global warming</h2>



The study sheds light on why temperatures surged so suddenly and highlights the importance of Earth's cloud cover in regulating climate. 



Reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloud-engineering-can-temporarily-cool-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud cover</a>, particularly at low altitudes, lessens Earth's ability to reflect solar radiation, adding to the warming already driven by greenhouse gases. 



With climate models pointing to this feedback as a significant factor, urgent action becomes even more vital to manage future warming and minimize extreme weather events.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq7280" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Unexpected source to blame for rapid surge in global warming

Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and ocean heatwaves -- 2023...

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the escalating climate crisis is placing increasing stress on the world’s crops.&nbsp;



Modern crop varieties, domesticated to maximize yield and harvest efficiency, lack the genetic flexibility to adapt to the environmental challenges now reshaping our planet.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-climate-resilient-crops-nbsp">Creating climate-resilient crops&nbsp;</h2>



As temperature extremes, erratic rainfall, and other climate-driven stressors reduce output, food supplies dwindle and prices rise. Converting more land to agriculture is unsustainable, so we must instead alter our crops to withstand the conditions we have created.



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-and-agriculture-are-locked-in-a-destructive-feedback-loop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture</a> is highly vulnerable to climate change, and the intensity and frequency of extreme events is only going to increase,” said lead author Sergey Shabala, a biologist at the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Western Australia.</a> 



“Both sustainable agricultural production and global food security will be critically dependent on our ability to create climate-resilient crops.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-challenges-for-crops">Interconnected challenges for crops</h2>



The current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-food-system-must-change-if-nations-hope-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global food system</a> relies heavily on monocultures and intensive use of fertilizers. While this has met the world’s food demands for decades, it is now recognized as environmentally harmful. 



Fertilizer production damages ecosystems, and their application on fields leads to runoff that pollutes waterways.&nbsp;



Meanwhile, the climate crisis reduces the yield of key staple crops by exposing them to harsher conditions. If high temperatures do not kill plants, they still lower yields, prompting farmers to rely on irrigation water that often contains more salt than ideal freshwater resources.



This higher salt content in irrigated soils reduces the productivity of most crops. Moreover, flooding caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-tens-of-millions-of-people-love-watching-videos-of-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather events</a> leaves roots submerged in low-oxygen conditions, further diminishing yields. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achieving-a-sustainable-diet-nbsp">Achieving a sustainable diet&nbsp;</h2>



These interconnected problems underscore the complexity of achieving a sustainable diet in the face of scientific, social, and political challenges.



“The problem of a sustainable diet has scientific, social, and political facets,” said Shabala. “A broader acceptance of novel technologies and a willingness to accept some cultural shifts is needed.”&nbsp;



“A good example may be <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dna-study-reveals-secrets-of-weedy-rice-invasion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rice</a>: it is a main staple food for a high percentage of the population, but many parts of the world may become unsuitable for its production. A switch to other, more resilient, crops may be needed, and I am not sure the public is ready to accept it.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-crops-that-can-cope">Creating crops that can cope</h2>



Many wild plants, including the ancestors and relatives of today’s staple crops, are inherently better equipped to handle environmental extremes. To help cultivated plants cope with the climate crisis, we need to bring these resilient traits back into domesticated species.



There are two main approaches to achieve this. The first is to introduce stress-resistance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-inspire-a-safer-method-of-editing-human-genes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genes</a> from closely related plants or reactivate dormant genes within existing crops. This approach seems straightforward, but transferring multiple traits into a single high-yield crop is challenging. 



The second approach involves domesticating entirely new species that are naturally resilient but produce less food initially. Adapting these wild plants to modern farming demands a careful and possibly lengthy process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-paths-and-public-resistance">Uncertain paths and public resistance</h2>



It remains unclear which strategy - gene introduction into established crops or domesticating wild species - will eventually prevail.&nbsp;



However, both approaches share certain requirements: cutting-edge gene-editing and precision breeding methods, backed by accurate cell-based phenotyping and, crucially, public acceptance of new crop varieties.



“One of the current challenges is to match recent scientific advances with public perception of new technologies,” cautioned Shabala.&nbsp;



“The issue is highly politicized and there are significant commercial interests involved. And due to a lack of specific knowledge, the general public cannot distinguish the subtle differences amongst various technologies, and relies on opinions in the media.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-change-for-a-sustainable-future">Embracing change for a sustainable future</h2>



Developing climate-resilient crops involves technological breakthroughs and social willingness to embrace them. Whether by gene-editing existing crops or domesticating new species, our success depends on navigating scientific, regulatory, and cultural hurdles.&nbsp;



The rising global population and the intensifying climate crisis leave us with no choice but to adapt our agriculture to these changing realities.



By investing in research, improving public understanding, and supporting innovation in both plant genetics and farming practices, we can move toward a future where climate-resilient crops ensure not only that we continue to feed everyone, but also that we do so sustainably in the world we have altered.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsci.2024.1416023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Science</a>.



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Creating resilient crops to cope with the climate crisis

We all rely on agriculture for our food, but the...

The combined effects of sea level rise, permafrost thaw subsidence, and coastal retreat threaten to reshape Arctic coastal regions on an unprecedented scale, surpassing the impact of any single climate hazard.&nbsp;



According to scientists, this compounding set of factors will lead to drastic land loss, posing significant challenges for Arctic communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overlapping-hazards-magnify-coastal-retreat-nbsp">Overlapping hazards magnify coastal retreat&nbsp;</h2>



While decades of research have documented the growing threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal erosion</a> in the Arctic, the additional roles of sea level rise and permafrost thaw subsidence have been less explored.&nbsp;



This gap in understanding has limited the ability to evaluate the full extent of these combined processes and their impacts on Arctic landscapes.



A new study by researchers from the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/who-we-are/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> (WHOI) and other institutions, focuses on the Alaska Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP). Spanning more than 60,000 square kilometers, this low-lying, ice-rich region experiences some of the Arctic’s most extreme rates of erosion and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-warnings-what-coastal-cities-must-prepare-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea-level rise</a>.



“Our findings highlight the risks that compounding climate hazards pose to coastal communities and underscore the need for adaptive planning for Arctic communities within zones of 21st-century land loss,” the experts wrote.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-stark-forecast-for-arctic-shorelines">A stark forecast for Arctic shorelines</h2>



The study presents a stark forecast for the North Slope shoreline, predicting a dramatic inland retreat by 2100 due to the interplay of these three hazards.



“Compound <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> impacts accelerate coastal change,” said lead author Roger Creel, a postdoctoral scholar in WHOI’s Department of Physical Oceanography. “There is this nonlinear acceleration in coastal impacts that we should be expecting will happen in places like Northern Alaska.”



The shoreline is expected to retreat farther inland than it has been in over 100,000 years, during the last interglacial period.&nbsp;



“By 2100, the combined effects of coastal erosion, sea level rise, and permafrost thaw subsidence will likely push the North Slope shoreline inland to a location it hasn't reached since the last interglacial period over 100,000 years ago,” explained co-author Benjamin Jones of the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-projections-of-coastal-retreat-nbsp">Projections of coastal retreat&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers utilized advanced tools to assess future land loss, including 5-meter topography, satellite-derived lake depth measurements, and empirical data on permafrost thaw subsidence.&nbsp;



The team incorporated these with projections of coastal erosion and sea level rise under medium- and high-emission scenarios from the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report</a>.



“This research highlights the value of working across disciplinary boundaries for more robust projections of coastal Arctic evolution in the coming century,” said co-author Julia Guimond, an assistant scientist at WHOI.&nbsp;



“Our work shows that by 2100, total land loss will exceed erosional losses by up to eight times. Here we focus on processes affecting Alaska's Arctic Coastal Plain, but a key takeaway is the compounding effects of multiple hazards and that applies to coastal resilience planning across the globe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permafrost-thaw-a-hidden-dominator">Permafrost thaw: A hidden dominator</h2>



The study emphasizes that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-permafrost-thaw-in-alaska-threatens-global-climate-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost thaw</a> subsidence will be the dominant factor driving land loss, surpassing even sea level rise and coastal erosion in its long-term impacts.



“Along ice-rich permafrost coastlines, the land surface is falling faster than the sea levels are rising,” noted co-author Pier Paul Overduin from the <a href="https://www.awi.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research</a>.&nbsp;



“Over the coming decades, permafrost thaw subsidence will move the coastline farther inland than coastal erosion or sea level rise alone will move it, and this subsidence will dominate Arctic coastal change over the long term.”



Creel highlighted the need for greater awareness among decision-making agencies, such as the <a href="https://www.usace.army.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Army Corps of Engineers</a> and <a href="https://www.fema.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FEMA</a>, to allocate resources more effectively.&nbsp;



“These sorts of bodies with a lot of resources may have not been paying enough attention to permafrost thaw subsidence as an agent of coastal change. This study is a wake-up call to expand the conversation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communities-on-the-frontline-of-change">Communities on the frontline of change</h2>



An Arctic coastline shaped by inundation will create unprecedented challenges for the communities that call this region home. These include the loss of infrastructure, hunting grounds, subsistence routes, and cultural heritage sites.



“Future research on Arctic shoreline evolution should be motivated by the needs of these communities, who will need support to respond to the paradigm shift in 21st-century Arctic coastal change that we project here,” the authors concluded.



The study is published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2409411121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Image Credit: Photo by: Benjamin M. Jones, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks



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Accelerating coastal retreat in Alaska: The triple threat

The combined effects of sea level rise, permafrost thaw subsidence,...

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule planktonic creatures that live in the oceans. Scientists estimate that over 50% of the Earth's oxygen is produced by these tiny, drifting protists, plants and algae.



It is these microscopic oceanic organisms, even more than the tall tree outside your window, that are the unsung heroes of our planet. Marine plankton drive the Earth's carbon cycle and regulate the climate.



Plankton drifts with the ocean's currents and has a dual role in producing oxygen and storing carbon dioxide (CO2). This makes these organisms indispensable in maintaining the planet’s delicate balance.



A recent discovery has shed light on the intricate relationship between these planktonic life forms and one of the greatest challenges of our time - increasing atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-plankton-and-carbon-storage">Marine plankton and carbon storage </h2>



Buried deep within the ocean's waters resides a near-invisible, yet vital organism - Trilobatus trilobus, a species of plankton that belongs to the group known as the formainifera. 



These tiny heroes sequester and store CO2 in their calcium carbonate shells through a process known as calcification.



This is the process whereby living organisms, like plankton, build hard, shell-like structures using calcium, carbon and oxygen from their surroundings. The protective "suits of armor" are made of a material similar to chalk or limestone.



Once the plankton expire, their shells sink to the seafloor, becoming long-term carbon storage facilities. This means that the huge task of CO2 storage is undertaken partially by these microscopic life forms.



Now, scientists from the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a> have explored this phenomenon in more detail and uncovered some fascinating insights.



Initially, research focused on how changes in ocean chemistry and acidification influence calcification. However, this study revealed that physical properties of the ocean, such as density, also play a crucial role in this complex process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-artful-adaptations-of-marine-plankton">The artful adaptations of marine plankton </h2>



What makes T. trilobus so remarkable? This planktonic species demonstrates an extraordinary ability to adapt its calcification process in response to environmental fluctuations, particularly to changes in ocean density and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>.



These survival strategies ensure that the plankton can maintain buoyancy and thrive in varying conditions.



For example, when ocean density decreases due to freshwater influx from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-ice-caps-changing-earths-rotation-need-negative-leap-second/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting ice caps</a>, T. trilobus reduces the calcification rate, thus forming lighter shells that help to keep the individuals buoyant. 



This adjustment not only supports the survival of the microorganisms, but also affects ocean chemistry by leaving surface waters more alkaline. 



The increase in alkalinity enhances the ocean's ability to absorb even more CO2, illustrating the intricate relationship between these microscopic organisms and the planet’s carbon cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-unseen-impact-on-climate-change">The unseen impact on climate change</h2>



The adaptive behavior of T. trilobus has far-reaching implications for climate regulation. 



By modifying calcification in response to environmental changes, these plankton indirectly boost the ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 and act as a natural mitigator of atmospheric carbon.



This dynamic process highlights the vital role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-stress-causes-undetected-changes-in-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a> in buffering the effects of climate change.



“Our findings demonstrate how planktonic foraminifera adapt their shell architecture to changes in seawater density. This natural adjustment, potentially regulating atmospheric chemistry for millions of years, underscores the complex interplay between marine life and the global climate system,” explained Dr. Stergios Zarkogiannis, the study's lead scientist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-plankton-in-ocean-calcification">The role of plankton in ocean calcification</h2>



Dr. Zarkogiannis and his team explored the intricacies of T. trilobus shells, collected from deep-sea sediments along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.



Using advanced techniques like X-ray microcomputed tomography and shell trace element geochemistry, they linked variations in calcification to environmental changes, including salinity, density, and carbonate chemistry.



Their findings revealed that plankton produce lighter, thinner shells in equatorial waters and thicker, heavier shells in denser subtropical regions, illustrating how these tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-organisms-may-adapt-to-climate-change-but-with-hidden-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organisms adapt</a> to their surroundings.



“Although planktonic organisms may passively float in the water column, they are far from passive participants in the carbon cycle. By actively adjusting their calcification to control buoyancy and ensure survival, these organisms also regulate the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2," said Dr. Zarkogiannis.



This dual role underscores their profound importance in understanding and addressing climate challenges."



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



While this study illuminates the adaptive capabilities of T. trilobus, further research is needed to determine whether buoyancy regulation influences calcification in other marine organisms. 



By continuing to unravel the intricate ways in which plankton interact with their environment, scientists can better understand - and perhaps leverage - their role in mitigating climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240179" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science</a>.



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Marine plankton are key players in carbon cycle regulation

We are dependent on oxygen that is generated by miniscule...

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat to our global food supply. Scientists are raising alarms about the potentially devastating consequences. 



Without rapid changes to how we develop climate-resilient crops, we could face widespread food shortages, famine, mass migration, and global instability. 



An international team of researchers, as reported in Trends in Plant Science, calls for urgent action to avert this crisis.



"We're in a race against time," said Silvia Restrepo, president of the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and co-author of the paper.



"The crops we depend on for food are increasingly struggling to survive extreme weather, from heat waves to droughts and floods. Meanwhile, our current approaches to developing tougher, more resilient crops simply aren't moving fast enough."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-impacting-food-supply">Climate change impacting food supply </h2>



The challenges facing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agriculture</a> are more complex than ever. Crops are not only battling higher temperatures but are also dealing with more frequent pest outbreaks and diseases. 



Even when plants survive these challenges, climate change can reduce their nutritional value. 



The situation is further complicated by agriculture itself contributing to about 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, creating a vicious cycle that accelerates climate change.



The <a href="https://btiscience.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BTI</a> researchers outline five key recommendations to tackle this urgent crisis:



<ol start="1" class="wp-block-list">
<li>Create global research initiatives that unite scientists from developed and developing nations to share resources and expertise. </li>



<li>Study plants in real-world conditions, beyond the confines of controlled laboratory environments. </li>



<li>Forge stronger partnerships between scientists and farmers to ensure practical solutions. </li>



<li>Build public trust in new crop development technologies to increase acceptance. </li>



<li>Streamline regulations&nbsp;to speed up the implementation of innovative agricultural solutions.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-gaps-and-neglected-regions">Funding gaps and neglected regions</h2>



Despite the crucial role agriculture plays in human survival, only about 4% of global climate funding - roughly $35 billion annually - goes toward developing climate-resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-food-day-fighting-global-hunger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food systems</a>.



What’s even more alarming is that most of this funding focuses on large-scale farming in developed nations, leaving smaller farms and developing countries behind. 



This imbalance is exacerbating both climate challenges and the global food supply crisis, leaving vulnerable regions at greater risk.



"We need to completely rethink how we approach this challenge," said study co-author Andrew Nelson, an associate professor at BTI.



"Instead of starting in the lab and hoping solutions work in the field, we should begin by understanding farmers' real-world challenges and then work backward to develop practical solutions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilience-through-collaboration">Building resilience through collaboration</h2>



Success will demand unprecedented collaboration among scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public. 



It will also require making new technologies accessible to all regions, particularly in the Global South, where climate impacts are felt most severely.



This global collaboration could help prevent a worsening crisis in agriculture and improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-predict-the-chaotic-response-of-crops-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> security and nutrition worldwide.



The experts emphasize that the time for incremental changes has passed. Rapid and decisive action is required to implement their five recommendations. 



Only by building resilient agricultural systems can we hope to secure our food supply in the face of ongoing climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-summit-on-plant-resilience">International summit on plant resilience</h2>



The group of 21 co-authors from nine countries formed after the First International Summit on Plant Resilience, organized by the Plant Resilience Institute. 



The summit, held earlier this year, featured Michelle Heck as the keynote speaker. Heck, an adjunct professor at BTI and <a href="https://www.cornell.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> and Research Molecular Biologist at USDA-ARS, spoke about her innovative research on preventing citrus greening disease.



The summit aimed to promote global collaboration by bringing together leading plant scientists from diverse disciplines. The goal? Establishing plant resilience research as a cornerstone of climate change solutions.



Another summit is already planned for 2026, signaling the importance and urgency of continued efforts to fight climate threats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-our-food-supply-from-climate-change">Protecting our food supply from climate change</h2>



As climate change continues to accelerate, our food systems face an uncertain future. 



Addressing these issues will require collaboration across borders, new technology, and a fresh perspective on solving real-world agricultural problems.



The five recommendations outlined by the researchers are a roadmap that could lead to a more resilient and secure food system - but only if we act decisively.



The time for half-measures has passed; the world must come together to ensure a stable food supply for future generations.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(24)00302-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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We are in a race against time to save our food supply from climate change

As climate change accelerates, it poses a serious threat 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=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.



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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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