Once upon a time, you went to a florist for a bouquet. Now you can grab one next to the spinach, at the pharmacy counter, even by the chips at a gas station. As fresh flowers have spilled out of specialty shops and into everyday retail, their place in our lives - and who’s buying them - has changed fast.



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.caes.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences wanted to know what, exactly, is going on. 



They teamed up across horticulture and agricultural economics to look not just at what people buy, but why they buy it, how often, and what those habits reveal about the modern consumer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-move-beyond-florists">Flowers move beyond florists</h2>



Drawing on a nationally representative survey of more than 8,500 people, the team found remarkable variety rather than a single archetype. Using marketing-style cluster analysis, they identified 13 distinct kinds of flower buyers.



Some are the classic date-night crowd: heavy on roses, big on Valentine’s Day. Others show up once a year for anniversaries and otherwise keep their wallets shut. 



A growing slice is buying flowers solely for themselves - home-use-only shoppers who treat stems like candles or throw pillows, a mood boost for the living room. 



And then there’s the “everything” group: people who purchase for all kinds of occasions and tend to spend the most overall.



Ask people what flowers mean and the responses span the spectrum. Word clouds from open-ended answers lit up with “beauty” and “smell,” but also “expensive” and “waste.”



Even so, buyers describe tangible upsides. Those who’d purchased flowers in the past year were more likely to report feeling better at home and at work - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simple-and-self-guided-nature-program-quickly-improves-mood-and-reduces-stress/">improved mood</a>, less stress, higher morale. The effect was strongest among recent purchasers.



As agricultural economist Ben Campbell put it, “there’s a perceived benefit of buying flowers - whether it’s real or not. People feel they’re getting something valuable from the experience.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-changed-how-we-buy-flowers">Covid changed how we buy flowers</h2>



Behind the scenes, the cut-flower supply chain is both global and intricate. Imports - especially roses from Colombia - still dominate U.S. shelves. But the domestic picture has shifted in surprising ways.



When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-19-lockdowns-weakened-our-immune-systems/">COVID-19</a> hit, weddings and funerals vanished overnight. Growers plowed under fields. Florists closed their doors. 



And then, stuck at home, people started buying flowers anyway - to brighten kitchen tables and Zoom backgrounds, to mark time when weeks blurred together. Grocery stores and even convenience stores leaned into the demand.



“It became almost like therapy,” said Julie Campbell, the study’s lead author and a horticulture professor. “The habit stuck around.”



That collective turn inward sparked new growth outdoors. From 2017 to 2022, open-field flower acreage in the U.S. more than doubled. 



Much of that expansion came from small and mid-sized farms growing stems that don’t ship well - zinnias, dahlias, snapdragons - varieties that explode with color but wilt on long-haul flights.



Rather than compete with mass-produced roses from the Andes, these growers staked out a complementary niche: seasonal, local, and often more diverse.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-farms-find-their-niche">Local farms find their niche</h2>



Today’s bouquets are often a collage of origins. One sleeve might hold Ecuadorian roses, California ranunculus, and Georgia-grown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-wildflowers-may-be-harming-bees/">wildflowers</a>, all in the same mix.



Consumers seem comfortable with that blend, and many are learning to read seasonality the way they do with produce: peonies in late spring, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-family-tree-explains-evolution-of-flower-symmetry/">sunflowers</a> in midsummer, chrysanthemums in fall.



For domestic growers, that seasonality is an advantage. It allows them to sell what travels poorly and tell a fresher story - field to vase instead of farm to table. For retailers, it’s an opportunity to meet shoppers where they already are.



The UGA study suggests that people inclined to toss a bouquet in the cart also value other small home upgrades. In other words, flowers are converging with the broader “home as haven” mindset that accelerated during the pandemic and never really retreated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flowers-are-no-longer-just-gifts">Flowers are no longer just gifts</h2>



If there’s one throughline in the data, it’s diversity of intent. Flowers are still gifts, of course, but self-purchase is no longer niche. 



The “everything” buyers - those who grab stems for birthdays, apologies, Tuesdays, and everything in between - anchor the market, yet the once-a-year romantics and the treat-yourself crowd matter too.



That mix is why bouquets now show up in so many retail formats. A pharmacy endcap might catch the anniversary buyer; a grocery display might tempt the self-care shopper who wants tulips with their tomatoes.



It also helps explain the emotional payoffs respondents described. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flower-quality-is-a-critical-driver-of-bee-abundance/">Fresh flowers</a> are a fast, visible change in a room and an affordable luxury compared to furniture or renovations. 



That hit of beauty, scent, and novelty can feel outsize relative to the spend, which reinforces repeat purchases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-the-industry-goes-next"><a></a>Where the industry goes next</h2>



Policy and logistics will continue to shape the landscape - trade agreements, air freight costs, and climate impacts all ripple into what appears in the bucket by the checkout. But the UGA team’s work points to a few practical implications now.



Retailers can segment more intelligently, tailoring assortments and messaging to different buyer types rather than assuming a single use case. 



Growers can lean into their strengths - distinctive, local, and seasonal - without trying to displace imports that excel at year-round volume. 



And marketers can speak to well-being without overpromising: flowers won’t solve life’s problems, but they routinely make spaces feel better, and people notice.



Perhaps the biggest takeaway is the simplest: Americans are still buying flowers - and not just to hand to someone else.



Whether it’s a dozen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-delicate-roses-have-such-harsh-prickles/">roses</a> flown in from Colombia or a handful of dahlias clipped from a nearby farm, fresh stems have become an everyday indulgence. 



They sit by the sink, brighten a desk, bookend the produce aisle, and remind us, in small ways, why bringing a bit of the outside in still resonates.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/35/3/article-p286.xml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HortTechnology</a>.



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Why more people are buying flowers for everyday therapy

Once upon a time, you went to a florist for a bouquet. Now you can grab one next to the spinach, at the pharmacy counter, even by the chips at a gas station. As fresh flowers have spilled out of specialty shops and into everyday retail, their place in our lives - and who’s buying them - has changed fast. Researchers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences wanted to know what, exactly, is going on. They teamed up across horticulture and agricultural...

A significant number of Europe’s plants and animals are edging closer to disappearance. A new study indicates that around 20 percent of the species on the European Red List are threatened with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/">extinction</a>. This includes a surprising array of invertebrates whose risk of dying out is much greater than previously estimated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The research was led by Axel Hochkirch of the <a href="https://www.mnhn.lu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle</a> in Luxembourg. The team analyzed 14,669 species, which represent approximately 10 percent of all known terrestrial, freshwater, and marine flora and fauna in Europe. 



This exhaustive review was based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's <a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red List of Threatened Species</a>, a key resource for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-european-red-list-nbsp">European Red List&nbsp;</h2>



"In Europe, taxonomic coverage of the IUCN Red List is more extensive than in other parts of the world, as the European Commission has funded European Red List assessments of thousands of species from a wide variety of taxonomic groups since 2006," wrote the researchers.



"These include all vertebrates (amphibians, birds, fishes, mammals and reptiles), functionally important invertebrate groups (all bees, butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, crickets, bush-crickets, freshwater and terrestrial mollusks, and a selection of saproxylic beetles) and about 12 percent of the known plant species in Europe (including all ferns and lycopods, orchids, trees, aquatic plants and bryophytes, as well as selected shrubs, medicinal plants, priority crop wild relatives, and plants listed in policy instruments)."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



Alarmingly, the researchers found that 27 percent of plant species, 24 percent of invertebrates, and 18 percent of vertebrates included in the study are on the brink of extinction.&nbsp;



Invertebrates, often overlooked in conservation efforts, appear to be more imperiled than was previously thought, as highlighted by the latest reports from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greater-extinction-risk">Greater extinction risk</h2>



"These numbers exceed recent IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) assumptions of extinction risk," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Changes in agricultural practices and associated habitat loss, overharvesting, pollution and development are major threats to biodiversity. Maintaining and restoring sustainable land and water use practices is crucial to minimize future biodiversity declines."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-to-action">Call to action</h2>



The study is not just a call to alarm but a call to action. The researchers emphasize the need for increased conservation action, recognizing the crucial role of biodiversity in food security, wealth generation, and overall well-being in Europe.



Further investigation into specific threats and effective conservation strategies is imperative, according to the research team. Such work is vital to guide and measure the success of initiatives aiming to curb the loss of biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



"Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge and minimizing extinction rates is the goal of several multilateral environmental agreements. Policy decisions require comprehensive, spatially explicit information on species’ distributions and threats," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“This comprehensive analysis of 14,669 continental Red List assessments for European animal and plant species suggests that 2 million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction. This result doubles the latest IPBES assumption of 1 million threatened species.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293083" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS ONE</a>.



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One fifth of all European endangered species may vanish 

A significant number of Europe’s plants and animals are edging...

In an intriguing twist to the ongoing debate surrounding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-strongly-linked-to-mental-disorders-in-a-new-study/">cannabis</a>, a recent study has shed light on the drug's potential impact on empathy. Psychological assessments reveal that regular cannabis users might have a keener sense of others' emotions.



The researchers found that frequent cannabis users demonstrated a heightened understanding of other people's emotional states.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



The investigation did not merely rely on subjective psychological evaluations. The experts extended its scope to include brain imaging tests



The tests revealed that the anterior cingulate - a brain region typically influenced by cannabis - exhibited stronger connections with areas that are responsible for sensing the emotional states of others within the individual's own body.&nbsp;



This neurobiological evidence suggests that the drug's influence on the brain may play a role in the users' increased empathetic abilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The study's comprehensive approach included a sample of 85 regular cannabis users and 51 non-consumers.&nbsp;



All participants underwent psychometric testing to gauge empathy levels. Additionally, a subset of the group, consisting of 46 users and 34 non-users, participated in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) exams to observe the brain's activity and network connectivity.



The results are particularly noteworthy because they challenge existing stereotypes about cannabis users and offer a fresh perspective on the substance's neurological impact.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-therapeutic-applications-nbsp">New therapeutic applications&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Dr. Víctor Olalde-Mathieu from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México noted that these preliminary findings could pave the way for novel therapeutic applications of cannabis.&nbsp;



“Although further research is needed, these results open an exciting new window for exploring the potential effects of cannabis in aiding treatments for conditions involving deficits in social interactions, such as sociopathy, social anxiety, and avoidant personality disorder, among others,” said Dr. Olalde-Mathieu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



"Cannabis use has generally been associated with negative mental health and behavioral outcomes. Using fMRI connectivity and psychometric methods, this study found that regular cannabis users have a greater understanding of the emotions of others," wrote the researchers.



"Furthermore, the anterior cingulate, a region generally affected by cannabis use and related to empathy, had stronger functional connectivity with brain regions related to sensing the emotional states of others within one's own body."



"These findings highlight positive effects of cannabis on interpersonal relationships and potential therapeutic applications."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



While the findings are promising, the researchers note that further research is needed to fully understand the implications of cannabis use in this context. The study does not conclusively establish causation, nor does it delve into the long-term effects of cannabis on empathy and social behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



This research marks a significant step towards demystifying the multifaceted effects of cannabis on the human mind and social functioning. It opens a new window for exploring how cannabis could be integrated into therapeutic strategies for social disorders, potentially leading to groundbreaking treatment options.&nbsp;



As the scientific community continues to investigate the brain and behavioral changes of cannabis users, this study serves as a pivotal reference point for future inquiries and clinical trials.



The research is published in the <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jnr.25252?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=publicity&amp;utm_content=WRH_11_6_23&amp;utm_term=JNR">Journal of Neuroscience Research</a>.



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Cannabis users may learn to understand the emotions of others

In an intriguing twist to the ongoing debate surrounding cannabis,...

Researchers from Israel have introduced a new database that is the first of its kind to combine data on plant distribution and life cycles on a global scale. This research has implications for understanding the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-trees-are-not-responding-well-to-climate-change/">climate change</a> on plant life, particularly annuals, and could shape future agricultural practices and conservation efforts.



The study was led by Dr. Niv DeMalach of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Professor Itay Mayrose of Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Tyler Poppenwimer, a researcher at the FDA.&nbsp;



The newly created database is extensive, including information on the life cycles of around 235,000 species - equivalent to 67 percent of species known to science - collected over an 80-year span.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perennials-vs-annuals-nbsp">Perennials vs. annuals&nbsp;</h2>



Plants are broadly classified into perennials, which live for more than a year, and annuals, which complete their life cycle in a single season.&nbsp;



While perennials, such as grasses, trees, and bushes, form the bulk of the world's flora and are crucial for ecosystem stability, annuals dominate agricultural lands and our diets, being a primary source of carbohydrates and proteins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-annual-distribution-nbsp">Annual distribution&nbsp;</h2>



Contrary to previous assumptions, the research identified that the abundance of annuals is not uniform worldwide. Their distribution is significantly influenced by seasonal climates rather than average annual temperature and rainfall.&nbsp;



The study provided a surprising revelation that annuals are less prevalent globally than previously estimated, occupying less than six percent of plant species compared to the earlier assumed 12 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



The findings shed light on historical human agricultural practices, particularly in the Middle East, where the climate favored the cultivation of annuals, thus facilitating the birth of agriculture.&nbsp;



The study also raises concerns for the future. It supports the prediction that the prevalence of annuals will increase due to human impact, which could potentially harm the environment due to their less efficient role in carbon sequestration compared to perennials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



“The study both helps explain human history and is relevant for the future of humankind. It helps us understand why agriculture, which is the basis for human civilization, first appeared in the Middle East," said Dr. DeMalach.



"Our region is unusual in its high proportion of annuals, and now we know why - it has the right climate conditions. Food production is based mainly on annual species. This is true today, and it was true thousands of years ago."



"These conditions facilitated the transition from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural society. Regarding the future, our model suggests that the human species has become the most influential factor on the planet, and not only will its impact have consequences for wild plant life, but the changes caused will also affect human life in turn.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-challenges">Upcoming challenges</h2>



Dr. DeMalach said that one of the great challenges facing humanity in the 21st century is providing food for billions of people with minimal damage to the environment.&nbsp;



"Therefore, extensive efforts are being made to shift from annual crops to perennial crops, which are&nbsp; more environmentally friendly," said Dr. DeMalach. “The problem today is that perennial crops are still less productive, and there is great debate as to whether they can be made more productive in the future.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06644-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Plant life cycles: Predicting the impacts of climate change

Researchers from Israel have introduced a new database that is...

The issue of increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/influx-of-salt-in-water-soil-and-air-poses-a-potential-health-crisis/">soil salinity</a>, a growing global problem in agriculture, has been the focus of recent research by scientists at <a href="https://www.elte.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eötvös Loránd University</a> (ELTE) in Hungary. The experts set out to investigate the effects of high salt concentrations on the development of wheat seedlings, particularly those germinating deep in the soil. 



This research is critical, given that salinization affects the livelihood of over one and a half billion people globally.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-greening-nbsp">Plant greening&nbsp;</h2>



The investigation revealed that the process of greening in wheat leaves, which includes chlorophyll biosynthesis and the development of chloroplasts, is significantly hampered when these leaves, growing in dark, saline soils, are suddenly exposed to various ions. This exposure can lead to stress and potentially the death of the seedlings.



“Many researchers have been investigating for a long time how high soil salinity inhibits the germination of most economically important crops and reduces their yields. However, no studies are available about how saline soils affect the leaves of plant seedlings developing from seeds sown deep into the soil according to agricultural planting protocols of many crops. This is even more surprising as salinization of croplands affects about one and a half billion people worldwide,” said senior author Katalin Solymosi, an assistant professor of Biology at ELTE.



The scientists discovered that sodium ions (Na+) have the most detrimental impact on plant greening, while potassium (K+) salts, such as those found in wood ash, and calcium chloride (CaCl2) are more benign alternatives for ice-melting purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



“In this context, it is particularly surprising that no study has so far investigated in detail how high salt concentrations affect the greening of wheat seedlings, even though it is obvious that the leaves of plants germinating in soil are directly exposed to soil salinity,” explained lead author Adél Sóti, a PhD student at ELTE.



“We found a simple method to investigate how salt affects the greening of plants. After 11 days of germination in complete darkness, for example in a closed box, leaf pieces of seedlings were first exposed to different concentrations of salt for 1.5 hours as a pretreatment and then illuminated in relatively low light to green them. Greening, that is the appearance or absence of green color after 16 hours of illumination, is readily visible to the eye and indicates the extent to which the saline solution was detrimental to the process.”



“With electron microscopic investigations we showed that the large and abnormal swelling of the water-containing inner space (called lumen) of the etioplast inner membranes did not occur during the application of only osmotic stress and was only observed in samples treated with high Na+ concentrations. Our comparative analyses showed that high concentrations (600 mM) of KCl, KNO3 or 300 mM CaCl2 also slowed down the greening, but did not induce such marked ultrastructural changes,” added Solymosi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



These findings highlight the significant role of soil salinity in affecting plant growth and point towards the need for more environmentally friendly approaches in areas such as road de-icing during winter. Moreover, they offer a foundation for understanding and combating the challenges posed by increasing soil salinity in agriculture worldwide.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00425-023-04255-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planta</a>.



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Soil salinity disrupts the development of wheat seedlings

The issue of increased soil salinity, a growing global problem...

The,Young,,Short,Pine,Tree,Dried,Up,And,Turned,Bright

In the depths of verdant forests, where the tranquility is often only disturbed by the sounds of wildlife and rustling leaves, a silent crisis is unfolding amongst young trees. 



Climate scientist Don Falk's chance encounter with a dead seedling during a forest hike has shed light on a concerning phenomenon known as recruitment failure among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-cut-down-all-the-oak-trees-a-disturbing-discovery-makes-this-question-plausible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of forest resilience in the face of climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dire-discovery-amidst-the-green">Dire discovery amidst the green</h2>



Don Falk is a respected figure in the realm of environmental science, bringing attention to looming ecological challenges. His observations and subsequent research highlight a troubling trend in the natural regeneration of young tree populations. The death of a generation of seedlings is not merely a localized issue but a warning sign of larger ecological upheaval.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recruitment-failure-is-a-grave-threat">"Recruitment failure" is a grave threat</h2>



Recruitment failure denotes the widespread demise of young trees, which are pivotal for the natural restoration of forests after catastrophic events. 



Falk, who holds a professorship at the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a> and multiple appointments in key environmental research institutes, emphasizes the gravity of this situation. As climate change exacerbates conditions like wildfires and pestilence, the regeneration of forests hangs in the balance.



In an attempt to understand how extreme weather events affect tree recruitment, Falk and his colleagues embarked on a controlled study. They scrutinized the responses of five different tree species, all four years in age, to sustained periods of drought and heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-tolerance-among-young-trees">Drought tolerance among young trees</h2>



The research uncovered varying levels of drought tolerance among the species. Interestingly, all species exhibited a higher than expected resilience to heat waves.



During the drought simulation, while some species succumbed to prolonged water scarcity, the limber pine stood out for its remarkable endurance. Young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-gives-pine-trees-fresh-scent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pine trees</a> survived up to 36 weeks without water. This finding contradicts common expectations, as some of the more resilient species were those accustomed to cooler, higher elevations rather than warmer, lower ones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-outcome-from-heat-waves">Unexpected outcome from heat waves</h2>



The researchers also mimicked a typical heat wave, increasing temperatures significantly for a week across all species. The order of seedling death remained consistent with that of the drought experiment. In addition, the time to death only slightly accelerated. 



These results have prompted a reevaluation of the impact of heat waves, with an emphasis on underlying drought conditions as the primary stress factor for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/younger-trees-use-up-and-release-less-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-trees-and-forest-management">Young trees and forest management</h2>



The insights garnered from Falk and his team's work are more than academic. They are a call to action for forest managers. The surprising resilience of species like the limber <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heat-makes-pine-trees-more-susceptible-to-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pine</a> may inform decisions on what to plant in the aftermath of large-scale adult tree die-offs.



Professor Emeritus David Breshears is a co-author of the study. He stresses the importance of this research in guiding future forest management strategies. 



The upcoming experiments, which plan to intensify the heat conditions, aim to further refine our understanding of how future landscapes may be shaped by these climatic challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-resilience-hangs-in-the-balance">Forest resilience hangs in the balance</h2>



As our planet faces unprecedented climatic changes, the findings of Falk and his colleagues serve as a crucial piece of the puzzle in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-forests-with-diverse-tree-species-increases-likelihood-of-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest conservation efforts</a>. Recruitment failure is more than an academic term. It represents a potential bottleneck in the life cycle of forests that could have cascading effects on ecosystems worldwide.



The silent crisis observed in the demise of young <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-trees-use-social-distancing-to-promote-forest-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> is a stark reminder of the delicate balance within which our forests exist. With continued research and informed forest management, there is hope that this balance can be maintained, safeguarding the future of these vital ecosystems for generations to come.



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



Young trees are the backbone of forest regeneration and ecosystem sustainability. Their growth stages are crucial in determining the future health and stability of woodlands around the world. 



As previously discussed, understanding how these saplings grow and develop is key to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-trees-are-best-at-purifying-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nurturing forests</a> that can withstand environmental challenges.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-germination-the-first-step-of-life">Germination: The first step of life</h3>



The journey of a young tree begins with germination. In this initial phase, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seed-production-is-slowing-down-in-older-larger-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seeds</a> absorb water, causing them to swell and break through their outer shell. 



The root begins to anchor the plant into the soil, and a shoot pushes upward towards the light. This critical stage sets the stage for a sapling's emergence.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seedling-stage-foundation-for-the-future">Seedling stage: Foundation for the future</h3>



After germination, the seedling stage commences. During this period, young trees develop their first true leaves, essential for photosynthesis -- the process that fuels their growth. These first leaves, albeit temporary, are a sapling's initial solar panels, capturing sunlight to create food from carbon dioxide and water.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sapling-growth-strength-and-structure">Sapling growth: Strength and structure</h3>



As seedlings transition into saplings, they grow taller, and their root systems expand both deep and wide into the earth. This growth spurt allows them to access more nutrients and water, critical to outcompete grasses and shrubs. Stems thicken, providing the necessary support for the young tree to stand against the elements.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-trees-coping-with-environmental-stress">Young trees coping with environmental stress</h3>



Young trees must endure and adapt to various environmental stresses, including drought, pests, and shade. Their ability to cope with these stresses is crucial for survival. 



As they mature, trees develop thicker bark to protect against pests and diseases. They also form stronger wood to resist wind and weather, while their leaves optimize to maximize sunlight absorption.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-the-early-years">Importance of the early years</h3>



The early years of a tree's life are determinative. They establish the resilience necessary to face challenges like climate change, disease, and human interference. Ensuring that saplings have the right conditions to thrive during this period is essential for the long-term health of forests.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-intervention-aiding-young-tree-growth">Human intervention: Aiding young tree growth</h3>



Foresters and conservationists often intervene to support young trees. They may provide water during dry spells, erect barriers to protect against wildlife, or thin out competing vegetation. This human aid can be the difference between a thriving forest and a struggling one.



As young trees grow, they begin to contribute to their ecosystem. They offer habitat and food for wildlife, improve soil health, and contribute to the carbon cycle, mitigating climate change impacts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurturing-the-next-generation">Nurturing the next generation</h3>



The growth of young trees is a complex, vital process that lays the foundation for a robust and resilient forest ecosystem. It is a testament to the intricate balance of nature and the importance of each stage in a tree's life cycle. 



By understanding and supporting this growth, humans can ensure that forests continue to thrive. Doing so will provide innumerable benefits for both the environment and society at large.



The full study was published in the prestigious journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1198156/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Forests and Global Change</a>.



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Young trees are not responding well to climate change

In the depths of verdant forests, where the tranquility is...

Young,Woman,Give,A,Strawberry,To,Her,Man,In,The

A recent study by the <a href="https://www.uc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a> has revealed promising connections between strawberry consumption and reduced risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/">dementia</a> among certain middle-aged individuals.&nbsp;



The study, led by Professor Emeritus Robert Krikorian from the UC College of Medicine, builds on earlier research that demonstrated the cognitive benefits of blueberries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The focus of this new research was on the unique combination of antioxidants found in strawberries.&nbsp;



“Both strawberries and blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have been implicated in a variety of berry health benefits such as metabolic and cognitive enhancements,” said Dr. Krikorian.&nbsp;



“There is epidemiological data suggesting that people who consume strawberries or blueberries regularly have a slower rate of cognitive decline with aging.”&nbsp;



In addition to containing anthocyanins, Dr. Krikorian noted that strawberries contain additional micronutrients called ellagitannins and ellagic acid that have been associated with health benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-function-and-strawberry-consumption">Cognitive function&nbsp;and strawberry consumption</h2>



Given that around 50% of the U.S. population develops insulin resistance in middle age, a precursor to chronic diseases, the team sought to examine the impact of strawberry intake on cognitive function and metabolic health.



Dr. Krikorian said the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-mulch-used-in-strawberry-production-leads-to-long-term-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strawberry</a> consumption have been studied previously, but there were relatively few studies on its cognitive effects.



“This study assessed whether strawberry consumption might improve cognitive performance and metabolic health in this population and, if so, whether there might be an association between cognitive enhancement and reduced metabolic disturbance,” said Dr. Krikorian.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-study-strawberry-consumption">How to study strawberry consumption</h2>



The research was focused on 30 heavier individuals aged 50 to 65, all experiencing mild cognitive decline - a group at heightened risk for dementia and other age-related conditions.&nbsp;



Over 12 weeks, study participants were given a daily packet of supplement powder with their breakfast. One group received powder equivalent to a cup of strawberries, while the other received a placebo.



The results showed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strawberries-promote-cardiometabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strawberry</a> group experienced reduced memory interference, indicating improvements in executive function.&nbsp;



“Reduced memory interference refers to less confusion of semantically related terms on a word-list learning test,” said Dr. Krikorian. “This phenomenon generally is thought to reflect better executive control in terms of resisting intrusion of non-target words during the memory testing.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-executive-abilities-nbsp">Executive abilities&nbsp;</h2>



Participants in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-sized-fruit-strawberries-weigh-60-percent-more-than-they-did-12-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strawberry</a> group also saw a notable decrease in symptoms of depression. Dr. Krikorian suggests that this may stem from “enhanced executive ability that would provide better emotional control and coping and perhaps better problem-solving.”



The implications of these findings suggest that cognitive enhancements from strawberry consumption may be due to a reduction in brain inflammation, which is often aggravated by conditions such as insulin resistance and obesity commonly found in middle age.



“Executive abilities begin to decline in midlife and excess abdominal fat, as in insulin resistance and obesity, will tend to increase inflammation, including in the brain,” explained Dr. Krikorian.



“So, one might consider that our middle-aged, overweight, prediabetic sample had higher levels of inflammation that contributed to at least mild impairment of executive abilities. Accordingly, the beneficial effects we observed might be related to moderation of inflammation in the strawberry group.”



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



This study adds to a growing body of evidence that diet - particularly the intake of certain berries rich in antioxidants - may play a vital role in maintaining cognitive health and reducing the risk of dementia as we age.



Dr. Krikorian emphasizes the need for further research, suggesting future studies should expand participant samples and explore varying dosages of strawberry supplementation to fully understand the fruit's potential benefits.&nbsp;



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



Strawberries claim a cherished spot in the heart of fruit lovers worldwide. These ruby gems are not only a feast for the eyes but also pack a punch of health benefits and culinary versatility that few other fruits can boast.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultivating-the-perfect-berry">Cultivating the perfect berry</h3>



Farmers dedicate their springs and summers to cultivating strawberries, nurturing them from tiny white flowers to plump, juicy fruits. They plant mother plants, which send out runners to propagate new strawberry plants. This is an efficient and natural way to expand their strawberry fields. 



When the season peaks, usually from April to June, the harvest begins. Each berry is handpicked with care to ensure it has reached its full ripeness because strawberries, unlike some fruits, cease to ripen once removed from the plant.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-treasure-trove-of-nutrients">A Treasure Trove of Nutrients</h3>



Strawberries offer more than just their delightful taste; they are a treasure trove of nutrients. They boast an impressive amount of vitamin C, surpassing even oranges gram for gram, which bolsters the immune system. 



The berries are also rich in manganese, essential for bone health and metabolic functions, and they offer a good amount of folate, a key nutrient for pregnant women. Potassium, fiber, and antioxidants are abundant in these fruits as well. Eating strawberries contributes to better heart health, improved digestion, and combating oxidative stress, respectively.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-with-strawberries">Eating with strawberries</h3>



The versatility of strawberries in culinary applications is vast. Chefs and home cooks around the world cherish them for their ability to complement both sweet and savory dishes. You can eat strawberries by slicing them fresh onto morning bowls of cereal or yogurt, toss them into a spinach and goat cheese salad for a burst of sweetness, or blend them into smoothies for a refreshing drink. 



The berries are also perfect for making jams and jellies, lending themselves to the preservation of their flavor long past their season. Desserts like strawberry shortcake, pies, and ice cream highlight their natural sweetness, while strawberry-infused balsamic vinegar can add a twist to savory dishes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commitment-to-local-and-fresh">Commitment to local and fresh</h3>



Supporting local strawberry agriculture not only contributes to the local economy but also ensures that the strawberries on your table are the freshest available. 



Locally sourced strawberries typically make it from field to market in less than 24 hours, maintaining their optimal flavor and nutritional content. This contrasts with supermarket berries that may have traveled long distances and lost some of their vitality along the way.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-future-for-strawberries">Sustainable future for strawberries</h3>



The strawberry industry is also looking toward sustainable and organic farming practices to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly produce. This involves reducing pesticide use, conserving water, and employing natural fertilizers, making the strawberry indulgence a guilt-free pleasure.



In summary, strawberries stand out in the fruit world for their allure, health benefits, and versatility. As we savor these delectable fruits, we also celebrate the farmers who bring them to our tables and the sustainable practices that ensure strawberries can be enjoyed for generations to come. 



Whether enjoyed in their natural glory, whipped into a culinary creation, or preserved for future enjoyment, strawberries continue to captivate and nourish us in countless ways.



The research was funded by the <a href="https://www.calstrawberry.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Strawberry Commission</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu15204431" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>.



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Eating strawberries may lower the risk of dementia

A recent study by the University of Cincinnati has revealed...

In the pursuit of restoring degraded ecosystems through re-vegetation, a new study highlights a critical oversight in most restoration projects – the failure to manage plant-eating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-herbivores-must-be-restored-to-balance-ecosystems/">herbivores</a>.&nbsp;



The survey, which analyzed nearly 2,600 restoration efforts across various ecosystems, revealed that while many projects focus on removing competing plant species, only a mere 10% address the threat posed by herbivores to young plants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-young-plants">Protecting young plants</h2>



Professor Brian Silliman, an expert in marine conservation biology at <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>, emphasized the vulnerability of young plants.



“While most of the projects took steps to exclude competing plant species, only 10% took steps to control or temporarily exclude herbivores, despite the fact that in the early stages these plants are like lollipops - irresistible little treats for grazers,” said Silliman.



He explained that by not protecting plants in their early states, conservationists are missing out on great opportunity to significantly speed restoration, improve its outcomes, and lower its costs.



“Our analysis of the surveyed projects shows that introducing predators to keep herbivore populations in check or installing barriers to keep them at bay until plantings become more established and less vulnerable, can increase plant re-growth by 89% on average."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-grazing-pressure-nbsp">Increased grazing pressure&nbsp;</h2>



The international research team, including experts from 20 universities and institutions, published their findings in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.add2814" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



Co-led by Qiang He of Fudan University and his associate Changlin Xu, the study highlights the urgency of this issue in the context of climate change, especially in warmer, drier regions where herbivore impact is most pronounced.



The decline of apex predators, such as wolves, lions, and sharks, which historically have kept herbivore numbers in check, is identified as a key factor contributing to increased grazing pressure. This imbalance, Silliman suggests, indirectly hinders the expansion of vegetation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-predation-nbsp">Natural predation&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers are calling for a paradigm shift in restoration practices, advocating for the use of natural predation as a cost-effective and efficient method to boost plant diversity and ecosystem recovery.&nbsp;



According to Silliman, the approach is like a "new gardening trick" with the potential to double vegetation yields.



Once a plant is established, the herbivores are essential too, he added. “Plants just need a small break from being eaten to get restarted making ecosystems. Once they establish, herbivores are key to maintaining plant ecosystem diversity and function.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



“If we want more plants, we have to let more predators in or restore their populations,” said Silliman. “Indeed, the decline of large predators, like wolves, lions, and sharks, that normally keep herbivore populations in check, is likely an important indirect cause of high grazing pressures.”



“Conventional restoration is slowing our losses, but it’s not expanding vegetation in many places, and climate change could make that even more difficult."



This new insight into ecosystem restoration presents a compelling argument for reevaluating current methods and embracing a more holistic approach that accounts for both the predators and prey.



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Predators play an overlooked role in ecosystem restoration

In the pursuit of restoring degraded ecosystems through re-vegetation, a...

Sunflowers have long fascinated observers with their ability to follow the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aztecs-kept-accurate-time-using-the-sun-and-the-mountains/">sun</a> from east to west throughout the day, a behavior known as heliotropism. But the science behind this intricate dance has remained somewhat of a mystery. Now, a study led by Stacey Harmer and her team at the <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Davis</a> sheds light on the complexities of this behavior. The study has revealed that sunflowers rely on multiple types of light responses to execute this movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phototropic-light-response">Phototropic (light) response</h2>



In the past, it was believed that the sunflower's ability to move towards light sources was primarily driven by a light-dependent response pathway known as the phototropic response. This system operates when blue light, falling unevenly on a plant, gets detected by proteins known as phototropins.&nbsp;



These proteins then cause a redistribution of a specific plant hormone, resulting in the plant's growing tip bending towards the light. It's nature's own way of helping plants, which are anchored to one spot, to reach out for the light they need for photosynthesis.



However, Harmer and her colleagues' research indicates that the sunflower's heliotropism isn't solely based on this phototropic response.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



In their study, they contrasted the gene activity patterns in sunflowers bending towards blue light in a lab setting to those of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-extracts-shield-blueberries-from-fruit-rot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunflowers</a> in a natural environment, following the sun's movement. 



The researchers discovered that only a handful of genes responsible for the phototropic bending in the lab exhibited significant changes in activity in response to the sun's movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shade-avoidance-system">Shade avoidance system</h2>



Interestingly, their findings also highlighted the activation of other light-response systems. One such system, the shade avoidance system, detects far-red light typically found in shaded areas.&nbsp;



The shade avoidance system was activated on the west side of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-pollen-protects-bees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunflower</a> stem during the early hours of the day when the sun was still in the east. This revelation paints a complex picture of the mechanisms behind sunflower movement. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-this-light-response-system">Implications of this light response system</h2>



Even more intriguing is the fact that even when either the red and far-red or blue light was removed, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflowers-use-an-internal-clock-to-bloom-at-optimal-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunflowers</a> still managed to track the sun. This suggests that multiple systems collaborate to ensure the heliotropic response, making it possible even if one or more light triggers are absent.



“We’ve been continually surprised by what we’ve found as we study how sunflowers follow the sun each day," said Harmer. "In this paper, we report that they use different molecular pathways to initiate and maintain tracking movements, and that the photoreceptors best known for causing plant bending seem to play a minor role in this remarkable process.”



The research not only provides a deeper understanding of a well-observed phenomenon but also challenges previous assumptions about plant behavior and adaptation.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal in <a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002344" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Sunflowers use multiple light response systems to track the sun

Sunflowers have long fascinated observers with their ability to follow...

While many of us are familiar with popular dietary regimens like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, a report from the <a href="https://www.heart.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> promotes a diet that you've probably never heard of:the portfolio diet. A recent study suggests that this diet may significantly decrease the risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-diet-may-save-your-life-six-key-foods-lower-the-risk-of-heart-disease/">heart disease</a> and stroke.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-portfolio-diet-nbsp">Portfolio diet&nbsp;</h2>



The portfolio diet specifically targets the reduction of "bad" LDL cholesterol, which is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The primary components of the portfolio diet include:



<ul>
<li>Plant-based proteins like soy and legumes.</li>



<li>Foods rich in viscous fiber such as oats, barley, berries, apples, and citrus fruits.</li>



<li>Nuts and seeds.</li>



<li>Phytosterols that decrease cholesterol absorption, available in fortified foods or as supplements.</li>



<li>Avocado and plant-based oils rich in monounsaturated fats.</li>
</ul>



Dr. Andrea Glenn is the lead author of the study and a registered dietitian at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston and the University of Toronto.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consistent-health-benefits-nbsp">Consistent health benefits&nbsp;</h2>



"Through this research, we found that the portfolio diet score was consistently associated with a lower risk of both heart disease and stroke, highlighting an opportunity for people to lower their heart disease risk through consuming more of these foods recommended in the diet," said Dr. Glenn.



While prior studies have established that the portfolio diet can reduce LDL cholesterol levels comparably to early-generation statins, not much was known about its long-term effects on cardiovascular disease risk.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study-nbsp">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



This prompted researchers to analyze the diet data of 166,270 women and 43,970 men who were initially free from cardiovascular diseases in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. The participants' diets were assessed every four years using food questionnaires.



After nearly 30 years, participants with the highest adherence to the portfolio diet had a remarkable 14 percent reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, in comparison to those with the lowest adherence.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lowering-ldl-cholesterol-nbsp">Lowering LDL cholesterol&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Kristina Petersen, an associate professor of Nutritional Sciences at Penn State, commented on the importance of lowering LDL cholesterol.



"We're always looking at ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, and one effective way to do that is to lower blood cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol," said Dr. Petersen



Although she was not involved in the current study, Dr. Petersen co-authored an AHA scientific statement that evaluated 10 prevalent diets based on their heart health benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-forward-diet">Plant-forward diet</h2>



The portfolio diet bears resemblance to other heart-healthy diets in terms of emphasizing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, plant protein, nuts, and plant oils.



While this diet may not be as well known as the DASH and Mediterranean diets, there are significant overlaps, said Dr. Glenn. The portfolio diet, she said, is more "plant forward" and discourages animal proteins more than other dietary patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-public-awareness-nbsp">Lack of public awareness&nbsp;</h2>



Despite its potential heart-health benefits, the portfolio diet's lack of public awareness is evident. Dr. Glenn hopes that these new findings will elevate its status and emphasize its flexibility.



"It's not an all-or-nothing approach. You can take your own diet and make a few small changes and see cardiovascular benefits," said Dr. Glenn.



"You also do not have to follow it as a strict vegan or vegetarian diet to see benefits, but the more of the foods (from the portfolio diet) that you eat, the greater your heart disease risk protection, as we saw in the current study. We need to get the word out."



The findings are published in the American Heart Association journal <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065551">Circulation</a>.



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Plant-forward portfolio diet reduces heart disease risk

While many of us are familiar with popular dietary regimens...

Deforestation in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-animals-will-suffer-as-the-rainforest-turns-into-savanna/">Amazon</a> is heating up land surfaces as far as 100 kilometers away, according to a new study led by Dr. Edward Butt at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/">University of Leeds</a>.



The research highlights the pivotal role tropical forests play in land surface cooling, an effect observed over significant distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-amazon-deforestation">Studying Amazon deforestation</h2>



While it has been previously recognized that clearing tropical forests leads to immediate climate warming in the vicinity, the researchers wanted to investigate the climate impact of Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> in more distant regions. 



The study specifically gauged the climate effects in areas up to 100 kilometers from the deforestation sites.



Dr. Butt emphasized the urgent need to understand the impact of Amazon's forest loss.



“The world is getting warmer as a result of climate change. It is important that we understand how deforestation of the Amazon ecosystem is contributing to climate warming," said Dr. Butt. "If deforestation is warming surrounding regions, this would have big implications for people living in those areas."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The experts integrated satellite data to track land surface temperature changes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon forest loss</a> from 2001 to 2020. 



With data from 3.7 million locations across the Amazon basin, the researchers compared warming that had occurred over regions with varying amounts of local and regional deforestation.



For clarity, the scientists categorized deforestation within two kilometers of a data point as "local." Beyond this, land up to 100 kilometers away, was deemed "regional."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-researchers-learned-nbsp">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



The data revealed that in zones with minimal local and regional deforestation, the average land temperature change from 2001 to 2021 was just 0.3°C.&nbsp;



By contrast, areas subjected to both local and regional deforestation witnessed an average temperature surge of 4.4°C.



“The regional warming due to Amazon <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-linked-to-irreversible-transition-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a> will have negative consequences for the 30 million people living within the Amazon basin, many of whom are already exposed to dangerous levels of heat," wrote the study authors. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-warming-scenarios">Potential warming scenarios</h2>



The team also projected the potential warming of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/rio-negro-is-shrinking-as-drought-strikes-the-brazilian-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brazilian Amazon</a> in the next 30 years based on two scenarios of future deforestation. 



In the first scenario, the Forest Code is ignored and protected areas not safeguarded. The second scenario anticipates some level of forest protection.&nbsp;



The findings suggest that in Mato Grosso state, located in the southern Amazon where forest loss is rampant, reducing deforestation could mitigate future warming by over 0.5°C.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-deforestation-implications">Amazon deforestation implications </h2>



“It is well known that protecting tropical forests is crucial in the fight against global climate change. Our work shows that protecting forests will also have big benefits at a local, regional and national scale," said Professor Dominick Spracklen from the University of Leeds.



“We show that reducing deforestation would reduce future warming across the southern Amazon. This would benefit people living across the region through reducing heat stress and reducing the negative impacts on agriculture.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



Study co-author Dr. Celso von Randow is a researcher from the Brazilian <a href="https://www.gov.br/inpe/pt-br" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Space Research</a>.



“In Brazil, studies on the importance of conserving forests for carbon storage are common, but we still lack studies on their biophysical effects. This is important because the Amazon is warming rapidly due to climate change, and now exacerbated by deforestation," said Dr. von Randow.&nbsp;



“New efforts to control deforestation across the Brazilian Amazon have been successful and deforestation rates have declined over the last year, and now we see benefits of possibly reducing the warming affecting people living in this region. Recognizing such benefits will hopefully result in more widespread support for continued efforts to reduce deforestation and protect forests.” 



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2309123120">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Amazon deforestation has far-reaching impacts

Deforestation in the Amazon is heating up land surfaces as...

The global goal to protect and restore forests by 2030 is veering off course, and the speed at which deforestation is occurring has intensified at an alarming rate.&nbsp;



Two new reports, the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/forest-pathways-report-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Pathways 2023</a> by WWF and the Forest Declaration Assessment, have shed light on the urgency of this situation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sobering-reality">Sobering reality</h2>



Two years ago, over 130 countries (representing 85% of the planet's forests) made a pledge to halt and reverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-amazon-crisis-deforestation-is-escalating-in-indigenous-territories/">deforestation</a> by 2030. However, the world is not on a path to achieve this target.



To put the current situation into perspective, the planet has lost 16.3 million acres of forest. A staggering 96% of this deforestation occurred in tropical regions, except for Tropical Asia, which stands as the only beacon of hope nearing zero deforestation. The primary loss of tropical forest stood at 10.1 million acres in 2022 alone.



The consequences of such extensive deforestation can be catastrophic for our global climate, especially considering the significant roles played by the planet's three largest tropical forest basins: the Amazon, Congo, and Asia-Pacific.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-is-of-the-essence">Time is of the essence</h2>



Despite these bleak statistics, there is a silver lining, according to Kerry Cesareo, senior vice president for forests at WWF.



"If we're serious about ensuring a future for forests - and halting the biodiversity and climate crises - time is of the essence," said Cesareo. "While the numbers are stark, we know what we need to do. And the Forest Pathways report provides tangible guidance for decision-makers, from governments to financial institutions to private sector actors."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangible-solutions-nbsp">Tangible solutions&nbsp;</h2>



The Forest Pathways report presents tangible solutions for diverse stakeholders, ranging from governments to private sectors.



One of the significant concerns addressed in the report is the financing channeled towards forests. A mere $2.2 billion in public funds are allocated for forests annually, which is a fraction of other global investments.



According to WWF, at least 100 times more public funding goes to environmentally harmful subsidies than financing to help forests.



Furthermore, indigenous communities, despite proving to manage forests better, are not receiving the necessary resources to safeguard their rights and their lands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-essential-measures-in-the-forest-report">Essential measures in the forest report</h2>



The Forest Pathways report is not just about highlighting the problems. It offers a blueprint to rescue our forests by 2030. The essential measures that are outlined in the report include:



<ul>
<li>Ending investments and subsidies that harm forests, such as the agricultural subsidies causing the loss of 5.4 million acres annually.</li>



<li>Overhauling global trade rules that are detrimental to forests and ensuring forest-friendly goods face no barriers.</li>



<li>Swift recognition of land rights for Indigenous peoples.</li>



<li>Transitioning toward nature-based economies.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-efforts">Global efforts</h2>



In addition, the report highlights specific global efforts, like the Amazon Region Protected Areas (ARPA) program in Brazil and WWF's Forests Forward program, that are making strides against deforestation.



WWF's message is clear: it's time for governments and businesses to take meaningful action. This includes endorsing acts like the FOREST Act and enforcing the Lacey Act in the United States.



Forests lie at the very core of WWF's mission. Their endeavors range from supporting the establishment of protected zones to promoting forest sustainability. Alongside local and global allies, WWF is tirelessly working to halt deforestation and breathe life back into our forests.



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We are off track to save our forests, but there's still time: WWF report

The global goal to protect and restore forests by 2030...

Making small dietary changes could be the first step towards reducing carbon emissions and improving our health, suggests a new study co-authored by a researcher from <a href="https://tulane.edu/">Tulane University</a> and published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-023-00864-0">Nature Food</a>.&nbsp;



The study indicates that straightforward alterations, such as opting for chicken over beef or choosing plant-based milk instead of cow’s milk, can potentially diminish the average American’s food-related carbon footprint by 35 percent, and enhance <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/">diet</a> quality by four to ten percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-small-changes">Small changes</h2>



This research underscores the viability of a “small changes” methodology, which the authors believe might persuade more individuals to embrace eco-friendly dietary practices.&nbsp;



Since food production contributes to 25-33 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions - with beef production identified as a major source - such changes could be crucial for mitigating pollution and thus climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-swaps">Simple swaps</h2>



“This study shows that cutting dietary carbon emissions is accessible and doesn’t have to be a whole lifestyle change,” said senior author Diego Rose, the director of the nutrition program at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.&nbsp;



“It can be as simple as ordering a chicken burrito instead of a beef burrito when you go out to eat. When you’re at the grocery store, move your hand one foot over to grab soy or almond milk instead of cow’s milk. That one small change can have a significant impact.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The research team analyzed dietary data from over 7,700 Americans to identify high-impact foods and propose lower-emission, nutritionally comparable alternatives.&nbsp;



“For us, substitutes included swapping a beef burger for a turkey burger, not replacing your steak with a tofu hotdog,” explained lead author Anna Grummon, an assistant professor of Pediatrics and Health Policy at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/">Stanford University</a>. “We looked for substitutes that were as similar as possible.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-substantial-reductions">Substantial reductions</h2>



The most substantial reductions in emissions were observed in mixed dishes like burritos and pastas, where substituting beef with a less impactful protein is relatively straightforward.&nbsp;



The study also incorporated dietary data for children, highlighting that plant-based milk alternatives can significantly reduce carbon footprints and establish positive habits from an early age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dietary-improvements-nbsp">Dietary improvements&nbsp;</h2>



Although the study wasn’t primarily focused on identifying healthier alternatives to high-carbon foods, the switches to lower-carbon options resulted in considerable dietary improvements.&nbsp;



“There is overlap between sustainable diets and healthy diets. Our study shows that changing just one ingredient, making one swap, can be a win-win, resulting in meaningful changes in both climate outcomes and how healthy our diets are,” Grummon concluded.



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Small dietary changes could offset carbon emissions

Making small dietary changes could be the first step towards...

<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=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<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=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



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



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



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



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The environmental problem we actually solved

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

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

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Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

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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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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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 the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" 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.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" 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> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" 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.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" 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.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" 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> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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