Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Nova Scotia, where unusually large fires have led to the evacuation of thousands of people. The photograph, which was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station, shows smoke rising from a fire near the town of Shelburne on May 29, 2023.



"By the morning of May 31, after four days of burning, the fire had scorched 17,000 hectares (66 square miles) near the southern tip of Nova Scotia," says NASA. "It became the largest forest fire in the province’s history, according to CBC Nova Scotia, exceeding the area burned by a fire in Guysborough County over six days in June 1976."



"Fires have burned in Canada for weeks, as the western part of the country experienced a record-breaking streak of hot weather in mid-May."&nbsp;



"Several regions in Canada also had an abnormally dry spring; Nova Scotia received about half of the usual amount of rainfall in April. Authorities classified both the Halifax and Shelburne County fires as uncontrolled on May 31 and expected the fires to grow as dry and windy conditions continued."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke rises from fires in Nova Scotia

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Lake Hamun, a seasonal lake in the Sistan region on the Afghanistan-Iran border. The lake and surrounding wetlands have been shrinking as a result of persistent drought, leading to reduced vegetation and exposed dust. These changes have transformed the basin into a major source of dust storms.



"While dust storms are most common in the summer, they happen year-round as long as the lake is dry and the winds are strong. That was the case on January 12, 2023, when the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite captured this image of dust streaming from the dry lake bed," says NASA.



In January 2023, a team of experts led by UCLA reported that airborne dust has likely increased by 55 percent on a global scale since pre-industrial times. The researchers said this is largely due to more frequent dust storms in Asia and North Africa.&nbsp;



The team estimates that the cooling effect of airborne dust has likely masked about eight percent of the warming caused by greenhouse gases since the preindustrial era.



“Our findings imply that greenhouses gases alone could cause even more climate warming than models currently predict,” said UCLA atmospheric physicist Jasper Kok. “This is of tremendous importance because better predictions can inform better decisions of how to mitigate or adapt to climate change.”



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Lake Hamun is a major source of dust storms

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Typhoon Mawar, also known as "Betty," which is the first typhoon of the season in the northwest Pacific. The intense storm struck Guam and the Philippines before heading toward Taiwan and southern Japan.



"With sustained winds that reached 295 kilometers (185 miles) per hour on May 25, the super typhoon grew to be one of the strongest May storms on record," says NASA.&nbsp;



"The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this natural-color image of Mawar at 05:20 Universal Time on May 30, 2023. Though the storm appeared to be bearing down on Taiwan, it was in the process of turning north and away from the island."



"After rapidly intensifying between May 24 and 25, Mawar then weakened significantly as it encountered cooler water temperatures and less favorable wind shear conditions as it neared Taiwan."



NASA reports that although Mawar did not strike the Philippines or Taiwan directly, the outer bands of the storm brought heavy rains to northern Luzon and rough seas to the eastern coast of Taiwan.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Typhoon Mawar is one of the strongest May storms on record

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Messina Strait, a channel in the Mediterranean Sea that separates Sicily and Calabria. The photograph was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station



The Messina Strait is 20 miles long with a depth of 820 feet, and joins the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the Ionian Sea to the south.&nbsp;



"Waves that follow the tide from west to east are visible in the right half of the photo. These are caused by internal waves, a process where stratified water layers of changing density and increasing depth horizontally propagate beneath the water surface. The waves are illuminated by sunglint—an optical phenomenon that occurs when sunlight is directly reflected off the water and into a satellite’s sensor, or in this case, the astronaut’s camera," explains NASA.



"Alternating currents, relatively low water temperature, and high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen contribute to the region’s aquatic biodiversity. The strait hosts several deep-sea fish species such as Sloane’s viperfish (a predatory dragonfish) as well as commercially valuable fish like yellowtail and snapper. On the left side of the image, thin, white lines are likely ship wakes, some of which may belong to fishing boats."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Messina Strait in the Mediterranean Sea

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Amazon River in Brazil. This particular stretch of river is located near the port city of Parintins.



"The river is the largest on Earth and allows seagoing ships to reach Parintins even though it is 800 kilometers (500 miles) inland from the Atlantic Ocean," says NASA.



"Seagoing ships can progress 3,600 kilometers (2,200 miles) up the Amazon River - more than halfway across the South American continent - to the port of Iquitos in Peru."&nbsp;



The muddy color of the river is tied to the Andes Mountains, a major source of sediments and mineral nutrients. According to NASA, the sediment erodes from the Andes Mountains located to the west and is carried generally eastward toward the ocean.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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 lower Amazon River in Brazil

Berberine, a dietary supplement derived from the barberry plant and referred to as "nature's Ozempic," is causing quite a stir on the internet. Many users are singing its praises, attributing their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quality-sleep-makes-it-easier-to-achieve-weight-loss-goals/">weight loss</a> success to this natural supplement.&nbsp;



However, while numerous individuals report weight loss, loose pants, and lower scale numbers, the scientific evidence to back up these claims is still scarce. Moreover, some users also shared unpleasant side effects such as constipation and diarrhea.



<h2 id="h-used-for-thousands-of-years">Used for thousands of years</h2>



Berberine, a bitter chemical compound, is not a new discovery. It's been an integral part of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and has been used to treat a broad array of conditions from pink eye and itchy skin to high blood sugar and urinary tract infections. However, we should note that the purported benefits of berberine have yet to be proven through large-scale clinical trials.



The supplement is easily accessible and affordable. For approximately $30, you can purchase a bottle of 60 supplements from major retail websites such as Amazon. The recommended dosage is one capsule before every meal.



This inexpensive plant-based supplement has garnered attention on social media platforms for being a natural alternative to expensive prescription medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic, which are not always covered by health insurance.



<h2 id="h-functions-differently-than-prescription-weight-loss-drugs">Functions differently than prescription weight loss drugs</h2>



However, it's crucial to understand that berberine functions very differently from these prescription drugs, also known as semaglutide. Wegovy, a higher-dose variant, has been approved for weight loss for those with a body mass index of 30 or more, or overweight individuals with a BMI of 27 or more, who also have a weight-related health condition.&nbsp;



On the other hand, Ozempic is used primarily for treating Type 2 diabetes, but it is often prescribed "off-label" for obesity. Semaglutide triggers weight loss by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone in our brain that manages appetite and feelings of fullness.



There's anecdotal evidence suggesting that berberine can facilitate weight loss. However, large-scale peer-reviewed studies confirming these weight loss benefits are still lacking. Furthermore, the mechanism through which berberine functions as a weight loss supplement remains a mystery.



However, existing research is expanding our understanding of this compound. A 2017 review published in the <a href="https://ijbms.mums.ac.ir/">Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences</a> reported that patients who took two 750 milligram capsules daily for three months experienced a significant weight decrease.&nbsp;



Another study published in the American Journal of Translational Research suggested that berberine might activate brown adipose tissue, fat cells that prompt the body to convert food into energy, thus burning calories.



<h2 id="h-other-health-benefits-of-berberine">Other health benefits of berberine</h2>



Besides weight loss, berberine appears to have other potential benefits. A 2019 analysis in the <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/browse/endocrj">Endocrine Journal</a> found berberine more effective in reducing blood glucose levels than a placebo.&nbsp;



Studies also suggest it could help manage polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that occurs when ovaries overproduce a certain hormone called androgens, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and unpredictable ovulation. It has also been shown to decrease hemoglobin A1C, an indicator of blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.



However, despite these encouraging findings, the scientific community remains cautious. Since berberine is derived from plants, there's a risk that people may erroneously assume it is entirely harmless. Pregnant women, in particular, are warned against taking it due to the potential risk of brain damage to the fetus or young children.



Furthermore, berberine might interfere with the metabolism of prescription medications for diabetes and other conditions if taken as instructed on the bottle. Its long-term safety is still undetermined, and it's unknown whether the weight loss will be sustained after stopping the supplement. It's also suggested that abrupt cessation of either Wegovy or Ozempic could result in a rapid regain of weight.



Common side effects associated with berberine include diarrhea, constipation, and stomach upset. These experiences shared by users underline the necessity for a comprehensive understanding and scientific scrutiny of berberine's safety and efficacy.



The internet's latest dietary trend is indeed compelling, but until there is solid scientific evidence to support the claims of its weight loss benefits and safety, caution is advised. Until large-scale, peer-reviewed studies are conducted to confirm its benefits and assess its long-term safety, berberine remains a supplement of interest with potential, but unverified, benefits.&nbsp;



For those considering berberine as a weight-loss supplement, it's essential to discuss it with healthcare professionals who can provide personalized advice based on your individual health situation and potential risks.



<h2 id="h-more-about-the-barberry-plant">More about the barberry plant</h2>



The barberry plant, scientifically known as Berberis, is a large genus of deciduous and evergreen shrubs from 1–5 m (3.3–16.4 ft) tall. They are native to various regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America.



This plant is quite versatile and is known for its attractive and dense growth habit, often adorned with small, oval leaves that may turn vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red in the fall. It typically blooms in mid-spring, showcasing small, yellow flowers. By late summer or early fall, these flowers give way to small, red berries, which are sometimes used in culinary dishes for their tart flavor.



The berries of the barberry plant have been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to their high berberine content. Berberine is a bioactive compound that is believed to have numerous medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. However, as of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, more research is needed to fully confirm and understand these potential benefits.



Interestingly, the plant also plays a role in the life cycle of a type of wheat rust (a fungus), which is a significant wheat disease. Because of this, cultivation of the plant is often controlled or restricted in many regions to prevent the spread of the fungus.



Despite its potential health benefits, it's important to note that barberry can be toxic if consumed in large amounts, particularly for children and pets. It can cause upset stomach, kidney problems, and worsen certain health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regimen.



—-



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Berberine: Plant-derived supplement is the hot new weight loss trend

Berberine, a dietary supplement derived from the barberry plant and...

Nature parks, otherwise known as protected areas, have emerged as invaluable protectors of nature in the battle to save <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-mounds-play-a-critical-role-in-sustaining-biodiversity/">biodiversity</a>. Yet, many of these havens and their inhabitants face constant threats from humanity's encroachment, often due to mounting pressure from resource extraction, agricultural expansion, and population growth.



Recent research from <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/">Princeton University</a> brings forth an important revelation – strengthening the existing nature parks, be it under legal or local community jurisdiction, is equally important for the preservation of biodiversity as the creation of new protected areas.



<h2 id="h-5-000-species-involved-in-the-study">5,000 species involved in the study</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adg0288">Science Advances</a>, delves into the status of approximately 5,000 species. Alarmingly, around 70% of these species either have zero representation in protected areas, reside in parks that have experienced a downgrade, downsizing, or removal from protection, or face an increased risk of extinction due to prospective land-use changes.



However, not all is lost. The researchers highlight a compelling solution – enhancing the protection of existing parks and extending the existing network of parks across a mere 1% of the earth's land area. This step alone could safeguard the vital habitats of 1,191 animal species teetering on the brink of extinction.



"Parks save species. But they can do so only if the parks themselves are protected against harmful activities," emphasized Professor David Wilcove. "Our study demonstrates just how important it is to protect the places that protect species."



<h2 id="h-more-evidence-proving-the-importance-of-protecting-biodiversity">More evidence proving the importance of protecting biodiversity</h2>



The team's findings align with a growing global recognition of the urgency to safeguard the Earth's species diversity through the creation of new protected zones. This sentiment was echoed at the United Nations biodiversity conference COP15 in December 2022, where countries pledged to earmark 30% of the world's land and seas as protected areas.



Beyond this commitment, the Princeton study highlights an often-overlooked aspect of wildlife conservation, namely, ensuring that existing protected areas continue to serve as safe sanctuaries for biodiversity.



Yiwen Zeng, lead author of the study, commented, "Our study pinpoints where new parks can be created, but also where to restore and reinforce existing parks in order to boost wildlife conservation."



"Many global discussions on conservation rightfully focus on the need to create new protected areas, but our study also shows the importance of ensuring that protected areas remain effective at keeping out harmful human activity," said Zeng, who is currently a research assistant professor at the National University of Singapore's Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions.



This aspect is crucial because protected areas are not impervious to human activities that could undermine their conservation value, especially in the absence of adequate enforcement or political support for wildlife conservation.



<h2 id="h-what-happens-when-parks-lose-their-protection">What happens when parks lose their protection</h2>



The loss of protection or downgrading of parks, usually resulting from government decisions, reduces the degree or extent of protection, leaving them vulnerable to infrastructure expansion, mining, and other activities that could lead to habitat loss or degradation.



To illustrate, the research pointed out that as of 2021, more than 278 million hectares of parks have undergone such types of degradations. The Megophrys damrei, a critically endangered frog exclusive to Cambodia, continues to suffer habitat degradation within and around the national park boundaries, despite the area's protected status.



Moreover, expanding the network of protected areas could be a lifeline for species whose habitats currently lack sufficient protection. As the study suggests, shielding an additional 330 square kilometers of natural landscapes within Indonesia could secure the suitable habitats of 53 species currently deprived of protected area coverage and limited habitat areas.



Rebecca Senior, a former postdoctoral researcher at Princeton and currently an assistant professor of ecology at Durham University in the UK, warns of the dangers of complacency. "There are many wonderful examples in conservation of people fighting to protect species, but there is always a risk that when you take your eye off the ball, pressure builds and hard-won protection is lost," she cautioned.



Senior further emphasized the need for practical, sustained conservation efforts. "Designating parks on paper is not enough; they need to be in the right places, with the right management, and they need to last."



<h2 id="h-research-team-calls-for-two-pronged-approach">Research team calls for two-pronged approach</h2>



This study brings into sharp focus the need to view conservation as a two-pronged effort: creating new protected areas and ensuring the continued integrity of existing ones. As the research has demonstrated, these two strategies are not mutually exclusive but complementary, and both are essential to curbing the loss of biodiversity.



In a world increasingly threatened by human activity and climate change, the research provides a compelling case for not just the creation, but also the strengthening, of protected areas. The study underscores the essential role these areas play in biodiversity conservation and offers a roadmap to achieving better outcomes for species protection.



If heeded, their findings might just be the key to ensuring that parks continue to serve as refuges for thousands of species at risk, ultimately safeguarding our planet's rich tapestry of life for generations to come.



<h2 id="h-more-about-protected-areas">More about protected areas</h2>



Protected areas are regions of land or water specifically managed for the conservation of biodiversity and natural or cultural resources. These areas can take many forms, including national parks, wildlife reserves, marine protected areas, and community-managed conservation areas, among others.



The importance of nature parks to Earth's biodiversity is immense, as they provide a refuge for a wide variety of species, including many that are threatened or endangered.



<h3 id="h-habitat-protection">Habitat Protection</h3>



Protected areas are crucial for preserving habitats that species need to survive. They can shield ecosystems from destructive human activities, like deforestation, mining, and overfishing, which degrade habitats and make them uninhabitable for many species.



<h3 id="h-species-preservation">Species Preservation</h3>



Protected areas are often established to preserve species that are endangered or have special significance. They provide a safe haven where these species can live without threats from hunting or habitat destruction.



<h3 id="h-genetic-diversity">Genetic Diversity</h3>



By preserving a wide array of species, protected areas also safeguard genetic diversity. This diversity is crucial for the health and resilience of ecosystems and can provide genetic materials for future scientific discovery and potential use in medicine, agriculture, and other fields.



<h3 id="h-climate-change-mitigation">Climate Change Mitigation</h3>



Protected areas, especially those that contain forests, mangroves, or peatlands, can also help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, by preserving ecosystem integrity, these areas can help species adapt to changing climate conditions.



<h3 id="h-cultural-importance">Cultural Importance</h3>



Many protected areas also hold significant cultural value. They can protect lands that are sacred or important to Indigenous peoples and local communities, maintaining cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.



<h3 id="h-ecotourism-and-economy">Ecotourism and Economy</h3>



Nature parks often support local economies by attracting tourism. They provide opportunities for recreation, education, and nature appreciation, contributing to the overall quality of human life.



Despite their importance, protected areas face numerous challenges. Encroachment from human activities, insufficient funding for proper management, and climate change can all degrade these spaces and diminish their ability to preserve biodiversity. It's vital that these areas are not just designated, but also effectively managed and enforced, to ensure they can continue to fulfill their crucial role in biodiversity conservation.



—-



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Protecting existing nature parks is just as important as creating new ones

Nature parks, otherwise known as protected areas, have emerged as...

Tree,At,Spring,Against,The,Sun,And,Photovoltaic,Panel

As the world grapples with soaring energy prices, a landmark shift towards renewable energy is taking place. Solar power, in particular, is enjoying a remarkable boom, a phenomenon detailed in a new report released Thursday by the <a href="https://www.iea.org/">International Energy Agency</a> (IEA).&nbsp;



The global drive to embrace clean energy, spurred by Russia's attack on Ukraine and resultant fossil fuel price hikes, is set to result in a record-breaking addition to the world's renewable energy capacity this year.



IEA's report predicts that solar and wind power installations are on track to reach 440 gigawatts in 2023. To put this into perspective, it's an increase of about one-third compared to the capacity added in the previous year. This will push the world's total installed capacity to an impressive 4,500 GW, a figure comparable to the combined power output of the United States and China.



Fatih Birol, the IEA's executive director, explained the significance of this shift. "The global energy crisis has shown renewables are critical for making energy supplies not just cleaner but also more secure and affordable,” he stated.&nbsp;



<h2 id="h-more-nations-are-embracing-renewable-energy">More nations are embracing renewable energy</h2>



Governments around the world are acknowledging this, expediting their deployment of renewable energy resources. Recent incentives from the Biden administration, for instance, are already accelerating renewable adoption in the United States.



The surge in renewable power capacity this year will predominantly be driven by photovoltaic (PV) technology, accounting for about two-thirds of the increase. Both large-scale solar farms and small-scale consumer rooftop installations are experiencing significant growth, thanks to the booming manufacturing capacity for PV components, especially in China.



The construction of new wind farms is also anticipated to rebound following a period of subdued growth. However, the IEA report pointed out an important bottleneck: unlike the solar sector, supply chains for wind turbines are not expanding quickly enough to meet the increasing demand.



<h2 id="h-power-grids-must-adapt-and-be-upgraded">Power grids must adapt and be upgraded</h2>



Alongside this surge in renewable energy, Birol highlighted the need for power grids to adapt. Solar and wind power, with their intermittent nature, require a fundamental shift in the way network operators handle energy compared to conventional coal, gas or nuclear plants. Grids must be upgraded and expanded to accommodate this new energy landscape.



By 2024, several European countries, including Spain, Germany, and Ireland, are expected to witness a combined contribution of wind and solar power amounting to over 40% of their overall annual electricity generation.



Transitioning the global economy away from fossil fuels is a crucial step in the fight against climate change. Experts suggest that to achieve the Paris climate accord’s target of restricting global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, emissions must be reduced by half by 2030 and reach 'net zero' by mid-century.



The <a href="https://www.irena.org/">International Renewable Energy Agency</a>, a separate entity from the IEA, is urging for a substantial increase in wind and solar investments. The global community is expected to discuss an international target for renewable energy deployment during this year's U.N. climate summit in Dubai. This signals a shared commitment to a sustainable, renewable-powered future.



<h2 id="h-more-about-solar-energy">More about solar energy&nbsp;</h2>



Solar energy, one of the most popular forms of renewable energy, harnesses the power of the sun's radiant light and heat. It's a clean, abundant, and renewable source of energy that can be used for a multitude of applications, including generating electricity, providing light or comfortable interior environments, and heating water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.



To capture and convert the sun's energy into usable forms, several technologies are available:



<h3 id="h-solar-photovoltaics-pv">Solar Photovoltaics (PV)</h3>



Photovoltaics is the most well-known method for harnessing solar energy. Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials (often silicon-based) through the photovoltaic effect. The cells generate electric current when photons from the sun hit the cell and energize the electrons.



<h3 id="h-concentrated-solar-power-csp">Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)</h3>



CSP plants generate electricity by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a small area. The concentrated light is then used as a heat source for a conventional power plant. There are several types of CSP technologies, including parabolic trough, compact linear Fresnel reflector, Stirling dish, and solar power tower systems.



<h3 id="h-solar-heating-and-cooling-shc">Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC)</h3>



SHC technologies collect thermal energy from the sun and use it for heating and cooling purposes. They can be used for water heating, space heating, space cooling, and process heat applications.



<h3 id="h-passive-solar">Passive Solar</h3>



Passive solar design takes advantage of the sun's energy to maintain a comfortable temperature in a building without the need for mechanical systems. It involves designing buildings with efficient insulation, strategic window placement, and reflective coatings on walls, windows, and roofs.



Solar energy has numerous advantages. It's sustainable, renewable, and abundant, and it emits no greenhouse gases when producing electricity. It's also versatile, capable of powering everything from small devices to entire buildings and even cities.



<h2 id="h-challenges-of-using-solar-energy">Challenges of using solar energy</h2>



However, it does come with some challenges. Solar energy production is intermittent since it's dependent on daylight hours and weather conditions. Hence, it requires storage solutions or supplementary power sources for periods of low production.&nbsp;



Additionally, while the cost of solar technologies has dropped significantly in recent years, initial setup and installation can be high.



Given these factors, continued advancements in solar technology, energy storage solutions, and grid management will play a crucial role in expanding the role of solar power in our global energy mix. The future of solar energy remains promising, and it's expected to be a major contributor to the world's transition to sustainable energy.



<h2 id="h-more-about-wind-energy">More about wind energy</h2>



Wind energy is another form of renewable energy that harnesses the natural power of the wind to generate electricity. As the wind moves across the surface of the earth, it carries kinetic energy with it. Wind turbines capture this kinetic energy and convert it into mechanical power, which can then be converted into electricity.



<h3 id="h-there-are-two-main-types-of-wind-turbines">There are two main types of wind turbines:</h3>



<ol>
<li>Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs): These are the most commonly recognized type of wind turbine. They consist of a tower with three blades rotating around a horizontal axis, similar to traditional windmills.</li>



<li>Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): These turbines have a vertical rotor and can capture wind from all directions without needing to be repositioned, unlike HAWTs. VAWTs are less commonly used than HAWTs, but they can be advantageous in areas where wind direction is highly variable or in urban environments.</li>
</ol>



Wind turbines can be installed both onshore and offshore. Onshore wind farms are typically cheaper to install and maintain, but offshore wind farms can capture more energy due to higher wind speeds over the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-pollution-is-making-the-ocean-more-acidic/">ocean</a>.



One of the main benefits of wind energy is that it's a clean, renewable form of energy that doesn't release harmful emissions. It's also abundant, particularly in certain regions with high wind potential. Wind farms, especially those onshore, can be built relatively quickly compared to other types of large-scale energy infrastructure.



<h3 id="h-challenges-of-using-wind-for-energy-supply">Challenges of using wind for energy supply</h3>



However, there are also challenges associated with wind energy. Wind is intermittent, and its availability does not always coincide with electricity demand, necessitating effective energy storage solutions or backup power sources.&nbsp;



Wind turbines also require a significant amount of space, which can lead to land use conflicts. Furthermore, they have been associated with noise and aesthetic concerns, as well as impacts on wildlife, particularly birds and bats.



In terms of economic considerations, while the cost of wind energy has been decreasing, the initial investment can still be high. However, once a wind farm is set up, the cost of operation and maintenance is relatively low.



Despite these challenges, wind energy plays a crucial role in the transition towards sustainable and clean energy sources. Advancements in technology, like more efficient turbine designs and better energy storage solutions, are continually improving the feasibility and efficiency of wind energy.



—-



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The world's renewable energy capacity will take a record leap this year

As the world grapples with soaring energy prices, a landmark...

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Chris Draft, former NFL player

EPA: Asthma Can Be Tackled