<p>For many decades, scientists have documented how burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that trap heat near Earth’s surface, driving a gradual - but consistent - warming trend.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Recently, however, the world has experienced an extraordinary surge in temperatures, catapulting the climate system into uncharted territory and confounding some of the best climate models available.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This abrupt, persistent streak of unprecedented warmth over the past two years has shattered temperature records, raising urgent questions: Why is it so much hotter than expected right now, and does it signal a more profound transformation underway?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-remarkable-and-persistent-heat-surge">A remarkable and persistent heat surge</h2>



<p>After decades of steadily rising temperatures, 2023 saw a dramatic jump in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-2024s-record-heat-unveiling-earths-climate-danger-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global heat</a> - enough for it to become the hottest year in recorded history. But the extraordinary nature of this uptick did not stop there.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By 2024, average sea-surface and air temperatures had shot up again, setting new records that far exceeded previous benchmarks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a>, the temperature anomalies between June 2023 and September 2024 were so far beyond typical year-to-year variability that experts called it an “unprecedented streak,” with 2024 now on track to be the warmest year ever documented.</p>



<p>“Warming in 2023 was head-and-shoulders above any other year, and 2024 will be as well,” said Gavin Schmidt, director of the <a href="https://www.giss.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies</a>. "I wish I knew why, but I don’t. We’re still in the process of assessing what happened and if we are seeing a shift in how the climate system operates.”</p>



<p>While all scientists agree that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> from fossil fuel use remain the primary driver of Earth’s overall warming trend, they are still debating how to explain this short-term explosion in global temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Changes in cloud patterns, air pollution, and the planet’s capacity to store carbon are among the suspected contributors, but experts believe it may take at least another year or two to fully untangle the puzzle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncharted-territory-in-climate-records">“Uncharted territory” in climate records</h2>



<p>Climate specialists characterize the past two years as pushing the planet “well into uncharted territory,” a phrase used by Richard Allan, a climate scientist from the University of Reading in the UK.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The magnitude of recent warming has tested established climate models, placing it, according to climatologist Sonia Seneviratne at ETH Zurich, “at the limit of what we would expect based on existing climate models.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>At the same time, Seneviratne emphasized that rising fossil fuel emissions make long-term warming trends wholly unsurprising.</p>



<p>So how is it that temperatures became so anomalous? Early theories focus on how natural climate variability has intersected with human-driven warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One factor is the unusually strong shift from a rare, three-year La Niña - which generally cools the planet by sending additional heat into the deep oceans - to a warming El Niño event that started in mid-2023, releasing stored energy back into the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While this helps explain some portion of the spike, temperatures remained persistently high even after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> peaked in January.</p>



<p>“It is difficult to explain this at the moment,” said Robert Vautard, a member of the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a> (IPCC). “We lack a bit of perspective. If temperatures do not drop more sharply in 2025, we will really have to ask ourselves questions about the cause.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-contributing-to-the-heat-surge">Factors contributing to the heat surge</h2>



<p>Amid these extraordinary conditions, scientists have zeroed in on multiple theories that go beyond El Niño.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-airborne-pollution">Shifts in airborne pollution</h3>



<p>A global shift to cleaner shipping fuels around 2020 might have slashed emissions of sulfur compounds that ordinarily create reflective, mirror-like clouds in shipping lanes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With fewer sulfur aerosols, more sunlight could be reaching the Earth’s surface, potentially accelerating warming.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduction-in-low-lying-clouds-nbsp">Reduction in low-lying clouds&nbsp;</h3>



<p>A peer-reviewed study proposed that a global decline in low-lying clouds might have allowed extra solar radiation to heat the surface, but establishing consistent data across the planet remains challenging.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weakening-of-carbon-sinks-nbsp">Weakening of carbon sinks&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Forests and oceans, traditionally known to absorb much of humanity’s carbon emissions, showed signs of stress in 2023. Scientists described this as an “unprecedented weakening” of Earth’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon sinks</a>, suggesting the planet’s ability to store CO₂ might be faltering.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If sinks become less effective at capturing carbon, warming could speed up beyond current estimates.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-tundra-emissions-nbsp">Arctic tundra emissions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In December, the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> reported that Arctic tundra, which has locked away carbon dioxide for millennia, has begun releasing more CO₂ than it captures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Such a shift, scientists warn, might tip the balance of the global carbon cycle, further feeding into accelerated warming.</p>



<p>None of these hypotheses alone fully accounts for the heat surge, prompting climate experts to suspect the convergence of multiple factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We cannot exclude that some other factors also further amplified the temperatures... the verdict is still out,” said Seneviratne.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-at-odds-with-climate-models">At odds with climate models</h2>



<p>Climate models, which have reliably simulated broad, decades-long warming trends, appear to have underestimated just how extreme and enduring this recent heat streak would be.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“What occurred was at the limit of what we would expect based on existing climate models,” Seneviratne said. Some experts worry that if any key feedbacks or phenomena were missing from these models, the planet could be approaching a threshold of more profound, potentially less reversible changes.</p>



<p>Johan Rockström, director of the <a href="https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research</a>, voiced concerns about rapidly warming oceans, which have long served as massive heat and carbon sinks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Oceans are warming at a rate scientists cannot fully explain,” he said last month. “Could this be a first sign of a planet starting to show a loss of resilience? We cannot exclude it.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-for-what-may-lie-ahead">A warning for what may lie ahead</h2>



<p>Record-high temperatures in 2023 and 2024 offer a stark reminder of the fragility of Earth’s climate system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although some interplay of El Niño, cloud cover, and carbon sink changes may explain part of the observed heat, the fundamental driver remains human emissions of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even if the dramatic peak fades in coming months, the possibility persists that Earth’s temperature baseline has permanently ratcheted up, edging us closer to thresholds that portend more dangerous extremes.</p>



<p>For many climate experts, these heat surges serve as yet another clarion call to reduce emissions swiftly, to develop robust adaptation strategies, and to keep monitoring the climate system’s every nuance. </p>



<p>If the current anomalies hint at hidden processes at work - like a weakening Arctic tundra sink or oceanic shifts - policy decisions made now to cut emissions and preserve resilience could become all the more consequential.</p>



<p>Vautard emphasized that if the climate doesn’t cool off more sharply in 2025, it would prompt scientists to reevaluate their assumptions about the interplay of natural and human-driven factors - perhaps indicating a more profound shift in how our climate operates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In this uncertain scenario, building deeper scientific understanding becomes ever more urgent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-resilience-against-future-heat-surges">Building resilience against future heat surges</h2>



<p>Although the short-term temperature surge has challenged existing forecasts, the broader climate consensus remains intact: Earth is warming at an alarming rate, primarily due to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This abrupt heat wave may be a harbinger of future extremes, or possibly just a short-lived but jarring deviation from expected patterns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Determining which is the case will likely require another year or two of data, plus renewed efforts to bolster climate observation networks, refine models, and capture nuanced processes in the oceans, atmosphere, and polar regions.</p>



<p>No matter the final explanation, the world’s experience over the last two years underscores the climate’s capacity to surprise - sometimes by margins that drastically shift our sense of what is “normal.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>For policymakers, this event highlights both the urgency of emission cuts and the importance of resilience-building measures against more frequent or severe heat surges.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For scientists, the anomaly reveals how much is still left to learn about the planet’s complex interplay of feedbacks and stresses.</p>



<p>“We’re still in the process of assessing what happened and if we are seeing a shift in how the climate system operates,” Schmidt said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Whether this remarkable episode proves to be a short detour or a glimpse of a new reality, it adds fresh impetus to the effort to better predict, manage, and mitigate the precarious path Earth is on.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Puzzling heat surge pushes Earth’s climate to new extremes

For many decades, scientists have documented how burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that trap heat near Earth’s surface, driving a gradual - but consistent - warming trend.&nbsp; Recently, however, the world has experienced an extraordinary surge in temperatures, catapulting the climate system into uncharted territory and confounding some of the best climate models available.&nbsp; This abrupt, persistent streak of unprecedented warmth over the past two years has shattered temperature records, raising urgent questions: Why is it so much hotter than expected right now, and does it...

Wild,Forest,Fire,In,Canada

<p>Air pollution, a stealthy danger lurking in our environment, has long been a cause of concern. New research from the University of Michigan emphasizes that no level of it is safe for the brain and has been repeatedly linked to dementia. Alarmingly, specific sources, namely emissions from agriculture and wildfires, might present especially potent threats to our cognitive health.</p>



<p>Historically, many studies have highlighted the nexus between air pollution and its detrimental effects on the brain. Most often, research links it to dementia. </p>



<p>Diving deeper into this topic, environmental epidemiology researchers <a href="https://sph.umich.edu/epid/phdstudents/zhang_boya.html">Boya Zhang</a> and <a href="https://sph.umich.edu/faculty-profiles/adar-sara.html">Sara Adar</a> from the University of Michigan's School of Public Health shed light on the profound impact of certain types of emissions.</p>



<h2 id="h-measuring-pollution-from-farms-and-wildfires">Measuring pollution from farms and wildfires</h2>



<p>"We saw in our research that all airborne particles increased the risk of dementia but those generated by agricultural settings and wildfires seemed to be especially toxic for the brain," says Adar, who also holds the position of associate chair of the Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health. </p>



<p>With extensive experience, she presently spearheads several major studies focusing on how various pollution exposures affect cognitive aging and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a>.</p>



<p>Adar accentuates the importance of these findings. She said, "Our findings indicate that lowering levels of particulate matter air pollution, even in a relatively clean country like the United States, may reduce the number of people developing dementia in late life."</p>



<p>The duo's revealing paper titled, "Comparison of Particulate Air Pollution From Different Emission Sources and Incident Dementia in the U.S.," finds its place in the Journal of the <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2808088">American Medical Association's Internal Medicine</a>.</p>



<p>Zhang specializes in studying how air pollution affects cardiopulmonary disease and cognitive aging. He suggests, "This work suggests that particulate matter air pollution from agriculture and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> might be more neurotoxic compared with other sources. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects, especially for these two sources which have received less attention in prior research." </p>



<p>Zhang further stresses the potential significance of this study for policymakers aiming to reduce harmful exposure to air pollution, thereby reducing dementia cases.</p>



<h2>What is PM2.5?</h2>



<p>As the U.S. is hit with a surge of poor air quality alerts, primarily due to the wildfires in neighboring Canada, public attention has veered towards the minuscule but menacing fine particulate matter, PM2.5.</p>



<p>Measuring less than 2.5 microns, this particulate is tinier than a human hair strand. Its size allows it to breach the defenses of our body. This occurs either by penetrating the brain directly through the nose or crossing the blood-brain barrier. Beyond affecting our respiratory and cardiovascular systems, emerging research underscores its potential harm to cognitive function.</p>



<p>Adar points out, "These findings are quite timely given the increasing frequency of wildfire smoke in our communities." She warns that aside from immediate health repercussions like throat irritation and breathing difficulties, the smog-filled days might also be imperiling our brain health.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-amount-of-co2-released-by-wildfires-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfire smoke</a>, a pervasive stressor, is affecting many U.S. cities, with some witnessing over 30 days of smoky conditions annually. This contributes to an astounding 25% of PM2.5 exposures nationwide and up to 50% in certain western parts.</p>



<h2>Connection between pollution and dementia</h2>



<p>Built on data from the Health and Retirement Study, which has tracked almost 30,000 adults since 1992, Zhang and Adar's research found that elevated levels of particulate pollution. This was especially true from agriculture and wildfires, which were highly correlated with heightened dementia risks. These conclusions remained consistent even after considering various other factors.</p>



<p>"With the knowledge of which sources are more toxic than others, it may be possible to design interventions for specific sources as a more effective way to decrease the burden of dementia," Zhang emphasizes.</p>



<p>Dementia stands as the seventh leading cause of death globally, as per the World Health Organization. This study's goal was to discern which emission sources are most harmful.</p>



<p>While prior investigations primarily looked at the overall particulate matter in the air, this study took a different approach. Zhang mentions, "In our study, we used a sophisticated prediction model... to estimate the levels of source-specific particulate matter air pollution at participants’ residential addresses."</p>



<p>In conclusion, while average PM2.5 exposure levels in the study were below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard, the worsening air quality, especially during wildfire events, remains a concern. The implications are clear: It's not just about immediate health threats; there might be deeper, lasting impacts. And with the ongoing shifts in our climate, these health threats are set to escalate.</p>



<h2>More about air pollution and human health</h2>



<p>Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. The contaminants in the air can penetrate respiratory and circulatory systems, damaging the lungs, heart, and brain. </p>



<p>The health impacts of air pollution are wide-ranging, complex, and can lead to both short-term and long-term health problems.</p>



<h3>Sources of air pollution</h3>



<p>Outdoor air pollution is mainly caused by the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, transportation, and other sources. Indoor air pollution is usually due to household combustion of solid fuels, tobacco smoke, and other sources.</p>



<h3>Major pollutants and their impact</h3>



<p>Particulate matter is a mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets in the air. PM2.5 refers to particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller. PM10 refers to particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller. PM can penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can cause heart attacks, worsen asthma, decrease lung function, and other respiratory diseases. Chronic exposure can lead to more serious conditions like cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.</p>



<p>Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are emitted from vehicle exhausts and power plants. They can cause respiratory problems, reduces lung function, and can lead to chronic bronchitis.</p>



<p>Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is produced from the burning of coal and oil. Exposure to SO2 can lead to bronchitis, reduced lung function, and induce asthma.</p>



<p>Ozone (O3) is a major component of smog. Ozone is not emitted directly, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. O3 can cause or aggravate respiratory diseases, reduce lung function, and cause lung diseases.</p>



<p>Carbon Monoxide (CO) is emitted from vehicle exhausts and incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. CO reduces oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues. High levels can be fatal.</p>



<p>Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, including paints, cleaning supplies, and vehicle exhausts. VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system.</p>



<p>Heavy Metals (e.g., Lead, Mercury) are emitted from industries, power plants, and some household products. Exposure to heavy metals can cause neurological and developmental damage, especially in children.</p>



<h3>Health impacts</h3>



<p>Short-term effects include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and exacerbation of asthma or bronchitis.</p>



<p>Long-term effects of exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, heart diseases, lung cancer, and can also affect other organs and systems, leading to premature death. It can also affect children's development, including reduced lung function.</p>



<h3>Vulnerable populations</h3>



<p>Certain populations are more vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. These include children, older people, and those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.</p>



<p>Recognizing and understanding the health impacts of air pollution is a crucial step towards promoting policies and interventions that can benefit both the environment and human health.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Air pollution from farming and wildfires is more likely to cause dementia

Air pollution, a stealthy danger lurking in our environment, has...

<p>Farmers might possess a secret weapon in the fight against climate change. A recent study reveals that by simply incorporating crushed volcanic rocks into their fields, they could play a pivotal role in helping the planet achieve the carbon removal target set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).</p>



<p>According to the study published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003698" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AGU’s journal Earth’s Future</a>, the regions showing the most promise for this innovative climate strategy are the warm, wet tropics.</p>



<p>Termed "enhanced rock weathering," this approach leverages the natural weathering process, which inherently captures carbon dioxide in carbonate minerals. The underlying concept is straightforward.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/enhanced-rock-weathering_credit-AGU.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Accelerate weathering</a> in a manner that simultaneously aids humans simply by adding volcanic rocks to agricultural fields. If adopted alongside emissions reductions, this technique could act as a brake on the rapid acceleration of global warming.</p>



<p>S. Hun Baek is a <a href="https://www.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yale University</a> climate scientist and the study's lead. He remarked, "Enhanced rock weathering poses fewer risks compared to other climate interventions."</p>



<p>He further highlighted its additional perks, stating, "It also provides some key benefits, like rejuvenating depleted soils and countering ocean acidification, that may make it more socially desirable."</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-enhanced-rock-weathering">Studying enhanced rock weathering</h2>



<p>The focus of this study was the utilization of crushed basalt, a rapidly weathering rock originating from cooled lava. By evaluating the efficiency of various regions in decomposing these rocks, the researchers aimed to pinpoint the best areas for its application.</p>



<p>Geochemist Noah Planavsky, a co-author of the study from Yale University, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating, “There’s tremendous potential here.” He elaborated on the need to dive deeper into the basics, while also exploring market and financial angles.</p>



<p>In contrast to an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2448-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earlier study</a> that set its sights on estimating carbon drawdown by 2050, this study ventured beyond national boundaries and peered further into the future.</p>



<p>Researchers employed a novel biogeochemical model to gauge the impact of applying crushed basalt on global farmlands. This model simulated the process of enhanced rock weathering across 1,000 agricultural sites worldwide, spanning from 2006 to 2080.</p>



<h2>Volcanic rocks and global farmland</h2>



<p>Astonishingly, the findings revealed that in just 75 years, these sites could reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by 64 gigatons. If we expand this approach to all farmlands globally, we could lock away a staggering 217 gigatons of carbon.</p>



<p>“To put it in perspective,” Baek notes, “The latest <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC report</a> indicated a need to sequester between 100 to 1,000 gigatons of carbon by 2100, on top of substantial emissions reductions. Our estimates, when applied globally, roughly align with the lower end of this bracket, boosting our hopes of meeting these climate targets.”</p>



<h2>Best results from tropical weather</h2>



<p>The study also found that due to the speedier weathering process in hot and moist conditions, tropical regions would see faster results compared to areas closer to the poles. For those contemplating carbon sequestration investments, tropical fields would be an efficient choice.</p>



<p>Additionally, the research presented a silver lining. Enhanced rock weathering might prove more effective under warmer conditions. Contrarily, several other carbon reduction methods lose their efficacy as temperatures continue to soar.</p>



<p>Baek emphasized this resilience against climate change, stating that it remains “relatively insensitive to climate change and works about the same under moderate and severe global warming scenarios.”</p>



<p>Interestingly, many farmers already enrich their fields with limestone. Transitioning to a different rock type might be a seamless shift, paving the way for enhanced rock weathering to be implemented extensively, opined Planavsky.</p>



<p>With several farms globally having experimented with this method on a small scale, the next logical step, according to Planavsky, is to focus on "realistic implementation."</p>



<h2>More about volcanic rocks</h2>



<p>Volcanic rocks are igneous rocks that form when magma from a volcano cools and solidifies, either within the Earth (intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive). Here's a comprehensive overview of volcanic (or extrusive) rocks:</p>



<h3>Formation</h3>



<p>Volcanic rocks primarily form from the cooling and solidification of molten lava ejected from volcanoes. The rate at which this lava cools can influence the texture and mineral content of the rock.</p>



<h3>Texture</h3>



<p>Aphanitic rocks have fine-grained textures, often due to rapid cooling at or near the Earth's surface. Individual minerals can be hard to distinguish with the naked eye.</p>



<p>Porphyritic rocks have a mixed texture. A finer-grained matrix (groundmass) holds large crystals (phenocrysts). This indicates a two-stage cooling process.</p>



<p>Vesicular are rocks with many cavities, or vesicles, created by gas bubbles in the molten lava. Pumice is a classic example.</p>



<h3>Types of volcanic rocks</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carbon-sequestration-method-co2-rock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basalt rocks</a> are dark-colored and fine-grained. Basalt is the Earth's most abundant volcanic rock. It's often found in oceanic crust and volcanic islands. Andesite rocks are intermediate in composition between basalt and rhyolite. Volcanic arcs above subduction zones typically contain andesite.</p>



<p>Rhyolite rocks display a light color and often possess a very fine-grained or glassy texture. Rhyolite is rich in silica. Pumice is a type of rhyolite. This rock is so vesicular and light that it can float on water. Scoria rocks are dark and vesicular. They are more dense than pumice but less dense than basalt. Researchers often find scoria rocks in basaltic and andesitic terrains.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-one-of-the-greatest-feats-of-human-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Obsidian rocks</a> are a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed by rapid cooling of silica-rich lava. They are often black, but can also be red or green. Tuff rocks are formed from volcanic ash. They can be welded (if hot when deposited) or non-welded.</p>



<h3>Mineral composition</h3>



<p>The mineral content of volcanic rocks can vary, but they often contain minerals like plagioclase, pyroxene, olivine, and amphibole.</p>



<h3>Plate tectonics</h3>



<p>The type and location of volcanic rocks can tell geologists about tectonic settings. For instance, mid-ocean ridges and oceanic islands (like Hawaii) commonly have basalt. This indicates mantle-derived magmas. In contrast, andesite or rhyolite might form at continental margins above subduction zones.</p>



<h3>Importance in soil formation</h3>



<p>Over time, volcanic rocks weather and break down to produce rich, fertile soils. Regions with a history of volcanic activity, like parts of Italy, are renowned for their fertile lands, which are conducive to agriculture.</p>



<h3>Cultural and practical uses</h3>



<p>Various cultures have used obsidian to produce sharp-edged tools and weapons. Manufacturers use pumice as an abrasive, in lightweight construction materials, and to stone-wash jeans. People use basalt in construction, and it is also the primary material for manufacturing oceanic crust and conducting seafloor spreading studies.</p>



<h3>Ecological importance</h3>



<p>Volcanic rocks, especially in freshly erupted terrains, provide a unique ecological niche. Certain organisms, particularly lichens and some hardy plants, colonize these areas, kickstarting the process of ecological succession.</p>



<h3>Health impacts</h3>



<p>Inhaling fine volcanic ash (which can be a component of tuff) can be harmful to health, particularly for people with respiratory conditions.</p>



<h3>Climate impacts</h3>



<p>The eruption process can release vast amounts of gases like sulfur dioxide, which can influence global climates. For instance, large volcanic eruptions can lead to global cooling due to the injection of sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere, which reflect sunlight.</p>



<p>In a nutshell, volcanic rocks not only provide insights into the Earth's internal processes and tectonic settings but also have ecological, economic, and climatic significance.</p>



<p>---</p>



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Adding crushed volcanic rocks to the soil on farms can help sequester CO2

Farmers might possess a secret weapon in the fight against...

<p>A new study from the <a href="https://www.helsinki.fi/en">University of Helsinki</a> reveals a striking example of how changing environmental conditions drive evolution. In this case, it involves elephant teeth.</p>



<p>The experts found that the evolutionary journey of proboscideans - the group that includes today's elephants and their ancient kin - has been largely influenced by shifts in climate over the past 26 million years in East Africa.</p>



<p>In particular, the experts identified bursts of teeth evolution among elephants approximately 10 million years ago that coincided with major climate changes.</p>



<h2 id="h-dietary-evolution">Dietary evolution</h2>



<p>For thousands of years, the vast landscapes of East Africa have witnessed transformative changes. Among them, the cheek teeth of proboscideans stand out as a testament to adaptability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These elephants, along with their ancestral counterparts, tweaked their diets based on the changing vegetation patterns and the climate of their habitats.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The evidence suggests that some proboscidean lineages, like choerolophodonts, began shifting to grass-rich diets as early as 23 to 11 million years ago, much sooner than previously assumed.</p>



<p>This dietary evolution finds a marked period around 7 million years ago in the Lake Turkana region of East Africa. Here, the burgeoning savannas - drier and flush with grasses - became the primary feeding grounds for the earliest true elephants.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-the-evolution-of-elephant-teeth">Studying the evolution of elephant teeth</h2>



<p>“This supports the hypothesis of such regions as ‘species-factories’ where evolutionary adaptation to changing environmental conditions first centered around," explained study lead author Juha Saarinen.</p>



<p>Grasses, laden with mineral-rich grains called phytoliths, pose a significant challenge. These grains lead to extensive wear and tear on teeth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the choerolophodonts of the Early and Middle Miocene periods managed to adapt to these grass-rich diets with only minor modifications to their dental structures.</p>



<h2 id="h-transformative-changes">Transformative changes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fast forward to roughly 10 million years ago, and a significant climate upheaval reshaped East Africa. The true elephants, or Elephantidae, underwent a more profound dental evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their teeth, especially molars, saw increased crown heights and more ridges.</p>



<p>“We were able to show that the strongest peaks of drying of the East African climate during the last 7 million years correspond with evolutionary bursts in the increase of tooth crown height and the number of ridges on the molar teeth, while these evolutionary changes did not reverse during periods of less harsh climatic conditions," said Saarinen.</p>



<p>“This supports earlier suggestions that adaptive traits in organisms are adaptations to extreme rather than average environmental conditions.”</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A comparative analysis of vegetation and elephant diets over the past 7 million years revealed an ascending dominance of grassland habitats and grass-feeding elephants with intricate dental adaptations. Yet, this trend saw a shift roughly 100,000 years ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Likely due to significant global climatic fluctuations, only the modern African savanna elephant, with its less specialized teeth, endured in East Africa.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A similar ecological adaptability may explain the Asian elephant's survival in Asia. Meanwhile, the African forest elephant found sanctuary in the forested territories of Central and Western Africa.</p>



<p>“The ecologically quite versatile modern elephants were the sole survivors of the tumultuous climate changes of the late Pleistocene," said Saarinen.</p>



<p>"Now it’s us humans that threaten the last surviving species of this ecologically important group of animals, and we should work hard to keep them from being lost forever.”</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02151-4"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



<p>Proboscideans are a group of large mammals that include elephants and their extinct relatives. They are characterized by a long trunk (or "proboscis"), large tusks, and a massive body. Here are some key points about proboscideans:</p>



<h3 id="h-extant-species">Extant species</h3>



<p>Today, there are three extant (or currently living) species of elephants: the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant.</p>



<h3 id="h-mammoth-mastodons">Mammoth &amp; mastodons</h3>



<p>These are two of the more famous extinct relatives of modern elephants. Mammoths were more closely related to the Asian elephant, while mastodons were a separate lineage.</p>



<h3 id="h-physical-features">Physical features&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The trunk is a notable feature of proboscideans and is a highly versatile organ used for breathing, smelling, grasping, and making sounds. Their tusks, which are elongated incisors, can be used for digging, lifting, gathering food, and as weapons.</p>



<h3 id="h-elephant-teeth-and-their-diet">Elephant teeth and their diet</h3>



<p>Most proboscideans are herbivores, primarily eating grass, leaves, and fruits. Their molars are adapted to grind up tough plant material.</p>



<h3 id="h-social-behavior">Social behavior</h3>



<p>Elephants, the living representatives of proboscideans, are known for their complex social structures. Female elephants and their young live in closely-knit family groups led by a matriarch, while adult males may roam more independently or in smaller bachelor groups.</p>



<h3 id="h-conservation">Conservation</h3>



<p>Elephants are currently facing threats from habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching for their ivory tusks. Efforts are ongoing to conserve these magnificent creatures and their habitats.</p>



<h3 id="h-evolution">Evolution</h3>



<p>Proboscideans have a rich fossil record that traces back millions of years. Throughout their evolutionary history, they've exhibited a wide range of sizes, from the small-sized Palaeomastodon to the gigantic imperial mammoths.</p>



<h3 id="h-distribution">Distribution</h3>



<p>While today's elephants are limited to parts of Africa and Asia, proboscideans once roamed a much wider range, including North America, Europe, and other parts of Asia.</p>



<p>—--</p>



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Elephant teeth have evolved in response to climate change for millions of years

A new study from the University of Helsinki reveals a...

<p>Scientists have long known that dry lighting could cause major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/10-worst-fire-disasters/">wildfires</a>. However, until recently, such lightning strikes were thought to pose wildfire risks only if occurring with less than 2.5 mm of precipitation in a day (approximately 0.10 inches).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://wsu.edu/">Washington State University</a> (WSU) has found that dry lightning can still be disastrous when weather conditions are not so dry. The experts report that fires can be ignited by lightning even if precipitation is up to 7.7 mm (about 0.3 inches).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-detecting-fires-earlier">Detecting fires earlier</h2>



<p>These more accurate estimations could help responders detect fires earlier, particularly those known as “holdovers,” which can smolder for many days before turning into full-blown wildfires.</p>



<p>“The rainfall amounts we quantified should help provide a better understanding of just how much rain can fall and still pose a fire risk,” said lead author Dmitri Kalashnikov, a doctoral candidate in Environmental Sciences at WSU.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>Kalashnikov and his colleagues analyzed data on over 4,600 naturally caused wildfires compiled by the <a href="https://www.nifc.gov/">National Interagency Fire Center</a> across Western U.S from 2015 to 2020, and matched 3,726 of those to the lightning strikes that most likely started them by using <a href="https://ghrc.nsstc.nasa.gov/home/lightning/index/data_nldn">National Lightning Detection Network</a> data.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The investigation revealed that 15.3 percent of these were holdover fires, representing more than 100 fires annually.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By analyzing precipitation data at the time of the lightning strikes, the experts found that rainfall was often higher than previously thought among the earlier undetected fires, ranging from 1.7 to 4.6 mm (0.07 inches to 0.18 inches).&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, holdover fires tended to be ignited with even greater precipitation of 3.0 to 7.7 mm (0.12 to 0.3 inches).</p>



<h2 id="h-dangers-of-dry-lightning">Dangers of dry lightning</h2>



<p>Although humans remain the leading cause of most wildfires (either by accident or arson), fires caused by lightning burn the most acreage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, previous research has shown that almost 70 percent of the wildfire-burned land in the American West was caused by lighting, while the largest wildfire burn area in California history occurred in August 2020 after dry lightning sparked multiple fires at the same time.</p>



<h2 id="h-holdover-fires">Holdover fires&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, dry lighting can also lead to wildfires in remote places that are difficult for firefighters to reach, while holdover fires pose an additional problem since they are so difficult to detect in their early stages. </p>



<p>For example, the scientists found that the highest rate of holdovers occurred in the forested mountains of the Southwest, as well as in the middle and southern Rocky Mountains. </p>



<p>Such forested regions are especially vulnerable to these types of fires because lightning often ignites the leaves and twigs on the forest floor that is sheltered from rain (and from view) by the branches above.</p>



<p>“Holdovers are extra sneaky because lightning can start a fire, and it might just kind of smolder for a day or two or sometimes a week or more until conditions are right for fire to spread. So the lightning storm may have passed a long time ago, and you might think there’s no danger, then all the sudden, the fire blows up,” Kalashnikov explained.</p>



<p>Further research is needed to devise more efficient ways to prevent the worst consequences of such fires by better understanding their causes and development and implementing accurate early detection mechanisms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2023GL103785"><em>Geophysical Research Letters</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-dry-lightning">More about dry lightning</h2>



<p>"Dry lightning" refers to lightning strikes that occur without significant accompanying rainfall. Here are some key points about dry lightning:</p>



<h3 id="h-origin">Origin</h3>



<p>Dry lightning usually happens in thunderstorms where the lower layers of the atmosphere are too dry to support rainfall. Any rain that does form in the upper atmosphere tends to evaporate before it reaches the ground, a phenomenon known as virga.</p>



<h3 id="h-wildfires">Wildfires</h3>



<p>Dry lightning is particularly concerning in forested or grassy regions because it can ignite wildfires. Since there's no rain to dampen and suppress the fires, they can spread quickly.</p>



<h3 id="h-climate-and-regions">Climate and regions</h3>



<p>Certain regions, especially in the western United States, are more prone to dry lightning. In these areas, moisture can get lifted into the upper atmosphere, creating thunderstorms, but the lower levels remain dry due to geographic and climatic factors.</p>



<h3 id="h-safety">Safety</h3>



<p>Just like any other lightning, dry lightning is dangerous. Even if it doesn’t appear to be stormy in your immediate vicinity, lightning can strike from a storm several miles away. Always seek shelter in a safe location during thunderstorms, regardless of whether it's raining.</p>



<h3 id="h-predictability">Predictability</h3>



<p>Meteorologists monitor atmospheric conditions to predict the likelihood of dry lightning, especially in areas prone to wildfires. When conditions seem favorable for dry lightning, warnings may be issued to alert local authorities and residents.</p>



<p>—</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Dry lightning can ignite wildfires in wetter conditions than expected

Scientists have long known that dry lighting could cause major...

<p>In a new study, scientists have unlocked the potential of using insect waste, particularly the discarded carcasses of adult black soldier flies, to produce chemicals essential for manufacturing biodegradable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastics-are-a-hazard-at-every-stage-of-their-life-cycle/">plastics</a>. This eco-friendly venture offers a promising solution to the looming global plastic pollution crisis.</p>



<p>The innovative research, led by Dr. Karen Wooley and her team at Texas A&amp;M University, will be presented at the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) Fall 2023 meeting. This event, held both virtually and in person from August 13 to 17, will host nearly 12,000 presentations covering a plethora of scientific subjects.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>"For two decades, we've sought ways to turn natural products - like glucose from sugar cane or trees - into degradable polymers that won’t persist in the environment. But these resources have competing demands in food, fuel, construction, and transportation," said Dr. Wooley.</p>



<p>Seeking an alternative, Dr. Wooley collaborated with Dr. Jeffery Tomberlin who proposed utilizing insect waste.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In particular. Dr. Tomberlin focused on the black soldier fly farming industry, a domain he’s been instrumental in advancing.</p>



<h2 id="h-making-garbage-useful">Making garbage useful&nbsp;</h2>



<p>These fly larvae are nutritionally rich, making them invaluable for animal feed and waste consumption. The adults, however, have a fleeting post-breeding life and are typically discarded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Tomberlin’s idea to leverage these otherwise wasted carcasses provided a sustainable raw material source for the research.</p>



<p>“We’re taking something that’s quite literally garbage and making something useful out of it," said Cassidy Tibbetts, a graduate student that works in Dr. Wooley’s lab.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-novel-approach">A novel approach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In her investigations, Tibbetts identified chitin as a primary component in the discarded flies. Chitin, a biodegradable sugar-based polymer, is vital for the hardening of insect exoskeletons.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Manufacturers traditionally source it from crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. However, Tibbetts's method of chitin extraction from flies might present a cleaner and allergen-free alternative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dr. Wooley highlighted the novelty of their approach, noting that her team seems to be the first to use chitin from adult flies.</p>



<h2 id="h-superabsorbent-hydrogel">Superabsorbent hydrogel</h2>



<p>In the lab, Hongming Guo has been focusing on converting this chitin into chitosan, a related polymer. The processed chitosan is then fashioned into bioplastics, such as a remarkable superabsorbent hydrogel that was developed by Guo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This hydrogel can absorb 47 times its weight in water in mere minutes. Dr. Wooley envisions it as a solution to Texas’s alternating flood and drought challenges, stating that this hydrogel could aid in moisture retention in soils, simultaneously degrading to nourish crops.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-sustainable-future">A sustainable future</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the team plans to delve into breaking chitin into glucosamines, the fundamental sugar molecules, to produce bioplastics traditionally derived from petrochemicals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, the researchers aim to exploit other compounds found in black soldier flies, like proteins, DNA, and fatty acids, to create sustainable products.</p>



<p>Dr. Wooley envisions a sustainable loop where insects feed on discarded plastics, which are then harvested for components to produce new plastics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This approach not only aligns with the circular economy concept but also offers a novel way to combat the ongoing plastic pollution issue. With initiatives like these, there's hope for a cleaner and more sustainable future.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Turning insect waste into biodegradable  plastics

In a new study, scientists have unlocked the potential of...

<p>Amidst the growing popularity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/">plant-based</a> alternatives, a notable void has been observed in the mock seafood department, despite unsustainable fishing and aquaculture practices threatening our oceans. However, groundbreaking research from the <a href="https://nus.edu.sg/">National University of Singapore</a> has offered a glimmer of hope: 3D-printed vegan calamari made from microalgae protein and mung bean protein.</p>



<p>The innovative approach aims to provide consumers with a taste that is reminiscent of real fish, while simultaneously achieving the nutritional profile of seafood. The calamari rings created in this study can even be air-fried, revealing their potential as a delightful snack.</p>



<p>Unveiled at the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a>'s Fall 2023 hybrid meeting, the research has received a lot of attention.</p>



<p>“The urgency of diversifying our protein sources cannot be overstated,” said Poornima Vijayan, a graduate student involved in the study. She further emphasized the imminent threat of seafood scarcity, particularly in regions like Singapore where a staggering 90 percent of fish is imported.</p>



<h2 id="h-nutritious-seafood-alternatives">Nutritious seafood alternatives</h2>



<p>Globally, seafood remains a dietary staple for many. Yet, our oceans are far from inexhaustible. The dual crisis of overfishing and environmental concerns such as heavy-metal and microplastic contamination has led consumers on a quest for sustainable seafood alternatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Though vegan seafood alternatives exist, they often miss the mark in terms of nutritional value, taste, and texture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We sought to craft protein-based products that not only rival real seafood in nutrition but also champion food sustainability," explained Dr. Dejian Huang, the lead researcher on the project.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>In order to achieve this goal, the team used a delicate blend of science and culinary art. The researchers harnessed the power of 3D printing technology using a protein-based ink, yielding textures ranging from the smoothness of fatty fish to the fibrous chewiness typical of certain seafood. Their successes so far include salmon filets made from red lentil protein and shrimp.</p>



<p>This time, the spotlight was on calamari rings. The choice of microalgae was a strategic one, given its naturally “fishy” taste. Mung bean protein, on the other hand, represents a sustainable and high-protein byproduct from the production of starch noodles.</p>



<h2 id="h-vegan-calamari">Vegan calamari&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Once the team obtained the high-protein vegan paste, resembling the nutritional profile of real calamari, it was 3D printed into rings. Post-printing, these rings underwent a culinary test, with Vijayan air-frying some samples. The initial feedback on taste and texture was promising.</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="2A2oI1Oivm-2937034-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>However, Vijayan is keen on refining the mimic further, aspiring to replicate the texture and elasticity of commercial calamari rings. Concerns about potential allergies to the new protein combination are also on the horizon, but Huang believes they remain largely uncharted territories at this stage.</p>



<h2 id="h-future-plans">Future plans</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, the team's focus is on scalability and commercial viability. They anticipate that in the coming years, these plant-based calamari alternatives could grace the plates of fine-dining establishments or specialty outlets.</p>



<p>“From a sheer novelty standpoint, our plant-based mimic not only delivers on the seafood taste but is rooted in sustainable plant-based sources," said Vijayan. "I truly believe people will embrace it.”</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-vegan-seafood">More about vegan seafood&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Vegan seafood is a growing trend, catering to vegans, vegetarians, and those looking to reduce their consumption of animal products. Made from plant-based or other non-animal ingredients, vegan seafood attempts to replicate the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional seafood.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-popular-vegan-seafood-products">Popular vegan seafood products</h3>



<h4 id="h-vegan-fish-fillets-sticks">Vegan fish fillets &amp; sticks</h4>



<p>Made from: tofu, tempeh, seitan (wheat gluten), or jackfruit.</p>



<p>Seasoned with seaweed (like nori) to give a fishy flavor.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-shrimp">Vegan shrimp</h4>



<p>Made from: konjac root (a gelatinous plant substance), potato starch, or textured vegetable protein.</p>



<p>Often colored with natural plant-based dyes to replicate the pinkish hue.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-tuna">Vegan tuna</h4>



<p>Made from: watermelon, tomatoes (especially when marinated), chickpeas, or jackfruit.</p>



<p>Seasoned with seaweed for a fishy flavor.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-scallops">Vegan scallops</h4>



<p>Made from: king oyster mushroom stems.</p>



<p>Seasoned and cooked to replicate the tender texture and flavor.</p>



<h4 id="h-vegan-crab-cakes">Vegan crab cakes</h4>



<p>Made from: hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, or jackfruit.</p>



<p>Combined with breadcrumbs and seasonings for the desired texture and taste.</p>



<p>In addition to whole foods, there are various brands that produce ready-to-eat vegan seafood products using a combination of plant-based ingredients and seasonings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To achieve the desired flavor, many of these products incorporate seaweed or other sea vegetables, which offer a naturally "fishy" taste. Some also use vegan omega-3 oils derived from algae to mimic the nutritional benefits of seafood.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Poornima Vijayan</p>



<p>Video Credit: American Chemical Society</p>



<p>—-</p>



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The future of seafood has arrived with 3D-printed vegan alternatives

Amidst the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives, a notable void...

<p>The Biden administration has announced a major financial push to kickstart the US <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-influences-coastal-carbon-storage-capacity/">carbon</a> removal industry. The Energy Department will award $1.2 billion to direct air capture plants proposed by Occidental and Climeworks.</p>



<p>The initiative marks a massive leap in the battle against global warming and a pivotal step towards curbing the nation’s greenhouse emissions.</p>



<h2 id="h-direct-air-capture-plants">Direct air capture plants</h2>



<p>Direct air capture (DAC) plants have the potential to become the foundation of the future green economy. Direct air capture installations function as colossal vacuum systems, drawing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and subsequently using chemical processes to sequester this greenhouse gas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The captured CO2 can then either be stored underground or repurposed as an ingredient in industrial materials, notably cement.</p>



<h2 id="h-net-zero-emissions">Net zero emissions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As of now, DAC operations have not reached a scale or economic viability that makes them globally ubiquitous. Yet, if these hurdles can be surpassed, the technology promises a significant acceleration in our journey to achieving net-zero emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"If we deploy this at scale, this technology can help us make serious headway toward our net zero emissions goals while we are still focused on deploying more clean energy at the same time," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.</p>



<h2 id="h-two-major-ventures">Two major ventures</h2>



<p>A noteworthy aspect of this announcement is the construction of two major DAC ventures: Project Cypress in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, and the South Texas DAC in Kleberg County.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Project Cypress is run by Battelle, Climeworks Corporation and Heirloom Carbon Technologies. The South Texas DAC Hub was proposed by Occidental Petroleum's subsidiary 1PointFive and partners Carbon Engineering Ltd and Worley.</p>



<p>Both ventures aim to remove an impressive one million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually at their inception. Furthermore, insiders from the Texas project hinted at ambitions to amplify this figure to an astounding 30 million metric tons yearly once the operation reaches its full potential.</p>



<p>Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards highlighted the strategic significance of his state in this initiative. With its rich history in petrochemical manufacturing combined with a dense network of pipelines and suitable geology, Louisiana emerges as a prime candidate for spearheading carbon mitigation projects.</p>



<h2 id="h-major-progress">Major progress</h2>



<p>“It depends on multiple factors, but I would wish to have first capture in 2025/2026,” Jan Wurzbacher, <a href="https://climeworks.com/">Climeworks</a> director and founder, told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.heirloomcarbon.com/">Heirloom</a> CEO Shashank Samala would like to hit a million tons per year by 2029 or 2030. "Just two years ago, we were in a petri dish where we were removing grams of CO2 from the air," said Samala. Soon, the company will aim to remove hundreds and thousands of tons of CO2 per year.</p>



<p>"If we continue this pace of exponential growth every year, I think a billion tons a year is definitely, definitely achievable."</p>



<h2 id="h-no-time-to-waste">No time to waste</h2>



<p>The initiative demonstrates the government’s eagerness to back novel technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide, one of the primary culprits behind global warming.</p>



<p>Claire Nelson, a renowned research scientist from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, emphasized that while transitioning from fossil fuels remains imperative, the sheer magnitude of required change necessitates the integration of direct air capture as an additional weapon in our arsenal against climate change. "In order to have direct air capture ready at the scale we need it by 2050, we need to invest in it today," Nelson stated.</p>



<p>Tim Lieuwen, the executive director at the Strategic Energy Institute at Georgia Institute of Technology, echoed the need for DAC, especially in industries with heavy pollution footprints.</p>



<h2 id="h-ambitious-plans">Ambitious plans</h2>



<p>For a sense of scale, a project in Iceland launched in 2021, previously celebrated as the world's largest, manages to capture the CO2 equivalent emitted by approximately 800 cars daily.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By comparison, the proposed US initiatives are projected to enhance the global DAC capacity by an astounding 400 times, according to Sasha Stashwick, the policy director at <a href="https://carbon180.org/">Carbon180</a>, an independent nonprofit dedicated to carbon removal.</p>



<p>While details about the final destination of the captured carbon remain under wraps, officials from the Department of Energy have confirmed that neither project would deploy the captured CO2 for enhanced oil recovery.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This decision, as Stashwick noted, is paramount for fostering public trust and ensuring the safe and permanent storage or reuse of the extracted carbon.</p>



<p>"This is really the debut of the direct air capture industry in the US. It’s going to be many people’s first introduction to technological carbon removal," Stashwick told CNN.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-direct-air-capture">More about direct air capture&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a promising and innovative technology designed to combat climate change by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from ambient air. Unlike conventional methods that focus on capturing emissions at their source (such as power plants), DAC can be used to draw CO2 from anywhere in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-how-does-it-work">How does it work?</h3>



<h4 id="h-capture">Capture</h4>



<p>Fans pull ambient air into a DAC system where it passes through a filter or liquid solvent containing chemicals that selectively bind with CO2.</p>



<h4 id="h-isolation">Isolation</h4>



<p>The CO2 is then isolated from the binding agents through heating or other processes, leaving behind a concentrated stream of pure carbon dioxide.</p>



<h4 id="h-storage-or-utilization">Storage or utilization</h4>



<p>Once captured and isolated, the CO2 can be stored underground in geological formations or utilized in various industrial applications such as the creation of synthetic fuels, carbonate minerals, or incorporation into building materials like cement.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

Climate control: U.S. will invest $1.2B in direct air capture initiatives

The Biden administration has announced a major financial push to...

<p>The recent surge in solar activity has become a hot topic of discussion among astronomers and scientists, with the latest manifestation being a massive X-class solar flare that struck <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-surpassed-almost-every-safe-limit-to-keep-earth-habitable/">Earth</a> on Monday.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This solar flare, one of the most disruptive of its kind, wreaked havoc on radio and navigation signals across North America, and experts are warning that it's far from the last incident of this magnitude we can expect.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-very-active-sun">A very active Sun&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The flare that struck this week was classified as an X1.5, and it's significant enough to be noteworthy. To understand its magnitude, it's crucial to recognize that X-class solar flares are the largest, most disruptive of flares, and this particular one "likely disrupted high-frequency radio communications on the sunlit side of Earth."</p>



<p>This solar flare didn't occur in isolation; it burst out of the most active sunspot group currently visible on the Sun's disk, according to the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/">Met Office</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Solar flares, these formidable bursts of energy, are not merely awe-inspiring celestial events to observe; they can seriously impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals, and even pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.</p>



<h2 id="h-a-flurry-of-solar-flare-activity">A flurry of solar flare activity</h2>



<p>This latest incident falls in line with what appears to be a pattern. According to multiple news retorts, the Sun has seen a flurry of activity on its surface this year, with Nasa astronomers spotting multiple "coronal holes."</p>



<p>These solar outbursts can be partly attributed to the Sun's magnetic field, which completes a "solar cycle" approximately every 11 years. We are presently in Solar Cycle 25, which has proved unexpectedly powerful.</p>



<h2 id="h-exceptionally-strong-solar-cycle">Exceptionally strong solar cycle</h2>



<p>According to experts, this current cycle may be on track to rival some of the stronger cycles of the 20th century.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The monthly average sunspot number for June 2023 was 163, a record-high number observed by the Royal Observatory of Belgium's Solar Influences Data Analysis Center. This figure has exceeded any month since September 2022.</p>



<p>Sunspot numbers have not been this high in nearly two decades. The continuous observation of the Sun and our space environment is made possible through <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>'s fleet of spacecraft that diligently study everything from the Sun's activity to the solar atmosphere, particles, and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth.</p>



<p>This recent solar flare serves as a stark reminder of the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of our closest star, as well as a call to action for more vigilant monitoring and preparation.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-solar-flares">More about solar flares</h2>



<p>Solar flares are among the most dramatic events in our solar system. They represent massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields rising from the Sun's corona or outer atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 id="h-definition">Definition</h3>



<p>A solar flare is a sudden flash of increased brightness on the Sun, typically observed near its surface. These flares are a result of complex magnetic activity, where energy stored in twisted magnetic fields (usually above sunspots) is suddenly released.</p>



<h3 id="h-classification">Classification</h3>



<p>Solar flares are classified based on their strength. The smallest ones are B-class, followed by C, M, and X, with X being the largest. Each letter represents a ten-fold increase in energy output, so an X-class flare is 10 times stronger than an M-class flare, and 100 times stronger than a C-class flare. Within each class, the flares can also be ranked from 1 to 9 in terms of strength.</p>



<h2 id="h-impacts-on-earth">Impacts on Earth</h2>



<h3 id="h-disrupt-communications">Disrupt communications</h3>



<p>High-frequency radio waves can be affected, making it challenging for pilots, ships, and military personnel to communicate.</p>



<h3 id="h-satellites-and-spacecraft">Satellites and spacecraft</h3>



<p>The increased radiation from a solar flare can interfere with a satellite's electronics, potentially shortening its operational life. Astronauts in space can also be at risk if caught outside the protection of the International Space Station or their spacecraft.</p>



<h3 id="h-power-grid-failures">Power grid failures</h3>



<p>Strong solar flares can induce electric currents in the Earth's surface, potentially damaging power grid equipment.</p>



<h2>What is the solar cycle?</h2>



<p>The solar cycle plays a pivotal role in shaping our Sun's behavior. To understand its intricacies and implications, let's delve deep into its nature and effects.</p>



<h3>What is the Solar Cycle?</h3>



<p>At its core, the solar cycle refers to the Sun's roughly 11-year periodic change in solar activity. This activity encompasses variations in the number and size of sunspots, flares, and other solar phenomena. </p>



<p>The cycle begins when sunspot numbers are low, known as a solar minimum, and peaks when sunspot numbers are high, termed a solar maximum.</p>



<h3>Why does it happen?</h3>



<p>The Sun's internal dynamo drives the solar cycle. This dynamo is a result of the Sun's rotation and the convective motion of its plasma. In essence, the magnetic fields get tangled and twisted as the Sun rotates. Over time, these fields reorganize, leading to varying solar activity levels.</p>



<h3>Sunspots and their significance</h3>



<p>Sunspots are dark patches on the Sun's surface. They appear dark because they are cooler than surrounding areas. When sunspots grow in number, we know that the Sun's activity is increasing. These sunspots are the surface manifestations of intense magnetic activities within the Sun.</p>



<h3>The effects on Earth</h3>



<p>The solar cycle impacts Earth in several ways:</p>



<h4>Space weather</h4>



<p>Solar flares and coronal mass ejections, more common during solar maximum, can disrupt satellite operations, radio communications, and power grids.</p>



<h4>Auroras</h4>



<p>The beautiful northern and southern lights become more frequent and expansive during periods of heightened solar activity.</p>



<h4>Climate impact</h4>



<p>While the solar cycle's direct influence on Earth's climate is minimal compared to other factors, there's ongoing research on its role in short-term climate variations.</p>



<h3>Monitoring the solar cycle</h3>



<p>Scientists keep a close watch on the Sun. They use telescopes equipped with special filters to count sunspots and track solar activity. By monitoring the solar cycle, scientists can better predict space weather events and their potential impacts on Earth.</p>



<p>The solar cycle is a testament to the dynamic nature of our star. It's a cycle that not only influences the behavior of the Sun but also has tangible effects on our planet. As we continue to study and understand it, we gain valuable insights into the workings of the Sun and its relationship with Earth.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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World Elephant Day: Understanding, celebrating, and protecting Earth’s gentle giants

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<p>In a revelation that highlights the grave consequences of climate change, research indicates that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-in-2023-expected-to-be-among-highest-on-record/">temperature</a> threshold at which the human body cannot survive may be significantly lower than previously thought.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This alarming discovery sheds light on the stark reality that thousands face across the globe as extreme heat events become more frequent, intensifying under the unrelenting progression of human-induced global warming.</p>



<h2 id="h-wet-bulb-temperature">Wet bulb temperature&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A healthy young individual might endure six hours at 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) coupled with 100 percent humidity before succumbing to heat-related fatalities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beyond this critical point, referred to as the "wet bulb temperature," the body's primary cooling mechanism - sweat - fails to evaporate, causing heatstroke, organ failure, and eventual death.</p>



<p>The occurrence of this wet bulb temperature, at 35 degrees Celsius, has been extremely rare in human history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It has only been breached around a dozen times, mostly in South Asia and the Persian Gulf," Colin Raymond of NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> told <a href="https://www.afp.com/en">AFP</a>. During these incidents, none lasted more than two hours, sparing populations from "mass mortality events" linked to this survival limit, according to Raymond.</p>



<h2 id="h-temperature-thresholds-vary">Temperature thresholds vary&nbsp;</h2>



<p>But it's not just this extreme level that poses a risk to human life. As experts warn, individual thresholds vary widely depending on factors such as age, health, and socioeconomic status.</p>



<p>The terrifying reality of heat-related mortality became evident last summer when more than 61,000 people died in Europe due to heat, where humidity rarely reaches the dangerous levels of wet bulb temperatures. As global temperatures surge, hitting record highs, scientists predict that perilous wet bulb events will multiply.</p>



<h2 id="h-serious-hazard">Serious hazard&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Raymond explained that the frequency of these events has at least doubled over the past 40 years, labeling this increase a "serious hazard of human-caused climate change."&nbsp;</p>



<p>His study projects that if the world continues on its current trajectory, warming 2.5C degrees above preindustrial levels, wet bulb temperatures exceeding 35C will become a regular occurrence in several regions in the upcoming decades.</p>



<h2 id="h-human-survival-limit">Human survival limit&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The term "wet bulb temperature" might sound abstract to some, but its measurement is grounded in the very fundamentals of human physiology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Initially gauged by covering a thermometer with a wet cloth, it simulates how quickly water - or sweat - evaporates off the skin. This temperature threshold of 35C wet bulb temperature corresponds to 35C of dry heat with 100 percent humidity, or 46C at 50 percent humidity.</p>



<p>Recent experiments at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/">Pennsylvania State University</a> in the United States have shed light on this human survival limit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers measured the core temperatures of healthy subjects inside a heat chamber, finding that the "environmental limit" was reached at 30.6C wet bulb temperature, alarmingly below the previously theorized 35C.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts estimated that "really, really dangerous core temperatures" would manifest between five to seven hours under such conditions, stated Daniel Vecellio, who contributed to the research.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The impact of these findings resonates deeply across diverse populations. Joy Monteiro, a researcher in India, noted that most deadly heat waves in South Asia occurred well below the 35C wet bulb temperature threshold. Vulnerabilities are "wildly different for different people," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Small children, with their reduced ability to regulate body temperature, and older individuals, who have fewer sweat glands, face the greatest risks. A staggering 90 percent of the heat-related deaths in Europe last summer were among those aged over 65.</p>



<p>Those who work outside in sweltering temperatures, or lack access to cooling spaces, are also at heightened risk. Monteiro pointed to other factors like limited access to toilets, leading to dehydration.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-impacts">Climate impacts</h2>



<p>"Like a lot of impacts of climate change, it is the people who are least able to insulate themselves from these extremes who will be suffering the most," said Raymond.&nbsp;</p>



<p>His research also highlighted the link between wet bulb temperatures and other climate events, such as El Niño events and ocean surface temperatures, both of which have seen concerning trends recently.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In fact, the world's oceans recorded an all-time high temperature last month, surpassing the previous 2016 record, according to the European Union's climate observatory.</p>



<p>This study's revelations are more than a warning; they are a chilling testament to the immediate and dire need for global action to mitigate the advancing peril of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>More about heat and the human body</h2>



<p>High temperatures can have a significant impact on the human body, affecting its physiological processes and overall functioning as we surpass our built-in temperature threshold. Here's a brief overview:</p>



<h3>Impaired heat regulation</h3>



<p>The human body constantly tries to maintain an internal temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F). In high temperatures, the body uses processes like sweating and increased blood flow to the skin (vasodilation) to help cool down. However, in extreme heat, these processes might not be sufficient, leading to overheating.</p>



<h3>Dehydration</h3>



<p>Sweating is the body's primary means of cooling down, but it also results in fluid loss. Without adequate fluid intake, this can lead to dehydration, which further impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature and affects bodily functions.</p>



<h3>Heat-related illnesses - surpassing the temperature threshold</h3>



<h4>Heat cramps</h4>



<p>Muscle cramps due to loss of salt and water from sweating.</p>



<h4>Heat exhaustion</h4>



<p>Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, nausea, and fainting.</p>



<h4>Heat stroke</h4>



<p>A life-threatening condition where the body's temperature regulation fails. Symptoms include hot and dry skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and even unconsciousness.</p>



<h3>Cardiovascular strain</h3>



<p>The heart works harder in high temperatures. As the body sends more blood to the skin to cool down, it can strain the cardiovascular system.</p>



<h3>Respiratory challenges</h3>



<p>Hot temperatures, particularly when combined with humidity, can make breathing more difficult and may exacerbate conditions like asthma or COPD.</p>



<h3>Cognitive impairments</h3>



<p>Extreme heat can affect the brain's functioning, leading to symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and reduced ability to concentrate or perform tasks.</p>



<h3>Kidney stress</h3>



<p>The kidneys play a key role in regulating body fluids. In hot conditions, they work harder to maintain balance, and without adequate hydration, they might be stressed, potentially leading to kidney problems.</p>



<h3>Electrolyte imbalance</h3>



<p>Sweating not only leads to fluid loss but also to the loss of essential salts and minerals. This can lead to an electrolyte imbalance which affects muscle function and other bodily processes.</p>



<h3>Skin irritations</h3>



<p>Excessive sweating can lead to skin problems, including heat rashes, which are characterized by small blisters or red lumps.</p>



<h3>Vulnerability in certain populations</h3>



<p>Some groups, such as infants, older people, and people with certain medical conditions or on medications that affect temperature regulation, may be more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures and have lower temperature thresholds.</p>



<p>Given these potential impacts, it's crucial to take precautions in extreme heat, including staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.</p>



<p>—-</p>



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

How hot is too hot? The temperature threshold that the human body can handle

In a revelation that highlights the grave consequences of climate...

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<p>In July 2023, as relentless heatwaves and record heat scorched parts of the US, China, and southern Europe, scientists across the globe have been racing to uncover the underlying factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While climate change and El Nino are known as primary culprits behind rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-linked-to-vision-impairment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>, new data has prompted researchers to question if there might be other accomplices in the recent outbreaks of record heat.</p>



<h2 id="h-root-causes-of-heatwaves">Root causes of heatwaves</h2>



<p>As global temperatures continue to rise, breaking records and causing widespread distress, scientists are working to understand the root causes behind these alarming trends.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the usual culprits of climate change and El Niño are well-known, experts are investigating whether additional elements may be contributing to the unprecedented heat.</p>



<h2 id="h-record-breaking-heat">Record breaking heat</h2>



<p>According to a recent report by the European climate agency <a href="http://www.copernicus.eu/en/homepage" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus</a>, July saw temperatures rise by an astonishing one-third of a degree Celsius above the previous record.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, this increase is particularly evident in our oceans, especially the North Atlantic, prompting some to question if other forces are at play.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-an-unknown-accomplice">An unknown accomplice?</h2>



<p>While the majority of scientists attribute the vast portion of this warming to human-induced climate change – primarily from burning fossil fuels – the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-detects-early-warning-signs-of-an-el-nino-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural phenomenon</a> El Niño adds a slight push to the soaring temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, as Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo suggests, “What we are seeing is more than just El Niño on top of climate change."</p>



<p>Among the surprising hypotheses being investigated are the effects of cleaner air resulting from new shipping regulations and the influence of 165 million tons (150 million metric tons) of water spewed into the atmosphere by a volcano.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Both could potentially be accelerating the Earth's warming. These ideas, while unconventional, are now under serious consideration.</p>



<h2 id="h-alarming-heatwave-trends">Alarming heatwave trends</h2>



<p>This July has been nothing short of extraordinary, with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/july-was-earths-hottest-month-in-120000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature records</a> toppling in many parts of the northern hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>China experienced an all-time high of 52.2°C, and the US saw nearly one-third of its population under heat warnings as temperatures soared past 100°F. </p>



<p>Europe wasn't spared either, with the "Cerberus" and "Charon" heatwaves wreaking havoc, pushing temperatures in many regions up to 10°C above average.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-role-of-climate-change">The role of climate change</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Weather Attribution</a> service, a consortium of global scientists, has issued warnings regarding these developments. Their studies suggest that such intense heatwaves in the US and Europe would have been nearly impossible without the influence of climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, they assert that the scorching heat experienced in China was made at least 50 times more probable because of it.</p>



<h2 id="h-record-heat-events">Record heat events</h2>



<p>According to Carbon Brief, record heat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/june-2023-was-the-hottest-ever-with-more-heat-records-to-come/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> events have become major news, making headlines in 84 newspapers across 32 countries.</p>



<p>Illustrating the severity, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/death-valley-may-reach-the-hottest-temperature-ever-recorded-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Death Valley</a> in California, known as the hottest place on Earth, recorded a staggering 53.3°C this July. Simultaneously, European cities like Rome registered record highs, and China's Sanbao township broke national records with a reading of 52.2°C.</p>



<h2 id="h-vulnerable-communities-and-ecosystems">Vulnerable communities and ecosystems</h2>



<p>Dr. Frederieke Otto is a senior lecturer in climate science at the <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/grantham/">Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment</a> at Imperial College London. He noted that the findings are "absolutely not a surprise," considering the long-standing predictions of climate scientists.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, Dr. Otto added a sobering perspective. He emphasized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-detects-early-warning-signs-of-an-el-nino-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">societies</a> and ecosystems are "much more vulnerable" to temperature changes than previously recognized.</p>



<p>These extreme heat events highlight the importance of global awareness and preparedness. As Julie Arrighi from the <a href="https://www.climatecentre.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre</a> pointed out, heatwaves are "amongst the deadliest natural hazards that we face each year."&nbsp;</p>



<p>The need for comprehensive health action plans and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of high temperatures has never been more urgent.</p>



<h2>More about El Niño</h2>



<p>El Niño, which means "The Child" in Spanish, refers to the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. But what causes El Niño, and how does it influence <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forecasters-warn-of-weather-chaos-as-el-nino-arrives-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global weather patterns</a>?</p>



<h3>Origins of El Niño</h3>



<p>At its core, El Niño starts when warm water from the western Pacific Ocean moves eastward. Typically, trade winds blow strongly from east to west, piling up warm surface water in the western Pacific. </p>



<p>However, when these winds weaken or reverse direction, the warm water surges back to the eastern Pacific. This shift disrupts the typical oceanic and atmospheric patterns.</p>



<h3>The impact on global weather</h3>



<p>El Niño does not merely warm the waters; it causes heatwaves and changes weather patterns around the world. It boosts rainfall in the southern U.S., often causing flooding, while Australia and Indonesia often experience droughts. Coastal regions in South America witness heavier-than-normal rainfall, leading to devastating floods in some years.</p>



<p>Coral reefs suffer during El Niño events. The warmer waters stress the coral, causing coral bleaching and even killing vast areas of reefs. Furthermore, fisheries in the eastern Pacific take a hit as warmer waters drive away the nutrient-rich cold currents that fish thrive on.</p>



<h3>The economic and social impacts</h3>



<p>El Niño has significant economic consequences. As it disrupts normal weather patterns, agriculture bears the brunt of its impact. Countries dependent on agriculture for their GDP and employment feel the effects the most. Crop yields drop, food prices rise, and the risk of wildfires increases in some regions.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the fluctuating weather patterns can lead to infrastructure damage. Excessive rainfall causes flooding and landslides, damaging homes, roads, and bridges. On the other end, prolonged droughts place stress on water resources, affecting both agriculture and urban areas.</p>



<h3>Predicting and mitigating the effects</h3>



<p>Scientists use a combination of satellite observations and ocean buoys to monitor sea surface temperatures and predict El Niño events. Advanced forecasting allows countries to prepare and mitigate some of the adverse effects. For instance, farmers can switch to drought-resistant crops if they expect less rainfall.</p>



<p>However, the unpredictability and scale of El Niño's impacts still pose challenges. Even with the best preparations, nature's power often surpasses human anticipation.</p>



<p>El Niño serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of global climate systems. While it originates in the Pacific, its reach spans continents, influencing weather patterns worldwide. As we advance our understanding of this phenomenon, the hope is to better prepare and adapt to its inevitable return.</p>



<p>---</p>



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

Record breaking heat may have an underlying cause besides climate change

In July 2023, as relentless heatwaves and record heat scorched...

<p>As people all over the globe face growing climate-related challenges, a team of researchers led by <a href="https://www.monash.edu/">Monash University</a> has found that the terminology used to address the health impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humanity-should-brace-for-catastrophic-climate-change/">climate change</a> is currently inadequate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts highlighted an urgent need to capture real-time data on the impact of climate change-related events on human health, healthcare workforces, and healthcare systems by systematically integrating concepts related to natural disasters – such as heatwave or drought – in standardized medical terminology.</p>



<p>“Climate change, a critical risk driver of natural disasters, is rapidly jeopardizing global environmental sustainability, planetary health, population health, and sustainable development goals," said study lead author Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins, an associate professor of Nursing and Midwifery at Monash.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-the-impact-of-climate-on-health">Studying the impact of climate on health</h2>



<p>"Our research indicates that current clinical terminologies lack the necessary depth to capture the full range of hazards associated with climate change, particularly those linked to environmental and meteorological factors."</p>



<p>“This gap hinders our ability to genuinely understand the extent of the impact of climate-related natural disasters on human health, but also how we plan to deliver effective healthcare during disasters, and plan interventions to support healthcare systems in times of crisis.”</p>



<p>By mapping the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction-International Science Council (UNDRR-ISC)’s <a href="https://www.undrr.org/publication/hazard-information-profiles-hips">Hazard Information Profiles</a> (HIP) to <a href="https://www.snomed.org/">SNOMED CT International</a>, a widely used clinical terminology database for electronic health records, Lokmic-Tomkins and her colleagues identified critical gaps in the terminology related to the health impact of the climate crisis.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-terms-dealing-with-extreme-heat-and-drought">Terms dealing with extreme heat and drought</h2>



<p>The analysis revealed that chemical and biological disaster hazard concepts had better representation than meteorological, hydrological, geohazard, extraterrestrial, environmental, technological, and societal factors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In Lokmic-Tomkins’ view, one of the most concerning findings was the absence of terms dealing with hazards such as heatwaves and droughts in SNOMED CT International.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These phenomena have intensified due to climate change and have significant impacts on human health, migration patterns, and armed conflict situations globally,” she said. “Correcting this deficit in SNOMED CT is crucial to capturing these events as causative factors of health-related issues.”</p>



<h2 id="h-global-cooperation-is-needed">Global cooperation is needed</h2>



<p>In addition, the researchers also called for global cooperation to expand this database to include unique geographical and regional hazard contexts disproportionally experienced in countries most affected by the climate crisis.</p>



<p>“By including diverse perspectives and contributions globally, the clinical terminology can better reflect global health needs and improve disaster preparedness and response efforts. This means capturing hazards linked to meteorological clusters, such as heatwaves and droughts, which have significant impact on human health across the lifespan,” Lokmic-Tomkins said.</p>



<p>“Enhancing globally agreed terminology would enable clinicians, public health officials, and health informaticians to manage vast volumes of clinical data, and retrieve, analyze, and contextualize it to specific climate-related situations."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"This data can be utilized to develop evidence-based interventions, predict future impacts more precisely, and support informed decision-making by policymakers and government leaders for climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.”</p>



<h2 id="h-resource-limited-settings">Resource-limited settings&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Finally, this study highlights inequities in global health information systems infrastructure, especially in areas where health systems lack the capacity to use standardized terminologies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These gaps further exacerbate challenges in providing basic healthcare for vulnerable communities in resource-limited settings.</p>



<p>“Our work is just beginning. By addressing these challenges and expanding clinical terminologies, we can help develop resilient healthcare and community systems that can effectively cope with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate change-related disasters,” Lokmic-Tomkins concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jamia/ocad153"><em>Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-climate-related-health-impacts">More about climate-related health impacts</h2>



<p>Climate change has a variety of health impacts on individuals and communities. Here are some of the major health consequences associated with the changing climate:</p>



<h3 id="h-heat-related-illnesses-and-mortality">Heat-related illnesses and mortality</h3>



<p>As global temperatures rise, heatwaves have become more frequent and intense. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, dehydration, and even death. This is especially true among vulnerable populations like older people, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.</p>



<h3 id="h-air-quality-and-respiratory-diseases">Air quality and respiratory diseases</h3>



<p>Rising temperatures can exacerbate air pollution by increasing ground-level ozone. This can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.</p>



<h3 id="h-vector-borne-diseases">Vector-borne diseases</h3>



<p>Changes in climate can alter the distribution of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. This can lead to the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue, Lyme disease, and Zika to areas where they were previously uncommon.</p>



<h3 id="h-water-related-illnesses">Water-related illnesses</h3>



<p>Altered precipitation patterns can lead to both droughts and flooding. Floods can contaminate freshwater supplies, increase the risk of waterborne diseases, and create breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects. Droughts can reduce the availability of clean drinking water and contribute to food scarcity.</p>



<h3 id="h-food-security-and-nutrition">Food security and nutrition</h3>



<p>Changes in temperature and precipitation, along with increasing frequency of extreme events, can impact crop yields and reduce food availability and quality, leading to malnutrition and food-borne illnesses.</p>



<h3 id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h3>



<p>Extreme weather events, displacement, and the general stress of adapting to a changing climate can have profound effects on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues.</p>



<h3 id="h-displacement-and-conflict">Displacement and conflict</h3>



<p>Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can lead to displacement of populations. Competition for diminishing resources can also trigger conflicts, further endangering communities.</p>



<h3 id="h-allergies">Allergies</h3>



<p>Increasing carbon dioxide levels can stimulate plants to produce more pollen, exacerbating allergic reactions and respiratory problems.</p>



<h3 id="h-vulnerable-populations">Vulnerable populations</h3>



<p>Climate-related health impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, older people, low-income communities, and those with pre-existing health conditions.</p>



<h3 id="h-emergence-of-new-diseases">Emergence of new diseases</h3>



<p>Melting permafrost and changes in ecosystems can potentially release and spread ancient pathogens or foster the development of new ones.</p>



<p>—-</p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:andrei.ionescu5891@gmail.com"><em>Andrei Ionescu</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>



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

Current clinical terminology fails to represent climate-related health impacts

As people all over the globe face growing climate-related challenges,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



<p>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."</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> 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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>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.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="http://www.ntu.edu.sg/">NTU Singapore</a> reveals that some plants can remove toxic heavy metals from soil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed samples of various tropical plant species to test for levels of heavy metals and metalloids. The study showed that there are existing plants with high levels of these contaminants, which means that these species are great candidates for drawing pollutants out of the soil.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Among the plants examined in the study, 12 species had accumulated several types of heavy metals and metalloids. These plants are widely available, including species that are native to Singapore.</p>



<p>“In a small nation like Singapore, land may be repurposed to support new development plans, so it is important that we have a green and sustainable way to remediate land that is contaminated," said Professor Lam Yeng Ming.</p>



<p>"We set out to uncover how to better make use of tropical plants to do phytoremediation and through advanced characterization techniques, we showed how some of these tropical plant species can be an environmentally friendly and literally a 'green' way to remove contaminants in soil."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Phytoremediation also has benefits of cost effectiveness, simplicity of management, aesthetic advantages, and long-term applicability and sustainability. The strategy prevents erosion and metal leaching by stabilizing or accumulating heavy metals, so that helps reduce the risk of contaminant spread.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NTU Singapore</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes why herbicides are not as effective in killing weeds anymore. In the 20th century, chemical companies developed thousands of herbicides. The most commonly used herbicide was glyphosate, which was introduced in 1974.</p>



<p>Over the past few decades, dozens of species of weeds have evolved resistance to glyphosate. Depending on the site of action, the part of the plant that an herbicide interacts with, weeds may even be resistant to herbicides that have not been developed yet.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With increasing resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides, weeds are - once again - becoming a major concern for farmers.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) describes a dust storm on Mars that was nearly twice the size of the United States. As the storm covered the southern hemisphere of the planet, some of NASA’s explorers had to delay their normal activities.</p>



<p>NASA’s Insight lander put itself in a "safe mode" for 11 days to conserve battery power because solar power was disrupted by the dust. The Ingenuity Mars Helicopter postponed flights until conditions improved.</p>



<p>"A fleet of NASA orbiters monitor Martian dust storms like this one and serve as lifelines to Earth by relaying data from the rovers and lander on the ground back to the team. This includes the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, MAVEN, and Odyssey," reports JPL.</p>



<p>"Dust storms like this recent one start close to the ground and are spread by wind as they rise – warming the cold Martian atmosphere."</p>



<p>The images in the video were captured by NASA’s Curiosity as the dust rolled in. A fleet of orbiters monitored the dust storm from above, relaying data from Mars’ explorers back to scientists on Earth.</p>



<p><em>Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today's </span><b>Video of the Day </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">from the </span><a href="http://www.esa.int/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">European Space Agency</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> features Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.</span> This strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.</p>



<p>Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.</span></p>



<p>Qeshm is famous for its wide range of&nbsp;ecotourist&nbsp;attractions, such as the&nbsp;Hara marine forests. According to environmentalists, about 1.5 percent of the world birds and 25 percent of Iran's native <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-hummingbirds-avoid-sexual-harassment-by-looking-like-males/">birds</a> annually migrate to the forests, which are the first national geo park in Iran.</p>



<p>Tourists are also drawn to the island to see an age-old Portuguese&nbsp;fort, historic mosques, the&nbsp;Seyyed Mozaffar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bibi Maryam&nbsp;shrines, and the "Valley of Stars."</p>



<p>The average temperature on the island is 81 degress and the region is often hot and humid. From June to August, the island is described as being oppressively hot. The ideal time to visit is during the winter season. </p>



<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">V</span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">ideo Credit: ESA&nbsp;</span></i></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Inhambane Bay is a deep inlet into which the small Mutamba River flows," says ESA. "On one side of the bay lies the historical city of Inhambane, capital of the Inhambane Province, while the sister city of Maxixe, the economic capital of Inhambane, sits across from it. The province is the second largest grower of cashews, after Nampula, and it also produces coconut and citrus fruits."</p>



<p>The beaches of Barra and Tofo are popular with tourists. There are also coral reefs along the long coastline of Inhambane, making it an ideal destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.</p>



<p>"Mozambique’s extensive coastline heightens the country’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones that develop in the Indian Ocean as well as storm surge flooding," says ESA.</p>



<p>"More than half of the population lives in low lying coastal areas, putting communities at risk. Inhambane Bay was dangerously close to where Cyclone Idai made landfall in 2019 causing widespread destruction to the country."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the Kangerlussuaq Glacier, one of the largest tidewater outlet glaciers in Greenland. The glacier is located on the east coast of the Greenland ice sheet.</p>



<p>As human-induced climate change continues to drive up temperatures, global ice loss is accelerating at an alarming rate. ESA reports that, over the past decade alone, 3.5 trillion tons of ice have melted from the Greenland ice sheet. This is enough to cover the UK with meltwater 15 meters deep.</p>



<p>Based on satellite imagery, researchers determined that Kangerlussuaq entered a new phase of rapid retreat and acceleration in 2017. In their study, published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2019.00123/full"><em>Frontiers in Earth Science</em></a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.</p>



<p>"Given Kangerlussuaq’s previous impacts on both the magnitude and pattern of ice sheet wide mass loss, we predict that its new phase of retreat, acceleration and thinning will markedly enhance the south-east region’s contribution to increasing discharge from the ice sheet," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"More broadly, accurate forecasting of the ice sheet’s contribution to sea level rise will require a deeper understanding of, and responses to, these non-linear ice dynamic processes."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p></p>

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the complex relationship between ocean and climate. ESA's Climate Change Initiative will help us understand how oceans influence the climate and how climate change is impacting the oceans.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Earth’s oceans are huge heat stores, soaking up 93% of the excess heat from human activity over the past 70 years. Ocean currents redistribute heat around the planet, from the Equator to the poles. Where this ocean heat goes influences weather patterns and regional climate," explains ESA.</p>



<p>"As well as absorbing heat, oceans are a natural carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions from human activity. This has led to the acidification of ocean water, threating marine life."</p>



<p>The amount of heat and carbon dioxide soaked up by the ocean depends on specific variables, including phytoplankton, temperatures, waves, salinity, and ice cover. Satellites can be used to measure these variables from space.</p>



<p>"From their unique vantage point, satellites provide key information for understanding the complexities of our planet and monitoring environmental issues," says ESA.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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



<p>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.</p>

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes the importance of monitoring the shape of the sea surface, which is constantly changing. These observations have many applications, such as ship routing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-modem-ocean-is-a-tough-place-for-whales-to-survive/">ocean</a> current forecasting, and debris tracking.</p>



<p>"A project supported by the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities recently investigated a new technique to measure sea surface topography very precisely," reports ESA.</p>



<p>"The technique involves looking at satellite navigation (GNSS) signals that have been reflected off of the sea surface at very low angles. At these so-called grazing angles, waves and surface roughness have very little impact on the reflection process; the sea surface acts as a very smooth mirror."</p>



<p>Estel Cardellach is the principal investigator at the Institute for Space Studies of Catalonia, who first submitted the idea for the project.</p>



<p>“In a mirror-like reflection the phase of the signal can be tracked – it is continuous," said Cardellach. "Different surface heights result in different phase measurements. It gives a very precise measurement of the surface altitude at a few centimetres’ precision.”</p>



<p>The researchers developed a GNSS receiver and set up an experiment in the Balaeric Islands to collect signals from the receiver that were reflected off the sea surface. Ultimately, these signals will provide improved measurements of the shape of the sea surface.</p>



<p><em>Image/ Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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Aerial,Photo,Of,River,In,Amazon,Rainforest,Jungle,In,Peru

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center</a> describes how scientists are using autonomous sound sensors to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. By recording soundscapes, the experts can determine which animals are present through their distinct sounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Using this method, sounds can be used as scientific measurements to analyze the effects of deforestation. The researchers will gain a better understanding of how the acoustics of a forest can be used to measure its health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"From space, parts of the Amazon rainforest that have previously been logged or burned may look lush and green, like a place buzzing with activity and full of sounds. But inside the rainforest, the animal life may tell a different story, of a harsh environment and a quieter soundscape," says NASA.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

[sendtonews key="u0TYxxqfF7-2186404-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA’s...