As the world races to meet critical climate targets set by the Paris Agreement, carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as an essential technology for reducing global warming.



CCS is designed to capture carbon dioxide and store it deep underground, with applications that range from curbing industrial emissions to achieving negative emissions through processes like bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) and direct air capture. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-slow-pace-of-carbon-capture-technology">The slow pace of carbon capture technology </h2>



However, despite its promise, a growing body of research highlights a concerning gap between the current pace of CCS deployment and the scale needed to meet these climate goals. 



Without rapid and extensive implementation, CCS may fall short of the role it must play in helping limit global temperature rise to 2°C, let alone the more ambitious 1.5°C target.



The urgency surrounding CCS highlights the need for significant advancements, both in technology and infrastructure, to make a substantial dent in global carbon emissions. Can this technology rise to the challenge in time?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reality-of-ccs-deployment">The reality of CCS deployment</h2>



"CCS is an important technology for achieving negative emissions and also essential for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/circular-economy-needed-to-reduce-americas-carbon-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reducing carbon emissions</a> from some of the most carbon-intensive industries," said Professor Jessica Jewell of <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a>.



"Yet our results show that major efforts are needed to bridge the gap between the demonstration projects in place today and the massive deployment we need to mitigate climate change.” 



A detailed study conducted by researchers at Chalmers, in collaboration with experts from the University of Bergen, presents a bleak outlook.



The team assessed the growth and future of carbon capture and storage technology, considering whether it's on track for fulfilling the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paris-agreement-which-countries-are-honoring-their-pledges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Climate Agreement</a>.



The study indicates that we can sequester, at best, 600 Gigatons (Gt) of carbon dioxide with carbon capture and storage technology over the 21st century.



However, reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggest that we need to capture and store over 1,000 Gt of CO2 by the end of the century to stay within our climate targets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swift-action-for-climate-targets">Swift action for climate targets</h2>



Beyond the quantity of carbon that must be sequestered, time is of the essence. The sooner we start using carbon capture and storage extensively, the greater the chances of keeping our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperature-increase-2023-blew-past-all-climate-models/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperature rise</a> within 1.5°C or 2°C.



The researchers emphasized that much of their study focused on how quickly carbon capture and storage technology could expand.



Notably, policy-driven initiatives like the EU Net-Zero Industry Act and the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States are steering the development of carbon capture and storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-carbon-capture-technology">Increasing carbon capture technology</h2>



Should all current plans come to fruition, the world will have increased its CCS capacity to eight times the current level by 2030. But this projection isn't free from doubt.



"Even though there are ambitious plans for CCS, there are big doubts about whether these are feasible," said Tsimafei Kazlou, PhD candidate at the University of Bergen.



"About 15 years ago, during another wave of interest in CCS, planned projects failed at a rate of almost 90 percent. If historic failure rates continue, capacity in 2030 will be at most twice what it is today, which would be insufficient for climate targets." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-capture-and-future-climate">Carbon capture and future climate </h2>



The good news is that even with the gloomy outlook, there are lessons to be learned from the past. While CCS growth isn't linear, we can look at the growth rates of other technologies. 



To meet requirements, carbon capture and storage will need to grow at the rate of wind power in the early 2000s.



From the 2040s, CCS will need to match the peak growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molten-salt-could-reshape-the-future-of-nuclear-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear energy</a> during the 1970s and 1980s. However, even such a monumental growth rate might not be enough to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, although the 2°C target could be within reach.



In conclusion, the study highlights the need for robust policy support for CCS, coupled with a rapid expansion of other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decarbonization</a> technologies to meet climate targets.



The journey to a cleaner and safer planet is before us, and the question is, are we prepared to take the leap?



The study is published in the journal <a href="//www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02104-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Climate Change</a>.



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Can we meet climate targets with carbon capture technology?

As the world races to meet critical climate targets set by the Paris Agreement, carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as an essential technology for reducing global warming. CCS is designed to capture carbon dioxide and store it deep underground, with applications that range from curbing industrial emissions to achieving negative emissions through processes like bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) and direct air capture. The slow pace of carbon capture technology However, despite its promise, a growing body of research highlights a concerning gap between the current...

Floating solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-increase-the-value-of-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">panels</a>, or floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, are not just an innovative technology but a potential powerhouse that could meet the total electricity demands of some countries, according to a recent study.



Researchers from <a href="https://www.bangor.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangor University</a>, <a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancaster University</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ceh.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology</a> embarked on a global evaluation to determine the capabilities of these low-carbon solar arrays.



The team analyzed climate data across nearly 68,000 lakes and reservoirs worldwide, focusing on those within 10 kilometers of population centers, outside protected areas, and free from extreme drought or freeze conditions.



The researchers found that even by covering just 10% of these water bodies' surfaces, FPV systems could generate approximately 1302 terawatt hours annually - enough to quadruple the United Kingdom's yearly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-electricity-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electricity usage</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-floating-solar-panels">What are floating solar panels?</h2>



Floating solar panels are solar power installations mounted on buoyant platforms that float on the surface of water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. 



Unlike traditional land-based solar panels, FPV systems utilize the underused surface of water bodies, which can be particularly beneficial in regions where land is scarce or expensive.



These panels function similarly to conventional solar panels, converting sunlight into electricity. However, the unique aspect of FPVs is their placement on water. This positioning offers several advantages. 



The cooling effect of the water helps increase the efficiency of the solar panels, as solar cells operate more efficiently at lower temperatures. Additionally, placing panels on water bodies reduces the need for land, freeing up valuable space for agriculture or other purposes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-floating-solar-panels">Advantages of floating solar panels</h2>



One significant benefit of FPV systems is their dual utility: generating power while conserving land for other purposes. 



Additionally, the cooling effect of water increases the efficiency of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-increase-the-value-of-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar panels</a> compared to their land-based counterparts.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-is-better-planting-forests-or-building-solar-farms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental benefits</a> also accompany this technology. By covering the surface of lakes, FPVs can reduce water evaporation and decrease the likelihood of algal blooms by blocking sunlight and restricting nutrient mixing.



However, the overarching environmental impact remains under review, with researchers calling for more comprehensive studies to ensure these systems do not disrupt aquatic ecosystems adversely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-global-solution-with-local-benefits">A global solution with local benefits</h2>



Dr. Iestyn Woolway, the study's lead author, emphasized the clear benefits in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harvesting-electricity-with-nature-inspired-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy generation</a> that FPV offers.



"We still don’t know exactly how floating panels might affect the ecosystem within a natural lake, in different conditions and locations. But the potential gain in energy generation from FPV is clear, so we need to put that research in place so this technology can be safely adopted," he stated.



In terms of practical application, the study revealed that nations such as Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia, and Rwanda could fully satisfy their electricity needs through FPV. 



Other countries like Bolivia and Tonga could nearly meet their demand, with FPV potentially supplying 87% and 92% of their needs, respectively. 



In total, many nations, particularly those in Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Central Asia, could source between 40% to 70% of their annual electricity from floating solar panels. 



Even in less sunny locales like Finland and Denmark, FPVs could contribute to 17% and 7% of the electricity demands, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-deployment-of-floating-solar-panels">Strategic deployment of floating solar panels</h2>



Professor Alona Armstrong, co-author of the study, highlighted the strategic importance of FPV deployment. "Our work shows there is much potential for FPV around the world. But deployments need to be strategic, considering the consequences for energy security, nature, and society, as well as Net Zero objectives," she explained.



Currently, the UK has a modest footprint in the FPV market, with the largest installation being a 6.3MW floating solar farm near London. 



Despite this, the potential for expansion is significant, provided future installations are guided by thoughtful consideration of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/renewable-energy-is-the-latest-threat-to-bird-populations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental</a> and societal impacts.



Floating solar technology presents a promising frontier in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-utilities-may-be-100-percent-renewable-energy-by-2060/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewable energy</a>. By leveraging underutilized water bodies, countries have the opportunity to significantly boost their renewable energy output while addressing environmental concerns. 



The continued research and strategic deployment of the innovative FPVs could play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable, low-carbon future.



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Floating solar panels could power entire countries

Floating solar panels, or floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, are not...

Recent research has revealed a fascinating development in the Arctic: Pacific salmon, traditionally scarce in these icy waters, are venturing into the Canadian Arctic in greater numbers. 



This shift, linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer ocean temperatures</a>, suggests that climate change is paving new pathways for these fish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-salmon-in-the-arctic">Pacific salmon in the Arctic</h2>



Salmon have not typically thronged the Arctic Ocean and its tributaries. However, in recent years, local fishermen have reported occasional increases in salmon catches.



This uptick in sightings and captures has been particularly notable among subsistence fishermen, hinting at significant ecological changes.



These changes suggest that Pacific salmon are not only adapting to - but also thriving in -environments previously considered too harsh for their survival, potentially altering the local marine ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-salmon-navigate-new-waters">How salmon navigate new waters</h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisheries and Oceans Canada</a> and the <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Alaska Fairbanks</a>, in collaboration with local communities in the western Canadian Arctic, have discovered that the surge in salmon numbers correlates with a series of warm, ice-free periods in the Arctic Ocean north of Alaska.



The study highlights a two-part mechanism facilitating this migration. Initially, warm late-spring conditions in the Chukchi Sea, northwest of Alaska, lure the salmon northward.



If these conditions extend into the summer in the Beaufort Sea, northeast of Alaska, the salmon journey continues into Canadian waters.



This correlation was confirmed by comparing data from the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) with local salmon catch rates since the year 2000, underscoring a clear link between salmon abundance and favorable ocean conditions.



“You need both gates to be open, which is fascinating in itself. If they don’t align in terms of having open, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-rivers-undergoing-dramatic-change-thawing-permafrost-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice-free water</a>, salmon don’t turn that corner," noted Professor Curry Cunningham. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications">Broader implications</h2>



The Arctic Salmon Program, a collaborative effort with Indigenous communities, has tracked these unexpected salmon appearances for over two decades. 



Subsistence harvesters, targeting species native to Arctic waters, have documented salmon catches outside their typical range, providing valuable insights into the changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-geese-have-a-large-impact-on-arctic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic ecosystem</a>.



Karen Dunmall, a research scientist, noted the broader implications of these findings. "It really helps to address some questions from community members about biodiversity change and subsistence and how they feed their families," she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-observations">Local observations</h2>



The research not only informs local communities but also contributes to a greater understanding of how species adapt to rapidly changing climates.



Frankie Dillon, an Indigenous fisherman, shared his surprise upon encountering his first salmon in 2010 in the northern Yukon. "I had to ask, ‘What kind of fish was that?’” Dillon recalled. 



Before this encounter, the only salmon he had seen were on television, highlighting the rarity of such sightings in the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northward-pacific-salmon-migration">Northward Pacific salmon migration </h2>



With climate models predicting that the conditions enabling this northward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-has-unpredictable-effects-on-salmon-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration</a> of salmon through the Chukchi and Beaufort seas will become more common by the 2040s, the study's findings are not just a local phenomenon but a sign of broader ecological shifts affecting the entire region.



These changes are not confined to Canada; salmon are also appearing off the coast of Alaska, indicating a region-wide impact.



Joe Langan, a postdoctoral fellow who co-led the research, emphasized this broader perspective: “It’s not as if these fish are all skipping Alaska and heading to Canada. Some of these salmon are ending up on Alaska’s North Slope too.”



As the Arctic waters continue to warm, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salmon-migration-routes-discovered-using-historical-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migration of salmon</a> into these new territories not only reshapes local fishing practices but also provides a clear, swim-by-swim report of how global climate change is altering our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-salmon-nbsp">Pacific salmon&nbsp;</h2>



Pacific salmon are a group of fish known for their anadromous life cycle, meaning they are born in fresh water, migrate to the ocean for their adult life, and then return to fresh water to reproduce and die.&nbsp;



This fascinating life journey is marked by remarkable transformations in their body physiology and coloration to adapt to different environments.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-main-species">Main species</h3>



The five main species of Pacific salmon - Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum - are primarily found in the rivers and coastal waters of the northern Pacific Ocean, particularly around North America and northeastern Asia.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-nbsp">Ecological role&nbsp;</h3>



These fish play critical roles in their ecosystems. They serve as prey for a variety of wildlife, including bears, eagles, and orcas, and their decaying bodies provide important nutrients to aquatic systems and forest ecosystems when they die after spawning.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-and-economic-significance-nbsp">Cultural and economic significance&nbsp;</h3>



Pacific salmon are also culturally significant to many indigenous groups in the Pacific Northwest, who rely on them for food, trade, and as a central element of their spiritual and cultural practices.



Commercially, Pacific salmon are a valuable resource for fisheries, with their rich, oily meat being highly prized for its flavor and nutritional content.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-nbsp">Threats&nbsp;</h3>



However, they face several threats, such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overfishing, which have led to significant declines in some populations, prompting efforts to manage and conserve these iconic fish.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17353" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>.



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Warming oceans welcome salmon to the Arctic

Recent research has revealed a fascinating development in the Arctic:...

The familiar patterns of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">streamflow</a> across the Northern Hemisphere are changing due to a decline in snowfall, raising the risk of summer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a>.



Regions like North America's Rocky Mountains, the European Alps, and northern Europe, traditionally covered with snow, are experiencing premature thaws. This shift, driven by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-will-produce-droughts-that-persist-for-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, disrupts the expected flow of rivers during the summer.



Meanwhile, in areas accustomed to less snowfall, the onset of seasonal streams is delayed, with warm-season rains starting later in the year and becoming a predominant source of river flow.



Additionally, winter precipitation has decreased, compounding the summer drought risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-changing-streamflows">Implications of changing streamflows</h2>



The research highlights a growing risk of summer droughts. Such conditions are likely to impact several critical areas: water and food security, ecosystem health, and hydropower generation.



Dr. Ross Woods from the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/engineering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol’s Faculty of Engineering</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings.



"The way water is distributed through the year is shifting, and this has profound implications not only for ecosystems but also for how we manage food security and respond to natural hazards," explained Dr. Woods.



In some regions, where snowfall significantly contributes to the water cycle, it has been observed that precipitation in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-increasing-around-the-world-due-to-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming climate</a> is less likely to fall as snow. The resulting changes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-driven-climate-change-is-to-blame-for-sharp-snowpack-declines-since-1980/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpacks</a> and the timing of river flows generated by meltwater are noteworthy.



"Initially, there were varied reports about these changes; some regions reported earlier peaks while others saw little to no shift or even later occurrences in the year," said Dr. Woods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-thousands-of-river-basins">Studying thousands of river basins</h2>



The researchers conducted an extensive analysis of climate and river flow data from more than 3,000 river basins in the Northern hemisphere, spanning from 1950 to 2020.



The team assessed changes in the proportion of precipitation falling as snow, the seasonal variations, and the timing of both precipitation and river flow, comparing these elements across two distinct ten-year periods - one with the highest snowfall fraction and the other with the lowest.



"The increased variability from year to year in how water flows through these rivers suggests we're facing more uncertainty moving forward. This makes planning and managing water resources a significant challenge," noted Dr. Woods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-streamflow-to-combat-summer-drought">Understanding streamflow to combat summer drought</h2>



As the climate continues to warm, the peaks of seasonal streamflows tend to diminish, leading to a more even distribution of river flow throughout the year. The reduction in seasonal variation is primarily due to a decrease in streamflow during the warm seasons, while cold-season flows remain comparatively stable.



"The interannual variability in timing and seasonal shifts during periods of declining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-fresh-snowfall-causes-greenland-to-melt-faster/">snowfall</a> underscores the need for future water management plans to accommodate greater variability," said Dr. Woods.



The research team is now set to delve deeper into the reasons behind consistent reductions in precipitation during the colder seasons of warmer winters, aiming to refine their understanding and improve predictive capabilities for future climate scenarios.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impacts-of-summer-droughts">Potential impacts of summer droughts</h2>



Summer droughts have far-reaching impacts beyond the scope of current research, affecting various sectors and ecosystems. 



One critical area is agriculture. Prolonged droughts can severely reduce crop yields, leading to food shortages and increased prices. This threatens food security, especially in regions heavily dependent on rain-fed agriculture.



The energy sector also feels the effects. Many hydropower plants rely on consistent river flow to generate electricity. Reduced water availability during droughts can limit power production, leading to energy shortages and increased reliance on fossil fuels, which exacerbates climate change.



Ecosystems and biodiversity face significant threats as well. Aquatic habitats suffer when river levels drop, impacting fish and other wildlife. Terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests, are more prone to wildfires during dry conditions, leading to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.



Public health can also deteriorate due to water scarcity, as limited water supplies may lead to inadequate sanitation and hygiene. This increases the risk of waterborne diseases. Additionally, the stress on water resources can lead to conflicts over water usage among communities, regions, or even nations.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://10.1038/s41586-024-07299-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Growing risk of summer droughts linked to changes in river flow

The familiar patterns of streamflow across the Northern Hemisphere are...

Each spring, as the warming Arctic sun pierces the long winter darkness, a flurry of life emerges, including the awakening of giant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-influence-methane-production-across-various-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>. Polar bears leave their dens, Arctic terns return from their migrations, and musk oxen traverse northward.



Alongside these familiar sights, a less visible but equally significant awakening occurs on the Greenland ice sheet. 



As the ice starts to melt, dark patches begin to appear, a phenomenon caused by blooming algae. These algae absorb sunlight, accelerating the ice melt and contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/highest-points-of-greenland-are-now-affected-by-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-viruses-on-ice">Giant viruses on ice</h2>



In this bleak scenario of global warming, a ray of hope shines through in the form of an unexpected ally: giant viruses.



Postdoctoral researcher Laura Perini and her team at the Department of Environmental Science at <a href="https://envs.au.dk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> have made a groundbreaking discovery.



Nestled within the icy expanse, where algae proliferate, giant viruses lie in wait. 



Unlike their microscopic counterparts, these viruses are formidable in size, comparable to bacteria, and could potentially serve as natural regulators of algae growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giants-among-microbes">Giants among microbes</h2>



Giant viruses, first identified in 1981, defy the typical characteristics of their kin. Measuring about 2.5 micrometers, they are not just physically larger; their genomes are also expansive, containing millions of genetic letters.



This allows them a level of autonomy uncommon among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">viruses</a>, enabling them to replicate and transcribe DNA without a host's cellular machinery.



Such capabilities make them fascinating subjects of study and potentially crucial players in ecological balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-in-the-warming-world">Viruses in the warming world</h2>



This discovery on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shock-discovery-greenland-ice-sheet-is-teeming-with-microorganisms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland ice sheet</a> marks a significant first. "We analyzed samples from various forms of ice and found active giant viruses in areas dominated by pigmented microalgae," noted Perini.



This revelation sheds light on a vibrant, albeit microscopic, ecosystem that thrives in conditions previously thought to be barren.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/greenland-ice_covered-viruses_blackened-algae_credit-Shunan-Feng_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/greenland-ice_covered-viruses_blackened-algae_credit-Shunan-Feng_1s.jpg" alt="Algae blackens the Greenland ice. Credit: Laura Perini" class="wp-image-1936070"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Algae blackens the Greenland ice. Credit: Laura Perini</figcaption></figure>



The ecosystem includes bacteria, fungi, and protists - all centered around the algae, with giant viruses perhaps playing a pivotal role in moderating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-algal-blooms-will-become-more-frequent-off-the-u-s-west-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">algal blooms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-presence-of-mrna">Presence of mRNA</h2>



Despite their size, these viruses elude the naked eye and even conventional microscopes. 



"Our discovery was made by analyzing DNA from collected samples. We sifted through massive datasets to find markers indicative of giant viruses," said Perini.



The presence of mRNA, which decays rapidly unless actively produced by living organisms, further confirmed the activity of these viruses on the ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-role-of-giant-viruses">Uncertain role of giant viruses</h2>



While the potential of these giant viruses to control algae and mitigate ice melt from global warming is promising, much remains unknown.



"Their exact hosts and mechanisms are still unclear. Some may target protists, others the algae directly," noted Perini. Her ongoing research aims to delve deeper into these interactions, with more findings expected to be published later in the year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-viruses-and-global-warming">Giant viruses and global warming</h2>



The study of these giant viruses not only broadens our understanding of viral biology but also opens new avenues in environmental science. 



By exploring these organisms further, scientists like Perini hope to unlock natural solutions to some of the challenges posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-unleashing-ancient-zombie-viruses/">climate change</a>.



As the Arctic continues to evolve under the pressures of global warming, the role of these viruses could be more significant than ever.



The study represents a crucial step toward understanding the complex interplay of life in one of Earth's most extreme environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-critical-roles-of-giant-viruses">Other critical roles of giant viruses</h2>



Beyond regulating algae on Greenland ice, giant viruses play several critical roles. Their large genomes allow them to perform complex functions, often independent of host cells, which sets them apart from typical viruses. 



In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-viruses-discovered-that-trap-carbon-and-combat-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine environments</a>, they can control the population of harmful algal blooms, protecting marine life and fisheries. Giant viruses also influence microbial diversity and nutrient cycles, crucial for ecosystem health.



In biomedical research, their unique genetic makeup provides insights into virus evolution and the origins of life. Studying giant viruses can reveal new aspects of gene regulation and viral replication, potentially leading to breakthroughs in antiviral therapies. 



Additionally, these viruses might help in biotechnology, such as gene editing and synthetic biology, due to their large and versatile genomes.



Overall, giant viruses hold promise in various fields, from environmental science to medical research, offering new tools and perspectives for addressing global challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-024-01796-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microbiome</a>.



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Giant viruses found on Arctic ice may help fight global warming

Each spring, as the warming Arctic sun pierces the long...

We all love a neatly manicured lawn. But what if frequently mowing the yard in our quest for tidiness is inadvertently creating a legion of superweeds? 



A recent study on the seemingly innocuous silverleaf nightshade (<a href="https://earthpedia.earth.com/plant-encyclopedia/angiosperms/solanaceae/solanum-elaeagnifolium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solanum elaeagnifolium</a>) has revealed a startling truth. 



This unassuming weed, along with dandelions and many others, is a master of adaptation, evolving into a tougher, more resilient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boosting-crop-colors-with-gene-editing-can-improve-weed-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">version of itself</a> when faced with frequent mowing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-superweeds-like-mowing">Why superweeds like mowing</h2>



Superweeds are wild plants that develop resistance to herbicides. This resistance often results from the repeated use of the same herbicide, like glyphosate, on crops. 



As a consequence, these weeds can survive treatments meant to eliminate them, making them harder to control.



Genetically modified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/boosting-crop-colors-with-gene-editing-can-improve-weed-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(GM) crops</a>, designed to withstand herbicides, inadvertently contribute to the rise of superweeds. When these herbicides kill off non-resistant weeds, resistant ones thrive and spread.



Superweeds pose a significant threat to agriculture. They compete with crops for resources, leading to lower yields and higher costs for farmers. 



Controlling these weeds often requires stronger, more expensive herbicides or alternative management strategies, which can further harm the environment.



As superweeds continue to evolve, sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/weeds-are-becoming-increasingly-resistant-to-herbicides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weed management</a> practices and diversified farming techniques become crucial in mitigating their impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unassuming-purple-weed-spreading-rapidly">Unassuming purple weed spreading rapidly</h2>



Silverleaf nightshade may not be a household name,&nbsp;but this pervasive weed is found from the sun-soaked fields of south Texas to the ancient landscapes of South Africa and Greece.&nbsp;



With its delicate purple flowers (sometimes white or light purple), prickly spines, and toxic berries, it's not a plant you want to mess with. 



Interestingly, it shares a family tree with some of our favorite crops, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-acylsugars-parallel-universe-plant-kingdom-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomatoes</a>, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants.



Rupesh Kariyat, an associate professor of entomology and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bioengineered-super-plant-acts-as-natural-indoor-air-purifier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant pathology</a>, has been studying this unassuming weed for over a decade. 



His research, which began at the <a href="https://www.utrgv.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Texas Rio Grande Valley</a>, has revealed some fascinating insights into the plant's response to frequent mowing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mowing-launches-survival-of-the-fittest-contest">Mowing launches "survival of the fittest" contest</h2>



Kariyat's research has found that frequent mowing doesn't just trim the silverleaf nightshade; it triggers a series of remarkable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-capture-plant-communication-on-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defense mechanisms</a>. 



"You are trying to mow these plants so that the plants are getting eliminated," Kariyat explains,&nbsp;"But what you are actually doing here,&nbsp;you are making them much worse,&nbsp;much stronger."



Under the pressure of frequent mowing, the plant's taproot burrows deeper into the soil, reaching depths of nearly 5 feet to access water and nutrients. 



More spikes sprout on its stem to deter hungry caterpillars, and the flowers themselves become more toxic, reducing the threat from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grazing-sheep-can-reduce-stress-on-college-campuses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural predators</a>.



The plant even employs a clever strategy for seed germination, producing some that sprout quickly and others that lie dormant, like time bombs. 



This "staggered" germination ensures the plant's survival over the long haul, even in the face of repeated mowing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superweeds-spawn-from-mowing-ripple-effect">Superweeds spawn from mowing ripple effect</h2>



While Kariyat's research focused specifically on silverleaf nightshade, its findings have far-reaching implications. 



Other weeds, even close relatives of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/is-deadly-nightshade-really-deadly-misnomers-of-the-botanical-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nightshade</a>, may react similarly to frequent mowing, potentially creating a whole army of superweeds.



"This should be something that we consider when we make management plans," Kariyat warns.&nbsp;"Management practices need to be better understood using the ecology and biology of the species and the other species which interact with them."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-of-silverleaf-nightshade">Adaptation of silverleaf nightshade</h2>



The silverleaf nightshade's response to mowing is a fascinating example of adaptation in action.&nbsp;It demonstrates the incredible resilience of nature and the unintended consequences of human intervention.



The plant's ability to evolve in response to environmental pressures is a testament to its tenacity and adaptability.&nbsp;It's a reminder that even the most unassuming organisms can possess remarkable survival skills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mowing-superweeds-requires-caution">Mowing superweeds requires caution</h2>



So, what does this mean for our manicured lawns? Should we abandon our mowers altogether? Not necessarily. 



Kariyat's research does suggest that we should approach mowing with a bit more caution and consider alternative weed management strategies.



For instance,&nbsp;tilling areas infested with silverleaf nightshade can actually worsen the problem by spreading the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/measuring-plant-root-health-scanning-leaves-xray-device/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant</a>'s rhizomic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-rooted-crops-can-significantly-improve-soil-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">roots</a>,&nbsp;which can propagate asexually.



"As scientists, we want our research to be accessible and applicable to anyone, and mowing is a concept the world at large can understand," says Alejandro Vasquez, the lead author of the study and a Ph.D. student at the <a href="https://www.uark.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arkansas</a>.



So, from now when you fire up your mower,&nbsp;spare a thought for the unassuming superweeds lurking in your lawn.&nbsp;They may be small,&nbsp;but they're far more resilient than you think.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58672-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Mowing your yard too often may create unstoppable 'superweeds'

We all love a neatly manicured lawn. But what if...

A recent investigation reveals a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollution-is-a-greater-health-threat-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerning forecast</a> for ozone pollution levels across the United States by 2050, indicating potential non-compliance with air quality standards and increased public health risks.



This study paints a detailed picture of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monsoons-launch-ozone-depleting-substances-into-the-stratosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate-induced changes</a> could intensify ground-level ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-ozone-pollution">What is ozone pollution?</h2>



Ozone pollution, also known as ground-level ozone, refers to the presence of ozone gas (O₃) in the Earth's lower atmosphere. Unlike the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant. 



It forms when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. Common sources of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, and chemical solvents.



Ozone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-pollution-claims-more-than-one-million-lives-per-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a> poses significant health risks. It can cause respiratory problems, aggravate asthma, reduce lung function, and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. 



Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory diseases and even premature death. Additionally, ground-level ozone can harm ecosystems, damaging crops, forests, and wildlife.



Climate change exacerbates ozone pollution by increasing temperatures, which accelerates the chemical reactions that produce ozone. Efforts to control ozone levels focus on reducing NOx and VOC emissions through regulatory measures and technological advancements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-pollution-on-the-rise">Ozone pollution on the rise</h2>



Ground-level ozone isn't just a minor irritant; it's a major health hazard, linked to reduced lung function and airway inflammation, contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.



Study lead author James East, a former PhD student at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a>, is now a researcher at <a href="https://www.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>.



"Climate change influences ozone formation through a myriad of factors. Predominantly, warmer temperatures correlate with ozone increases in already polluted areas. Furthermore, expected rises in naturally occurring VOC emissions, particularly in regions like the Southeast U.S., could worsen the situation," explained East.



The study, "Projecting Changes in the Frequency and Magnitude of Ozone Pollution Events Under Uncertain Climate Sensitivity," navigates through these complexities.



The research extends beyond mere predictions, incorporating various models and statistical tools to gauge future ozone pollution landscapes. In particular, the study explores how often (and by how much) ozone levels might exceed public health standards by mid-century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality-thresholds">Air quality thresholds</h2>



The results of the study are presented as a range, acknowledging the ongoing debates among climate scientists about how drastically the climate reacts to greenhouse gas concentrations. 



"The best-case scenario, with low climate sensitivity to carbon dioxide, suggests an average increase in peak ozone levels by less than 0.3 parts per billion (ppb)," noted East. "This increase might still keep many areas within safe air quality thresholds."



However, East warns of a less optimistic outcome where the climate shows high sensitivity to carbon dioxide. 



Here, peak ozone levels could rise by more than 2.3 ppb on average, leading to a significant increase in days where ozone levels surpass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> norms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-public-health-and-policy">Implications for public health and policy</h2>



The practical implications of these findings are stark. "Our study estimates that between 5 million and 13 million additional people could be exposed to dangerously high ozone levels by 2050," said East.



This projection is crucial for policymakers, especially those involved in the Environmental Protection Agency's ongoing review of the ozone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-air-pollution-levels-have-dropped-but-not-for-everyone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality standards</a>.



Fernando Garcia Menendez, the study's corresponding author and an associate professor of environmental engineering at NC State, emphasized the broader significance of these insights.



"While state and federal governments strive to control ozone levels through emissions reductions, our findings suggest these efforts might be less effective in the future, particularly in areas already struggling to meet air quality standards," said Menendez.



"This research not only deepens our understanding of climate change's impact on air quality but also aids in refining the cost-benefit analyses of climate regulations and related technological advances."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-responses-to-ozone-challenges">Strategic responses to ozone challenges</h2>



This work underscores the need for a proactive approach in reviewing and possibly revising air quality standards to better protect public health in the face of evolving climate conditions.



By offering a clearer picture of the potential scenarios, the research arms policymakers with vital data to make informed decisions, potentially leading to more robust strategies to mitigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-exposes-wildlife-to-harmful-uv-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adverse effects</a> of ozone pollution.



As climate patterns continue to shift, such studies will be pivotal in guiding effective responses to safeguard environmental and public health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003941" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a>.



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Ozone pollution will harm tens of millions of people at current pace

A recent investigation reveals a concerning forecast for ozone pollution...

Approximately two million species inhabit the world's oceans, but scientists have only described about 10% of them. With rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-on-track-for-a-catastrophic-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a> rates and global biodiversity threats, many species could vanish before being identified or their benefits understood.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-national-ocean-biodiversity-strategy-nbsp">National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy&nbsp;</h2>



The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy, led by the <a href="https://www.si.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian</a> and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recently called for a more unified approach to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean conservation</a>. This strategy aims to enhance the ability of scientists to gather and share knowledge and use it for more effective protections.



“We are confronting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity loss</a> and its implications for human well-being, alongside the challenges posed by climate change and social inequity,” said Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian.&nbsp;



“But we hold the power to overcome these obstacles with a united, society-wide effort to preserve nature and its benefits.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-benefits-will-degrade-with-biodiversity-loss-nbsp">Ocean benefits will degrade with biodiversity loss&nbsp;</h2>



The health and prosperity of the U.S. are closely tied to the ocean, contributing nearly $400 billion annually to the economy and providing 2.4 million jobs. The U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, covering an area larger than all 50 states combined, benefits greatly from the ocean's diverse species and habitats.



“Life in the ocean touches everyone,” said Gabrielle Canonico, leader of the U.S. Marine Biodiversity Observation Network at NOAA and co-chair of the strategy team.&nbsp;



“Every other breath we take comes from the oxygen produced by microscopic ocean plants, and more than a billion people worldwide rely on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein. But these and other benefits will degrade with biodiversity loss, with dire consequences especially for frontline communities.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-gaps-in-our-knowledge-of-ocean-wildlife">Critical gaps in our knowledge of ocean wildlife </h2>



Despite the ocean's vast benefits, critical gaps remain in the protection and knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monitoring-ocean-life-through-underwater-soundscapes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean life</a>. Current information is scattered across different organizations, making it difficult to share.&nbsp;



Many smaller organisms, crucial for maintaining ecosystems, are barely studied. The strategy aims to address this by strengthening the ocean observing system and information pipeline.



“We are advancing frontier technologies for biodiversity science and understanding,” said Sarah Kapnick, NOAA chief scientist. “But it is critical that we come together around the use of evidence-based metrics and indicators for decision-making in ocean spaces, and for monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure that investments in conservation or development deliver the desired outcomes while minimizing negative impacts to ocean life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-biodiversity-is-in-trouble-nbsp">Ocean biodiversity is in trouble&nbsp;</h2>



“Biodiversity is the beating heart of the ocean that supports society, but it’s in trouble,” noted Emmett Duffy, chief scientist of <a href="https://serc.si.edu/research/projects/marinegeo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MarineGEO</a> at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and co-chair of the strategy team.&nbsp;



“This strategy is our best chance yet to turn the tide. We need to implement it to reach a future where people and the rest of nature thrive together by joining forces and leveraging the power of people and technology to understand the living ocean ecosystem.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roadmap-to-a-more-sustainable-ocean">Roadmap to a more sustainable ocean</h2>



The National Ocean Biodiversity Strategy outlines a three-pronged plan to create a more inclusive, evidence-based network of protection in U.S. ocean waters and the Great Lakes:



<ul>
<li>Coordinate ocean research and conservation across the entire nation: This involves bringing together federal agencies with ocean-related missions to engage stakeholders, including states, Tribes, and local communities, to co-design solutions. Part of this process includes documenting the economic and cultural values of the ocean to reveal hidden costs of degrading nature and incorporating them into economic decision-making across government and private sectors.</li>



<li>Strengthen the U.S. information pipeline: The U.S. has a wealth of data on ocean life, but much of it is inaccessible to policymakers and managers. The strategy calls for stronger support of centralized, open-source databases accessible to all stakeholders. This also involves revamping taxonomy to reveal undiscovered species and using new technologies like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/racing-boat-collects-edna-samples-on-a-round-the-world-sailing-competition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental DNA</a> (eDNA), satellites, and artificial intelligence to track biodiversity.</li>



<li>Conserve, restore, and sustainably use ocean biodiversity: Success hinges on partnerships with states, Tribes, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector. Listening sessions will help build collaborations based on trust, allowing managers to co-create protection measures that work long-term with community input.</li>
</ul>



According to the experts, this strategy is a high-level roadmap to a more sustainable ocean and a first step toward implementing a plan to outline specific actions tailored to regions and communities based on stakeholder feedback.



The full strategy can be found on the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NSTC_National-Ocean-Biodiversity-Strategy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Office of Science and Technology Policy website</a>.



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World Ocean Day: A unified approach to protect biodiversity 

Approximately two million species inhabit the world's oceans, but scientists...

<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pollution</a> poses a greater health threat than war, terrorism, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, drugs, and alcohol combined. This shocking revelation is discussed in a recent series of articles published in the <a href="https://www.jacc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American College of Cardiology</a>.



The experts, led by the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a> and the <a href="https://icahn.mssm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai</a> focused on global warming, air pollution, wildfire smoke, and lesser-known pollutants like soil, noise, light, and toxic chemicals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bombarded-with-pollutants-nbsp">Bombarded with pollutants&nbsp;</h2>



“Every year around 20 million people worldwide die from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular disease</a> with pollutants playing an ever-increasing role,” said Jason Kovacic, Director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute.



“Pollutants have reached every corner of the globe and are affecting every one of us. We are witnessing unprecedented wildfires, soaring temperatures, unacceptable road noise and light pollution in our cities and exposure to untested toxic chemicals in our homes.”



“Our bodies are being bombarded with pollutants from every angle and they are taking a toll on our heart health. The evidence suggests that the number of people dying prematurely because of these very different forms of pollution is far higher than currently recognized.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-threats-of-pollution-nbsp">Health threats of pollution&nbsp;</h2>



Pollutants such as smoke and toxins, inhaled deeply into the respiratory tract, cause oxidative stress and damage organs, including the heart.&nbsp;



"Air pollution, a harmful mix of solid particles and gases, endangers human health worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the world’s population resides in places where air quality standards are not being met," wrote the study authors. 



Noise and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a> affect sleep patterns, drive inflammation, and increase blood pressure and weight gain. Extreme heat can cause dehydration, cardiovascular strain, and acute kidney failure.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollution-and-heart-disease-nbsp">Pollution and heart disease&nbsp;</h2>



“Whilst many of these biological mechanisms are known, we still have a huge gap in our understanding of the link between pollutants and heart disease,” said Kovacic.



“There are hundreds of thousands of chemicals that haven’t even been tested for their safety or toxicity, let alone their impact on our health. We also need to discover if there are other risk factors that make people more susceptible – such as pre-existing conditions, lifestyle factors or where they live.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exposure-to-pollution-nbsp">Exposure to pollution&nbsp;</h2>



According to the scientists, in the future, people should be routinely tested for exposure to more pollutants, just like children are now tested for lead exposure in the USA.



Unfortunately, while the environmental crisis is imminent, and its impact on health is increasingly noticed, the impetus for change seems to be sporadic.&nbsp;



“Urgent action is required as climate change strides forward and pollution infiltrates the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the places we live in,” noted the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-statistics-from-the-study-nbsp">Key statistics from the study&nbsp;</h2>



<ul>
<li>Outdoor and indoor air pollution account for over seven million premature deaths annually, with more than 50% due to cardiovascular causes like ischemic heart disease and stroke.</li>



<li>A fifth of all cardiovascular deaths are attributed to air pollution.</li>



<li>During <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-heat-waves-in-europe-can-be-predicted-by-melting-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat waves</a>, the risk of heat-related cardiovascular mortality may increase by more than 10%. </li>



<li>In the USA, exposure to wildfire smoke has increased by 77% since 2002.</li>



<li>Globally, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfire smoke</a> is estimated to cause 339,000 to 675,000 premature deaths per year.</li>



<li>Over 300,000 new synthetic chemicals have been created since 1950, many of which have unknown safety profiles.</li>



<li>In Europe, 113 million people are affected by long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-noise-increases-the-risk-of-hypertension/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">traffic noise</a> levels of at least 55 dB(A).</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-action-is-needed">Urgent action is needed</h2>



The researchers call for urgent action, such as implementing heart-healthy urban design, such as increasing tree cover and promoting active travel. They also call for ending subsidies to the fossil fuel industry to invest in renewables and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clean-energy-transition-may-boost-job-opportunities-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cleaner energy</a>.



The experts also point out the need for launching public health campaigns about the dangers of air pollution and enhancing medical education to address pollution-related health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combating-the-health-threats-of-pollution-nbsp">Combating the health threats of pollution&nbsp;</h2>



To combat the health threats of pollution, the study advocates for better monitoring of pollutants, understanding their impacts on cardiovascular disease, and identifying vulnerable communities.&nbsp;



The hope is that by recognizing and addressing these dangers, society can mitigate the severe health impacts of pollution on a global scale.



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Pollution is a greater health threat than we ever imagined

Pollution poses a greater health threat than war, terrorism, malaria,...

The planet just experienced a “shocking” new milestone, enduring 12 consecutive months of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-humans-are-warming-the-planet-faster-than-ever-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unprecedented heat</a>, according to <a href="https://www.copernicus.eu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Copernicus</a>, the European Union’s climate monitoring service. From June 2023 to May 2024, each month set a new record for the hottest such month globally.  



This streak of extreme heat, driven by human-caused climate change, was described as “shocking but not surprising” by Carlo Buontempo, Copernicus' director, who warned of worse to come unless fossil fuel pollution is significantly reduced.&nbsp;



Buontempo emphasized that without drastic action, this series of hottest months could be seen as relatively cool in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-highway-to-climate-hell">On the highway to climate hell</h2>



On the same day, UN Secretary General António Guterres delivered a passionate speech in New York about climate change, criticizing fossil fuel companies as “the godfathers of climate chaos” and for the first time explicitly calling for a global ban on advertising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuel</a> products. 



Guterres urged world leaders to take immediate action to manage the escalating climate crisis. He compared humanity's current trajectory to playing “Russian roulette with our planet” and called for an “exit ramp off the highway to climate hell.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-severe-climate-impacts-to-come">More severe climate impacts to come </h2>



Copernicus data showed that each month since July 2023 has been at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels, with the average global temperature over the past year being 1.63 degrees above these levels.&nbsp;



This alarming breach signals progressively more dangerous climate impacts on the horizon.&nbsp;



According to Richard Allan, a climate professor at the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>, this is just a harbinger of more severe impacts to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-waves-and-extreme-weather">Heat waves and extreme weather</h2>



The western United States is experiencing its first heat wave of the summer, with temperatures reaching triple digits.&nbsp;



Globally, unprecedented heat has already caused significant mortality and damage this spring. India, Southeast Asia, and Mexico have all faced extreme temperatures leading to deaths, school closures, and crop failures.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme weather</a> events, such as heavy rainfall and destructive storms, have also battered various countries this year, exacerbated by warmer air and ocean temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-future-of-our-climate">Window into the future of our climate </h2>



Ben Clarke, a researcher at <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a>'s Grantham Institute, argued that the recent heat offers “a window into the future,” with extreme temperatures challenging human survivability. 



Clarke stressed the importance of understanding that each tenth of a degree of warming exposes more people to dangerous and potentially deadly heat.



Guterres, in his speech, compared humanity's impact on the planet to the meteor that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. “We are the meteor. We are not only in danger. We are the danger,” he warned.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-trend-will-continue-nbsp">Global warming trend will continue&nbsp;</h2>



Global temperatures are expected to dip below record-breaking levels in the coming months as the natural climate phenomenon <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> weakens. However, this will not alter the long-term trend of rising temperatures due to continuous fossil fuel combustion. 



Carlo Buontempo noted that while the sequence of record-breaking months may be interrupted, the overall trend of climate change remains unaltered.



New data from the <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Meteorological Organization</a> (WMO) referenced by Guterres indicates a nearly 86% chance that at least one year between 2024 and 2028 will set a new record for the hottest year. 



Additionally, there is almost a 50% chance that the global average temperature over the five-year period will exceed 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, inching closer to breaching the long-term limit set by the Paris Agreement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuel-companies-are-to-blame-for-the-crisis">Fossil fuel companies are to blame for the crisis</h2>



Guterres blamed fossil fuel companies for the impending climate hell, stating that they “rake in record profits and feast off trillions in taxpayer-funded subsidies” while distorting the truth and deceiving the public. He called for a global ban on fossil fuel ads, similar to bans on advertising harmful products like tobacco.



Guterres concluded by urging world leaders to take immediate action, including drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and an end to new coal projects. He pressed rich countries to commit to phasing out coal by 2030, reducing oil and gas by 60% by 2035, and increasing financial support for the poorest and most climate-vulnerable nations.&nbsp;



“We cannot accept a future where the rich are protected in air-conditioned bubbles, while the rest of humanity is lashed by lethal weather in unliveable lands,” said Guterres.



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UN chief: We are on the ‘highway to climate hell’ 

The planet just experienced a “shocking” new milestone, enduring 12...

Adopting methods from the dairy industry, researchers have discovered that a slow-growth diet prior to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-pig-day-honoring-the-role-of-an-underappreciated-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding</a> can result in more offspring and healthier, longer-lived mother pigs.



This innovative approach appears to offer significant benefits for the reproductive health and longevity of pigs through multiple breeding cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-a-slow-growth-diet">Impact of a slow-growth diet</h2>



Charles Maxwell is a professor of animal science for the experiment station, the research arm of the <a href="https://uada.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture</a>. 



Maxwell revealed that the slow-growth diet, inspired by practices used for dairy cows since the 1980s, involves reducing the weight gain of female pigs before breeding.



Traditionally, female breeding pigs were fed similarly to non-breeding pigs, often leading to issues of overweight and associated complications during the breeding phase.



The study carried out by Maxwell and his colleagues introduced two distinct diets for young female pigs.



The first, a low-nutrient diet, reduced the intake of lysine, an essential amino acid, and lowered the diet's energy density through the inclusion of wheat middlings and dried corn distiller's grain with solubles. 



In contrast, the control group received a standard diet that surpassed typical industry nutritional standards.



The results were telling. Gilts (female pigs pre-breeding) on the low-nutrient diet were allowed to eat as much as they wanted yet ended their 26-week development period about 15 pounds lighter than those on the normal diet. However, at the time of breeding, both groups averaged the same body weight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-benefits-observed">Long-term benefits observed</h2>



The low-nutrient diet not only prevented excessive weight gain but also supported better nutritional absorption during lactation. 



"The gilts fed a lower nutrient diet retained more backfat at weaning, suggesting they managed their reserves more efficiently than those on a normal diet," explained Maxwell. 



Monitoring backfat at the 10th rib provided a simple method to gauge body fat changes, a critical factor in swine health.



Moreover, the low-nutrient group boasted superior reproductive outcomes over four breeding cycles, with significant increases in the number of piglets born and weaned. 



"Feeding low-energy and reduced protein diets during gilt development can promote their ability to restore body condition during lactation, which boosted survivability throughout the four parity cycles and thus extended their longevity," Maxwell noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantages-of-a-slow-growth-diet-in-pigs">Advantages of a slow-growth diet in pigs</h2>



The implications of these findings are vast, particularly for regions like Arkansas, where swine production is a major industry. 



The state has developed a robust "sow farm concept," producing high-health replacement females to supply the broader swine industry. 



The study, which explored the benefits of a slow-growth diet in collaboration with major industry players like JBS and supported by institutions like the <a href="https://www.usda.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Department of Agriculture</a>, indicates a potential shift towards more sustainable and efficient breeding practices.



This could revolutionize standard practices and enhance the economic viability of swine production.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-forward-in-swine-research">Moving forward in swine research</h2>



Despite the success, Maxwell acknowledges that the approach is not foolproof. "We're not there yet. Even with that treatment, we didn't have 100% survival. So, we still have a lot of questions to minimize the loss," he admitted. 



The ongoing search for improvements in sow longevity underscores the complex challenges in swine nutrition and reproductive health.



This research is part of a broader mission by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture to connect trusted research with the adoption of best practices in agriculture, aiming to enhance community and family livelihoods through science-driven solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-benefits-of-slow-growth-diet-in-pigs">Other benefits of slow-growth diet in pigs</h2>



A slow-growth diet in pigs offers several benefits beyond the immediate findings of this research. Such a diet can improve overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-welfare-biggest-concern-people-making-food-choices/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal welfare</a> by reducing the risk of obesity-related health issues, which are common in pigs fed traditional high-energy diets. 



This approach can also enhance the immune system, making pigs less susceptible to diseases and reducing the need for antibiotics.



Moreover, a slow-growth diet can lead to better meat quality. Pigs that grow more slowly tend to have better marbling and meat texture, which can result in higher market value. 



Environmental benefits also arise, as pigs on this diet produce less waste and require fewer resources, contributing to more sustainable farming practices.



Additionally, implementing slow-growth diets can lead to cost savings for farmers by reducing feed costs and improving the efficiency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-pig-day-honoring-the-role-of-an-underappreciated-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feed conversion</a>. 



Overall, this approach supports healthier pigs, better product quality, and more sustainable and cost-effective farming operations.



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Slow-growth diet for pigs increases longevity and productivity

Adopting methods from the dairy industry, researchers have discovered that...

Thailand,Rain,Forest,Landscape

The resilience of Asian forests in the face of escalating disturbances from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-rich-tree-diversity-adapt-better-changing-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and human activities is nothing short of remarkable. 



Since the mid-19th century, the world has witnessed a steady increase in global temperatures, fueled largely by human-driven greenhouse gas emissions. 



These changes have put immense pressure on forests across Asia, challenging their stability and ecological functions. 



Despite these adversities, new findings suggest that these ecosystems are not only enduring but also demonstrating significant resilience.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-dynamics-in-climate-change">Forest dynamics in climate change</h2>



The foundation of this optimistic outlook stems from a recent study by ecologists from <a href="http://bjfu.admissions.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beijing Forestry University</a> and the <a href="http://english.iap.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Atmospheric Physics</a> in China. 



Published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters, their research utilized satellite remote sensing data to undertake a thorough analysis of forest disturbances and their resilience across East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.



Forests play a crucial role in absorbing about 33% of carbon dioxide emissions from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-plants-are-absorbing-more-human-produced-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human activities</a>, a key factor in mitigating climate change impacts. 



The study employed the Breaks For Additive Seasonal and Trend (BFAST) method to detect abrupt changes and analyze the Enhanced Vegetation Index time series. 



This approach has shed light on how forests respond to various external pressures, providing critical insights into their dynamic nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-asian-forests-response-to-climate-change-disturbances">Asian forests' response to climate change disturbances</h2>



"20% of forests in Asia's low and middle latitudes experienced disturbances between 2000 and 2022, with Southeast Asian countries being particularly affected," notes Yiying Zhu, an ecology master at Beijing Forestry University and the first author of the study.



Despite these challenges, 95% of the forests showed robust resilience and recovered from disturbances within a few decades.



Interestingly, Asian forests that faced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forests-play-an-overlooked-role-in-the-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greater disturbances</a> tended to exhibit stronger resilience, recovering more rapidly than those with less severe impacts.



This suggests a promising capacity for these ecosystems to adapt to future extreme events driven by climate change or human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impacts-and-recovery-processes">Human impacts and recovery processes</h2>



The study further highlighted the causes and recovery processes of these disturbances. 



"Almost half of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/complex-canopies-help-forests-recover-from-disturbances/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forest disturbances</a> were driven by commodity-driven deforestation, and it typically takes a forest ecosystem about 16.2 years to return to its pre-disturbance state," noted Prof. Hesong Wang, a global change ecology researcher.



These findings emphasize the significant effects of land-use changes due to human activities and underline the importance of understanding ecosystem recovery to mitigate forest damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-technology-in-forest-conservation">The role of technology in forest conservation</h2>



The application of satellite remote sensing is pivotal in monitoring and managing forest ecosystems. 



"Satellite remote sensing provides valuable insights for sustainable forest management practices in the region and should be employed globally," stated Prof. Anzhi Zhang, an associate professor at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics.



This technology is instrumental in elucidating the relationship between disturbances and forest recovery, offering a powerful tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealthy-nations-are-making-more-progress-toward-sustainable-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainable management</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilience-and-recovery-of-asian-forests">Resilience and recovery of Asian forests</h2>



The resilience demonstrated by Asian forests is a testament to their ability to withstand and recover from significant environmental disturbances. 



This research not only advances our understanding of forest ecology but also informs conservation strategies critical for preserving these vital ecosystems. 



The continued application of advanced technologies like satellite remote sensing will be crucial in these ongoing efforts, ensuring that Asian forests remain robust in the face of global environmental challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-forest-resilience-to-climate-change">Significance of forest resilience to climate change</h2>



Forest resilience holds immense significance. Resilient forests contribute to climate stability by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, mitigating global warming. 



Their ability to recover from disturbances ensures the continued provision of essential ecosystem services, such as water purification, soil stabilization, and habitat for biodiversity.



Additionally, resilient forests support local economies by sustaining resources for timber, medicine, and food, benefiting millions who rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. 



They also act as natural buffers, reducing the impact of extreme weather events like floods and landslides, thus protecting human communities.



Understanding and enhancing forest resilience can inform better conservation strategies, promoting sustainable management practices. It encourages global cooperation to combat deforestation and climate change, ensuring these vital ecosystems thrive for future generations. 



Ultimately, resilient forests play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674283424000606?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters</a>.



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Many forests are proving to be resilient to both climate change and human actions

The resilience of Asian forests in the face of escalating...

As the conversation about climate change intensifies, the EarthCARE satellite is poised to address a pressing question: Will clouds cool or warm our planet in the future? 



EarthCARE is a joint mission by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2024/02/Coming_soon_EarthCARE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> (ESA) and Japan's JAXA space agency. The satellite, which was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg base on May 28, aims to deepen our understanding of clouds and their profound effects on Earth's climate.



"EarthCARE, the most complex of all of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Earth_Explorers_ESA_s_pioneering_science_missions_for_Earth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA’s Earth Explorer missions</a>, will quantify and reduce the uncertainty about the role that clouds and aerosols play in heating and cooling Earth’s atmosphere – contributing to our better understanding of climate change," noted ESA.



"Understanding and monitoring Earth’s radiation balance is crucial for addressing climate-related issues and is something that can only be done from space."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-earthcare-s-mission">Behind EarthCARE's mission</h2>



At an altitude of nearly 400 kilometers (250 miles) above Earth, the two-ton satellite will embark on a three-year journey to construct a detailed atmospheric profile. 



This endeavor will illuminate the characteristics and behaviors of the diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cavum-clouds-nasa-captures-mysterious-holes-cloud-formation-florida/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud forms</a> - from the low-hovering cumulus to the towering cumulonimbus clouds.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="ZJv15sBRgy-3664339-12187" type="single"]</div>



Clouds play a dual role in our atmosphere. White, bright cumulus clouds, composed of water droplets, float relatively low in the sky and act as a cooling parasol by reflecting solar radiation back into space. 



In contrast, higher altitude cirrus clouds, made of ice crystals, allow solar radiation to pass through, warming the Earth, and then trap the heat, functioning like a thermal blanket.



Dominique Gillieron, who leads ESA's Earth observation projects, emphasized the significance of clouds in climate dynamics, noting their substantial yet poorly understood influence on climate change.



According to Gillieron, the variability in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud formation</a> across different latitudes and altitudes makes predicting their impact even more challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-capabilities-of-earthcare">Unique capabilities of EarthCARE</h2>



EarthCARE is set to revolutionize our understanding of the atmosphere as the first satellite to measure clouds' vertical and horizontal distributions.



Simonetta Cheli, Director of ESA's Earth observation programs, emphasized the satellite's unique capabilities.



“EarthCARE is the most complex of ESA’s research missions to date. Its development, and now launch, is thanks to close cooperation with our JAXA partners, who contributed the satellite’s cloud profiling radar instrument, and all of the space industry teams involved," said Cheli.



“The mission comes at a critical time when advancing our scientific knowledge is more important than ever to understand and act on climate change, and we very much look forward to receiving its first data.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earthcare-will-compile-a-comprehensive-cloud-dataset">EarthCARE will compile a comprehensive cloud dataset</h2>



Equipped with advanced instruments, EarthCARE will probe the depths of clouds using a Lidar instrument that emits laser pulses to measure clouds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric aerosols</a> - tiny particles that serve as cloud precursors.



Additionally, the satellite's radar can penetrate clouds to determine their water content and monitor their movement speed, akin to how terrestrial radar detects speeding vehicles. 



These technological advancements will also allow the satellite to assess the shape and temperature of clouds, compiling the most comprehensive cloud dataset from a satellite perspective to date.



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



The scientific community is on the edge of its seat, awaiting the data that EarthCARE will deliver. This information is crucial for refining climate models that predict the rate of global warming. Understanding how solar radiation interacts with clouds is key to grasping and mitigating the effects of human-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clouds-have-an-amplifying-effect-on-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>.



The mission will explore whether the cooling effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloud-engineering-can-temporarily-cool-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a> - currently more significant than their warming effect - will intensify or weaken. According to Gillieron, the changing distribution of clouds due to global warming makes this trend increasingly unpredictable.



"EarthCARE is being launched at an even more crucial time than when it was first conceived in 2004," said Cheli, highlighting the growing urgency to address climate change effectively.



As the satellite moves into orbit, the insights it promises to deliver are not just scientific but pivotal in shaping our strategies against a warming world. This mission is about securing a sustainable future for Earth beneath the ever-changing clouds.



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EarthCARE satellite will reveal the climate effects of clouds

As the conversation about climate change intensifies, the EarthCARE satellite...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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Closeup,Of,Fresh,Green,The,Napier,Bush,Grass,As,Animal

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



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;



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.



“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.



"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;



"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.”



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



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;



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



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.



"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.



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



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.



Video &amp; Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS



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



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NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;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.



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.



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."



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. 



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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



"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."



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.



"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.



"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."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



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.



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">Frontiers in Earth Science</a>,&nbsp; the experts report that the glacier's ice front is now at its most retreated position since the early 20th century.



"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;



"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."



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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."



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.



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Ocean heat influences regional climate

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



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



“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.”



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.



Image/ Video Credit: ESA



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

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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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



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;



"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.



Video Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center&nbsp;



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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

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