The Phlegraean Fields, now considered one massive supervolcano, are beginning to stir, making the scientific community uneasy. 



These volcanic fields, nestled just west of Naples, Italy, are among the top eight emitters of volcanic carbon dioxide worldwide. 



Since 2005, one spot in particular -- the Solfatara crater -- has been releasing increased volumes of gas, catching the attention of researchers and locals alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gas-emissions-at-solfatara-crater">Gas emissions at Solfatara crater</h2>



Gianmarco Buono, a volcanologist at the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (<a href="https://www.ingv.it/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INGV</a>), is leading a study to understand what's behind this surge in gas emissions. 



"Estimating the source of the carbon dioxide is important to properly reconstruct what is happening in the magmatic system and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/knipovich-ridge-new-hydrothermal-field-arctic-intense-geological-activity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrothermal system</a>," says Buono. 



His team aims to provide a tool that can distinguish between carbon dioxide coming from magma and that released by other processes, a method that could be useful in volcanic regions around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-a-supervolcano">What exactly is a supervolcano?</h2>



In the simplest of terms, a supervolcano is essentially a volcano on steroids. It's a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-early-humans-survived-the-eruption-of-toba-supervolcano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive volcanic system</a> capable of producing eruptions thousands of times more powerful than a regular volcano. 



These eruptions can eject more than 1,000 cubic kilometers of material into the atmosphere, which can have catastrophic effects on the global climate and environment.



You've probably heard of places like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone National Park</a> in the United States -- that's one of the most famous supervolcanoes. 



When a supervolcano erupts it can form a giant caldera, which is a huge crater that can span dozens of miles. 



The sheer scale of these eruptions makes them rare, but they're definitely something scientists keep an eye on due to their potential impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-supervolcano-holds-a-surprising-amount-of-magma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life across the planet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-numbers-speak-volumes">Numbers speak volumes</h2>



Today, the Solfatara crater emits between 4,000 and 5,000 tons of carbon dioxide each day. To put that into perspective, that's equivalent to the emissions from burning about 500,000 gallons of gasoline daily. 



In their recent paper published in Geology, Buono and his colleagues estimate that 20% to 40% of this carbon dioxide comes from the dissolution of calcite in the surrounding rocks. The remaining 60% to 80% is traced back to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-affects-magma-formation-deep-within-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underground magma</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-solfatara-crater-gas">Science behind the Solfatara crater gas</h2>



When magma moves <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-magma-traced-to-melting-in-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">closer to the Earth's surface</a>, the pressure decreases, causing gases that were trapped inside to escape. These gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. 



Scientists keep a close eye on volcanoes by monitoring earthquakes, measuring ground deformation, and analyzing gases emitted from fumaroles -- openings in the Earth's crust that release steam and gases.



An uptick in gas emissions can be a sign of potential volcanic activity. However, not every increase leads to an eruption. 



Sometimes, carbon dioxide is released when hot underground fluids interact with the rocks above, rather than from magma itself.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes-over-decades">Monitoring changes over decades</h2>



Since 1983, the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology has been keeping tabs on the gas emissions from the Solfatara crater. 



By studying the ratios of nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide, researchers had initially concluded that the gases were primarily from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-affects-magma-formation-deep-within-the-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep magma sources</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Phlegraean-fields_supervolcano_caldera_satellite-view_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Phlegraean-fields_supervolcano_caldera_satellite-view_1s.webp" alt="Satellite view of Phlegraean Fields and Solfatara crater showing a large caldera supervolcano west of Naples, Italy. It is part of the Campanian volcanic arc, which includes Mount Vesuvius." class="wp-image-1951186"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Satellite view of Phlegraean Fields and Solfatara crater showing a large caldera supervolcano west of Naples, Italy. It is part of the Campanian volcanic arc, which includes Mount Vesuvius.</figcaption></figure>



"We focused mainly on geochemical variation, especially for carbon dioxide, helium, and nitrogen, because they are non-reactive species. They contain information about what is happening in the magma," Buono explains.



But things started to change in 2005. The data began to deviate from the typical chemical signatures of magma-derived gases. This shift continued over time, accompanied by rising temperatures in the shallow hydrothermal system. 



By 2012, the alert level for the region was raised from green to yellow, signaling heightened activity but not an immediate threat of eruption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-from-the-earth-s-movements">Clues from the Earth's movements</h2>



The area didn't just experience changes underground. Small earthquakes and noticeable ground deformation were also observed. 



These signs pointed toward the circulation of hot fluids <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beneath the surface</a>. When these hot, acidic fluids interact with calcite in the rocks, they can release additional carbon dioxide.



Previous studies involving drill cores of the local rocks revealed that the calcite present has a composition similar to the gases being emitted. 



Based on this information, Buono's team estimated that 20% to 40% of the carbon dioxide at the Solfatara crater comes from the breakdown of calcite in the host rocks.



The Phlegraean Fields have a long volcanic history, with activity dating back approximately 40,000 years. The most recent eruption occurred in 1538. 



Since the 1950s, the region has experienced several phases of unrest, reminding us that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-super-eruptions-build-up-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's geology is always in motion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-this-matter">Why does this matter?</h2>



Understanding the source of carbon dioxide emissions in volcanic regions is crucial for public safety and environmental monitoring. 



By distinguishing between gases released from magma and those from other processes, scientists can better predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> and assess potential risks.



Buono's research not only sheds light on the complex interactions beneath the Phlegraean Fields but also provides tools that could be applied to other volcanic areas. 



As he notes, "Our aim is to provide a tool to better discriminate the contribution of magmatic and non-magmatic carbon dioxide that can also be applied to other systems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solfatara-crater-and-the-future">Solfatara crater and the future</h2>



To sum it all up, figuring out what's really going on beneath the Phlegraean Fields and Solfatara crater is a big deal -- not just for the science buffs but for everyone living on Earth.



Buono's team has shown that the spike in carbon dioxide emissions isn't just magma pushing its way up. A good chunk of that gas is actually coming from hot fluids interacting with calcite-rich rocks underground. 



This kind of info is gold because it helps us keep a closer eye on volcanic activity and, more importantly, keeps people safe.



Looking ahead, keeping tabs on these emissions and understanding their sources is key. By knowing whether the carbon dioxide is from magma or from rock interactions, scientists can better predict what's coming next. 



The Phlegraean Fields are a vivid reminder that our planet is always on the move. Scientists like Buono will keep unraveling the mysteries beneath our feet, helping us understand the dynamic planet we call home.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article/51/4/397/620796/Discriminating-carbon-dioxide-sources-during" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a>.



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Supervolcano shows signs of waking up, which would plunge the world into chaos

The Phlegraean Fields, now considered one massive supervolcano, are beginning to stir, making the scientific community uneasy. These volcanic fields, nestled just west of Naples, Italy, are among the top eight emitters of volcanic carbon dioxide worldwide. Since 2005, one spot in particular -- the Solfatara crater -- has been releasing increased volumes of gas, catching the attention of researchers and locals alike. Gas emissions at Solfatara crater Gianmarco Buono, a volcanologist at the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), is leading a study to...

Sleep experts advise against screen time in bed, cautioning that light from phones and electronic devices can interfere with our natural sleep patterns.&nbsp;



This is one example of how science is becoming more attuned to the wide-ranging health impacts linked to circadian rhythms and our daily sleep-wake cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-and-honeybees">Artificial light and honeybees</h2>



Now, a team of researchers led by the <a href="https://ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, San Diego</a> (UC San Diego) has revealed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-light-pollution-disrupts-entire-ecological-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial light</a> also disrupts the circadian rhythms of honeybees, posing a risk to their role as pollinators.&nbsp;



“Our research shows just how sensitive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-face-a-multitude-of-complex-stressors-in-the-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> are to changes in their environment, particularly to something as seemingly benign as artificial light,” said lead author Ashley Kim, a PhD student in biology at UC San Diego.&nbsp;



“By disrupting their circadian rhythms, we see clear evidence of reduced sleep periods. This raises significant concerns, not only for bee health but also for the health of ecosystems that depend on them for pollination.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-light-and-sleep-disturbances">Night light and sleep disturbances </h2>



Honeybees are key pollinators for many wild plants and agricultural crops, essential for both ecosystem stability and global food security. These bees typically prefer nesting in dark spaces, though a little light enters from the hive entrance.&nbsp;



When bees are exposed to artificial light at night (ALAN), particularly in urban areas, their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-dragons-reveal-new-clues-about-the-mysteries-of-sleep/">sleep</a> is disturbed, and as temperatures rise, bees may be even more exposed to ALAN.&nbsp;



The growing popularity of urban beekeeping to support bees and their pollination services means more honeybees may be facing these artificial light challenges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artificial-light-and-honeybee-behavior">Artificial light and honeybee behavior</h2>



Poor sleep from light exposure impairs bee behaviors crucial for hive health, including their complex communication system called the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bees-perform-waggle-dance-to-share-the-location-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waggle dance</a>,” which helps bees share information about food sources.&nbsp;



To study this impact, UC San Diego researchers conducted experiments over several years, comparing bees sleeping in darkness with bees exposed to constant light. The results showed that bees in constant light had disrupted sleep, as Kim observed through 24-hour video recordings.



“Even without analyzing the data, you can tell that there was something going on…the bees that were under constant light slept less,” she said.&nbsp;



“The effects of light pollution on biological systems is fairly unknown and something people normally don’t think about, which is why it’s a rapidly evolving field.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-threat-of-light-pollution">Growing threat of light pollution</h2>



“Understanding the factors that affect bee health, such as light pollution, is essential for developing strategies to protect pollinator populations,” said senior author James Nieh, a professor of biology at UC San Diego.&nbsp;



As artificial light now covers over a quarter of the Earth’s surface, the study highlights the urgent need to understand how these disruptions may be harming bees and other pollinators.&nbsp;



Continuous artificial light exposure caused honeybees to sleep less, and their hive-mates disturbed them more frequently compared to bees resting in the dark. In experimental cages, bees under constant light sought darker areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enlace-initiative-in-pollinator-research">ENLACE initiative in pollinator research</h2>



This research also highlights UC San Diego’s ENLACE program, which connects students from Latin America and the U.S. to research global challenges like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollen-wars-plants-compete-for-space-on-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinator</a> health.&nbsp;



Students who participated in the ENLACE initiative, such as Aura Velazquez and Belen Saavedra, contributed as co-authors on the study.&nbsp;



“This project exemplifies the impact of ENLACE, bringing diverse perspectives to address environmental challenges like pollinator health and environmental sustainability,” said Olivia Graeve, ENLACE director and UC San Diego professor.



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



UC San Diego’s Catalyst Fund recently awarded Nieh and study co-author Benjamin Smarr a grant to extend their research on circadian rhythms to broader environmental and human health issues.&nbsp;



Their project, “Harmonizing the Pulse of Life: Pioneering Circadian Insights for Human and Ecosystem Health at UC San Diego,” will explore the effects of circadian disruptions from bees to entire ecosystems.&nbsp;



“This program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts in biology, data science, and medicine to address issues like light pollution and its impact on pollinator health,” said Nieh.&nbsp;



The Catalyst Grant reinforces UC San Diego’s commitment to sustainability and human well-being, offering innovative ways to mitigate light pollution’s effects on pollinators and beyond.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/srep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Reports</a>. A preprint can be found on <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.07.03.547605v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BioRxiv</a>.



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Artificial light disrupts honeybee sleep patterns

Sleep experts advise against screen time in bed, cautioning that...

If you've ever walked through the city at night and heard the hoot of an owl, chances are you've encountered a creature that's made the urban jungle its home: the barred owl (Strix varia).



Recent evidence suggests that urban spaces don't just provide homes for humans, but for these adaptable nocturnal birds as well.



And believe it or not, the way we design and architect our cities could have a significant influence on the survival, behavior, and habitat choices of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/owl-wings-inspire-noise-reduction-in-wind-turbines-and-aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winged residents</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-sun-sets-barred-owls-stir">When the sun sets, barred owls stir</h2>



A team of biologists from <a href="https://www.lsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louisiana State University</a> recently revealed an interesting pattern in the behavior of urban owls. 



Mainly, barred owls have a knack for night-time activities, with the data showing that their home ranges were considerably larger at night than during the day.



Interestingly, the study found that barred owls seem to manage their energy more efficiently in their preferred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-disturbances-throw-nocturnal-birds-off-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nocturnal</a> spots, indicating that these areas might be resource-rich and vital for their survival.



This finding can guide urban planning efforts to protect and preserve such spaces, thereby supporting not just barred owls but also the array of wildlife that thrives within them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-affluent-neighborhoods-and-biodiversity">Affluent neighborhoods and biodiversity</h2>



The study drew an unexpected connection: barred owls seem to prefer habitats in affluent neighborhoods, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/green-spaces-shape-bird-characteristics-in-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">green spaces</a> and resources are more abundant.



This phenomenon supports the “luxury effect” - where wealthier areas nurture greater biodiversity due to factors like better-maintained parks and larger, tree-filled properties.



The research suggests the need for an equitable distribution of green spaces in cities, extending to less affluent neighborhoods, as a means to encourage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-greening-projects-can-dramatically-boost-urban-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban biodiversity</a> and support wildlife across all socioeconomic areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-habitat-needs-of-wildlife">Understanding the habitat needs of wildlife </h2>



The research highlights the importance of studying an animal’s full 24-hour cycle, known as the diel cycle, to better understand their habitat needs.



Instead of focusing solely on their nocturnal activities, which is usually the case for owls, understanding their daytime behavior is equally important. 



This approach might be compared with evaluating human priorities based solely on work hours, while neglecting off-work events.



Just as work and home life shape human well-being, an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/survival-of-the-friendliest-social-animals-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal’s survival</a> and fitness are swayed by both active and inactive periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenge-of-studying-barred-owls">The challenge of studying barred owls</h2>



The research team faced unique challenges in capturing barred owls, employing various creative strategies along the way. One of their notable attempts involved a stuffed owl toy named Judas. 



“Judas was supposed to lure territorial owls into our nets. He was hit a few times, but most owls weren’t fooled. We had better success with a broadcast of owl calls next to 12-meter (40-foot) tall nets," noted study co-author Dr. Vitek Jirinec.



He described the experience as both thrilling and humbling - recounting the physical reminders with photographic evidence of his hands, torso, and head.



“Most of my previous experience comes from working with small songbirds, but these owls are a different kind of beast who can make use of their sharp beaks and claws, if one is not careful." 



Once captured, the barred owls were fitted with GPS and accelerometer loggers. This technology allowed the team to precisely track the owls' movements and energy use, providing crucial data that revealed differences in their behavior and habitat use across the urban landscape.



The findings offer valuable insights into how these nocturnal predators navigate and adapt to their environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teaming-up-for-a-cause">Teaming up for a cause</h2>



This research was made possible due to a collaborative blend of advanced technology, hands-on fieldwork, and community involvement. 



According to study co-author Dr. Sabrina Taylor, the research was a deeply rewarding experience that united graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and even community members.



“We wouldn’t have been able to undertake an extra research project to learn about this local species without the collaboration of many people,” she noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-urban-landscape-design">Implications for urban landscape design</h2>



This research not only paves the way for a greater understanding of urban ecology but also sheds light on socio-economic disparities in environmental quality, revealing how unequal distribution of resources can impact wildlife and community well-being.



The findings highlight the need for cohesive urban landscapes that support biodiversity, promote ecological balance, and offer equitable access to green spaces for all residents.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/condor/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ornithapp/duae038/7736940?redirectedFrom=fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ornithological Applications</a>.



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When barred owls live in the city, they prefer affluent neighborhoods

If you've ever walked through the city at night and...

Mice are remarkable creatures, but one species stands out for its ability to thrive in various environments - the deer mouse.



This extraordinary animal showcases impressive adaptability, inhabiting a range of geographical conditions from the plains of Nebraska to the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptation-or-acclimatization">Adaptation or acclimatization?</h2>



The key question in this context revolves around one aspect: Is it the deer mouse's ability to adapt to local conditions or its generalized ability to acclimatize to any environment that arms it with such survival skills? 



To investigate, a scientific study was conducted at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a> under the leadership of postdoctoral researcher Naim Bautista. The team's focus was on highland and lowland deer mice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-seven-week-journey">A seven-week journey</h2>



The researchers simulated a seven-week ascent to 6,000 meters starting from sea level. During this journey, the team carefully observed how these mice reacted to cold stress at sequentially lower oxygen levels.



The mice were divided into two distinct groups - a control group that remained at sea level throughout the research and an acclimation group that undertook the seven-week simulated ascent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-highland-and-lowland-mice-mystery">The highland and lowland mice mystery</h2>



The study revealed a significant finding. The highland and lowland deer mice didn't share a universal ability to acclimate to hypoxia (low oxygen conditions).



Above 4,000 meters, the highland mice were found to be better adapted to regulate their body temperatures due to more efficient oxygen transportation in their bodies.



"The results show us that the highlanders and lowlanders do not share a generalized ability to acclimatize to changing environmental conditions," said Bautista.



"Rather, the mice living at higher elevations share evolved ways to acclimatize to low oxygen conditions that are distinct from those of the lowland prairie mice."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superpower-of-highland-deer-mice">Superpower of highland deer mice </h2>



The experts found that highland deer mice possess a genetic advantage that helps prevent the thickening of the right ventricle of the heart, a common symptom of pulmonary hypertension seen in lowland mammals when adjusting to low oxygen levels.



Bautista noted that the findings show how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gelada-monkeys-hold-secrets-of-high-altitude-adaptation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation</a> to local conditions can allow a widely distributed species like the deer mouse to thrive in diverse environments.



"It highlights how evolved changes specific to populations help shape their flexibility," Bautista explained. "Ultimately, it is these changes that influence their ability to survive within different habitats."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-step-in-mice-study">Next step in mice study</h2>



Building on this intriguing research, Bautista is currently making plans to extend this study to the yellow-rumped leaf-eared mouse, the world's highest-dwelling mammal, living at elevations up to 22,110 feet in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mummified-mice-found-on-volcano-summits-were-extreme-mountaineers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andes mountains</a>. 



The deer mouse study, which offers crucial insights into evolutionary adaptive strategies, was recently published with contributors from various esteemed universities participating in the research.



As we keenly anticipate the next phase of this study, one thing is clear - the world of mice has much to teach us.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-adaptive-evolution">Understanding adaptive evolution</h2>



The insights gained from studying highland and lowland deer mice extend beyond this specific species and contribute to the broader understanding of how animals adapt to extreme environments. 



The ability of highland deer mice to thrive at altitudes that would challenge other mammals highlights the importance of genetic and physiological adaptations in enabling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-have-multiple-genetic-mechanisms-for-desert-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a> under hypoxic conditions. 



The implications of this study are also significant for fields such as evolutionary biology and conservation science. 



By uncovering the genetic traits that allow highland mice to maintain efficient oxygen transport and heart function, scientists can better understand how other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-at-high-altitude-leads-to-longer-life-by-changing-metabolism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-altitude</a> animals might have adapted similarly. 



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



Such findings can also inform conservation efforts by identifying which populations are more vulnerable to environmental changes, such as shifts in climate that could alter oxygen levels at higher elevations.



Moreover, this research sheds light on how animals can act as natural models for studying human health issues related to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypoxia</a>. 



Understanding the genetic mechanisms that help highland mice prevent pulmonary hypertension could potentially inspire new approaches for treating related conditions in humans, such as high-altitude sickness or heart problems associated with reduced oxygen levels.



Overall, the study highlights the intricate ways in which evolution equips life to endure and flourish under challenging conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2412526121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Deer mice shed light on adaptive evolution

Mice are remarkable creatures, but one species stands out for...

In November, the United Nations Climate Change Conference is set to commence. The spotlight will shine brightly on one contentious issue: the negotiation of new payments from industrialized nations to their less affluent counterparts - especially using profits from oil and gas companies. 



The debate on the financing of these payments is, to put it mildly, a heated one. But now, a revelation from a study led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) could change everything.



It turns out, the windfall profits raked in by oil and gas companies during the energy crisis of 2022 were enough to fulfill the existing commitments of industrialized nations for almost five years. The researchers' solution? A tax on these so-called windfall profits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oil-profits-bridge-the-funding-gap">Oil profits bridge the funding gap</h2>



The funding for climate targets is a key item on the agenda at the forthcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29). 



Industrialized nations had pledged annually $100 billion from 2020 to 2025 to assist less developed countries in climate protection initiatives and adaptation to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-diversity-takes-a-hard-hit-near-offshore-platforms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. However, the promised funds have not fully been delivered. 



This leads us to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a follow-up agreement set to be passed. The NCQG commits to additional funding, yet there is no clarity on sourcing these funds. So, what do we do? 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-windfall-profit-tax">Windfall profit tax</h2>



One proposed solution under consideration is a tax on windfall profits of companies dealing in fossil fuels. 



A windfall profit tax imposes a levy on profits that exceed normal expectations during a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crisis</a>. Think of it as a situation where the companies hit the jackpot owing to the crisis. 



Taking the energy crisis following Russia's attack on Ukraine in 2022 as an example, international energy prices rocketed sky-high.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-oil-and-gas-profits">Using oil and gas profits</h2>



The research team meticulously scrutinized the profits reported by 93 of the world's largest oil and gas companies for 2022, and compared them with the analysts' predictions at the beginning of the year. 



The figures are staggering. The projected profits were about $753 billion. However, the actual profits earned exceeded this by a whopping $490 billion, totaling around $1.243 trillion. 



“These additional profits from just one year are close to the total amount promised to the poorer countries for a five-year period,” noted study leader Florian Egli, professor of Public Policy for the Green Transition at <a href="https://www.tum.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TUM</a>.



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



To consider the feasibility of redistributing these excess profits, the research team acknowledged the domicile countries of these companies and whether they were state-owned or private entities. 



A remarkable 42% of these windfall profits were reported by state-run companies, with the lion's share originating from Norway. 



“The governments have the ability to take direct action to skim off the profits earned due to a crisis and use them to fight the climate crisis,” said Dr. Anna Stünzi of the <a href="https://www.unisg.ch/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of St. Gallen</a>.



On the other hand, the private enterprises that garnered windfall profits, which is a whopping 95%, were headquartered in nations that pledged towards <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> protection funding.



“With a tax on windfall profits from oil and gas, at least some industrialized countries could generate income to meet their commitments to the poorer countries,” said Professor Egli.



It is important to note that companies in the United States, the UK, France, and Canada collectively accounted for about half of these profits. Almost all of these companies are based in G20 countries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-oil-profits-fund-climate-solutions">Can oil profits fund climate solutions?</h2>



Global greenhouse gas emissions are predominantly linked to burning oil and gas. Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry continues to rake in substantial profits.



“More than half of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions result from the burning of oil and gas. At the same time, the oil and gas industry has been one of the most profitable sectors for a long time,” said Professor Egli.



“It would undoubtedly be hard to reach an international agreement to tax these profits. But the agreement on a global minimum tax rate for companies, reached by more than 130 countries in 2023 under the auspices of the OECD and G20, could be a role model.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oil-profits-drive-clean-energy">Oil profits drive clean energy</h2>



The worldwide profits of oil and gas the industry are larger than those acknowledged in this study. 



Some of the industry giants - such as those in Russia, Iran, South Africa and Venezuela - do not disclose their figures and therefore, were not encompassed in the study.



“Taxing superprofits could tamper and phase down investment in oil and gas, building a stable and efficient clean energy market and helping to align financial flows with the goals of the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>,” noted Michael Grubb, professor at University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>).



“The reorientation of fossil fuel revenues for consistency with climate goals should be next on the global agenda.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14693062.2024.2424516" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Policy</a>. 



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Oil profits could save the planet if governments tax them now

In November, the United Nations Climate Change Conference is set...

For more than six decades, Antarctica and its resources have stood as a symbol of peace and cooperation. This vast wilderness, untouched by war and unspoiled by human hands, has been a sanctuary for scientific curiosity and discovery.



<a href="https://www.ats.aq/e/antarctictreaty.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Antarctica Treaty</a>, established in 1961, provided a framework that has maintained this delicate balance. 



It encouraged peaceful exploration, enabling nations such as Britain, Argentina, Australia, Norway, France, New Zealand, and Chile to lay claim to territory, yet restricted these claims in favor of scientific research. 



The treaty has endured because defying it was simply too difficult or costly, noted Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy icebreaker captain.



However, Sharpe pointed out that as soon as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-are-intense-heat-waves-affecting-life-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica's</a> vast resources become economically worth the risk of exploiting, things will change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-antarctica-s-resources">Controlling Antarctica's resources</h2>



For years, the Antarctic Treaty served as an exemplar of effective global cooperation. But now, this time-tested model is showing signs of wear and tear. 



Emerging heavyweights like China, Russia, and other nations are nudging the Antarctic Treaty into uncharted waters, threatening a new scramble for control of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ozone-hole-may-fully-recover-by-2066/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resource-rich continent</a>.



The United States, although still boasting the primary footprint in Antarctica, is seeing rapid competition from China. Just recently, China completed its fifth base on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-greening-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continent</a>, purportedly dedicated to 'scientific purposes'.



Meanwhile, Russia seems equally intent on increasing its presence. This move, according to Dr. Lyn Goldsworthy from the University of Tasmania, is part of their broader strategy to shake up the world's rule-based order.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loopholes-and-ambitions">Loopholes and ambitions</h2>



Despite a ban on mining until 2048, these new players are publicly advertising their ambitious plans for resource extraction from Antarctica.



Yet, what truly matters, as Sharpe warns, isn't just the overt ambitions. It's the more subtle maneuvers, such as using military personnel for peaceable purposes, that might one day translate into property rights. 



With countries like Russia, China, and India capitalizing on this - alongside Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran keen on securing a foothold - the Antarctic landscape is changing fast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modernizing-the-treaty">Modernizing the treaty</h2>



These unfolding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dynamics</a> have led to calls for modernizing the Antarctic Treaty. Yet achieving the unanimous support needed for this overhaul seems a far cry away, considering the geopolitical stakes and reach of nations like Russia and China.



A coherent strategy, bolstered by people, inspectors, ships, and enforcement mechanisms, is needed more than ever to uphold the existing treaty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-antarctica-s-resources">Protecting Antarctica's resources</h2>



Amid growing geopolitical tensions, it is crucial not to overlook the pressing environmental concerns facing Antarctica. 



The continent is home to unique ecosystems and wildlife that are highly sensitive to human activities and climate change. The melting ice sheets are a stark reminder of the broader implications of global warming. 



Research indicates that Antarctica's ice holds enough water to raise global sea levels by several meters, emphasizing the urgent need for international collaboration in mitigating climate change effects. 



Sustainable environmental policies and practices must be prioritized to preserve Antarctica's pristine environment for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quest-for-peaceful-exploration">Quest for peaceful exploration </h2>



Science has long served as a unifying force in Antarctica, offering a neutral ground for collaboration and knowledge exchange. As geopolitical ambitions intensify, scientific cooperation assumes even greater significance. 



Research initiatives, such as climate studies and biodiversity assessments, provide invaluable insights while promoting diplomatic relations between countries. Strengthening scientific partnerships in Antarctica can serve as a pivotal means to diffuse tensions and refocus efforts on shared goals. 



By championing science-driven diplomacy, nations can uphold the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty and ensure that peaceful exploration and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-will-the-antarctic-ice-sheet-collapse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> triumph over rivalry and exploitation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-ahead">What lies ahead?</h2>



The need for consensus, however, extends beyond the physical landscape. As Sharpe notes, if consensus seems elusive for issues like Ukraine, Gaza, the Arctic and the China Sea, how can we hope to achieve it for the remote, inaccessible Antarctic? 



Despite its flaws, the Antarctic Treaty has managed to keep the peace for more than 60 years. But the waters are getting murky, threatening a collapse that could trigger chaos in the polar south.



Only time will tell what lies ahead for Antarctica. For now, it remains a symbol of what we can achieve when we let shared curiosity and respect for our planet take precedence over national interests and territorial ambitions.



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Antarctica’s peace is at risk as nations race for resources

For more than six decades, Antarctica and its resources have...

A recent study has highlighted how plastics impact the environment, health, and human well-being in ways far more intricate and damaging than previously understood. 



The study uses the <a href="https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Boundaries framework</a> to examine the full life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/">plastics</a>, showing their impacts on global environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, and freshwater and land use.



“It’s necessary to consider the full life cycle of plastics, starting from the extraction of fossil fuel and the primary plastic polymer production,” explained lead author Patricia Villarrubia-Gómez, a doctoral student at the <a href="https://www.stockholmresilience.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm Resilience Center</a> at Stockholm University.



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



Currently, over 500 million tons of plastics are produced each year, yet only 9% is recycled. Plastics are pervasive, contaminating ecosystems from Mount Everest’s peak to the Mariana Trench’s depths.&nbsp;



The research team’s review reveals how plastic pollution affects fundamental Earth systems, contributing to almost every pressing global environmental challenge.



Plastics are complex synthetic materials, often combined with thousands of chemicals. Their effects extend throughout their life cycle, from raw material extraction to production, use, and release into the environment.



“Plastics are seen as those inert products that protect our favorite products or make our lives easier, that can be ‘easily cleaned up’ once they become waste. But this is far from reality,” noted Villarrubia-Gómez.



“Plastics are made out of the combination of thousands of chemicals. Many of them, such as endocrine disruptors and chemicals, pose toxicity and harm to ecosystems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-marine-protected-areas-boost-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human health</a>.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interconnected-impacts-of-plastics">Interconnected impacts of plastics</h2>



Until now, most research and policy efforts have focused on specific aspects of plastic pollution, often treating it primarily as a waste management problem.&nbsp;



However, the research highlights that plastics’ impacts are interconnected, destabilizing the Earth system in ways previously overlooked.



“The impacts of plastics on the Earth system are complex and interconnected,” said co-author Sarah Cornell, an expert in global sustainability at the Stockholm Resilience Center. “This work clearly demonstrates how plastics are acting to destabilize the system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-system-impacts-of-plastic">Earth system impacts of plastic</h2>



To more effectively address these impacts, the researchers propose an impact pathway approach. This framework includes indicators at three main stages of plastics’ life cycle: extraction and production, environmental release, and systemic Earth impacts.&nbsp;



Rather than seeking a single quantitative threshold for plastic pollution within the Planetary Boundaries framework, they suggest a set of control variables that can better capture the multifaceted nature of plastics pollution.



“We emphasize the need to account for impacts at all stages along the life cycle of plastics,” Villarrubia-Gómez said. “We propose a set of control variables that together allow us to better understand and control plastics pollution.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-data-transparency-nbsp">Challenges in data transparency&nbsp;</h2>



The research team examined publicly available data on plastic production, noting significant challenges in standardizing and reporting. In 2022 alone, at least 506 million tons of plastics were produced worldwide.&nbsp;



Since the 1950s, an estimated total of 11,090 million tons have been produced. However, inconsistent data reporting, lack of methodological detail, and missing metadata complicate reliable assessments.



The team noted that this data gap limits both research and policy responses. Even with current limitations, the available evidence demonstrates how plastics contribute to environmental harm at planetary scales.&nbsp;



Plastic pollution affects ecosystems directly, through physical contamination, and indirectly, by altering Earth’s biophysical processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-address-planetary-health">Solutions to address planetary health</h2>



For people across the globe, the impacts of plastic pollution are becoming more severe as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-exceeded-six-of-nine-planetary-boundaries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary boundaries</a> are increasingly breached. 



Understanding how plastics interact within the Planetary Boundaries framework can support more sustainable strategies to address pressing environmental issues.



Study co-author Bethanie Carney Almroth, an expert in the environmental impact of plastics at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Gothenburg</a>, noted that plastics are now found in the most remote regions of the planet and in the most intimate - within human bodies.



“And we know that plastics are complex materials, released into the environment throughout the plastics life cycle, resulting in harm in many systems,” she said.&nbsp;



“The solutions we strive to develop must be considered with this complexity in mind, addressing the full spectrum of safety and sustainability to protect people and the planet.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reframing-plastic-pollution-policy">Reframing plastic pollution policy</h2>



With international Plastics Treaty negotiations approaching, the researchers urge experts and policymakers to view plastic pollution as more than a waste issue.&nbsp;



By focusing on the entire lifecycle and material flow, they hope policymakers can address the effects of plastic pollution on Earth's fundamental systems.



This shift in perspective could enable more precise tracking of plastic pollution’s impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-interlinked-crisis-of-plastic-pollution-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>, biodiversity, and resources, allowing for timely, targeted responses.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.10.017" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Earth</a>,



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Plastic pollution is changing the entire Earth system

A recent study has highlighted how plastics impact the environment,...

Droughts define the American West - dry, dusty, and unforgiving. Yet, these recurring droughts are not solely due to a lack of rainfall as previously thought.



A recent study indicates a different narrative, placing the blame on rising temperatures caused by human-induced climate change.



The study asserts that increased evaporation, driven by warmer temperatures, has played a more significant role than decreased precipitation in droughts across the American West, especially since 2000.



The study was conducted by scientists at UCLA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-heat-and-drought-severity">Rising heat and drought severity</h2>



The researchers concluded that during the 2020-2022 drought, evaporation accounted for 61 percent of the drought’s severity, while reduced precipitation contributed only 39 percent.



Study lead author Rong Fu, a <a href="https://www.ucla.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCLA</a> professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, made an interesting clarification.



“Research has already shown that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-droughts-are-increasing-around-the-world-due-to-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmer temperatures</a> contribute to drought, but this is, to our knowledge, the first study that actually shows that moisture loss due to demand is greater than the moisture loss due to lack of rainfall," noted Professor Fu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shift-in-perspective">A shift in perspective </h2>



Historically, drought in the West has been associated with reduced rainfall. However, warming temperatures caused by the burning of fossil fuels have intensified evaporative demand.



This clearly broadens our perspective on the causes of drought, highlighting the need to account for human activities and their impacts on the environment.



Veva Deheza, executive director of NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and co-author of the study, elaborated on this shift in understanding.



"For generations, drought has been associated with drier-than-normal weather. This study further confirms we’ve entered a new paradigm where rising temperatures are leading to intense droughts, with precipitation as a secondary factor," said Deheza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-rain-that-never-falls">The rain that never falls</h2>



Our climate is a complex system. As the planet warms, evaporation rates increase. Even though a warmer atmosphere can hold more water vapor, it will not necessarily result in precipitation.



Heat keeps water molecules in constant motion, making condensation - and thus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-cause-a-major-delay-in-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> - difficult. This cyclic process suggests that droughts will last longer, cover wider areas, and be even drier with every bit that the planet warms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-evaporation-and-droughts">Heat, evaporation, and droughts</h2>



What happens when we analyze observational data over a 70-year period about "natural" droughts and those resulting from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-induced climate change</a>? 



Surprisingly, researchers found that climate change has accounted for 80 percent of the increase in evaporative demand since 2000. During the drought periods, that figure increased to more than 90 percent.



These figures reveal that climate change is the main driver increasing drought severity and expansion since 2000.



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



The researchers made a dramatic comparison of drought patterns. Before 2000, only 26 percent of droughts were caused by high evaporative demand. Since 2000, this figure jumped to 66 percent.



Professor Fu highlighted the impact of climate change on the drought severity. 



"Though the drought began through a natural reduction in precipitation, I would say its severity was increased from the equivalent of ‘moderate’ to ‘exceptional' on the drought severity scale due to climate change.”



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



The study concludes with a warning. If the emission of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/state-of-the-climate-greenhouse-gases-hit-a-record-high-in-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gases</a> continues unabated, what we once considered severe droughts will become more frequent events in the not-so-distant future.



“Even if precipitation looks normal, we can still have drought because moisture demand has increased so much and there simply isn’t enough water to keep up with that increased demand," said Professor Fu.



"This is not something you could build bigger reservoirs or something to prevent because when the atmosphere warms, it will just suck up more moisture everywhere. The only way to prevent this is to stop temperatures from increasing, which means we have to stop emitting greenhouse gases.”



The research was supported by NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System and Climate Program Office, and the National Science Foundation.



The findings highlight the urgent need to address climate change. The future of the American West depends on us - on our actions and our commitment to preserving the environment.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn9389" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Climate change is now the driving force behind droughts

Droughts define the American West - dry, dusty, and unforgiving....

Hot days, cool salads, and refreshing tomato slices - sounds like summer, doesn't it? But have you ever wondered - how do tomatoes survive intense heat?



Under the scorching sun, as the mercury rises, some tomato varieties keep on thriving. A team of biologists based at <a href="https://www.brown.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown University</a> decided to investigate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tomatoes-surviving-the-heat">Tomatoes surviving the heat</h2>



The experts wanted to identify the specific growth cycle phase when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-tomatoes-are-ready-for-an-unprecedented-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomatoes</a> buckle under heat, as well as the molecular mechanisms that shield them.



The findings could be a crucial key to protecting our food supply in the age of climate change. Indeed, agricultural productivity is already dancing on thin ice.



Our rising temperatures could slash crop yields by up to 16% with every additional degree Celsius of seasonal warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-evolution">Lessons from evolution</h2>



Study co-author Sorel V. Yimga Ouonkap is a research associate in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry at Brown.



Ouonkap noted that the scientists took some lessons from evolution to experiment with how best to speed up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomatoes-acylsugars-parallel-universe-plant-kingdom-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adaptation process</a> for varieties of tomato plants.



According to the researchers, it would take a long time to wait for evolution to weed out the vulnerable tomato varieties like Heinz in favor of those that can handle extreme heat - a process that might also jeopardize the qualities that make vulnerable crops commercially desirable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-tomatoes-more-tolerant-of-heat">Making tomatoes more tolerant of heat</h2>



“We’re trying to figure out thermoregulation at a molecular and cellular level, and identify what and where we need to improve so that we can target those in commercial plant cultivars and conserve everything about them except for this one aspect that makes them vulnerable to extreme heat,” explained Ouonkap.



“Over time, you can start accumulating different resistance mechanisms as the growing conditions continue to change.”



Thermotolerance, or the ability of a plant to withstand extreme temperatures, could be a promising way to confront climate change, noted study author Mark Johnson, a professor of biology at Brown.



"Imagine if you could just make a Heinz <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tomato-plants-talk-to-one-another-to-signal-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tomato</a> more resilient to temperature stress without affecting the flavor profile or the way people experience the tomato," Johnson said. "That would be a great advantage."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-stress-and-plant-reproduction">Heat stress and plant reproduction</h2>



Johnson's lab has studied plant reproduction for years. Yet, a gap remained: no studies examined what happens after pollen lands on the stigma during this crucial phase - a key to understanding how tomatoes survive extreme conditions.



Undeterred, Ouonkap dived into this unexplored area for his thesis project. He focused on the pollen tube growth phase of the plant reproductive cycle, studying different tomato varieties known for thriving in extra-hot growing seasons. 



Collaborating with scientists from the <a href="https://www.arizona.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Arizona</a>, the experts learned that heat stress during just this phase limits fruit and seed production more in heat-sensitive than heat-tolerant tomato varieties.



It’s not all bad news. Ouonkap discovered that the heat-tolerant Tamaulipas tomato variety showed exceptional growth under high temperatures. His molecular analysis helped the team uncover the mechanisms that let this tomato survive intense heat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-tomatoes-to-beat-the-heat">Creating tomatoes to beat the heat </h2>



The researchers focused on tomatoes because different varieties can adapt to a range of extreme climates - providing clues to how species respond differently to environmental conditions.



Tomatoes are a valuable commercial crop all over the world, including some regions that are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat conditions.&nbsp;



Having identified the beneficial molecular mechanisms, the next step is to determine specific techniques to enable tomatoes to grow in diverse climates. 



One possible avenue? Creating a molecule that could prepare the pollen in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-use-dna-duplication-to-increase-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> to withstand a heat wave, as Johnson explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-more-tomatoes-survive">Can more tomatoes survive?</h2>



"When the weather forecast showed two weeks of high temperatures during the pollen tube growth phase, the farmer would apply a product to plants that would change the gene expression so that the pollen would be resilient to heat," said Johnson.



While this level of manipulation is still a vision and not yet a reality, the experts said this area of research is ripe for exploration.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01379-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Tomatoes have a molecular trick to survive in extreme heat

Hot days, cool salads, and refreshing tomato slices - sounds...

A new study sheds light on a not-so-pleasant truth: the smallest countries in the world, which contribute the least to climate change, face its most dire consequences. And it's only set to get worse for these small island nations.



According to research led by the University of Bristol, on average, one in five people in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is now exposed to both coastal and inland flooding.



That's about 8.5 million people living in these countries that are toe-to-toe with possible disaster. 



In the Bahamas, Guyana, and Tuvalu, this percentage triples, with over 60% of their populations exposed to the risks of flooding. The threats extend from the Pacific and the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.



To put things in perspective, think of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/valencia-floods-a-tragedy-fueled-by-extreme-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">catastrophic scenes in Valencia</a>, Spain, due to record-breaking rainfall. Now, imagine this as a regular occurrence, not just for Spain, but for people across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-exposure-of-small-islands">Flood exposure of small islands</h2>



Study lead author&nbsp;Leanne Archer is a research associate at the University’s Cabot Institute for the Environment.



“Flooding is now an alarming real-world threat for so many people globally. This study demonstrates that the often-overlooked Small Island Developing States are already subject to a disproportionate level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood exposure</a>, despite contributing the least to climate change,” said Archer. 



But, why these islands? The United Nations (UN) recognizes these nations as being especially exposed to the effects of climate change. With populations ranging from around 1,000 to 7,000,000 people, inhabitants of the small island nations are often most concentrated along coastlines.



Indeed, the risk of coastal flooding is a significant concern. But it's the inland flooding that's the silent enemy. It accounts for the vast majority of overall population exposure at 81 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-climate-adaptation-on-small-islands">Supporting climate adaptation on small islands</h2>



Projections show that even in the best-case scenario, where global warming is kept at a minimum, significant growth in the number of people affected by rising sea levels, storm surge, and extreme rainfall events is expected.



The reach of these weather anomalies even overshadows the level of flooding exposure in developed nations like the US and UK, where around 13% and 8% of the populations are impacted, respectively.



"The findings should be a call to action to support these nations in adapting to and mitigating against these extreme repercussions, even under the lowest emissions scenario, which put life and livelihoods in peril," notedLeanne.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flood-projections-for-small-islands">Flood projections for small islands</h2>



Depending on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> levels, more than a fifth (21%) of SIDS populations can expect to face flooding if we manage to restrict the increase to 1.5°C by 2100. 



In the worst-case scenario, where the world warms by more than 4°C, this figure could rise to nearly a quarter (23%), the study suggests.



Globally, we're not doing enough. A UN report last month warned that we're staring at a possible 3.1°C warming if governments do not take more action to reduce carbon emissions. 



Even with these stark warnings, the countries most at risk remain the same, including Belize, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Maldives.



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



This research was conducted in partnership with the University of Southampton and used data from water risk intelligence firm Fathom's Global Flood Map. 



A high-resolution global hydrodynamic flood model combined with worldwide population datasets was used to paint a comprehensive picture of flood risk across all 57 Small Island Developing States.



Study co-author Paul Bates is a professor of hydrology at the University of Bristol and co-founder of Fathom.



""The results are a timely warning to the world’s political leaders and policy makers that global commitments to significantly reduce carbon emissions must be backed up by action, in order to reduce potential loss and damage from flooding in Small Island Developing States, which contribute least to harmful carbon emissions,” said Bates. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fundamental-threat-to-humanity">Fundamental threat to humanity</h2>



As we discuss these grave realities, the research echoes the essence of the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>’s mission - finding bold answers to big questions <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">concerning global challenges</a>.



The Cabot Institute has a strong focus on tackling pressing environmental change, natural hazards, and disaster risk.



In conclusion, climate change remains a fundamental threat to humanity, and no one bears its brunt more than the inhabitants of Small Island Developing States. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad78eb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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Small countries that play no role in climate change will be hardest hit

A new study sheds light on a not-so-pleasant truth: the...

Microplastics have been found in some of the world’s most remote environments, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Everest to the ocean depths of the Mariana Trench, infiltrating ecosystems and even human bodies.&nbsp;



Now, new research led by scientists at <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pennsylvania State University</a> (Penn State) reveals that these tiny plastic particles may also be affecting the atmosphere and climate.&nbsp;



The study shows that microplastics can act as ice nucleating particles, potentially altering cloud formation, precipitation, and even global climate patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-as-ice-nucleators">Microplastics as ice nucleators</h2>



Microplastics - tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> less than 5 millimeters in size - were found to act as ice nucleating particles, which are microscopic aerosols that allow ice crystals to form in clouds.&nbsp;



“Throughout the past two decades of research into microplastics, scientists have been finding that they're everywhere, so this is another piece of that puzzle,” said Miriam Freedman, a professor of chemistry at Penn State and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



“It’s now clear that we need to have a better understanding of how they're interacting with our climate system, because we’ve been able to show that the process of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud formation</a> can be triggered by microplastics.”



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



In their experiments, the researchers examined four types of microplastics: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).&nbsp;



By suspending each plastic in small water droplets and slowly cooling them, the team observed how these particles influenced ice formation.&nbsp;



They found that droplets containing microplastics froze at temperatures between -22 and -28 degrees Celsius, much warmer than the typical -38 degrees Celsius required for droplets without defects to freeze.



“Any kind of defect in the water droplet, whether that’s dust, bacteria, or microplastics, can give ice something to form - or nucleate - around,” said study lead author Heidi Busse, a graduate student at Penn State.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-weather-patterns">Microplastics and weather patterns </h2>



The ability of microplastics to initiate ice formation in clouds could have widespread consequences for weather and climate. When clouds contain more ice, it can affect precipitation patterns, often leading to heavier rainfall events as water droplets are delayed in their descent until they reach a larger size.&nbsp;



“In a polluted environment with many more aerosol particles, like microplastics, you are distributing the available water among many more aerosol particles, forming smaller droplets around each of those particles,” said Busse.&nbsp;



“When you have more droplets, you get less rain, but because droplets only rain once they get large enough, you collect more total water in the cloud before the droplets are large enough to fall and, as a result, you get heavier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> when it comes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-cloud-structure">Microplastics and cloud structure </h2>



The influence of microplastics on cloud structure may also affect how much solar radiation is reflected back into space or retained in Earth’s atmosphere.&nbsp;



Clouds at higher altitudes can help trap heat emitted from the Earth, which in some cases can contribute to warming. Freedman emphasized that the ratio of liquid water to ice within clouds plays a crucial role in determining whether clouds have a net cooling or warming effect.&nbsp;



As microplastics accumulate in the atmosphere, their potential influence on mixed-phase clouds may mean they are already impacting global climate in ways that are not yet fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-behavior-of-aging-microplastics">Changing behavior of aging microplastics</h2>



The researchers also investigated how “environmental aging” -the natural processes that particles undergo when exposed to sunlight, ozone, and other elements in the atmosphere - affects the ice-nucleating properties of microplastics.&nbsp;



The analysis revealed that aging generally reduced the ice-forming ability of LDPE, PP, and PET, while PVC’s ice-forming potential actually increased due to changes on its surface caused by environmental aging.&nbsp;



This variation suggests that over time, as microplastics are exposed to the atmosphere, their impact on cloud formation may change.



“We know that the fact that microplastics can nucleate ice has far-reaching effects; we’re just not quite sure yet what those are,” Busse said.&nbsp;



“We can think about this on many different levels, not just in terms of more powerful storms but also through changes in light scattering, which could have a much larger impact on our climate.”



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



Next, the team plans to study common additives found in plastics, such as plasticizers, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how these substances might further influence atmospheric behavior.&nbsp;



Many plastics contain a variety of additives that can affect their physical and chemical interactions within the environment. Analyzing these additional factors may reveal more about how microplastics in the atmosphere could influence weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/looking-to-earths-ancient-climate-to-predict-our-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> dynamics.



“We know the full lifecycle of these plastic items we use every day could be changing the physical and optical properties of the Earth’s clouds and, therefore, changing the climate in some way, but we still have a lot to learn about exactly what they are doing,” Busse said.&nbsp;



As scientists continue to unravel the atmospheric behavior of microplastics, new findings may add to the growing list of impacts these particles have on global systems - from terrestrial and marine ecosystems to human health and now, potentially, the climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-growing-area-of-concern-nbsp">A growing area of concern&nbsp;</h2>



Microplastics are a relatively new area of concern within atmospheric and climate science, and researchers like Freedman are now beginning to connect their widespread presence in the atmosphere to possible impacts on large-scale weather patterns and climate systems.&nbsp;



The study highlights the importance of understanding the full life cycle and environmental behavior of plastics, especially as evidence mounts that microplastics influence processes fundamental to Earth’s climate.&nbsp;



While much is still unknown, Freedman’s team hopes to advance climate models that incorporate microplastics, allowing scientists to better predict how these particles could alter the planet’s delicate atmospheric balance.



As studies like this continue, microplastics might not only reshape our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-deadly-and-widespread-environmental-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental pollutants</a> but also inform future regulations aimed at reducing their release and mitigating their long-term impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsestair.4c00146" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science and Technology: Air</a>.



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Microplastics trigger cloud formation and alter weather patterns 

Microplastics have been found in some of the world’s most...

Tree planting has often been seen as an affordable, effective way to combat global warming due to trees' ability to capture large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. 



Yet, a new study warns that large-scale tree planting at high latitudes may actually worsen global warming rather than mitigate it.&nbsp;



 As climate change enables the planting of trees further north, initiatives to establish forests in Arctic regions have gained support. 



But according to a team of international scientists, led by assistant professor Jeppe Kristensen from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, this approach could have unintended climate consequences in sensitive northern ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-storage-in-arctic-soils">Carbon storage in Arctic soils </h2>



The Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are unique in their ecological characteristics, and Kristensen emphasizes that these areas are unsuited to afforestation as a climate mitigation strategy.&nbsp;



“Soils in the Arctic store more carbon than all vegetation on Earth,” said Kristensen. “These soils are vulnerable to disturbances, such as cultivation for forestry or agriculture, but also the penetration of tree roots."&nbsp;



"The semi-continuous daylight during the spring and early summer, when snow is still on the ground, also makes the energy balance in this region extremely sensitive to surface darkening, since green and brown trees will soak up more heat from the sun than white snow.”&nbsp;



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



Regions around the North Pole, including parts of North America, Asia, and Scandinavia, are already prone to natural disturbances, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> and droughts, which can kill vegetation. Climate change has only intensified these threats. 



Kristensen warns that northern forests are at particular risk: “This is a risky place to be a tree, particularly as part of a homogeneous plantation that is more vulnerable to such disturbances.”&nbsp;



If these trees burn, the stored carbon is likely to be released into the atmosphere within decades, reversing any intended climate benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-solar-reflection-and-carbon-storage">Balancing solar reflection and carbon storage</h2>



While <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mixed-forests-with-many-tree-species-are-more-effective-at-carbon-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon storage</a> is a common focus in climate solutions, the researchers argue that at high latitudes, managing solar reflection (albedo) is even more crucial. 



“Climate change results from the balance between solar energy entering the atmosphere and how much leaves again,” Kristensen said.&nbsp;



The albedo effect is essential in polar and subpolar regions because light-colored snow and ice naturally reflect solar energy. Dark tree canopies, however, absorb it, converting sunlight into heat, which impacts the energy balance more than carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-holistic-approach-to-climate-solutions">A holistic approach to climate solutions</h2>



Rather than solely emphasizing carbon storage, the study calls for a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem dynamics.&nbsp;



“A holistic approach is imperative if we’re going to make a difference in the real world,” said co-author Marc Macias-Fauria, a researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute.&nbsp;



Macias-Fauria adds that while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> may be valuable for timber production or self-sufficiency, it should not be marketed as a climate mitigation strategy without accounting for its environmental impact.



“Forestry in the far North should be viewed like any other production system and compensate for its negative impact on climate and biodiversity,” he said. “By selling northern afforestation as a climate solution, we’re only fooling ourselves.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-populations-of-large-herbivores">Sustainable populations of large herbivores</h2>



If tree planting is not ideal for high latitudes like the Arctic, what nature-based strategies could help mitigate climate change in these areas? 



The researchers suggest an alternative: supporting sustainable populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-biodiversity-benefits-from-large-herbivores-like-elephants-and-moose/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large herbivores</a>, like caribou, which could offer a more viable climate solution. 



“There is ample evidence that large herbivores affect plant communities and snow conditions in ways that result in net cooling,” Macias-Fauria said.&nbsp;



Large herbivores keep tundra landscapes open and prevent excess snow buildup, which insulates the soil and accelerates permafrost thaw.&nbsp;



Their activity, including winter grazing, helps lower soil temperatures and preserve the permafrost layer, which plays a crucial role in regulating global temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prioritizing-biodiversity-and-local-communities">Prioritizing biodiversity and local communities</h2>



Finally, the study underscores the importance of considering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-tracking-is-crucial-for-preserving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> and the needs of local communities when developing climate solutions. 



Large herbivores not only aid in reducing climate-driven biodiversity loss in Arctic ecosystems but are also a key food source for Indigenous and local communities.&nbsp;



“Biodiversity and local communities are not an added benefit to nature-based solutions: they are fundamental,” said Macias-Fauria, emphasizing that these efforts must be community-led, particularly by those directly affected by climate change.



In sum, while tree planting remains valuable in many contexts, implementing it in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions could inadvertently increase warming.&nbsp;



Instead, focusing on nature-based solutions that respect and work with local ecosystems and communities offers a more balanced and effective path to mitigating climate impacts.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01573-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Why planting trees in the Arctic is not a good climate solution

Tree planting has often been seen as an affordable, effective...

Air pollution involves more than just a mix of gases; it's a complex interplay between these gases and the surface of liquid droplets in the atmosphere. 



At this interface, that is one hundred thousand times narrower than a human hair, gases and liquids move and interact in mind-blowing ways. And these tiny transitions between the media shape our air quality and, ultimately, our climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-nitty-gritty-of-air-pollution">The nitty-gritty of air pollution</h2>



Deep within the intricate world of air pollution, researchers armed with cutting-edge analytical tools have been exploring the microscopic boundary where liquids meet gases.



Complex chemical transformations take place in this nearly invisible domain that are critical to our understanding of air pollution and climate change.



In an international collaboration, scientists have been studying these reactions, known as acid-base equilibria, both within the heart of the liquid (in this case, an aqueous solution) and right at the point where the liquid meets the surrounding gas.



The goal? To gain crucial insights that would allow for the development of more accurate models predicting the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> and their impact on climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-molecular-dynamics-of-air-pollution">Molecular dynamics of air pollution </h2>



Much of this study focused on the transformation of sulfur dioxide (SO2), a common pollutant that is produced when fuels containing sulfur are burned.



The researchers used a combination of spectroscopic methods to dissect the complex chemical changes that occur when sulfur dioxide dissolves in water.



Under acidic conditions, the balance or "tautomeric equilibrium" between the two resulting chemicals - bisulfite and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-found-in-tap-and-bottled-water-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sulfonate</a> - is heavily tilted in favor of sulfonate. 



Molecular dynamic simulations also showed that both the sulfonate ion and its acid (sulfonic acid) are more stable at the interface due to ion pairing and higher dehydration barriers, respectively. This explains why the balances shift at the interface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-the-inconspicuous">The impact of the inconspicuous</h2>



The behavior of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-we-breathing-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-our-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> at the interface is significantly different from that inside the bulk environment. 



This difference shapes how sulfur dioxide absorbs and reacts with other pollutants, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-nitrogen-oxide-pollution-could-boost-crop-yields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nitrogen oxides</a> (NOx) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the atmosphere.



These findings have profound implications - they provide us with a better understanding of the mechanics that occur in the microscopic zone between liquids and gases, and can help guide us in finding effective strategies to mitigate air pollution and its harmful effects on our health and the environment.



This research wouldn't have been possible without the combined efforts of scientists from esteemed institutions around the globe including the <a href="https://www.fhi.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society</a> in Berlin.



Every step towards understanding the chemistry of our atmosphere aids us in our battle against the global problem of air pollution, as we move forward towards creating a healthier world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-applications-in-climate-modeling">Real-world applications in climate modeling</h2>



Understanding the molecular dynamics of air pollution isn't just an academic exercise - it directly influences climate modeling.



By refining how we model interactions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-air-pollutants-contribute-to-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> (such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides) and water particles, scientists can create more accurate simulations of how these substances behave under various atmospheric conditions.



This improvement in climate models could help predict the long-term effects of pollutants on both global warming and localized weather patterns, enabling us to understand better how pollution might influence future climate scenarios.



As models grow more precise, policymakers and environmental agencies can make informed decisions based on realistic projections, and can guide climate action on both local and global scales.



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



With new insights into the molecular behavior of pollutants, researchers are also exploring innovative ways to mitigate air pollution before it disperses into the atmosphere. 



For example, developing materials or coatings that react with specific pollutants to neutralize them could provide a proactive approach to air quality management. 



Additionally, by identifying the chemical triggers that promote pollutant transformations, scientists could design more targeted filters for industrial emissions, thereby ensuring that harmful substances are neutralized at the source.



These advances in pollution control could pave the way for cleaner air in urban and industrial regions, which would ultimately reduce the health and environmental impacts of airborne pollutants.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53186-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Understanding how air pollution forms may help us prevent it

Air pollution involves more than just a mix of gases;...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

[sendtonews key="JrMLDXHmjl-1911953-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="u0TYxxqfF7-2186404-12187" type="single"]</div>



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...