The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record, an expected outcome given the rising global temperatures.&nbsp;



In the Northern Hemisphere, hotter and drier summers have led to severe droughts and intense heat waves, particularly in North America and Europe, posing significant threats to society, such as wildfires, crop failures, and serious health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weakening-of-earth-s-air-circulation-nbsp">Weakening of Earth's air circulation&nbsp;</h2>



A contributing factor to these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/droughts-and-extreme-weather-events-are-escalating/">extreme weather events</a> is the weakening of Earth's air circulation systems, which normally help distribute moisture and heat across the globe. The exact reasons behind this weakening, however, had remained unclear - until now.



In two new studies led by Rei Chemke, an expert in climate dynamics at the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/">Weizmann Institute of Science</a>, researchers have identified human activity as the cause behind the weakening of these critical air circulation systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vital-network-of-wind-patterns-nbsp">Vital network of wind patterns&nbsp;</h2>



The studies focused on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-method-developed-to-measure-the-wind/">wind</a> patterns that form a vital network for transporting wind-borne heat and moisture around the world. Central to this network are storm tracks, which are high- and low-pressure weather systems that move from west to east.



These storm systems play a crucial role in transferring heat, moisture, and air flow momentum within the atmosphere, which in turn shapes the various climate zones on Earth.&nbsp;



Another key component is the Hadley circulation, a process in which warm air rises near the equator, moves toward the poles, descends in the subtropics, and flows back toward the equator, creating a continuous cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-human-activities-nbsp">The role of human activities&nbsp;</h2>



While scientists had long known that both storm tracks and the Hadley circulation have been weakening since at least 1980, only the weakening of the Hadley circulation had been clearly linked to human-induced emissions.



The research was conducted in collaboration with Professor Dim Coumou of Amsterdam’s Institute for Environmental Studies&nbsp;



The first study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-024-00640-2">npj Climate and Atmospheric Science</a>, demonstrated that the weakening of storm tracks is also due to man-made emissions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gasses</a>, such as CO₂, and aerosols.



“These emissions warm the air more at the high latitudes than at the low latitudes,” said Chemke. This reduction in the temperature difference between northern and southern latitudes, which drives the storm tracks, has caused the storm tracks to weaken.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-buildup-of-warm-temperatures-nbsp">Buildup of warm temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed vast amounts of climate data from both observations and advanced climate models.&nbsp;



The experts found that the weakening of storm tracks could only be explained when historical emissions were factored into the climate models.&nbsp;



Chemke pointed out the significance of these storm systems in cooling landmasses.



“The storms in summertime play an important role in bringing cool air from the ocean to the land. If you reduce the intensity of these storms, you bring in less of this cool air. This leads to a buildup of warm temperatures on the continent, which can lead to increasingly extreme heat events.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-on-air-circulation-nbsp">Impacts on air circulation&nbsp;</h2>



Man-made emissions have also been found to impact the Hadley circulation in an unprecedented way.&nbsp;



While natural factors have historically influenced this circulation, human activity has reversed the direction of these effects - weakening the circulation rather than strengthening it.



In the second study, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48316-y">Nature Communications</a>, Chemke and his student Or Hess explored the role of natural forces, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/">volcanic eruptions</a> and solar fluxes, in shaping the Hadley circulation over the past millennium.&nbsp;



Using climate models that encapsulate the physics, biology, and chemistry of the climate system, they simulated how natural factors altered the Hadley circulation in previous centuries.



The findings revealed that natural forces had generally acted to strengthen the Hadley circulation in the past - quite the opposite of what is happening today. Man-made emissions, in contrast, are weakening this vital circulation.



“In the previous millennium, natural factors were dominant, whereas now, man-made emissions play a more dominant role,” Hess said. 



“In the past, we had a cooling climate that acted to strengthen the Hadley circulation. Today, we have a warming climate that acts to weaken this circulation.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-changes-in-earth-s-air-circulation-nbsp">Natural changes in Earth's air circulation&nbsp;</h2>



Chemke and his team emphasize the need for climate models to account more thoroughly for natural factors, which are often overshadowed by the focus on human-induced emissions.&nbsp;



While human activity undoubtedly plays a larger role in today’s climate changes, natural forces have historically had a significant impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-influence-on-climate-systems">Human influence on climate systems</h2>



“Our research field mainly deals with man-made emissions and warming climates. Less attention is given to the impact of natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, solar fluctuations, or natural sources of greenhouse gasses," Chemke explained.



“Yet we found that natural factors can have a major effect on climate, although smaller in magnitude relative to the impact of man-made emissions.”&nbsp;



“In particular, they seem to affect the Hadley circulation in a way that's opposite to that of human activity. This was really surprising for us, and it's something that should be taken into consideration.”



The findings highlight the importance of understanding both natural and human influences on climate systems, especially as the world grapples with increasingly extreme weather events. 



By factoring in both, scientists can develop more accurate models and strategies for addressing climate change.



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Human activities are weakening Earth's air circulation

The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record, an expected outcome given the rising global temperatures.&nbsp; In the Northern Hemisphere, hotter and drier summers have led to severe droughts and intense heat waves, particularly in North America and Europe, posing significant threats to society, such as wildfires, crop failures, and serious health risks. Weakening of Earth's air circulation&nbsp; A contributing factor to these extreme weather events is the weakening of Earth's air circulation systems, which normally help distribute moisture and heat across the globe. The exact...

The Biden administration has recently finalized a rule aimed at drastically reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/">methane</a> emissions from the US oil and gas industry. This ambitious initiative seeks to cut methane emissions by nearly 80 percent by 2038.&nbsp;



The announcement, made at the <a href="https://www.cop28.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28 climate summit</a> in Dubai, aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change, particularly as temperatures worldwide continue to rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-methane-emissions-nbsp">Preventing methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



Methane, primarily found in natural gas and as a byproduct of fossil fuel drilling, has over 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in the first two decades after its release. The new rule, implemented by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA), targets this potent greenhouse gas. 



The EPA estimates that the legislation will prevent approximately 58 million tons of methane from entering the atmosphere, equating to removing over 300 million gas-powered cars from the roads for a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-strategies">Key strategies</h2>



Key strategies in the rule include ending routine flaring of natural gas from oil wells and mandating its capture instead. The rule also emphasizes stringent monitoring of leaks from oil and gas wells, compressors, and other equipment.&nbsp;



Additionally, independent third-party monitoring using satellites and remote-sensing technology will play a crucial role in detecting large methane leaks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slashing-methane-pollution">Slashing methane pollution</h2>



EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi, who unveiled the rule at COP28, emphasized the Biden administration's commitment to strong action against methane pollution.&nbsp;



“From mobilizing billions in investment to plug orphaned wells, patch leaky pipes, and reclaim abandoned mines to setting strong standards that will cut pollution from the oil and gas sector, the Biden-Harris Administration is putting the full weight of the federal government into slashing harmful methane pollution,” said Zaidi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigating-climate-change-nbsp">Mitigating climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The significance of this rule is underscored by the United States' position as the world's largest oil producer. With methane emissions having surged in recent years, the legislation is seen as a critical step in slowing down the pace of global warming.&nbsp;



Experts suggest that addressing methane leaks and flaring offers a straightforward method to mitigate climate change impacts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-experts">Environmental experts</h2>



The rule has been welcomed by environmental experts and climate advocates, noting the incentives for oil and gas companies to reduce leaks and flaring.&nbsp;



Carrie Jenks from Harvard Law School's Environmental &amp; Energy Law Program and Jon Goldstein from the Environmental Defense Fund both recognized the potential benefits and the environmental importance of the rule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-step-forward-nbsp">Major step forward&nbsp;</h2>



Goldstein noted that the EPA’s plan to end routine flaring is a major step forward. “The latest science is showing that flares are not just sources of waste, they’re also large sources of pollution because they’re just not working right," he said.&nbsp;



“The easiest way to stop that pollution is to stop sending it to flares in the first place. It doesn’t seem logical, why are you burning off this product you can sell?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oil-and-gas-compact-nbsp">Oil and Gas Compact&nbsp;</h2>



In a related development, fifty major oil and gas companies, including industry giants like Exxon and Saudi Aramco, pledged at COP28 to cut their methane emissions significantly by 2030. This commitment, known as the Oil and Gas Compact, targets an 80 to 90 percent reduction in methane intensity.&nbsp;



The US rule and the global commitments represent a significant step in the battle against climate change, focusing on methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. These initiatives underscore the increasing global emphasis on actionable and verifiable measures to combat environmental challenges.



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U.S. finalizes ambitious rule to slash methane emissions 

The Biden administration has recently finalized a rule aimed at...

Thermometer,Shows,High,Temperature,In,Summer,Heat,With,Dryness,And

Met Office scientists have highlighted a surprising gap in the climate change discourse. There exists no universally accepted method to define the current level of global warming in the context of the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>. 



This revelation is not just a mere academic concern but has profound implications for how the world tracks and responds to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-define-global-warming">How to define global warming</h2>



The team of scientists, led by Professor Richard Betts MBE of the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Met Office</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, pointed out that while yearly global average temperatures are well-documented, these figures do not aptly represent the long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parts-of-europe-have-exceeded-two-degrees-of-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming trends</a> referred to in the Paris Agreement. 



The agreement focuses on sustained changes rather than fluctuations in individual years. However, the absence of a formally agreed alternative metric poses a significant problem.



Professor Betts emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “Clarity on breaching the Paris Agreement guard rails will be crucial. Without an agreement on what actually will count as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-will-exceed-1-5-degrees-but-by-how-much/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exceeding 1.5°C</a>, we risk distraction and confusion at precisely the time when action to avoid the worst effects of climate change becomes even more urgent.”



The lack of a clear metric could lead to delays and confusion in responding to climate change, at a time when prompt action is critical.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposed-solution-by-the-met-office">Proposed solution by the Met Office</h2>



To address this issue, the Met Office team proposes a novel approach. Their method involves a combination of observed global temperatures over the last decade and projections for the coming ten years. 



This approach, they argue, would provide a more accurate and timely indication of whether the world is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breaching the critical 1.5°C</a> global warming threshold level set by the Paris Agreement. Using this method, the current global warming level is approximately 1.26°C, with an uncertainty range between 1.13°C to 1.43°C.



The proposed indicator offers a more nuanced understanding of global warming. It accounts for the Earth's climate system's natural variability and the human-induced changes driving recent climate trends. 



According to Professor Betts, “Using an indicator of several years of observations and projections will smooth out the natural variation to reveal the underlying human-induced warming.” This method recognizes that even an anomalously warm year does not necessarily mean that the Paris Agreement thresholds have been met.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-warming-level-of-current-climate">Global warming level of current climate</h2>



The urgency to define global warming is underscored by provisional estimates suggesting that 2023 might be the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-2023-the-hottest-year-in-human-history-september-set-another-global-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warmest year on record</a>, surpassing 2016. This trend is part of an ongoing series of warmest years recorded since 1850, including years affected by natural climate phenomena such as El Niño. 



Professor Betts concludes, “The fact that the warmest years on record include both the highs and lows of natural climate variability is yet more evidence that climate change driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions dominates the recent climate record.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-met-office-climate-dashboard">Met Office Climate Dashboard</h2>



To support their proposal, the Met Office has introduced a new section in their <a href="https://climate.metoffice.cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Dashboard</a>. This section, titled ‘Indicators of Global Warming’, showcases eight different indicators, including the newly proposed metric. It features the Met Office HadCRUT5 data and provides a comprehensive view of global surface warming across various methodologies, complete with explanatory tables and uncertainty boundaries.



In summary, the Met Office scientists’ proposal for a new metric to measure global warming relative to the Paris Agreement goals is a crucial step towards a clearer, more actionable understanding of climate change. 



As the world gathers for <a href="https://unfccc.int/cop28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a>, this development could be instrumental in shaping global climate policy and action, ensuring that responses are timely, accurate, and in line with the collective ambition to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03775-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Formal agreement needed to define the current level of global warming

Met Office scientists have highlighted a surprising gap in the...

A recent study emphasizes the critical need for concerted efforts and commitments to address the aviation sector's impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate change</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-co2-emissions-nbsp">Non-CO2 emissions&nbsp;</h2>



The comprehensive research underscores the complex nature of aviation's environmental impact, particularly focusing on non-CO2 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/">emissions</a> like nitrogen oxides, soot, and water vapor. 



These emissions contribute significantly to global warming. For example, soot plays a role in the formation of contrails and "contrail cirrus," line-shaped clouds generated by aircraft exhaust that increase high clouds, further warming the Earth’s atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-depth-assessment-nbsp">In-depth assessment&nbsp;</h2>



The study was a collaborative effort by Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Oxford, the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>, and Imperial College London. 



The experts provide an in-depth assessment of aviation's non-CO2 effects on both climate and air quality, considering current and future technological and fuel changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inherent-uncertainties-nbsp">Inherent uncertainties&nbsp;</h2>



“What we highlight is the inherent uncertainties that remain in some of these very complex effects on climate from non-CO2 emissions," said Professor David Lee.



“More importantly, reducing the impact of emissions on the climate is not straightforward as practically all routes forward with conventional liquid hydrocarbon fuels involve ‘trade-offs’, mostly at the expense of emitting more CO2, whether it be technological or operational efforts."



“These trade-offs and uncertainties mean that there are no simple silver bullets or low-hanging fruit to solve the problem. What is often forgotten is, that while the non-CO2 climate impacts of, for example, an individual flight are short lived, a substantial proportion of the emitted CO2 persists for a very long time, literally tens of millennia. This means it is a difficult balancing act if reducing non-CO2 emissions leads to an increase in CO2 emissions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aviation-impacts">Aviation impacts</h2>



Professor Keith Shine cautions against hastily adopting strategies to decrease non-CO2 climate effects that could inadvertently increase CO2 emissions.&nbsp;



"We must be mindful that aviation affects local air quality as well as climate. Sometimes measures that improve one will be to the detriment of the other," said Professor Shine.



The researchers noted that aviation accounts for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions from human activities and approximately 3.5% of the change in the atmosphere's energy balance. It also contributes around 4% of the increase in global mean temperatures.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-challenge-nbsp">Complex challenge&nbsp;</h2>



Decarbonizing the aviation sector is challenging due to its reliance on fossil kerosene (jet fuel) and the lengthy process of developing and replacing aircraft.



The pressing issue of aviation's contribution to climate change is expected to intensify, especially with the sector's growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. This contrasts with the emission reduction efforts in other sectors.



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



Recognizing this challenge, the UK government, through the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), has announced a £10 million research program to inform policy decisions in this domain.&nbsp;



"This is a very welcome and much needed development by the government. Some of our previous research that was used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has vitally informed the government on the scale of the problem," said Professor Lee.



"We have endeavored to keep the Department for Transport informed of our work while we prepared this assessment, to inform the shape of future research needed.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/d3ea00091e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science Atmospheres</a>.



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Aviation's contribution to climate change is expected to intensify

A recent study emphasizes the critical need for concerted efforts...

A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy, Norway, Canada, and the US suggests that before their eventual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nuclear-winter-dinosaurs-were-likely-killed-by-dust/">extinction</a>, dinosaurs might have faced repeated "volcanic winters" that left them in a weakened state.&nbsp;



These findings come from an analysis of sulfur and fluorine gasses trapped in ancient volcanic rocks from the <a href="https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/dinosaurs-ancient-fossils/extinction/deccan-traps-volcanoes#:~:text=The%20Deccan%20Traps%20date%20back,volcanic%20eruption%20ever%20on%20land." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deccan Traps supervolcano</a>, which erupted around 200,000 years before the asteroid impact that is widely believed to have caused the dinosaurs’ extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-volcanic-winters">Studying volcanic winters</h2>



The study, which focuses on these gases, reveals that their release could have caused global temperatures to drop by up to 18 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).&nbsp;



This discovery contributes to the ongoing debate among paleontologists and scientists regarding the precise cause of the dinosaurs’ demise. The research aligns with the "press-pulse extinction model," which suggests that a combination of factors led to the extinction event.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unstable-climate-conditions">Unstable climate conditions</h2>



“Our research demonstrates that climatic conditions were almost certainly unstable, with repeated volcanic winters that could have lasted decades, prior to the extinction of the dinosaurs,” said study co-author Don Baker, a geologist at <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McGill University</a> in Montreal.&nbsp;



“Our work helps explain this significant extinction event that led to the rise of mammals and the evolution of our species.”



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



The team analyzed sulfur and fluorine compounds in samples from the Deccan Traps in India’s Western Ghats, near Bombay. They employed synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry to measure these compounds’ concentrations. Baker likened the process to cooking pasta, where a small amount of the salt in boiling water is absorbed by the pasta.&nbsp;



Similarly, the team estimated the volume of sulfur and fluorine gases that entered the atmosphere during the Cretaceous period based on the compounds’ presence in the lava rocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



Notably, the researchers found that the highest sulfur content, as high as 1,800 parts-per-million, correlated with a drop in temperature during the late Cretaceous period. They estimated that between 86,000 and 466,000 cubic-kilometers of sulfur gas were released into the atmosphere, leading to significant climatic changes.



Although the team did not attribute major climate change to fluorine gases, they noted these gases' toxic local effects, including acid rain, crop failure, and livestock poisoning, as observed in historical accounts of the Laki volcano eruptions in Iceland in the 18th century. These effects might have similarly impacted the dinosaurs’ environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-multiple-triggers">Multiple triggers</h2>



The researchers conclude that the Deccan Traps’ volcanic activity set the stage for a global biotic crisis by triggering repeated short volcanic winters.&nbsp;



However, they believe the "final blow" was the Chicxulub asteroid impact in Mexico, which caused massive environmental devastation. This impact, combined with the preceding volcanic activity, likely accelerated the dinosaurs’ extinction.



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



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg8284" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, highlights the intricate interplay of environmental factors leading up to one of Earth’s most significant extinction events.&nbsp;



“Our dataset indicates that volcanic-driven climate disturbance was already underway,” the researchers noted, underscoring the complexity of the events that led to the end of the dinosaur era.



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



As mentioned above, volcanic winters are climatic events resulting from major volcanic eruptions that inject large amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the Earth's stratosphere. Let's dig a little deeper.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-of-volcanic-winters">Mechanism of volcanic winters</h3>



Eruption Dynamics: Large volcanic eruptions expel ash and gases high into the stratosphere.



Formation of Sulfur Aerosols: The sulfur dioxide reacts to form sulfuric acid aerosols, which reflect sunlight away from Earth, leading to cooling.



Longevity in the Stratosphere: These aerosols can remain in the stratosphere for years, prolonging their cooling effect.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-winters-impact-on-climate">Volcanic winters' impact on climate</h3>



Global Cooling: Volcanic winters typically result in a noticeable drop in global or regional temperatures.



Weather Pattern Disruptions: These temperature changes can alter normal weather patterns, causing droughts or excessive rainfall.



Agricultural Impact: Reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures adversely affect crop yields, potentially leading to famines.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-instances">Historical instances</h3>



The Year Without a Summer (1816): Following the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, 1816 experienced dramatically lowered temperatures, leading to widespread crop failures.



The Toba Catastrophe (Around 74,000 Years Ago): The Toba super-volcano eruption is believed to have caused a decade-long volcanic winter, severely impacting early human populations.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-concerns-and-future-risks">Modern concerns and future risks</h3>



Today, advanced monitoring and climate modeling allow for better prediction and preparedness for volcanic winters. A major eruption today could significantly impact our globalized society, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.



In summary, volcanic winters, though rare, pose a significant risk due to their ability to alter global climates and disrupt human activities. Understanding and preparing for these events is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world.



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Volcanic winters weakened the dinosaurs before the asteroid hit

A recent study by a team of researchers from Italy,...

Researchers at <a href="https://nau.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northern Arizona University</a> have shared new details about the resilience of coast redwoods, particularly their recovery from severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-fires-have-released-a-billion-tons-of-carbon-dioxide/">fires</a>. 



The study was focused on the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, a devastating event in August of 2020. In California's Big Basin State Park, the fire burned thousands of acres of redwoods - including some that were over 1,500 years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resilient-redwoods-nbsp">Resilient redwoods&nbsp;</h2>



A team from NAU’s Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (Ecoss) and the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS) meticulously examined the aftermath of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire.



The researchers found that many of the trees that were initially believed to be dead were actually far from it. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-survival-strategy-nbsp">Remarkable survival strategy&nbsp;</h2>



The redwoods, known for storing massive amounts of carbon, had utilized these reserves to fuel new growth. Remarkably, new leaves sprouted from buried buds, dormant for centuries, signaling the start of the forest's regeneration.



This incredible discovery opens up questions about the survival strategies of other long-lived plants and their adaptation to severe environmental stresses.



“It remains to be determined if redwood’s old reserves and ancient cell lines are an exception in the plant kingdom or an exceptional example of an insurance strategy common to long-lived plants,” said study co-author Professor George Koch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-carbon-reserves-nbsp">Ancient carbon reserves&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers used computer modeling to analyze the age of the carbon reserves in these ancient trees. The results were astonishing: some trees used carbon reserves that were decades or perhaps even a century old.



The team’s updated models showed that the redwoods’ reserves included carbon captured 50 to 100 years ago.&nbsp;



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



“As far as we know, these are some of the oldest carbon reserves ever measured,” said study lead author Professor Drew Peltier.&nbsp;



“Sugars photosynthesized perhaps 100 years ago were used to grow new leaves in 2021. Although coast redwood is clearly a superlative species, it is likely that other long-lived trees also harbor carbon reserves that are much older than previously recognized.”



“This study was really exciting for us because we used measurements at the atomic level - counting the amount of carbon-14 relative to carbon-12 - to understand what these sprouts, which start as tiny green shoots, are telling us about the growth strategy of these enormous trees, among the largest living organisms on earth,” said study co-author Professor Andrew Richardson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forest-recovery">Forest recovery</h2>



Despite the optimism, the study also brings to light the harsh reality of forest recovery. Many redwoods and other tree species in Big Basin did not survive the fire. 



The researchers noted that, although the coast redwood demonstrates exceptional resprouting capabilities, it might take centuries for the Big Basin forest ecosystem to fully recover.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01581-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Plants</a>.



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Rising from the ashes: How some redwoods recover from fire

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have shared new details about...

Researchers at the <a href="https://www.port.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Portsmouth</a> have discovered that plastic waste in aquatic environments may be severely disrupting the reproductive behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-45000-marine-species-are-endangered-by-human-impacts/">marine animals</a>.&nbsp;



The experts say that plastic waste in the water might be stopping - or interrupting - some creatures from reproducing.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-marine-plastic-waste">Studying marine plastic waste</h2>



The study was specifically focused on the marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus, a shrimp-like creature that has a wide distribution.



Previous research on marine plastic pollution has typically examined the physical dangers, such as entrapment and ingestion. Instead, the Portsmouth study explored the chemical composition of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a>, particularly the additives that enhance their properties.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsuccessful-mating-nbsp">Unsuccessful mating&nbsp;</h2>



The study reveals that chemicals commonly found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> are altering the reproductive behavior of E. marinus. This could have serious consequences not only for the species but also for the entire marine ecosystem.



“This unsuccessful mating behavior has serious repercussions, not only for the species being tested but potentially for the population as a whole," explained Professor Alex Ford from Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences.



"These animals form pairs to reproduce. Once they were exposed to a chemical, they would break apart from their mate and take much longer -in some cases days - to repair, and sometimes not at all."



“These creatures are commonly found on European shores, where they make up a substantial amount of the diet of fish and birds. If they are compromised it will have an effect on the whole food chain.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-widespread-use-of-chemicals-nbsp">Widespread use of chemicals&nbsp;</h2>



The research sheds light on the widespread use of chemicals in everyday products. Out of over 350,000 chemicals used globally, about 10,000 are employed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reef-plastic-pollution-increases-with-depth-and-near-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastics</a> for various purposes, including flexibility, color enhancement, sun protection, and fire resistance.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, a third of these chemicals are toxic to human health, affecting the immune, nervous, or reproductive systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plastic-additives-nbsp">Plastic additives&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers tested four common <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastics-are-a-hazard-at-every-stage-of-their-life-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic additives</a>: phthalates (DEHP and DBP), Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and N-butyl benzenesulfonamide (NBBS). These chemicals are found in a range of products, from medical supplies and food packaging to electronic equipment and cooking utensils.



The study revealed that all the tested additives hindered the pairing process of the amphipods, with some even causing a substantial decline in sperm count.



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



“Although the animals we tested were exposed to much higher concentrations than you would normally find in the environment, the results indicate these chemicals can affect sperm count," said Professor Ford.



“It is conceivable that if we did the experiment on shrimps that had been exposed for a longer period or during critical stages in their life history, it would affect their sperm levels and quality.”



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



Study lead author Bidemi Green-Ojo, a PhD researcher in Environmental Toxicology, emphasized the importance of understanding the effects of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals on aquatic life</a>.&nbsp;



“We must understand more about these chemicals and how they affect behavior. Many types of behavior - such as feeding, fight or flight mode, and reproduction - are essential in an animal's life, and any atypical behavior may reduce the chances of survival," said Green-Ojo.



“We are urging environment agencies around the world to take more notice of behavioral data, because sometimes the data tells us things that normal toxicity tests don’t. Studies like this give a different perspective on potential damage caused by a specific pollutant.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122946" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Pollution</a>.



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Plastic waste is disrupting the sex lives of marine animals

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth have discovered that plastic...

During the early Miocene era, about 19 million years ago, Antarctica’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-is-heading-for-a-tipping-point-as-antarctic-ice-sheets-melt/">ice sheets</a> underwent rapid and frequent growth and recession, posing a potential parallel to Earth’s future climate trajectory if current carbon emission trends persist.&nbsp;



Understanding these ice sheets’ historical patterns is crucial, as their future behavior under a warming climate holds significant global implications, including potential sea level rises of over 50 meters and impacts on ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and regional climates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapidly-fluctuating-ice-sheets">Rapidly fluctuating ice sheets</h2>



Recent research led by the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin–Madison</a> and international collaborators reveals new insights into this period. The study found that between 19.2 and 18.8 million years ago, Antarctic ice sheets fluctuated multiple times within just a few thousand years.&nbsp;



These changes are more rapid than the expected Milankovitch cycles, which typically influence Earth’s climate and ice sheets over much longer spans.



“Our observation of this rapid volatility of the Antarctic ice sheets raises the interesting question of what's causing it,” said lead author Nicholas Sullivan, a 2022 PhD graduate from UW–Madison.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sediment-cores">Sediment cores</h2>



This discovery was made possible by the <a href="https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/antarctic/research/past-research-prog/andrill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Drilling Project</a> (ANDRILL), an international initiative that retrieved sediment records from beneath the Antarctic seabed, providing valuable data on past climatic conditions.



“We could clearly see the influence of long-term climate cycles on ice sheet extent in the rock and sediment cores we recovered in 2007, but our initial observations weren’t detailed enough to detect shorter-term changes,” explained co-author Richard Levy, a professor at <a href="https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victoria University of Wellington</a> and principal scientist at <a href="https://www.gns.cri.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GNS Science</a>, New Zealand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



The new analysis enables the documentation of past ice sheet changes over remarkably short periods, even as brief as five centuries.&nbsp;



Stephen Meyers, a UW–Madison geoscience professor who collaborated with Sullivan, praises the sediment records as a remarkable archive, noting their content of small gravel bits shed from icebergs, which indicate ice sheet proximity to specific seafloor areas.



Sullivan’s research, which initially sought to identify Milankovitch cycles in the sediment, uncovered variations in gravel abundance, hinting at ice sheets’ recurring advancements and retreats in intervals as short as 1,200 years.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-sheet-behavior-nbsp">Ice sheet behavior&nbsp;</h2>



The precise triggers for these frequent changes remain uncertain, but the team proposes several theories, including the possibility of ice sheets becoming extremely heavy and collapsing, or friction-generated heat under thick ice sheets temporarily accelerating their movement.



These findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing ice sheet behavior, beyond just Earth’s orbital changes, especially in the context of ongoing global warming.&nbsp;



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



While the early Miocene is not a perfect analogy for today’s climate, the study suggests that Antarctica’s ice sheets could undergo rapid and unexpected changes in the future if greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures continue to rise.



“It was long thought that Antarctica’s ice sheets remained large and stable over long periods of time. But the closer we look, the more we realize just how sensitive the ice sheets are to environmental change," said Levy.



This insight is key as we consider the pace at which we need to adapt to future sea level rise driven by melt and retreat of our planet’s ice sheets."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304152120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Antarctica’s ice has a history of rapid and unexpected changes

During the early Miocene era, about 19 million years ago,...

In a stark warning on the state of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-is-global-warming-affecting-the-human-brain/">global warming</a>, the United Nations has announced at COP28 that 2023 is on track to be the warmest year on record. 



According to a provisional report from the <a href="https://wmo.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN World Meteorological Organization</a> (WMO), global temperatures have already risen 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels this year. The alarming revelation comes as world leaders convene for the COP28 conference in Dubai.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-time-climate-collapse-nbsp">Real-time climate collapse&nbsp;</h2>



In a video statement accompanying the launch of the WMO report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for decisive action. “We are living through climate collapse in real time – and the impact is devastating."



"The world is heating up at an unprecedented pace, new climate data shows, and leaders gathered for the COP28 conference which opened in Dubai on Thursday must get us out of 'deep trouble."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-melt-season">Extreme melt season</h2>



Guterres said the race is on to maintain the 1.5-degree limit set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, pointing to his recent visits to Antarctica and Nepal. He was shocked by the unprecedented environmental changes, including a significant reduction in Antarctic sea ice and rapidly receding glaciers.&nbsp;



The WMO report further detailed an "extreme melt season" in western North America and the European Alps, contributing to record-high sea levels due to ongoing ocean warming and ice melt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gases-nbsp">Greenhouse gases&nbsp;</h2>



Compounding these challenges, atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide have hit record highs.



WMO revealed that carbon dioxide levels are 50 percent above the pre-industrial era and that the long-lasting effects of CO2 will cause temperatures to rise for many years to come.



“These are more than just statistics,” said WMO chief Petteri Taalas, calling for action to “limit the risks of an increasingly inhospitable climate in this and the coming centuries."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-lives-and-livelihoods-nbsp">Human lives and livelihoods&nbsp;</h2>



The report also highlighted the devastating effects of climate change on human lives and livelihoods.&nbsp;



Events like Cyclone Daniel in Libya and severe floods in the Horn of Africa, exacerbated by consecutive seasons of drought, underline the grim reality of climate upheaval. These extreme weather events have led to widespread food insecurity and displacement across the globe.



“Record global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders,” said Guterres. “And it should trigger them to act."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy">Renewable energy</h2>



Guterres reiterated his call for countries to increase their commitment to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and phase out fossil fuels.&nbsp;



According to the report, renewable energy capacity grew by 10 percent worldwide last year, led by solar and wind power.



Guterres pointed to the existing roadmap to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He urged governments to set “clear expectations” for the next round of climate action plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cop28-conference">COP28 conference</h2>



The COP28 conference, running from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, marks the 28th session of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).&nbsp;



This year's conference includes a crucial "global stocktake" to assess progress on emissions reduction and adaptation efforts.&nbsp;



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



The Secretary-General stressed the importance of protecting people from climate chaos by implementing early warnings for extreme weather and operationalizing a fund to assist those most affected by climate disasters.



Guterres also urged developed countries to fulfill their promise of delivering $100 billion per year in climate finance, and to double funding for adaptation efforts.&nbsp;



With over 60,000 delegates attending, including youth activists and indigenous community representatives, COP28 is a critical juncture for assessing global commitments under the Paris Agreement and accelerating ambitious climate action.



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Climate collapse: UN chief urges COP28 leaders to get us out of "deep trouble"

In a stark warning on the state of global warming,...

The escalating crisis of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-crisis-how-can-we-stop-massive-forest-losses/">deforestation</a> in Mexico, primarily fueled by the US’ soaring demand for avocados, is a concern that <a href="https://cri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Rights International</a> (CRI) squarely attributes to the inaction of both US and Mexican federal governments, as well as local authorities in Michoacán and Jalisco. 



Despite having the capacity to intervene, these governmental bodies have failed to take effective measures, according to CRI.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-corruption">Corruption</h2>



In a recent <a href="https://cri.org/reports/unholy-guacamole/">report</a> CRI identifies two key issues at the heart of local environmental authorities’ failure: corruption and violence. In Michoacán, for instance, the State Prosecutor’s Office’s unit tasked with investigating avocado-related deforestation is reportedly plagued by corruption.&nbsp;



This situation allows those responsible for deforestation to operate with impunity, mocking the powerlessness of the forest commission, as per a forest official’s statement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-violence-and-threats">Violence and threats</h2>



Additionally, any resistance to avocado growers is often met with violence or threats, effectively silencing both governmental authorities and local communities who have tried to hold these growers accountable. The situation is further complicated as criminal syndicates vie for a share in this lucrative industry, valued at billions of dollars annually.



The consequences of such resistance can be severe, with instances of kidnapping and even murder of community group members reported.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drastic-measures-nbsp">Drastic measures&nbsp;</h2>



CRI criticizes the US government for its role, highlighting that it “routinely certifies illegally deforested orchards to export to US consumers.” This lack of adequate action from the authorities meant to safeguard the land and communities has led some locals to take drastic measures.



In Cherán, Michoacán, frustrated residents ousted the local government in 2011 due to rampant illegal logging and violence, establishing their own governance and police force to enforce anti-deforestation laws. Michoacán eventually acknowledged the authority of this self-established government.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-imports-nbsp">Avocado imports&nbsp;</h2>



CRI emphasizes that localized responses alone are insufficient to tackle such pervasive problems. In its report, CRI outlines several recommendations, including a call for both the Mexican and US governments to enforce deforestation and avocado cultivation laws effectively. One key proposal is for the US to ban the import of avocados cultivated on illegally deforested land.



Despite these recommendations, as recently as last year, the US sanctioned avocado imports from Jalisco without implementing deforestation safeguards.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deteriorating-situation">Deteriorating situation</h2>



CRI warns that if decisive action is not taken soon, the situation will continue to deteriorate, especially given the ever-increasing American appetite for avocados.



“Urgently enacting and implementing such regulations and policies is essential to averting climate catastrophe, and to protecting the rights of populations where the commodities are produced,” officials from CRI concluded.



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America's demand for avocados linked to escalating crisis in Mexico

The escalating crisis of deforestation in Mexico, primarily fueled by...

Car,Pipe,With,Co2,Carbon,Dioxide,Emissions.,Combustion,Fumes,Coming

A troubling study reveals startling statistics on the impact of air pollution caused by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-chief-fossil-fuel-era-must-end-for-humanitys-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a>. The new research estimates that 5.1 million extra deaths occur annually worldwide due to this issue. 



This figure represents a staggering 61% of the total 8.3 million deaths attributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-research-proves-that-air-pollution-causes-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ambient air pollution</a> from all sources in 2019. The study emphasizes the significant health benefits that could be realized by replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-estimating-fossil-fuel-pollution-deaths">Estimating fossil fuel pollution deaths</h2>



While ambient air pollution is recognized as a major environmental threat to health and longevity, pinpointing deaths to specific sources of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/safe-levels-of-air-pollution-can-negatively-impact-the-developing-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> has been a complex task with varying outcomes in worldwide studies.



In response to this challenge, a team of international researchers devised a novel model. This model aimed to calculate both general and specific mortality rates linked to fossil fuel-related air pollution. Additionally, it evaluated the potential health advantages of adopting policies that transition from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-current-fossil-fuel-plans-will-shatter-1-5c-climate-goal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> to clean, renewable energy alternatives.



This team conducted their analysis by determining the surplus of deaths (the count exceeding the expected number in a specific timeframe). They employed the <a href="https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/gbd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Burden of Disease 2019</a> study's findings, data on fine particulate matter from <a href="https://ww.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> satellites, population statistics, and advanced simulations in atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, and risk factors for the year 2019. Their analysis encompassed four distinct scenarios.



In the initial scenario, they hypothesized a complete elimination of emissions from fossil fuels. The second and third scenarios considered reductions in exposure by 25% and 50%, respectively, as steps towards complete fossil fuel elimination. The final scenario envisaged the removal of all human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-makes-it-difficult-for-bees-to-find-flowers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution sources</a>, leaving only natural elements like desert dust and wildfires as contributors.



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



The study revealed that in 2019, the global death toll linked to ambient air pollutants like fine particles and ozone amounted to 8.3 million, with fossil fuels responsible for 61% of these deaths (5.1 million). This number represents 82% of the total possible deaths from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/short-term-exposure-to-air-pollution-increases-stroke-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> that could be avoided if all human-made emissions were controlled.



The most significant impact of ambient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-air-pollution-could-greatly-boost-carbon-sequestration-by-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> was observed in South and East Asia, especially in China, which experienced 2.44 million deaths annually, and India with 2.18 million. Over half of these deaths (52%) were associated with prevalent health issues, including ischemic heart disease (30%), stroke (16%), chronic obstructive lung disease (16%), and diabetes (6%). 



Approximately 20% of the deaths could not be specifically categorized, but they are suspected to be partly related to conditions like high blood pressure and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elimination-of-fossil-fuel-pollution">Elimination of fossil fuel pollution</h2>



Eradicating fossil fuels would lead to the most substantial decrease in deaths attributed to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-link-between-air-pollution-and-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> in South, South East, and East Asia, potentially preventing about 3.85 million deaths each year. This figure is equivalent to 80-85% of the deaths that could potentially be avoided from all human-made air pollution sources in these areas.



In wealthier nations, which largely rely on fossil fuels, about 460,000 deaths per year could be prevented by phasing out these energy sources. This number constitutes roughly 90% of the preventable deaths from all human-caused <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-non-lung-cancers-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a> sources in these countries.



The researchers noted that their new model produced higher death estimates compared to previous studies. This increase is attributed to the inclusion of both general and disease-specific mortality and basing their estimates exclusively on studies of ambient air pollution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cop28-and-the-paris-agreement">COP28 and the Paris agreement</h2>



Despite some remaining uncertainties, the researchers emphasize that replacing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/millions-of-orphaned-oil-and-gas-wells-litter-the-world-and-must-be-cleaned-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> with clean, renewable energy aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement's 2050 climate neutrality goal, offering significant benefits for both public health and the environment.



The researchers acknowledge some uncertainties in their model but emphasize the significant public health benefits of replacing fossil fuels. The upcoming <a href="https://unfccc.int/cop28" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COP28</a> climate change negotiations in the United Arab Emirates are seen as a pivotal opportunity to advance the fossil fuel phase-out agenda.



Accompanying the study, an editorial by researchers from Finland and Norway highlights that preventing deaths is just one aspect of the issue. Improved air quality could also reduce the burden of several major diseases. They advocate for a just and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels, emphasizing the role of high-income countries in leading this transition.



In summary, as COP28 approaches, the call for an accelerated phase-out of fossil fuels is clear. The potential health benefits, alongside the positive impact on the climate, make this an urgent and necessary commitment for global leaders.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2023-077784" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMJ</a>.



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Air pollution from fossil fuels kills 5 million people each year

A troubling study reveals startling statistics on the impact of...

Researchers from <a href="https://www.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell University</a> have investigated the climate history of the San Joaquin Valley. The study reveals a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate</a> marked by intense weather extremes of droughts and floods.



For the investigation, the researchers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-rings-confirm-the-historic-significance-of-2021-heat-wave/">tree ring</a> data from over 600 years to reconstruct an extensive record of weather and streamflow scenarios.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-extremes">Weather extremes</h2>



This innovative research method, which combined paleoclimatic data with synthetic weather generation, ultimately provides a new lens through which to prepare for climate-related risks.



The study sheds light on the weather extremes that have historically plagued the San Joaquin Valley in central California. These climate extremes include prolonged periods of both drought and floods, surpassing anything recorded in recent history in terms of severity and duration.



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



The study insights are particularly important given the valley's status as a major agricultural center and a crucial source of produce for the nation.



Over the last few years, the region has seen a wild swing between severe drought and significant atmospheric rivers. This makes the valley a bellwether for the climate hazards that are facing the rest of California and much of the world, noted study co-senior author Patrick Reed, professor of Engineering at Cornell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights">Critical insights</h2>



One of the key findings of the study is the role of natural variability in influencing short-term weather extremes. However, human-induced climate change becomes a significant factor over periods exceeding 30 years.&nbsp;



The last six centuries have witnessed prolonged phases of heavy rainfall and severe drought that can persist for decades.&nbsp;



Surprisingly, the severity of droughts in the past 30 years rivals some of the worst in the 600-year record, but with a slightly shorter duration. The experts noted that hydroclimatic risks may be underestimated when they are based exclusively on modern records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-variability">Natural variability</h2>



One of the most significant implications of this research is its potential impact on policy and planning.&nbsp;



“Folks typically want to separate out internal variability versus climate change, just to get a sense of the signal change with anthropogenic warming,” said Professor Reed. 



“But when we’re planning in complex water systems, both are occurring. And we need a sense of what happens when they come together. And what happens is we get extremes we’ve never seen. This opens the envelope of plausible futures in a much wider sense.”



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



The study suggests that the convergence of natural variability and anthropogenic climate change is likely to result in more frequent, severe, and protracted flood and drought extremes than have been seen in the past 600 years.&nbsp;



The research provides invaluable insights into California's climate history and serves as a crucial tool for future climate resilience planning.



The study was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The results are published in <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF003909" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s Future</a>, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.



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California’s weather extremes found in 600-year-old tree rings

Researchers from Cornell University have investigated the climate history of...

Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels and one of the most catastrophic marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-predict-a-new-mass-extinction-that-will-wipe-out-humans-and-all-mammals/">extinction events</a> in Earth’s history.&nbsp;



The research not only illuminates our understanding of past global changes but also issues a stark warning about the current fragility of marine ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-jurassic-mass-extinction">Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction</h2>



The study was focused on the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, which occurred approximately 200 million years ago. This event is among the Earth's major mass extinctions, periods characterized by significant global ecosystem collapses and widespread species extinctions.&nbsp;



Historically, these events have been closely associated with global environmental disturbances, frequently resulting in reduced oxygen levels (anoxia) in oceanic waters.



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



A common hypothesis has been that greater extents of ocean deoxygenation would naturally lead to larger scale extinctions. However, the current study challenges this assumption by demonstrating that the level of euxinia (an extreme form of deoxygenation) during the Triassic–Jurassic extinction was similar to what we observe today.



The research team, including experts from Royal Holloway (UK), <a href="https://www.tcd.ie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a> (Ireland), and Utrecht University (Netherlands), analyzed chemical data extracted from ancient mudstone deposits in Northern Ireland and Germany.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



The results of the analysis highlight the role of anoxia in the marine extinctions during this period. The study also reveals a surprising limitation in the global extent of extreme deoxygenation at the time.



The experts found a correlation between increased extinction rates and spikes in deoxygenation across shallow marine environments along European continental margins.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cautionary-tale-nbsp">Cautionary tale&nbsp;</h2>



Upon further investigation, the team determined that the global extent of extreme deoxygenation was rather limited, and similar to the present day.&nbsp;



The research serves as a cautionary tale about the current state of our oceans, suggesting that they may be more vulnerable than previously thought.&nbsp;



The study of past global change events is invaluable in understanding the consequences of modern climate change, as well as in predicting and possibly mitigating future ecosystem tipping points.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cascading-impacts">Cascading impacts</h2>



“Scientists have long suspected that ocean deoxygenation plays an important role in the disturbance of marine ecosystems, which can lead to the extinction of species in marine environments," said study co-author Professor Micha Ruhl.



"The study of past time intervals of extreme environmental change indeed shows this to be the case, which teaches us important lessons about potential tipping points in local, as well as global ecosystems in response to climatic forcing."



“Crucially however, the current findings show that even when the global extent of deoxygenation is similar to the present day, the local development of anoxic conditions and subsequent locally increased extinction rates can cascade in widespread or global ecosystem collapse and extinctions, even in areas where deoxygenation did not occur."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-ecosystem-stability-nbsp">Assessing ecosystem stability&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Ruhl said the research shows that global marine ecosystems become vulnerable, even when only local environments along the edges of the continents are disturbed.



"Understanding such processes is of paramount importance for assessing present day ecosystem stability, and associated food supply, especially in a world where marine deoxygenation is projected to significantly increase in response to global warming and increased nutrient run-off from continents.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01303-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>



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Today's ocean oxygen levels may have cascading impacts

Scientists have uncovered a crucial connection between ocean oxygen levels...

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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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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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Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

[sendtonews key="fxH3eJHEkQ-2010196-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard 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

[sendtonews key="Ccjk8KEMzv-2550719-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

[sendtonews key="6SdlLLbt0t-1988946-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NTU...

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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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

[sendtonews key="gRpsplpwpe-2251464-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

[sendtonews key="sFFhiK9OOn-1720418-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

[sendtonews key="yPSXGZek1I-2312529-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



Image/ Video Credit: ESA



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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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

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



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



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



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



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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

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