Top ocean experts have published a report that redefines the concept of sustainable fishing and proposes 11 “golden rules” that challenge the current flawed approach in fisheries management.&nbsp;



The report, released shortly before <a href="https://www.oceanweek.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brussels’ Ocean Week</a> and ahead of the <a href="https://ocean-climate.org/en/unoc2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UN Ocean Conference</a> in Nice, aims to halt the ongoing destruction of the oceans caused by fishing and ensure the restoration of abundant fish populations to sustain future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guiding-principles-of-sustainable-fishing-nbsp">Guiding principles of sustainable fishing&nbsp;</h2>



The rules are introduced at a time when scientists have dramatically downgraded their assessment of the ocean's health. The guiding principles underlying the rules aim to revolutionize the way we manage the ocean's exploitation.



According to the first guiding principle, fishing must minimize impacts on marine species and habitats, adapt to climate change, and promote the regeneration of depleted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a>.



In addition, fishing must support the health, well-being, and resilience of communities, particularly the most vulnerable, rather than merely benefit corporations that funnel profits to owners and shareholders while others bear the costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-vision-of-sustainable-fishing-nbsp">A new vision of sustainable fishing&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers hope their work will serve as the foundation for a complete reform of the current mismanagement of the Earth's largest common resource - the ocean.



The scientists call on policymakers, retailers, fishers, and industry leaders to embrace this new vision and commit to implementing these reforms.



Today, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> is widely recognized as the leading cause of ocean destruction. The authors of the report decided to collaborate after reaching a consensus that the current definition of “sustainable fishing” is dangerously outdated and contributes to the depletion of marine species, destruction of natural habitats and carbon sinks, and the decline of artisanal fishing communities worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdated-concept-of-sustainability-nbsp">Outdated concept of sustainability&nbsp;</h2>



“The current concept of ‘sustainable fishing,’ adopted by governments and private actors since the post-war period is scientifically obsolete,” said lead author Callum Roberts, a professor at the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and chief scientist at the <a href="https://convexseascapesurvey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Convex Seascape Survey</a>.&nbsp;



“It relies on a simplistic, productivist theory which assumes that as long as global catch volumes remain below a set limit, anyone can fish just about anything, anywhere, with any method.”



“Can we truly claim that all fishing gear is environmentally and socially equal? We currently label fisheries as sustainable without considering their impact on marine ecosystems or human factors, such as crew safety and rights,” added Jennifer Jacquet, a professor at the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Miami</a>.



The scientists denounce the outdated approach to sustainability, which fails to address key environmental, human, and developmental factors.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressing-issues-like-biodiversity-loss-nbsp">Pressing issues like biodiversity loss&nbsp;</h2>



Despite widespread acceptance by industry and consumers, current sustainability standards overlook pressing issues like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> loss and climate change, while supporting high-capital industrial practices that primarily benefit the Global North.&nbsp;



These practices harm ecosystems, threaten artisanal fishing and food security, and jeopardize jobs, while undermining humans' universal right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable ocean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minimizing-environmental-harm">Minimizing environmental harm</h2>



The scientists reached another consensus: fisheries must be managed in a way that minimizes environmental harm while maximizing social benefits, particularly in the context of a rapidly warming planet and growing global hunger.



To address these challenges, a group of leading ocean researchers has developed a visionary approach to ocean exploitation.&nbsp;



This comprehensive, interdisciplinary definition of “fisheries sustainability” incorporates insights from biology, oceanography, social sciences, and economics.



The proposed rules provide a foundation for economic stakeholders and political leaders to transition to a sustainable fishing model that is viable for the long term.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-sustainable-fishing-nbsp">Rethinking sustainable fishing&nbsp;</h2>



The framework envisions a future where fishing ensures abundant fish stocks for humanity’s long-term needs.



“Our work advocates for fisheries that preserve ocean ecosystems’ vital functions, mitigate climate change, guarantee food security and respect human rights,” said Daniel Pauly, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>.



This innovative approach recognizes the ecological, social, and ethical roles of fishing, proposing a systemic and sustainable model that involves market players, policymakers, and legal frameworks.&nbsp;



Roberts emphasized the need for a shift in perspective: “We must view fishing as a privilege rather than a right. Marine life is a public good that should both benefit society and nature, not be the object of a resource race driven by private gains.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ambitious-yet-realistic-proposals-nbsp">Ambitious yet realistic proposals&nbsp;</h2>



The proposals outlined in the report are ambitious yet realistic, with many actions rooted in proven successful practices.



The scientists urge policymakers, retailers, and fisheries managers to acknowledge the failures of current fishing practices and prioritize adopting the proposed golden rules.&nbsp;



Supermarkets, which are responsible for nearly two-thirds of European seafood sales, play a pivotal role in driving this transition. They can influence fishing practices through their sourcing policies, scrutinize “sustainability” labels, and respond to growing consumer concerns about the hidden impacts of their food.



“We are witnessing a growing disconnect between the widespread availability of supposedly sustainable fish products, the collapse of ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-ecosystems-survive-extinctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a> and the frequency of reported human rights’ abuses. Supermarkets must stop misleading consumers,” said Pauline Bricault, markets campaign manager at <a href="https://www.bloomassociation.org/en/about-us/the-team-at-bloom/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BLOOM</a>.



“Both the IPCC and IPBES have set 2030 as a deadline for critical changes. Industry stakeholders have no more excuses, they must act now.”



The call to action is urgent, with 2030 looming as a critical deadline for implementing necessary changes to avert further damage to ocean ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for global fisheries.



The report, titled “Rethinking sustainability of marine fisheries for a fast-changing planet,” was published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44183-024-00078-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">npj Ocean Sustainability</a>.&nbsp;



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‘Sustainable fishing’ must be redefined to halt ocean destruction

Top ocean experts have published a report that redefines the concept of sustainable fishing and proposes 11 “golden rules” that challenge the current flawed approach in fisheries management.&nbsp; The report, released shortly before Brussels’ Ocean Week and ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, aims to halt the ongoing destruction of the oceans caused by fishing and ensure the restoration of abundant fish populations to sustain future generations. Guiding principles of sustainable fishing&nbsp; The rules are introduced at a time when scientists have dramatically downgraded their...

A,Crown,Of,Thorns,Starfish,Feeds,On,A,Bleached,,Dead

Recent studies from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have illuminated a grim reality for coral reefs globally. Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish, notorious predators in coral environments, are exhibiting an unexpected resilience to heatwaves, surpassing the very corals they prey upon.



This discovery not only highlights a disturbing imbalance in reef ecosystems but also signals potential accelerations in the devastation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral populations</a>, which are already struggling due to climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unseen-threat-to-coral-reefs">Unseen threat to coral reefs</h2>



Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) are no strangers to the warm waters of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Barrier Reef</a> and the broader Indo-Pacific region. These marine animals, while native, are considered a species of concern. 



Their capacity for destruction is eclipsed only by phenomena such as cyclones and coral bleaching events. However, the new research indicates that these starfish might pose an even greater threat as the planet continues to warm.



In a disturbing twist, it appears that these starfish are not just survivors but potential opportunists in the face of climate change, with their juveniles patiently biding their time before wreaking havoc on recovering coral communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crown-of-thorns-starfish-like-the-heat">Crown-of-thorns starfish like the heat</h2>



Led by <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/maria-byrne.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Maria Byrne</a>, this study emphasized the surprising tolerance of juvenile COTS to increased water temperatures. These young starfish can withstand conditions almost threefold those that trigger <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rescue-underway-florida-is-battling-an-unprecedented-coral-bleaching-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a>, presenting an alarming scenario for coral recovery amidst frequent environmental stressors.



"This is an important finding that has implications for understanding the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, especially the influence of understudied small cryptic species," explained Professor Byrne.



The resilience of juvenile COTS contrasts starkly with the vulnerabilities of coral populations, which experience bleaching and mortality with a mere 1-3 degrees Celsius increase above the typical summer maximum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waiting-game-in-warming-waters">Waiting game in warming waters</h2>



One of the most sinister aspects of this discovery is the patient nature of the COTS' lifecycle. While adult populations might decline due to various factors, including a lack of prey or increased temperatures, the juveniles can survive for extended periods on alternative diets.



The rubbles of dead corals, a byproduct of bleaching events and starfish feeding frenzies, offer an ideal habitat for these juvenile starfish. Here, they can sustain themselves and wait, sometimes for up to six years, for the corals to return. Then, as the reefs begin to show signs of life, these juveniles mature and commence their destructive feeding, continuing a vicious cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compounding-factors-in-starfish-survival">Compounding factors in starfish survival</h2>



The study also identified specific characteristics contributing to the juvenile starfish's survival in increasingly hostile conditions. Their small size potentially diminishes their physiological needs, while their flexible diets mean they don't solely rely on corals for sustenance.



These adaptations make them particularly suited to capitalize on the adverse conditions climate change creates. "The heat resistance and potential for the juveniles to gradually build-up in the reef infrastructure in coral rubble over years might be a phenomenon contributing to the initiation of adult crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks," said Matt Clements, a PhD student and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cots-push-ecosystems-to-their-tipping-point">COTS push ecosystems to their tipping point</h2>



The implications of this research are vast and concerning. Currents threats like overfishing, nutrient build-up, and now the resilience of COTS to warming waters are pushing coral ecosystems to their limits. The crown-of-thorns starfish, with their newfound advantage, are positioned to be not just beneficiaries of a changing ocean environment but active participants in the decline of coral reefs.



This study underscores the urgency with which we need to address climate change and its multifaceted impacts on vulnerable ecosystems. Understanding the interactions between predator and prey resilience in the face of environmental stressors is crucial for implementing strategies that will protect and preserve these biodiverse underwater landscapes for future generations.



The full research paper is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652486" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>



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Crown-of-thorns starfish are nature’s ultimate coral predators, and they are winning

Recent studies from the University of Sydney have illuminated a...

The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no longer just a concern for densely populated or industrial regions. Microplastics have breached the remote sanctity of the Arctic, threatening its intricate ecosystem.



In a revealing journey into the cold waters of the Barents Sea, scientists shed light on this modern crisis unfolding in the depths of one of the world's most productive and biodiverse marine environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fragile-arctic-invaded-by-microplastics">The fragile Arctic invaded by microplastics</h2>



Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in length, have been spotlighted as a growing environmental threat. These particles have infiltrated even the most remote oceanic realms, raising alarm about their impact on marine ecosystems. 



This is particularly true in the context of the Arctic's climatic and ecological sensitivity. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/turquoise-bloom-in-the-barents-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barents Sea</a>, an area of rich biological diversity and high marine productivity, hasn't escaped this global environmental trespass.



The region, critical for various species and a significant influencer of the Arctic climate, faces potential ecological upheaval due to the increasing microplastic contamination. This pollution is exacerbated by various factors, including ice melts, tourism, inadequate waste management practices, and maritime activities such as shipping and fishing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-microplastic-distribution">Studying microplastic distribution</h2>



A team of researchers from <a href="https://www.pml.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plymouth Marine Laboratory</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> embarked on an investigative voyage, collecting sub-surface water samples across extensive transects of the Barents Sea. 



Their mission was multifaceted: quantify, characterize, and map the distribution of microplastics. They also sought to understand their potential implications, particularly on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-sea-ice-algae-heavily-contaminated-with-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zooplankton communities</a>, a foundational element in the marine food web.



Zooplankton's potential ingestion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-inhale-the-equivalent-of-a-credit-card-in-microplastics-each-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics</a> poses serious concerns. By mistaking these particles for food, these organisms introduce synthetic materials into the food chain. This impacts not only their health and reproductive success, but also potentially alters essential biogeochemical cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-pervade-the-arctic">Microplastics pervade the Arctic</h2>



The study’s findings were sobering. The scientists quantified an average microplastic concentration of 0.011 per cubic meter in the eastern Barents Sea, with noticeable variability in distribution. Concentrations spiked nearer to land masses and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/citizen-scientists-uncover-microplastics-in-the-remote-arctic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">areas of ice melt</a>, indicating these as major contributors to the problem.



These microplastics were predominantly fibrous (92.1%) and conspicuously colored, mostly blue (79%) or red (17%). Analyzing the composition revealed them to be mostly modified cellulose compounds like rayon. They also found traces of polyester, elastomers, and acrylics, pointing to anthropogenic sources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-activities-amplify-the-issue">Local activities amplify the issue</h2>



The research underscored the role of local human activities in escalating this environmental issue. The growing tourism industry in regions like Svalbard, coupled with insufficient waste management infrastructures, likely contributes significantly to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-embedded-in-tissues-of-whales-and-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine microplastic</a> concentrations. 



Additionally, other sources such as wastewater discharge, shipping operations, and fishing activities compound the issue, particularly near the coastline.



Lead author Heather Emberson-Marl emphasized the need for more extensive research in this field, considering the scarcity of data regarding microplastics in the Arctic. She stressed the importance of standardized sampling protocols to enhance the comparability and reliability of future studies.



Co-author Dr. Rachel Coppock echoed these concerns. She added a poignant reminder of the far-reaching influence of human activities on the environment. The journey of microplastics from populated regions to the remote Arctic exemplifies the extensive impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-exposure-linked-to-changes-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human behavior</a> on distant ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-wake-up-call">Ecological wake-up call</h2>



This study is not just a revelation of a hidden crisis but a call to action. The presence of microplastics in a region as remote as the Barents Sea is a stark reminder of the longevity and pervasiveness of plastic pollution. The implications of these findings are far-reaching. They underscore the urgency for global strategies to mitigate plastic waste and safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems.



With funding from the UK’s <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural Environment Research Council</a> (NERC), among others, this research marks a critical step in understanding and ultimately curbing the microplastic menace. The ultimate goal is ensuring the preservation of the Arctic's pristine marine environment for future generations.



The full study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1241829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers of Science</a>.



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What is driving the surge of microplastics found in the Arctic?

The intrusion of microplastics, minute but insidious pollutants, is no...

Solar,Panels.,Power,Station.,Blue,Solar,Panels.,Alternative,Source,Of

Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture in energy usage patterns, indicating that solar power is poised to become the predominant energy source by the middle of this century. However, the transition is fraught with challenges that need immediate attention.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-power-reaches-tipping-point">Solar power reaches tipping point</h2>



The research, collaboratively conducted by teams from the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a> and <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College London</a>, presents compelling evidence that solar photovoltaics (PV) are on track to dominate the global energy mix. This monumental shift, experts argue, is feasible without relying solely on more aggressive climate policies.



Dr. Femke Nijsse of Exeter’s Global Systems Institute underscores the significance of this shift. She stated, “The recent progress of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewables</a> means that fossil fuel-dominated projections are no longer realistic. We have avoided the ‘business as usual’ scenario for the power sector."



The study's confidence in solar energy stems from an innovative model that captures the dynamic relationship between technology deployment and cost reductions, recognizing the virtuous cycle propelling the rapid growth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/growing-crops-at-solar-farms-increases-panel-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-solar-power-transition-barriers">Overcoming solar power transition barriers</h2>



Despite this optimistic projection, the transition to a solar-powered future is not without its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bat-activity-is-significantly-lower-at-solar-farm-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obstacles</a>. Researchers pinpoint four primary barriers that could impede progress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ensuring-grid-resilience">Ensuring grid resilience</h3>



A pivotal aspect of this transition is the need for electricity grids to adapt to the variable nature of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harness-plant-energy-to-improve-solar-panels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar</a> power generation. Dr. Nijsse warns of the risks of over-reliance on fossil fuels if these variances aren't managed effectively. 



Strategies for resilience could include diversified renewable energy sources, interconnected regional grids, substantial electricity storage, and demand management policies. Early-stage government subsidies and funding are crucial for these infrastructural shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-access-to-solar-energy-finance">Access to solar energy finance</h3>



The global disparity in low-carbon finance availability presents a formidable challenge. Currently, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-net-zero-world-will-require-75-trillion-of-investment-and-1-billion-electric-cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investments</a> are heavily skewed towards high-income countries, with middle-income nations marginally benefiting at the international level. The study highlights an acute deficiency in financing for solar projects in lower-income countries, especially in Africa, despite their immense potential.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-supply-chains">Expanding supply chains</h3>



The research draws attention to the increased demand for critical minerals essential for a solar-intensive future. The burgeoning need for materials like lithium and copper, pivotal for electrification and battery technologies, suggests a future where renewable technologies will drive substantial portions of global mineral demand. This surge underscores the urgency for robust and sustainable supply chains.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-political-resistance">Navigating political resistance</h3>



The transition's socio-economic dimensions, particularly the resistance from industries set to decline due to this shift, pose another complex challenge. The potential economic fallout for millions employed within the fossil fuel sector worldwide necessitates comprehensive regional development strategies to address inequities and mitigate industrial opposition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-global-decarbonization">Strategies for global decarbonization</h2>



Addressing these barriers requires a concerted global effort, particularly in rethinking financial approaches to support this energy transition. 



Dr. Nadia Ameli from UCL’s Institute for Sustainable Resources emphasizes this point. She said, “There is a growing belief that, with the dramatic decline in the global average cost of renewables, it will be much easier for the developing world to decarbonize. Our study reveals persistent hurdles, especially considering the challenges these nations face in accessing capital under equitable conditions."



The findings underscore the necessity of strategic financial support mechanisms to expedite the decarbonization agenda globally. This approach may be more effective than traditional price instruments like carbon taxes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-transition-policies-needed">Sustainable transition policies needed</h2>



The study culminates in a call to action for policy-makers. By focusing on these four critical areas, governments can accelerate the shift towards a solar-dominated energy landscape. This involves proactive engagement with grid adaptation strategies, equitable financial structures, sustainable resource management, and socio-political considerations.



As the world teeters on the brink of significant energy paradigm shifts, the actions taken now will determine whether the transition to solar energy contributes to a resilient and sustainable future. The research by the University of Exeter and University College London offers not just a roadmap but also a warning: the path to harnessing the sun's power is not without its shadows.



The paper, published in the journal Nature Communications, is entitled: <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41971-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“The momentum of solar energy.”</a>



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Solar power has won the prize to become Earth’s main source of energy

Scientists suggest that the world has reached a crucial juncture...

Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drought-to-downpour-climate-change-triggers-extreme-weather-shifts/">extreme weather</a> events worldwide, from wildfires to floods. However, a recent study emphasizes that these events are not merely random occurrences but deeply interconnected phenomena. 



This interconnected climate behavior, termed "teleconnections," remains a relatively unexplored field but holds the key to a comprehensive understanding of our intricate climate system.



To investigate, a team of experts developed a novel climate network analysis method. The research is shedding new light on the intensity, distribution, and evolution of these teleconnections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-domino-effect-nbsp">Domino effect&nbsp;</h2>



“Teleconnections describe how climate events in one part of the world can affect weather thousands of kilometers away,” explained Jingfang Fan of Beijing Normal University and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. “Think of it as a domino effect on a global scale.”



“Within just five years, we may see temperatures rising to levels that global scientists have been warning us about. It’s like the planet is running a fever that’s steadily getting worse.”



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



But what are climate networks? Imagine a map where specific data points represent locations. The connections or links between these points highlight similarities.&nbsp;



The team's innovative method combines the directions and distribution patterns of these teleconnections.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meaningful-patterns-nbsp">Meaningful patterns&nbsp;</h2>



Based on global daily surface air temperature data and advanced data processing techniques and mathematical algorithms, the team has identified meaningful patterns and insights.



“Our work uncovered patterns in climate events driven mainly by atmospheric Rossby waves, which are large inertial planetary waves that naturally occur in rotating fluids and cause movement within the atmosphere,” said Fan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teleconnection-intensity">Teleconnection intensity</h2>



Through this research, the team pinpointed regions like southeastern Australia and South Africa as being especially sensitive to these interconnected events.&nbsp;



The experts found that the strength of these interconnections has amplified over time (from 1948 to 2021), potentially influenced by a combination of climate change, human activities, and other variables. 



Moreover, the last 37 years have seen a more pronounced increase in the Southern Hemisphere's teleconnection impact and intensity.



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



This research offers a fresh perspective on measuring and examining climate teleconnections. It will serve as a foundation to identify regions that may face increased risks in the future. The ultimate goal is to devise strategies to address these challenges.



“The next step is like weather forecasting – but on steroids,” said Fan. “Using what we’ve learned, we plan to predict how climate events will unfold and connect. We’re diving deep to explore why these events happen and how various climate ‘tipping points’ within our climate system might be linked."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-teleconnections-nbsp">More about teleconnections&nbsp;</h2>



Teleconnections refer to circumstances where climate anomalies or weather events in one part of the world can influence weather patterns in distant, often remote, locations.&nbsp;



Essentially, it is the interrelationship of meteorological patterns across vast distances. This interconnected behavior plays a crucial role in understanding global climate variations and can have widespread implications on weather, agriculture, water resources, and more.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-teleconnections-work">How do teleconnections work?</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheric-waves">Atmospheric waves</h4>



At the heart of teleconnections are atmospheric waves, such as the atmospheric Rossby waves. These are large-scale waves in the atmosphere that play a vital role in the Earth's weather. They form due to the Earth's rotation and temperature differences between the equator and the poles.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oceanic-phenomena">Oceanic phenomena</h4>



Oceans also play a part in teleconnections. Events like El Niño and La Niña in the Pacific Ocean can cause weather pattern changes far from their origin. For instance, an El Niño event can lead to wetter conditions in parts of the U.S. and drier conditions in parts of Australia.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-teleconnections">Examples of teleconnections</h3>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-atlantic-oscillation-nao">North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)</h4>



This is a fluctuation in atmospheric pressure at sea level between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High. Its phases can influence winter weather in Europe and the East Coast of the U.S.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-north-american-pattern-pna-nbsp">Pacific North American Pattern (PNA)&nbsp;</h4>



Influenced by sea surface temperature anomalies, PNA affects climate patterns across North America.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-el-nino-southern-oscillation-enso">El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)</h4>



Perhaps the most widely recognized teleconnection, ENSO has phases of El Niño (warmer) and La Niña (cooler) that influence global weather patterns.



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



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-forecasting">Weather forecasting</h4>



Understanding teleconnections can improve long-range weather forecasting by providing insights into how patterns in one location might impact distant areas.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture">Agriculture</h4>



Predicting rainfall, temperature changes, or drought conditions can help farmers plan their crops accordingly.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-resource-management">Water resource management</h4>



Recognizing teleconnection patterns can aid in predicting periods of heavy rainfall or drought, allowing for better water resource planning.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-studies">Climate change studies</h4>



As our climate changes, the strength and patterns of teleconnections might also shift. This can have cascading effects on weather patterns globally.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0153677">Chaos</a>,



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Teleconnections: Climate events are deeply connected across the globe

Climate change has rapidly increased the frequency of extreme weather...

Plants play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, but many are at risk of extinction due to increasing challenges like droughts and wildfires.&nbsp;



A new study by botanists from <a href="https://www.ucr.edu/">UC Riverside</a> highlights the urgency to identify the conditions that lead plants to their demise. By understanding these triggers, we can improve conservation efforts.



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



In a paper recently published in the Oxford Academic journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/conphys/coad073">Conservation Physiology</a>, the UC Riverside team emphasizes the importance of discerning the exact point beyond which a plant’s vital functions cease.&nbsp;



According to study co-author Professor Louis Santiago, it's crucial to identify the amount of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-respond-to-rising-co2-levels-by-conserving-water/">water loss</a> a plant can endure before wilting and the temperature at which photosynthesis stops for various plants.



“It is so important to measure the critical limits of when things will fail, and not just how they’re doing now,” said Professor Santiago.



The paper reveals an alarming reality: while there are about 700,000 plant species on our planet, the critical stress limits are only known for about 1,000 of them.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fatal-exposure">Fatal exposure</h2>



Although plants might occasionally recover after surpassing their limits - just like houseplants bounce back after wilting from insufficient water - consistent exposure can be fatal.&nbsp;



“Wilting, what we refer to as losing turgor pressure, is not always fatal but it’s one step toward death,” said Professor Santiago. “Just like people with extremely high blood pressure might die if they don’t get it to come down.”



Understanding the stress points of a plant, especially with the increasing temperatures and altered climatic conditions, is more than academic curiosity. It offers a metric showing how close some plants are to local extinction.&nbsp;



When this data is combined with knowledge about a plant's current physiological state under stress, limited conservation funds can be strategically utilized, allowing early interventions before the plants show visible signs of stress or deterioration.



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



Santiago's lab, which primarily focuses on plant physiology, has recently pivoted to studying these critical limits.&nbsp;



“It started after the last drought when we saw species suffering. We wanted to do these measurements to see if we could have predicted the die-offs that we saw,” said Santiago.&nbsp;&nbsp;



For this particular study, the team investigated the wilting points of six Southern California chapparal shrubs, including the California lilac and two sage varieties.&nbsp;



Their findings not only highlight the availability of various means to determine these critical limits, but also highlight how such data can positively impact conservation results.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-efforts-are-needed">Collaborative efforts are needed</h2>



“Generally, we have the capacity to find the most vulnerable, rare species and focus on them. We have the ability to find which plants are most at risk from climate changes, but it’s going to take a collaboration of plant physiologists, conservation biologists, and land managers."



Professor Santiago believes that while many plant species might face unfamiliar stressors in the upcoming decades due to climate changes, enthusiasts can still play a part in aiding their survival. He encourages joining native plant societies.



“You can join them in pulling out invasive species, or count numbers of rare organisms, and there are countless volunteer projects,” said Santiago. “Let’s work smarter, and work together.”



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Understanding the critical limits of plants could help save them

Plants play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, but many...

Greenland’s ice surface has been experiencing an accelerated rate of melting in recent years, while Antarctica is witnessing a contrasting trend, according to a team of experts led by the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Irvine</a> (UCI) and <a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a> in the Netherlands.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-downslope-winds-nbsp">Downslope winds&nbsp;</h2>



In a study released in the American Geophysical Union’s journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL102828" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>, the team delved into the impact of Foehn and katabatic winds on glacial formations. These winds, which move downslope, carry warm, dry air, coming into contact with the glacier summits.&nbsp;



In the past 20 years, the melting associated with downslope winds in Greenland has increased by over ten percent. In stark contrast, the influence of these winds on Antarctica’s ice sheet has seen a decrease of 32 percent in ice melting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surface-melting">Surface melting</h2>



“We used regional climate model simulations to study ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, and the results showed that downslope winds are responsible for a significant amount of surface melt of the ice sheets in both regions,” said study co-author Charlie Zender, a professor of Earth System Science at UCI. “Surface melt leads to runoff and ice shelf hydrofracture that increase freshwater flow to oceans – causing sea level rise.”



Yet, Zender was quick to note the unique patterns of global warming exhibited in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. These differences are central to the varying ice melt trends in these regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenland">Greenland</h2>



In Greenland’s context, the sheer warmth means that even sunlight, in the absence of wind, can induce melting. This, when combined with the ten percent increase in wind-induced melting and the warmer atmospheric conditions, translates to a 34 percent surge in overall surface ice melting.&nbsp;



Zender attributes this to the effects of global warming on the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), an index of sea level pressure difference. This movement of NAO towards a positive phase has facilitated warm air to envelop Greenland and other northern areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-nbsp">Antarctica&nbsp;</h2>



On the other end of the spectrum, Antarctica has experienced about 15 percent less total surface melting since 2000. This downturn is attributed mainly to the 32 percent reduction in wind-induced melting in the Antarctic Peninsula. This area is especially concerning since two ice shelves here have already disintegrated.&nbsp;



The silver lining, as Zender argues, is the ongoing recovery of the Antarctic stratospheric ozone hole detected in the 1980s. This recovery process temporarily shields the region from further melting.



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



&nbsp;“The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica keep over 200 feet of water out of the ocean, and their melt has raised global sea level by about three-quarters of an inch since 1992,” Zender explained.&nbsp;



“Although Greenland has been the No. 1 driver of sea level rise in recent decades, Antarctica is close behind and catching up and will eventually dominate sea level rise.”



These findings will help increase the accuracy and reliability of Earth system models, offering deeper insights for climate scientists on the major problems our planet currently faces.



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Ice is melting faster in Greenland, and slower in Antarctica

Greenland’s ice surface has been experiencing an accelerated rate of...

An,Asian,Boy,Is,Picking,Vegetables,From,A,Plot,In

In a world that continually strives for efficient agricultural production, the use of herbicides has become commonplace. However, a recent study has exposed the potential dangers associated with the use of certain herbicides, particularly their impact on the brain function of adolescents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbicides-and-brain-health">Herbicides and brain health</h2>



Scientists from the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at the <a href="https://hwsph.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California San Diego</a> have discovered alarming associations between exposure to popular herbicides and diminished brain function in adolescents. Their research highlights the presence of herbicides in various environments and the corresponding risks they pose to young individuals.



The study focused on metabolite concentrations of widely used herbicides — glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) — and the insect repellent DEET in adolescents. These substances were found in urine samples of individuals aged 11 to 17, living in the agriculturally intensive region of Pedro Moncayo, Ecuador.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-several-critical-issues-with-herbicides">Several critical issues with herbicides</h2>



The research, led by senior author Dr. Jose Ricardo Suarez, underlines several critical findings. Notably, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weed-killer-glyphosate-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glyphosate</a>, a nonselective herbicide integral to numerous crops and residential vegetation control, was found in 98 percent of the participants. Simultaneously, 2,4-D, known for its broadleaf weed control in various settings, was detected in 66 percent of individuals.



The presence of these chemicals is not benign. Higher concentrations of 2,4-D corresponded with lower neurobehavioral performance across several domains, including attention, inhibitory control, memory, learning, and language skills. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weed-killer-roundup-causes-convulsions-in-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glyphosate</a>'s impact appeared somewhat less broad, significantly affecting only social perception, while DEET metabolites showed no association with neurobehavioral performance.



The implications of these findings are substantial, considering the global reliance on these herbicides following the introduction of genetically modified, herbicide-resistant crops.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-concerns-from-herbicides">Mental health concerns from herbicides</h2>



Dr. Briana Chronister, the study's first author, emphasizes the herbicides' prevalence in agricultural industries worldwide, outlining the exposure risks for both children and adults, particularly in agricultural communities. Alarmingly, there is still much unknown about how these chemicals affect life stages.



The study resonates with growing global health concerns, as 20 percent of adolescents and 26 percent of young adults now face diagnosable mental health conditions. The distressing rise in issues such as anxiety, depression, and learning disorders over the past two decades highlights the urgent need to understand environmental neurotoxicants' roles in this trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comprehensive-research-and-regulation-needed">Comprehensive research and regulation needed</h2>



With 2,4-D negatively impacting all assessed neurobehavioral areas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/popular-herbicide-impairs-bumblebee-color-vision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glyphosate</a> significantly affecting social perception, the study underscores an urgent call for more extensive research on the chemicals we release into our environment.



Dr. Suarez points out the shocking reality: every year, hundreds of new chemicals enter the market, with over 80,000 currently registered for use, and yet, there is minimal understanding of their long-term human impact. This knowledge gap suggests potential oversight in the regulatory practices surrounding chemical approval and use.



The research is a crucial part of <a href="https://knit.ucsd.edu/espina/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESPINA</a>, a study focused on understanding pesticide exposures' effect on human development from childhood through adulthood. As the team moves into the 15th year of follow-up, there is a planned evaluation to determine if these associations persist as the participants transition into early adulthood.



This disturbing study is a wake-up call. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the unseen dangers lurking in our environment, particularly in practices considered standard in industries such as agriculture.



The evidence linking common herbicides to developmental issues in adolescents highlights the need for immediate action. This action involves not only further scientific research but also a comprehensive re-evaluation of regulatory standards governing chemical use. The safety and well-being of future generations may very well depend on such proactive measures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP11383" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>.



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Common herbicides linked to diminished brain functioning in young adults

In a world that continually strives for efficient agricultural production,...

Every national park has its own unique acoustic environment or "soundscape," but anthropogenic noise increasingly threatens these sounds of nature.&nbsp;



Whitney Wyche, a recent graduate from Franklin &amp; Marshall College, conducted a study to document how the soundscape of Glacier National Park has transformed over the past 19 years. The research is published by the <a href="https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/GSA/News/pr/2023/23-38.aspx">Geological Society of America</a>.



“The focus of my project in Glacier was to conduct sound monitoring to see how the soundscape has changed," said Wyche. “Many visitors come to national parks to experience natural peace and the sounds of nature. To preserve this natural soundscape for future generations, it needs to be monitored and managed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-impacts-of-noise">Understanding the impacts of noise</h2>



Noise affects our environment more than we might think. It can disrupt both marine and terrestrial wildlife, causing shifts in their vocal and foraging behaviors.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the abundance of species decreases in noisy habitats, and this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-turtles-suffer-from-hearing-loss-caused-by-noise-pollution/">noise</a> can alter how they navigate their environments.&nbsp;



Wyche noted the profound effect of even a small increase in noise. For example, a predator that typically hears sounds within a 9m^2 radius in a natural environment would find this radius reduced to 7m^2 with the addition of just one decibel of sound, she explained.&nbsp;



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



“My project, which is a continuation of a soundscape project in Glacier from 2004, can provide more information about the natural soundscape,” said Wyche.



The primary concern at the time was aircraft noise, especially from scenic helicopter rides originating outside the park that nevertheless intruded its soundscape.



In 2019, a comparative study by Worcester Polytechnic Institute students found that aircraft noise remained relatively unchanged from the 2004 baseline.



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



However, Wyche’s recent research paints a slightly different picture. Commercial air tours have decreased since 2004, thanks to the park's new Air Tour Management Plan. By contrast, visitor numbers have surged by 50%. This led to a mixed impact on the acoustic environment.



Wyche, along with co-authors Jillian McKenna and Damon Joyce from the park service, set out to understand these shifts. They used advanced monitoring equipment across various sites in the park to capture and analyze the changing sounds.&nbsp;



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



Notably, while audible propeller aircraft noise remained consistent in areas near current air tour routes, it decreased at Logan Pass, a location away from authorized air tour routes.



“The percentage of time with audible propeller aircraft remained similar at sites near the current air tour route, while decreasing at Logan Pass, which is not near the currently authorized air tour route,” said Wyche.



As the park plans to cease commercial air tours by 2029, continuous monitoring of Glacier National Park's soundscape will be crucial.&nbsp;



Wyche noted that monitoring how the park's soundscape has changed will help inform park management on threats to be addressed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosaics-in-science">Mosaics in Science</h2>



Wyche's efforts in Glacier National Park during the summer of 2023 were part of the <a href="https://www.mosaicsinscience.org/">Mosaics in Science</a> Diversity Internship Program.&nbsp;



This initiative provides underrepresented college students and recent graduates in STEM fields with hands-on experience in the National Park System, promoting diversity and inclusion. The program operates in collaboration with Environment for the Americas.



“I greatly enjoyed my experience working as a Mosaics in Science intern,” says Wyche. “I especially appreciated the goal of the internship program because it makes environmental careers more accessible to people of color.”



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How much have humans changed the soundscape of Glacier National Park?

Every national park has its own unique acoustic environment or...

Although efforts have been made to curb deforestation, the Brazilian Amazon, a key carbon sink and a hotbed of biodiversity and cultural richness, is currently grappling with escalating uncontrolled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">wildfires</a>.



This grave concern has been highlighted in a recent letter in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natecolevol/">Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</a> titled "Increasing wildfires threaten progress on halting deforestation in Brazilian Amazonia."&nbsp;



The letter is a collaborative effort between researchers from the <a href="https://www.uea.ac.uk/">University of East Anglia</a> (UEA), the <a href="https://www.southalabama.edu/">University of South Alabama</a>, and other prominent institutions from North and South America and Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-fire-activity">Increasing fire activity</h2>



According to the experts, data from June 2023 shows that the number of active Amazon fires surged to its highest since 2007. Moreover, the total number of fires for the first six months of 2023 was an alarming ten percent more than the previous year.



“Climate change has led to a rise in drought and extreme heat, priming forests to burn more often,” said co-author Matthew Jones, an environmental scientist at UEA.&nbsp;



“On top of this, deforestation and the expansion of agriculture have damaged the integrity of the region’s forests and weakened their resilience to drought. As a result, wildfires have become far more common than they would be in a normally functioning rainforest.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoupling-of-fires-from-deforestation-nbsp">Decoupling of fires from deforestation&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, fire count spikes, such as the unprecedented fires in August and September 2022, correlated with rampant deforestation, a significant fire catalyst and predictor of affected regions.&nbsp;



Interestingly, 2023 saw a 42 percent decrease in deforestation alerts from January to July compared to the same timeframe in 2022. This period also witnessed the shutdown of large-scale illegal mining operations, which posed threats to the ecosystem and Indigenous communities, especially within the Yanomami territory.



“This year’s high and climbing fire counts, in the context of reduced deforestation, highlight a decoupling of forest fires from deforestation,” explained lead author Gabriel de Oliveira, an assistant professor of Geography at Southern Alabama. “Indeed, only 19 percent of the fires were related to recent deforestation during January-June 2023, down from 39 percent in 2022.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-factors">Additional factors</h2>



The 2023 El Niño’s hotter and drier conditions have affected parts of the Amazon, potentially fueling more fires, as observed in past El Niño events.&nbsp;



Another factor increasing fire counts could be the lagging impacts of prior deforestation surges linked to lax environmental regulation enforcement during President Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure. In addition, anticipating potential fire bans later this year due to President Lula’s robust environmental governance, landowners might be setting fires earlier in the dry season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community-impacts">Community impacts</h2>



“Effective and equitable fire governance is essential in order to avoid further marginalizing forest-dependent peoples who are both most heavily impacted when uncontrolled fires invade the forests upon which they depend, and most impacted by one-size-fits-all fire policy such as fire-bans,” said co-author Rachel Carmenta, a lecturer in Climate Change and International Development at UEA.



“The role of distant consumers is huge. But the small traditional communities are often blamed, representing a double burden because they also suffer the most when invasive fires damage the forest, leaving it without the game, fruits, timber, medicines and resources they depend on. Identifying ways to manage these fires is essential in order to avoid further marginalizing forest-dependent peoples who are most heavily impacted when uncontrolled fires invade their territories, and most impacted by one-size-fits-all fire policy such as fire bans.”



“While research is needed to better understand the comparative contributions of these drivers, a clear expectation is that fire incidence will rise even higher with the anticipated drier conditions over coming months,” added co-author Scott Stark, an expert in Forest-Atmosphere Interactions at <a href="https://msu.edu/">Michigan State University</a>. 



Meanwhile, Dr. de Oliveira proposed holistic approaches, such as reforestation, forest management, and agroforestry, to counter the threat of uncontrollable forest fires.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-international-collaboration-is-needed">International collaboration is needed</h2>



Moreover, the researchers advocate for international collaboration to effectively address this mounting challenge.



August saw Brazil hosting an Amazon nations summit, focusing on sustainable growth and forest conservation. The resulting Belém Declaration outlined several key goals but stopped short of committing to zero deforestation by 2030 or significant reductions in forest fire frequencies.&nbsp;



The declaration, however, did underscore the importance of combating deforestation and recognized fires as a pivotal concern. It also established a scientific body, akin to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), tasked with crafting evidence-backed, Amazon-specific resolutions.



In conclusion, the authors stressed the need for cooperation, urging Brazil, other Amazon nations, and the global community to “commit the support needed to rapidly advance research and governance for equitable fire-safe land management.”



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Wildfires threaten environmental gains in the Amazon

Although efforts have been made to curb deforestation, the Brazilian...

A recent study from <a href="https://www.climate.columbia.edu/">Columbia Climate School</a> has explored the effects of rising sea levels on Miami-Dade County, and the results paint a disturbing picture of the future. The research suggests that four out of five residents may face disruption or displacement, whether or not they currently reside in flood-prone areas.



“Most studies focus on the direct effects of inundation,” said lead author Nadia Seeteram. “Here, we were able to look at flooding on a very granular level, and add in other vulnerabilities.”



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



In an effort to gain a comprehensive understanding of how various resident groups might be impacted, the researchers fused projections of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/">flooding</a> from direct sea-level rise, rainfall, or storm surge with detailed demographic data.



The team used a range of metrics, including U.S. Census Bureau data, to discern potential vulnerabilities based on age, race, education level, income, homeownership, employment status, and more.



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



With a one-meter sea-level rise by the end of this century, 56% of the Miami-Dade population might be pressured into relocation. These individuals, primarily residing on higher ground, are classified as "displaced."



Furthermore, 19% of residents could end up "trapped," living in frequently flooded regions with no means to move to safer zones. Another 19% would be "stable," unaffected by flooding and capable of staying in their current locations.



Seven percent of Miami-Dade County residents, primarily the wealthiest, would have the means to migrate from waterfront or low-elevation areas to safer zones within the county.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-higher-sea-levels">Higher sea levels</h2>



If sea levels surge beyond one meter, the narrative shifts dramatically. At a two-meter increase, a staggering 55% of the population would face direct inundation from heightened sea levels and exacerbated rainfall, significantly transforming the area's demographic landscape.&nbsp;



This scenario would result in almost half the population becoming trapped, a quarter displaced, and only 8% remaining stable.



“This is where it gets to be more drastic, more existential." In either scenario, said Seeteram, the results would include potential depopulation of the area and devaluation of flooded properties, as people flee to safer inland regions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-and-economic-decline-nbsp">Physical and economic decline&nbsp;</h2>



Such disruptions could severely hamper local authorities' ability to generate tax revenue, necessary for funding infrastructural adaptations to combat the rising sea. Essentially, Miami-Dade could find itself ensnared in a vicious cycle of both physical and economic decline.



Flooding is already a recurring issue for the region. Regular occurrences of "sunny day flooding" and pooling rainwater, conditions that would be considered extreme elsewhere, have become the new norm for parts of Miami during the wet season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-gentrification-nbsp">Climate gentrification&nbsp;</h2>



Signs of "climate gentrification," where low-income individuals are displaced from elevated areas, appear to be emerging. 



The Little Haiti neighborhood, for example, which stands 10 feet above sea level, has recently seen rapid property value increases. This has raised concerns among its community about their future there.



Study co-author Katharine Mach of the University of Miami said there is a great, raging debate about whether climate gentrification is underway. “I suspect it is already happening,” she said. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-real-estate-values-nbsp">Shifting real estate values&nbsp;</h2>



However, at least for now, other factors may be playing larger roles in rapidly shifting real-estate values, said Mach. These factors include longtime pro-development policies and what she calls “real-estate tourism,” with speculators snapping up relatively inexpensive properties in a still booming region.&nbsp;



“The question is, what fraction (of rising prices) can you put on climate?” said Mach. She pointed out that real-estate prices are also going up in low-lying and waterfront areas, but not as fast as in less flood-prone areas - one possible indicator that sea-level rise is playing a role in buyers’ decisions.



Seeteram remains cautiously optimistic, believing that proactive steps, such as revamping infrastructure, could mitigate some of the predicted outcomes. The real challenge lies in balancing these solutions with ensuring affordability and sustainability for the majority of residents.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/acfe22">Environmental Research Letters</a>.



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More than half of Miami-Dade residents may be displaced by sea level rise

A recent study from Columbia Climate School has explored the...

Antarctic fur seals, once hunted to the brink of extinction, have made an impressive comeback in their population.&nbsp;



But now, research led by the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS) has exposed a looming threat due to a decline in the primary food source for these seals.



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



The study was conducted primarily on the sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia, where most fur seals reside. The experts found that the fur seal population peaked in 2009 with around 3.5 million <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-fur-seals-are-struggling-in-a-warmer-climate/">seals</a>. Although this is a substantial figure, it's much lower than past estimations.&nbsp;



A detailed count on Bird Island indicated a sharp decrease in the availability of krill, a shrimp-like crustacean essential to the fur seal diet, over the last decade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-good-news-and-bad-news">Good news and bad news</h2>



“We found both good and bad news about the fur seals. The population has recovered very impressively throughout the twentieth century when seal hunting was banned. But twenty-first century changes to the abundance of krill in the Southern Ocean are now threatening these iconic animals all over again," explained study lead author Dr. Jaume Forcada.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inflated-figures-nbsp">Inflated figures&nbsp;</h2>



Historically, fur seals were hunted for their pelts during the 1700s and 1800s. By the early 20th century, their numbers dropped so drastically that commercial hunting became unviable.&nbsp;



Benefiting from strict conservation measures, ample food, and rapid reproduction rates, the fur seal population surged, outpacing other hunted species in the region like the humpback whale.&nbsp;



It was estimated that South Georgia harbored between 4.5 to 6.2 million fur seals by 2000. Nevertheless, a closer look at this data suggests that these figures were likely inflated.&nbsp;



“Our new results show this was a massive overestimation. That matters because the fur seal population size is used to judge the overall health of the species and the wider Antarctic ecosystems. And it turns out that neither were as robust as people thought," said Dr. Forcada.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biased-surveys">Biased surveys</h2>



Contrary to what might be assumed, accurately counting seals is a complex endeavor. Standard surveys usually focus on seal breeding beaches, but these counts are often biased.&nbsp;



The majority of male fur seals in South Georgia typically breed only when they're about ten years old and even then, just for a few years.&nbsp;



Consequently, almost 80 percent of the male population is excluded from these counts, leading to potential exaggerations.&nbsp;



The recent estimate of 3.5 million is a product of intensive week-long helicopter surveys between 2007 to 2009, coupled with advanced assessment techniques.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-island-nbsp">Bird Island&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, Bird Island's fur seal population showcased one of the swiftest recoveries over the last century. Yet, this trend has taken a concerning turn. Since peaking in 2009, there has been an annual decline of seven percent.



This means that the island’s current population has dwindled to a level not seen since the 1970s, when the population was still recovering.



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



Upon investigating the role of krill fishing on fur seal populations, the researchers found that it has been insignificant.&nbsp;



However, preliminary climate data analysis has linked escalating sea temperatures in the area with the decline in seal numbers, suggesting that a krill shortage is the probable culprit.



"Krill can make up to 80% or more of the diet of fur seals at South Georgia, so they experience catastrophic declines in the number of pups produced and survival of individuals when environmental conditions remove the krill from their immediate foraging areas,” explained Dr. Forcada.



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



Given the fur seals' pronounced dependency on krill, and the availability of extensive population data, they serve as a pivotal indicator for the ecosystems surrounding Bird Island.



There is an urgent need for comprehensive research to investigate why Bird Island's krill availability has dwindled and the potential extent of this trend across the Southern Ocean.



“If the pressure on the fur seals at Bird Island also applies to the greater South Georgia population there could be an ongoing decline there as well," said Dr. Forcada. "So even though there were three and a half million of them there, the fast decline at Bird Island tells us they could be in trouble."



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Antarctic fur seals face an emerging threat of food shortages

Antarctic fur seals, once hunted to the brink of extinction,...

With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters like hurricanes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-floods-are-set-to-become-much-more-common-in-the-u-s/">floods</a>, and heat waves across the United States, the importance of disaster planning has never been more evident.&nbsp;



Since the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act was enacted in 2000, states and local jurisdictions have been mandated to develop plans that aim to minimize the damages from such events.&nbsp;



However, a recent study from the <a href="https://ku.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kansas</a> has shown that despite the required updates, there has been little progression in the overall quality and effectiveness of these disaster plans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inadequate-progress">Inadequate progress</h2>



Natural disaster plans are intended to guide communities in routing development to safer regions and decrease exposure of existing infrastructure.&nbsp;



For the study, the researchers analyzed two sets of plans from 84 jurisdictions - one from the late 2000s and the other from the mid-2010s. They found that these plans were of mediocre quality with negligible improvements.



“It’s like a homework assignment that could be great for helping students learn, but sadly most just aim for the minimum standard to get by,” said study lead author Professor Ward Lyles.



“Nationally, the evidence shows a tremendous increase in the amount of hazard planning since passage of the Disaster Mitigation Act 20 years ago. But we wondered if the plans get better over time, and the results unfortunately show us not really.”



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



The study was focused on three states - Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina - based on their shared experiences with recent disasters and similar hazard exposures.&nbsp;



Each state had varying policy frameworks that influenced local planning. The researchers evaluated the plans based on four critical criteria: public involvement, plan integration, land use policies, and property protection policies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-engagement-nbsp">Public engagement&nbsp;</h2>



The experts found that there was a marked improvement in public engagement scores, indicating a growing emphasis on community involvement in formulating and disseminating the plans.&nbsp;



The integration of mitigation plans with other relevant plans like land use and transportation reflected only a slight improvement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disaster-planning">Disaster planning</h2>



“One of the most concerning findings is that too often planning for disasters occurs in a silo separate from other types of planning that shape our future risk,” said Professor Lyles.&nbsp;



“As we see time and again, whether with hurricanes in the southeast, fires out west or in Hawaii, and even with heat waves, communities make short-term choices to promote development in places that are known to be at high risk from devastating events.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-property-protection-nbsp">Property protection&nbsp;</h2>



Scores for land use and property protection showed no significant improvement. Professor Lyle noted that property protection is difficult to legislate as it is strongly influenced by local political will.



“It may be easy to say ‘don’t build in a flood plain,’ but the growth machine industry, which profits by developing and selling real estate, have been historically very influential on local governments,” explained Lyles.&nbsp;



“It is in their interest to maintain maximum flexibility and prevent or reduce land-use controls. And, as we’ve seen tragically time and again, even the best warning systems and engineered protections like levees and dams have failure points.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-planning">Land use planning</h2>



The DMA requires disaster mitigation plans but enforcement is the responsibility of state and local governments, so the requirements vary.



“It’s less about knowledge and more about political will,” said Professor Lyles said. “Floods do their worst damage in low-lying areas and fires in areas prone to burning."



"We are not compelled to allow development in high-risk areas that are cheap, scenic or otherwise desirable but ill-advised. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency – and the entire approach to disaster management in the United States – fails to require the type of land-use planning needed in the 21st century.”



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



According to the study authors, their findings provide insight into how state and federal officials can update the DMA of 2000 to meet increasingly complex demands of long-term risk reduction, especially in the face of climate change.



“With proactive, pre-event hazard planning, the idea is to talk through hard decisions when you are not in crisis, commit to those decisions and then hold firm to those decisions when a disaster occurs,” said Professor Lyles.&nbsp;



“Otherwise, the urgency to get back to normal as soon as possible after a disaster means repeating the same mistakes that created the disaster conditions in the first place.”



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0739456X231197182" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Planning Education and Research</a>.



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Natural disasters are on the rise, but hazard plans are inadequate

With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters like...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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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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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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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

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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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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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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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" 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> 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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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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.

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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.

Plants help remove heavy metals from contaminated soil

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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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

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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

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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...