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decided to collaborate after reaching a consensus that the current definition of “sustainable fishing” is dangerously outdated and contributes to the depletion of marine species, destruction of natural habitats and carbon sinks, and the decline of artisanal fishing communities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...

Climate change has brought about various significant shifts in the global environment, and one such change has been the early onset of spring. This phenomenon is impacting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/">migratory birds</a>, which are struggling to keep pace with the changes in their natural environment.&nbsp;



In Sweden and its surrounding regions, migratory birds are arriving later than the peak availability of caterpillars, their primary food.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-adjustment">Flight adjustment</h2>



Researchers from Lund, Sweden, and the Netherlands have found a potential solution to this pressing issue: encouraging migratory birds to fly further north.&nbsp;



The experts believe that by directing these birds slightly further north, it could offer their offspring a more favorable start in life.



"We thought that perhaps the migratory birds could fly further north until they find a place with suitable well-developed caterpillars," said study co-author Jan-Åke Nilsson from <a href="https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lund University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-food-supply">Declining food supply</h2>



Due to warmer springs, caterpillars now hatch, grow, and enter the pupal stage sooner than they did a few decades ago. This poses a significant challenge for birds that rely on these caterpillars as a primary food source, as they cannot consume them once they've entered the pupal phase.&nbsp;



The declining food supply leads to an increasing number of chicks starving during their crucial breeding season. This issue is particularly pronounced for migratory birds that winter in Africa, as they remain unaware of the early spring onset in places like Sweden.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-impact-of-early-spring">Studying the impact of early spring</h2>



While non-migratory birds seem to adjust to this change to some extent due to their continuous presence and innate ability to sense early spring's arrival, migratory birds don't share this advantage.



To investigate whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-rely-on-an-inner-compass-to-guide-long-migrations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> could simply fly further north to find caterpillars, the research team embarked on an experiment with Pied Flycatchers. 



These birds, which had arrived pre-breeding in the Netherlands, were captured and transported overnight to Vombs Fure, a pine forest region in Skåne. Notably, this area experiences its caterpillar food peak about two weeks later than the Netherlands.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-results">Promising results</h2>



Given the Pied Flycatcher's ability to cover the 600-kilometer distance from Lund to Skåne in just two nights, the results of the experiment seem to be promising.



"The birds that were given a lift from the Netherlands to Skåne synchronized very well with the food peak! As they started to breed about 10 days earlier than the 'Swedish' Pied Flycatchers they had a dramatically better breeding success than the Swedish ones as well as a better success than the Pied Flycatchers that remained in the Netherlands," said Nilsson.



The offspring of these assisted Pied Flycatchers, when returning from their maiden spring migration, bypassed the Netherlands altogether, instead making their way to their birthplace outside Lund. These chicks consequently had a higher number of well-fed chicks the subsequent year.



"The number of small birds, particularly migratory birds, has decreased drastically throughout Europe," said Nilsson. "By flying a little further north, these birds, at least in principle, could synchronize with their food resources and there is hope that robust populations of small birds can be maintained, even though springs are arriving ever earlier."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-impact-of-early-spring">More about the impact of early spring</h2>



Early spring wields a substantial impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/how-does-the-climate-affect-the-behavior-of-migratory-birds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>, influencing their migration patterns, breeding behaviors, and access to food resources. The occurrence of early spring implies a faster arrival of warmer temperatures, leading to a chain of environmental changes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alteration-in-migration-timings">Alteration in migration timings</h3>



Firstly, early springs trigger migratory birds to commence their journeys sooner. Birds rely predominantly on the availability of food, and a premature spring ensures a quicker abundance of resources. 



The change in climate cues such as temperature and food availability lead birds to alter their migration timing. For example, some species, like the Eurasian Blackcap, advance their migration schedules to exploit the early abundance of food and establish territories, and optimize breeding opportunities.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-spring-and-breeding-behaviors">Early spring and breeding behaviors</h3>



The breeding behaviors of migratory birds also experience modifications due to early springs. Birds like the Pied Flycatcher, mentioned previously in this article, might start their breeding season earlier to synchronize with the early availability of caterpillars, their primary food source during breeding. 



This alteration in breeding times ensures that the young ones have ample food, leading to higher survival rates. However, if the birds do not adjust their breeding times appropriately, they might face a scarcity of food resources, which can impact the survival rate of the offspring.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-food-resources">Impact on food resources</h3>



Furthermore, early spring affects the abundance and availability of food resources for migratory birds. Many birds feast on insects that are also responding to the early arrival of spring. 



The insects might peak earlier, and if birds do not adjust their migration timings correctly, they can miss this abundance of food. For instance, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-have-new-strategy-to-cope-with-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic shorebirds</a> that fail to sync their arrival with the peak in food resources might face nutritional stress, affecting their reproduction and survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-consequences">Ecological consequences</h3>



The impacts of early spring are not isolated to migratory birds alone. They reverberate throughout the ecological web. Predators and competitors of these birds also experience the effects of their altered behaviors. An early migration and breeding might lead to higher competition for nesting sites and food among different species, leading to shifts in species dominance and potentially altering ecosystem structures and functions.



In summary, early spring ushers in a cascade of changes that critically impact migratory birds. The alterations in migration timings and breeding behaviors are imperative for the birds to align with the availability of food resources. While some species successfully modify their schedules and reap the benefits of early springs, others might struggle to adapt, facing nutritional deficiencies and reduced survival rates. 



Additionally, the repercussions of these shifts are intricate and extend to other species in the ecosystem, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living organisms. The profound impacts of early spring accentuate the importance of studying climate changes and implementing conservation strategies to protect migratory birds and maintain ecological balance.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02191-w">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Migratory birds can learn to adjust to early spring

Climate change has brought about various significant shifts in the...

Big,Sun,Eruption,-,Elements,Of,This,Image,Furnished,By

Every glimmer of the northern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-spectacle-northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-17-states-next-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lights</a> – also known as aurora borealis - has its origins in a specific area on the solar surface. As a result of escalating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-solar-eruption-caught-on-camera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar activity</a>, the upcoming year and a half are set to be replete with such celestial glimmers.



Since the end of 2022, a dramatic surge in the observation of sunspots - a pivotal metric for predicting the aurora borealis - has exceeded prior projections. This upswing has, in certain instances, expanded the observable scope of this natural light display.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalation-in-solar-storms">Escalation in solar storms</h2>



If it persists, scientists anticipate that the next 18 months could usher in the strongest northern lights activity of both the upcoming decade and the preceding 20 years. This amazing spectacle will be observable more frequently and from a broader array of locations worldwide and drift further south.



“Skywatchers are excited,” said Mark Miesch, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/">University of Colorado Boulder</a> and the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA).



In 2019, the <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/solarcycle25/2022/07/27/solar-cycle-25-is-exceeding-predictions-and-showing-why-we-need-the-gdc-mission/">Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel</a>, a globally represented scientific assembly backed by NASA and NOAA, which predicts sunspot activities, had initially projected a below-average count of approximately 110 to 115 sunspots at its peak.&nbsp;



However, revised models from various experts indicate a potential substantial escalation in solar activity.



According to the scientists, there will be a significant rise in solar activity until the autumn of 2024. It is during this period that the probability of witnessing the aurora borealis is at its pinnacle, according to Miesch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-weather-and-northern-lights">Space weather and Northern lights</h2>



Sunspots, characterized by their darker appearance, reduced temperature, and heightened magnetic activity on the solar surface, give rise to <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/multi-talented-satellite-can-monitor-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a>. This occurs when magnetic anomalies propel particles into the cosmos, a phenomenon known as coronal mass ejection. 



These particles traverse with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> over 94 million miles before they encounter breaches in the Earth’s magnetic field, leading to collisions with the atmospheric elements and resulting in the radiant hues that fill the sky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-visibility-range-of-aurora-borealis">Extended visibility range of aurora borealis</h2>



Typically, the aurora borealis is most prominent near the Polar regions, where the Earth's magnetic fields are relatively weaker.&nbsp;



However, the increased solar activity has already extended the visibility range of the lights this year. Recent sightings have been reported as far south as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and even Arizona.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-field-disturbances-nbsp">Magnetic field disturbances&nbsp;</h2>



Yet, solar weather is not the sole contributing factor. According to Miesch, the spring and autumn equinoxes induce amplified disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field.&nbsp;



This amplification results from the alignment of the Earth’s magnetic field to expose its most vulnerable segments towards the sun and thus granting space particles a more straightforward entry into our planet’s atmosphere.



“When there’s a big disturbance in the magnetic field, then you are more likely to see aurora at lower latitudes,” Miesch told NBC News.



As a consequence, this alignment would nearly double the chances of witnessing the northern lights in the following days.



The documentation of sunspots stands as one of the most enduring observational datasets, with records tracing back to the 17th century.



“Sunspots are our window to the past to compare current activity to what it was centuries ago,” Miesch told NBC.



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Solar storms are getting stronger and northern lights will be seen further south

Every glimmer of the northern lights – also known as...

As our planet faces escalating challenges from global warming, a group of international scientists will be recruiting a surprising ally in the fight against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse emissions</a>: the cow.&nbsp;



At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, experts in animal sciences are launching a novel venture aimed at cutting methane emissions due to rumen fermentation in beef and dairy cattle.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greener-cattle">Greener cattle</h2>



Spanning three years and backed by a $3.2-million budget, this undertaking falls under the umbrella of the <a href="https://foundationfar.org/consortia/greener-cattle-initiative/">Greener Cattle Initiative</a>, which is backed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR).



Research data indicates that taking on methane might be a faster route to addressing climate issues than solely focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane’s heat-trapping ability is 28 times stronger than CO2’s, but it exits the atmosphere in roughly a dozen years, while CO2 can linger for centuries.



“What this means is that anything we do now with ruminant animals can have a huge impact on warming within decades, rather than centuries. Our challenge is to reduce enteric methane emissions by about 30 to 40 percent with the technologies we have,” said project leader Rod Mackie, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at U of I.&nbsp;



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



Connecting six research centers globally, this project zeroes in on enteric methane – a byproduct of microbial fermentation in the rumen. As a part of this strategy, Mackie and his colleagues aim to examine hydrogen’s role during fermentation.



During the fermentation process, the recycling of an energy-rich molecule, NADH, stands out. For the uninterrupted generation of energy, NADH must release its hydrogen and anticipate a replacement from the decomposition of carbohydrates. Generally, NADH’s surplus hydrogen aids in turning CO2 into methane. Yet, the scientists speculate that there are alternatives to use this type of hydrogen.



“In anaerobic fermentation in the rumen, you have to have some way of recycling hydrogen through the conversion of NADH to NAD. In that process, most of the excess hydrogen goes towards methane. If you shut down methane production, hydrogen builds up and inhibits glycolysis,” Mackie explained.&nbsp;



“We don’t want that to happen. Instead, we want to redirect hydrogen into other products, such as propionate and butyrate, reduced fatty acids that serve as the primary energy source for all ruminants.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-reduction">Methane reduction</h2>



“There are a lot of groups working on inhibiting methane directly using dietary additives. Our focus is trying to figure out how we actually make it work in an animal and make it more energetically feasible. That’s really been the missing piece,” added Josh McCann, an assistant professor of Animal Sciences at the same university, who will also be involved in the project.&nbsp;



“If cows can’t metabolize the excess hydrogens for productive benefit and to improve growth, there will continue to be limited adoption of methane reduction strategies or additives. There’s no economic incentive.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbial-communities-nbsp">Microbial communities&nbsp;</h2>



The team’s strategy begins in the lab through a thorough investigation of hydrogen production and its utilization. By examining rumen microbial communities from diverse cattle, the researchers aim to uncover potential tweaks using inhibitor compounds. Their findings will eventually be tested on cattle.



“Most of the grant is focused on the basic and the mechanistic side, but once we make something that might work within a microbial community, it still has to work in an animal,” McCann explained.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-inhibitor-nbsp">Methane inhibitor&nbsp;</h2>



“We have complicating factors like diet components and how much they want to eat. Not to mention dairy cattle and beef cattle are eating different things, so the bugs in the rumen function differently. So, if we apply a methane inhibitor to a dairy microbial community, we might have to approach the hydrogen capture a little bit differently than in a beef rumen community.”



Mackie envisions this initiative as the starting point of a long-term quest to tackle enteric methane. By the conclusion of the three-year project, the experts aim to pinpoint precise inhibitor dosages that either maintain or even bolster production capacities.



“What we’d like is to have ruminants save the planet within 10 years. That would be amazing,” Mackie concluded.



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.

Greener cattle: Seeking ways to inhibit methane production in cows

As our planet faces escalating challenges from global warming, a...

The UK government has officially approved the development of one of the biggest oil and gas fields in the North Sea. This will seal the UK’s commitment to continue producing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ten-financial-actors-could-mitigate-climate-change/">fossil fuels</a> for the next decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rosebank-field">Rosebank field</h2>



Rosebank field is located northwest of Shetland in Scotland and the majority is owned by the Norwegian state-owned energy company Equinor. It is the largest undeveloped oil and gas field in the North Sea.&nbsp;



The Rosebank field is expected to produce 300 million barrels of oil in its lifetime.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controversy">Controversy</h2>



Although it will be very beneficial for the British government, approval of this new fossil fuel project has sparked fierce criticism for the impact that it will have on the climate and nature.&nbsp;



The oil and gas field will also have a huge impact on the UK’s ability to meet its pledge to reduce its net carbon emissions to zero by 2050.



Green Party lawmaker Caroline Lucas said that "giving the green light to this huge new oil field is morally obscene. This government must be held accountable."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ambitious-plans">Ambitious plans</h2>



In a statement, a spokesperson for the oil and gas regulations of the <a href="https://www.nstauthority.co.uk/news-publications/news/2023/consent-granted-for-rosebank-project/#:~:text=An%20NSTA%20spokesperson%20said%3A%20%E2%80%9CWe,account%20throughout%20the%20project's%20lifecycle.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Sea Transition</a> announced: “We have today approved the Rosebank Field Development Plan which allows the owners to proceed with their project.”



“The FDP is awarded in accordance with our published guidance and taking net zero considerations into account throughout the project’s life cycle.”



Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently said he wants to “max out” oil and gas developments in the North Sea and issue hundreds of new licenses. Mr. Sunak argues that these reserves will give the UK energy security and help lower bills.



“Even when we’ve reached net zero in 2050, a quarter of our energy needs will come from oil and gas. But there are those who would rather that it come from hostile states than from supplies we have here at home.” said Sunak.



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



The development plans have caused a series of reactions from climate activists, as critics argue that the UK already exports 80 percent of its oil abroad.



Climate groups say that continuing to produce new fossil fuels decades into the future threatens the UK’s climate commitments.



Sunak has tried to defend his frequent use of a jet or helicopter to attend events around the UK, which is a habit that opposition politicians have often criticized.



In an attempt to bring positivity towards the new expansion, Claire Coutinho, the UK’s minister for energy security and net zero, stated that Rosebank will bring new jobs and enable the UK to reduce reliance on oil and gas imports.



“We are a world leader at reducing carbon emissions but as much as we will be ambitious, we must be pragmatic," Coutinho said on Twitter.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-delayed-climate-commitments">Delayed climate commitments</h2>



Rosebank is twice the size of the Cambo oil field, both which are in the North Sea. Cambo was on course to be developed until Shell pulled out of the project in 2021, citing economic reasons.



Uplift Climate, a big environmental organization, has said that it will launch legal action against the UK government to challenge the Rosebank decision.



The approval comes just a week after Sunak announced a delay of key climate commitments, including pushing back a ban on the sale of gasoline and diesel-powered cars and slowing plans to reduce gas boilers.&nbsp;



Climate experts say those decisions will also make it much harder for the UK to meet its net zero commitments.



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Britain approves controversial oil and gas field in the North Sea

The UK government has officially approved the development of one...

In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force behind Earth's mightiest lightning strikes, known as “superbolts.” These phenomenally powerful electrical discharges are a thousand times stronger than ordinary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rotation-sun-lightning-earth/">lightning</a>.



The research, led by physicist Avichay Efraim of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found that superbolts predominantly occur when a storm’s electrical charging zone is situated close to the Earth’s surface.&nbsp;



This proximity fosters the conditions necessary for generating superbolts, leading to “hotspots” seen above specific ocean areas and towering mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnificent-phenomenon-nbsp">Magnificent phenomenon&nbsp;</h2>



Superbolts are rare, comprising less than one percent of all lightning strikes. Each superbolt carries around 300 billion volts compared to the 300 million volts in a typical lightning strike. The researchers noted that superbolts can cause major damage to infrastructure and ships.&nbsp;



“Superbolts, even though they’re only a very, very tiny percentage of all lightning, they’re a magnificent phenomenon,” said Efraim.



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



Previous research showed that superbolts tend to cluster over the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia, which is one of the tallest plateaus on Earth. "We wanted to know what makes these powerful superbolts more likely to form in some places as opposed to others," said Efraim.



The study brings to light the critical role of the charging zone's location. Through analyzing lightning data, including time, location, and energy of selected strikes, the researchers were able to correlate superbolt strength with specific environmental conditions.&nbsp;



Among these, the height of the land or water surface, the altitude of the charging zone, and the temperatures at the cloud top and base were considered.



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



Notably, the study dismissed previously held beliefs from earlier research, revealing that aerosols exert a negligible influence on superbolt strength.&nbsp;



Instead, the shorter distance between the charging zone and the Earth's surface emerged as a pivotal factor. The reduction in electrical resistance offered by this shorter distance enables the formation of higher-energy, and consequently, stronger lightning bolts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superbolt-hotspots">Superbolt hotspots</h2>



Efraim's team pinpointed three regions notorious for superbolt activity: the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Altiplano in Peru and Bolivia.&nbsp;



These areas share a common characteristic essential for superbolt generation - the minimal distance between the lightning charging zones and the Earth's surface.



“The correlation we saw was very clear and significant, and it was very thrilling to see that it occurs in the three regions,” Efraim said. “This is a major breakthrough for us."



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



The study, which provides the first explanation for the formation and distribution of superbolts worldwide, will help scientists determine how changes in climate could affect the occurrence of superbolt lightning in the future.&nbsp;



Efraim noted that warmer temperatures could cause an increase in weaker lightning, but more moisture in the atmosphere could counteract that.



In future research, the team plans to explore other factors that may contribute to superbolt formation, such as the magnetic field or changes in the solar cycle.



“There is much more unknown, but what we’ve found out here is a big piece of the puzzle,” said Efraim. “And we’re not done yet. There’s much more to do.”



The research is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2022JD038254">Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres</a>.



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.

Superbolts: Secrets of supercharged lightning strikes revealed

In a breakthrough study, experts have identified the driving force...

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has long been a concern for environmentalists. Now, a study from <a href="https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/78501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waseda University</a> reveals that the problem extends far beyond solid ground and deep waters. Airborne microplastics (AMPs), which are minute <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-dropped-into-the-ocean-can-travel-hundreds-of-miles-while-sinking/">plastic particles</a> less than 5mm in size, may have now become an integral component of clouds. This can lead to what is known as “plastic rainfall."



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



Microplastics form from the degradation of larger plastic waste or are released from industrial effluents.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, these tiny particles are known to enter the bodies of humans and animals, with research detecting their presence in several organs including the lung, heart, blood, placenta, and even feces.&nbsp;



Approximately ten million tons of microplastics end up in oceans annually. From here, they are released into the atmosphere, potentially influencing the composition of clouds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-free-troposphere-nbsp">Free troposphere&nbsp;</h2>



"The free troposphere is an important pathway for the long-range transport of air pollutants owing to strong wind speeds; it has been observed that airborne microplastics are also transported in the free troposphere and contribute to global pollution," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"In addition, airborne microplastics may act as cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleus particles during transport in the free troposphere and atmospheric boundary layer, thereby potentially promoting cloud formation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-airborne-microplastics">Studying airborne microplastics</h2>



The experts investigated the role of airborne microplastics in the biosphere, focusing on their potential impacts on human health and the climate.&nbsp;



“Microplastics in the free troposphere are transported and contribute to global pollution. If the issue of 'plastic air pollution' is not addressed proactively, climate change and ecological risks may become a reality, causing irreversible and serious environmental damage in the future,” said study co-author Hiroshi Okochi.



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



To better understand the influence of airborne microplastics on the atmosphere, Okochi's team collected cloud water from several regions with varying altitudes. The collection sites included the summit of Mount Fuji, its southeastern foothills, and the summit of Mt. Oyama.



Using advanced imaging techniques, the team identified the presence of microplastics in the cloud water and further analyzed their physical and chemical properties.&nbsp;



Alarmingly, the team detected nine distinct types of polymers and a form of rubber.



Furthermore, these airborne microplastics were found to play a crucial role in rapid cloud formation, which could have wider implications for the global climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-climate-impacts">Ecological and climate impacts</h2>



The accumulation of airborne microplastics, especially in polar regions, might severely disrupt the planet's ecological balance and lead to a dramatic loss of biodiversity.&nbsp;



“AMPs are degraded much faster in the upper atmosphere than on the ground due to strong ultraviolet radiation, and this degradation releases greenhouse gases and contributes to global warming," said Okochi.



"As a result, the findings of this study can be used to account for the effects of AMPs in future global warming projections.”



Okochi collaborated with study lead author Yize Wang, also from Waseda University, and Yasuhiro Niida of PerkinElmer Japan Co. Ltd.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01626-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Chemistry Letters</a>.



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"Plastic rain" is now a real thing as airborne microplastics are discovered in clouds

The presence of plastic in oceans and terrestrial environments has...

A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain regions of New York City are either sinking or rising, and it's not just due to modern human intervention - some of the reasons trace back to the last Ice Age.



While the elevation changes are just fractions of inches per year, the experts noted that they can increase or diminish local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-flood-risks-plague-the-us-housing-market/">flood risks</a> associated with sea level rise.



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



The detailed analysis was conducted by experts from NASA's <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-led-study-pinpoints-areas-of-new-york-city-sinking-rising" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in California and Rutgers University in New Jersey.



The researchers used interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data from 2016 to 2023. This advanced remote sensing technique merges multiple 3D observations of an area to expose surface movements or changes in topography.



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



A considerable amount of the movement was detected in areas previously altered by human activity, such as land reclamation or the establishment of landfills.&nbsp;



Such activities made the underlying ground more susceptible to compression, especially under the weight of new constructions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heavy-ice-burden">Heavy ice burden</h2>



However, not all of the alterations were recent. The last ice age, which peaked around 24,000 years ago, saw vast parts of New England blanketed in ice.&nbsp;



This heavy ice burden impacted the Earth's mantle. Areas like New York City, which were located just outside the ice sheet's periphery, have been undergoing a "rebalancing" of sorts, leading to the current sinking pattern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vertical-land-motion-nbsp">Vertical land motion&nbsp;</h2>



On average, the metropolitan area saw a decline of approximately 0.06 inches (1.6 millimeters) per year. To put it in perspective, that's roughly the pace at which a toenail grows monthly.&nbsp;



But certain landmarks and neighborhoods in New York have been sinking faster than this average. 



Brett Buzzanga, the study's lead author, expressed excitement at the granularity of the data.&nbsp;



“We’ve produced such a detailed map of vertical land motion in the New York City area that there are features popping out that haven’t been noticed before," said Buzzanga.



Understanding these local elevation shifts is pivotal for flood mapping, especially given the global climate crisis and rising sea levels, noted David Bekaert, a JPL scientist.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zones-of-change">Zones of change</h2>



A significant finding from the study highlights two regions in Queens, both associated with landfills, which are subsiding at alarming rates.&nbsp;



One such area is runway 13/31 at LaGuardia Airport, descending at approximately 0.15 inches per year. The other notable location is the Arthur Ashe Stadium, sinking about 0.18 inches each year.



Other affected zones include parts of Governors Island, areas near Brooklyn's Coney Island and Queens' Arverne by the Sea built on artificial fill, and parts of New Jersey crisscrossed by Route 440 and Interstate 78.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upward-movement">Upward movement</h2>



Yet, not all areas are on a downward trajectory. Surprisingly, regions in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Woodside, Queens, showed uplift.&nbsp;



Woodside rose a notable 0.27 inches annually between 2016 and 2019.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed-nbsp">Further research is needed&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Robert Kopp of Rutgers University said that groundwater pumping and injection wells used to treat polluted water may have played a role, but further investigation is needed.&nbsp;



“I’m intrigued by the potential of using high-resolution InSAR to measure these kinds of relatively short-lived environmental modifications associated with uplift,” said Kopp.



The scientists noted that cities like New York, which are investing in coastal defenses and infrastructure in the face of sea level rise, can benefit from high-resolution estimates of land motion.



With billions invested in coastal defenses and infrastructural adaptations, understanding and accounting for these subsiding and rising zones might just be the blueprint they need for a more resilient future.



The research is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi8259" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Parts of New York City are sinking, while others are rising

A study led by NASA scientists has found that certain...

The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a marker of intelligence across species, with elephants being a focal point of such studies due to their nuanced problem-solving skills.&nbsp;



A new study led by the <a href="http://www.cuny.edu/">City University of New York</a> (CUNY) has reported the findings of a six-month investigation, shedding light on the capabilities of individual wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/for-asian-elephants-shrinking-habitats-will-increase-conflicts/">Asian elephants</a> in securing food by solving puzzles that unlock storage boxes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capacity-to-adapt">Capacity to adapt</h2>



“An animal’s capacity for innovation or solving novel problems likely has important implications for how quickly they can adapt to environmental change. Asian elephants,&nbsp;Elephas maximus, living in zoos have previously demonstrated a capacity to innovate, but problem solving has never been studied experimentally in a wild elephant population,” the authors explained.



“This is the first research study to show that individual wild elephants have different willingness and abilities to problem solve in order to get food,” said lead author Sarah Jacobson, a doctoral student in Animal Cognition at CUNY.&nbsp;



“This is important knowledge, because how animals think and innovate may influence their ability to survive in environments that are rapidly changing due to human presence.”



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



This study was carried out at the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, utilizing motion-activated cameras to monitor 77 wild Asian elephants as they decided whether to engage with puzzle boxes containing aromatic jackfruit within three uniquely configured compartments.&nbsp;



The methods of access varied: elephants could pull on a chain, push a door, or slide a door open, each method requiring a different approach. The elephants were left to interact with the puzzle boxes autonomously to learn the unlocking mechanisms.



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



Out of the elephants observed, 44 decided to engage with the boxes, showing varying levels of innovative interactions.&nbsp;



The experts found that elephants which engaged more frequently and persistently with the boxes had higher success rates in accessing food from all the differently configured compartments.&nbsp;



In the end, 11 elephants managed to solve one type of compartment, eight cracked two types, and five elephants showcased the highest level of innovation by solving all three.



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



“Conflict involving humans and elephants is increasing due to loss of natural habitat and agricultural encroachment into what is left of it,” said senior author Joshua Plotnik, a professor of Psychology at CUNY.



“Investigating innovation and problem solving in elephants can inform our understanding of wild elephant cognitive flexibility and its potential impact on conservation management and human-elephant conflict mitigation,” he concluded.



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



Elephants are remarkable animals, known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. As mentioned by the CUNY team, their "innovations" are more about adapting and evolving to their environment over time, rather than inventing or creating new tools or technologies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-structures">Social structures</h3>



Elephants have intricate social structures, which they use to manage group dynamics, support each other, and protect young members.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication">Communication</h3>



They use a variety of vocalizations and even subsonic rumbles that can travel long distances to communicate with one another.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory">Memory</h3>



Known for their excellent memory, elephants can remember the locations of water sources over vast distances and recall these during dry seasons.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-problem-solving-abilities">Problem-solving abilities</h3>



Elephants are known to work together to solve problems. For example, they might coordinate efforts to move obstacles or assist a member in distress.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-empathy-and-mourning-nbsp">Empathy and mourning&nbsp;</h3>



Elephants display empathetic behaviors and even engage in rituals that resemble mourning when a member of their group dies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-use-of-tools">Use of tools</h3>



While not as advanced as some species, elephants do use basic tools. They might use branches to swat flies, or utilize their trunks in sophisticated ways to gather food, drink water, or give themselves dust or mud baths for skin protection.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-and-imitation">Learning and imitation</h3>



They have the ability to learn new behaviors, both from other elephants and through direct experience. They can also imitate sounds and behaviors.



While these may not be "innovations" in the human sense, these adaptations and evolved behaviors highlight the intelligence and complexity of elephants as a species.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.08.019">Animal Behavior</a>.



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Wild Asian elephants exhibit strong capacity for innovation

The capacity for individual innovation is often seen as a...

The,Harvest,Moon,And,Japanese,Pampas,Grass.

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as the final supermoon of 2023, wrapping up a summer marked by big, radiant full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-beyond-moon/">moons</a>.



According to Space.com, this special supermoon will be joined by a parade of planets, including the largest worlds in our solar system -&nbsp; Jupiter and Saturn - as well as Mercury, which is the smallest.



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



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-weeks-blue-supermoon-will-be-the-biggest-and-brightest-of-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermoon</a> is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky compared to other periods in its cycle.



This year's last supermoon will hit its peak brilliance at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday after making its grand appearance on Thursday night, according to the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a>. The illumination will still be visible on Friday evening.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-corn-moon">The Corn Moon</h2>



This week's full moon is known as the "Harvest Moon," which is due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox which took place on September 23.&nbsp;



Traditionally, September's full moon has also been known as the Corn Moon, a tribute to the end-of-summer harvests.



While the Harvest Moon typically graces us in September, every three years it shifts to October. This means that not all Corn Moons earn the title of Harvest Moon.



Those who might miss out on this week's event need to mark their calendars for summer 2024, when the next supermoon will be visible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origin-of-the-harvest-moon-nbsp">The origin of the Harvest Moon&nbsp;</h2>



The term Harvest Moon is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. "In the days before tractors with headlights, having moonlight to work by was crucial to getting the harvest in quickly before rain caused it to rot," explained Alan MacRobert, an editor at <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/">Sky &amp; Telescope</a> magazine.



The timeline of the Harvest Moon aligns with the ripening of numerous crops in late summer and early autumn.&nbsp;



In those days, farmers, burdened with the immense workload, had no choice but to extend their labor hours past sunset. Moonlight was their guiding light.



NASA, citing the Oxford English Dictionary, notes that the term "Harvest Moon" made its first printed appearance in 1706.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-characteristics">Unique characteristics</h2>



Beyond its agricultural significance, the Harvest Moon is also known for its unique characteristics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-and-timing">Brightness and timing</h3>



One of the main reasons the Harvest Moon is special is due to its path across the sky. It rises during twilight for several nights in a row, which means there's no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise.&nbsp;



This results in several evenings of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was traditionally helpful to farmers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color">Color</h3>



The Harvest Moon often appears orange in color as it rises. This is due to the angle at which it rises - making it seem larger on the horizon and its light having to pass through a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. This scattering of light results in the orange hue.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">Festivals</h3>



Many cultures have harvest festivals around the time of the Harvest Moon.&nbsp;



For instance, in East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated around this time. It's a time of family gatherings, moon gazing, and the consumption of mooncakes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-in-folklore">Cultural significance in folklore</h3>



The Harvest Moon is a prominent fixture in various cultures' folklore and traditions. It has been associated with both romance and mysticism in various legends.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-abundance-nbsp">Symbol of abundance&nbsp;</h4>



Given its association with the time of harvest, this moon symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and preparation for the winter months.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstitions">Superstitions</h4>



Some believed that the Harvest Moon could bring out certain behaviors in people and animals, often attributing heightened restlessness or craziness to its appearance.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-and-romance">Fertility and romance</h4>



In some cultures, the Harvest Moon is seen as a symbol of fertility, with some believing that its light has special properties. Couples might try to conceive under its light.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-cycle">End of cycle</h4>



As the Harvest Moon signifies the ending of the harvest and the impending approach of winter, some myths might focus on themes of death, rebirth, or the cyclical nature of life.



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Beautiful "Super Harvest Moon" reaches its peak tonight

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as...

Wildlife,Conservation,Day,Wild,Animals,To,The,Home.,Or,Wildlife

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. 



The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. 



The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. 



"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”



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



The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. 



Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. 



Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. 



“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.



The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. 



While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.



In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.



In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. 



By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in...

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Atlantic walrus are at high risk of extinction

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Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution could significantly increase the risk of stroke.&nbsp;



This revelation comes from a comprehensive meta-analysis published by the <a href="https://www.aan.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Neurology</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-term-exposure-nbsp">Short-term exposure&nbsp;</h2>



The study defines "short-term exposure" as any exposure occurring within five days prior to the stroke event.



“Previous research has established a connection between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke. However, the correlation between short-term exposure to air pollution and stroke had been less clear," said study lead author Dr. Ahmad Toubasi from the <a href="https://www.ju.edu.jo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Jordan</a>.&nbsp;



"For our study, instead of looking at weeks or months of exposure, we looked at just five days and found a link between short-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of stroke.”



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



The experts reviewed 110 distinct studies, which collectively involved more than 18 million stroke cases. Key <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/specific-air-pollutants-linked-to-asthma-attacks-in-urban-children/">pollutants</a> such as nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide were the primary focus.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the researchers investigated the different sizes of particulate matter present in the air. This included PM1, particles that are less than 1 micron (μm) in diameter; PM2.5, minute inhalable particles emanating from vehicle exhaust, industrial fuel burning, and natural fires; and PM10, which captures dust from roads and construction sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-stroke-risks">Increased stroke risks</h2>



The results of the study showed that exposure to elevated concentrations of these pollutants was directly associated with an increased stroke risk.



<ul>
<li>Nitrogen dioxide: 28% increased risk</li>



<li>Ozone: 5% increased risk</li>



<li>Carbon monoxide: 26% increased risk</li>



<li>Sulfur dioxide: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM1: 9% increased risk</li>



<li>PM2.5: 15% increased risk</li>



<li>PM10: 14% increased risk</li>
</ul>



These pollutants were also associated with a higher risk of death from stroke, with nitrogen dioxide leading to a 33% increased risk and sulfur dioxide resulting in a 60% increase.



“There is a strong and significant association between air pollution and the occurrence of stroke as well as death from stroke within five days of exposure," said Dr. Toubasi.



"This highlights the importance of global efforts to create policies that reduce air pollution. Doing so may reduce the number of strokes and their consequences.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-pollution-and-cardiovascular-health">Air pollution and cardiovascular health</h2>



Air pollution is known to have extremely detrimental impacts on health, particularly the cardiovascular system.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-attacks">Heart attacks</h3>



Air pollution is associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks. Particulate matter and toxic gases in polluted air can accelerate the formation of plaque in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stroke">Stroke</h3>



As found in the meta-analysis published in Neurology®, short-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of strokes. The pollutants can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to changes in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hypertension">Hypertension</h3>



Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can result in elevated blood pressure levels. Pollutants may cause the blood vessels to constrict, leading to hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heart-failure">Heart failure</h3>



There is evidence that air pollution can exacerbate heart failure, where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. The pollutants can lead to inflammation, affecting the heart’s functionality and worsening pre-existing conditions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arrhythmias">Arrhythmias</h3>



Exposure to air pollution has been linked with irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Particulates and other pollutants can affect the heart's electrical activity, leading to arrhythmias, which can be dangerous if not managed.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-vein-thrombosis">Deep vein thrombosis</h3>



Research has found correlations between exposure to high levels of air pollution and an increased risk of developing DVT, a condition where blood clots form in veins deep in the body, usually in the legs.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-term-effects">Long-term effects</h3>



Chronic exposure to air pollution over the years can lead to persistent inflammation and stress on the cardiovascular system, resulting in long-term damage and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.



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Short-term exposure to air pollution increases stroke risk

Recent research indicates that even short-term exposure to air pollution...

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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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard



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



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2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: NTU Singapore



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



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

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to herbicides

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

NASA monitors giant dust storms on Mars

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



Qeshm is separated from the Iranian coast by the Clarence Strait, also known as Khuran.&nbsp;The Hara Forest Protected Area is a network of shallow waterways and forest located between the island and the mainland. This protected region is home to sea turtles, snakes, and more than 150 species of migrating birds.



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Inhambane Bay in southeast Mozambique

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

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Kangerlussuaq Glacier on the Greenland ice sheet

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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: ESA



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



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

Ocean heat influences regional climate

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



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



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



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



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



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



Image/ Video Credit: ESA



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

Monitoring the dynamic shape of the sea surface

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

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



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



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



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



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

Monitoring deforestation in the Amazon through sounds

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