Earth Science

Scientists Warn: Earth’s Oceans May Soon Become Too Acidic to Support Life

Credit: PixabayA recent report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) warns that the world's oceans are nearing a level of acidity that could jeopardize marine life and climate stability. The report outlines nine key factors essential for maintaining the planet's capacity to support life.Recent years have seen human activity push the...

Clay Cuts Methane Emissions From Cow Burps by 30%

Cows that were fed a modified form of halloysite clay had up to 30% less methane in their burps. Credit: PixabayIf you’re not aware, methane from cow burps significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. However, a recent study suggests a potential solution: feeding cows clay can cut their methane emissions by more than 30%.Yes,...

A New Method Eliminates Over 98% of Nanoplastics from Water

Credit: DepositphotosThe potential threat of plastic pollution to human health remains uncertain, but the recent discovery that we are unknowingly consuming tiny plastic fragments in our water is causing widespread concern.To prevent microplastics and nanoplastics from infiltrating our bodies and brains, researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a potentially sustainable and safe...

Irreversible Climate Damage if Warming Exceeds 1.5°C

Credit: PixabayThe world's climate is at a critical juncture, with uncertain outcomes. A new climate model indicates that exceeding the Paris Agreement's primary target for global warming could trigger a chain of tipping points, making recovery extremely difficult, if not impossible.On our current climate path, there's up to a 45 percent chance of surpassing...

Monday Broke Sunday’s Record as the Hottest Day on Earth

Earth has sweltered through its hottest day on record this weekDepositphotosEarth experienced its hottest day on record twice this week. According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), Sunday initially set the record for the highest global average temperature since records began in 1940, only for Monday to surpass it.On Sunday, July...

Earth’s Water is Rapidly Losing Oxygen, Creating a Major Threat

Credit: PixabayThe levels of dissolved oxygen in the world's water bodies are dropping quickly, and scientists consider this a major threat to Earth's life support system.Much like atmospheric oxygen is crucial for animals, dissolved oxygen (DO) is key for the health of aquatic ecosystems, whether in freshwater or marine environments. Given that billions of...

EV Batteries are an Unexpected Source of Forever Chemical Pollution

Credit: DepositphotosScientists have discovered a new source of dangerous "forever chemical" pollution in the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in most electric vehicles.Certain lithium-ion battery technologies incorporate PFAS chemicals (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to reduce flammability and improve electrical conductivity.According to a peer-reviewed study in the journal Nature Communications, scientists have found high levels of PFAS...

Complete Carbon Impact of Long-Distance Travel Exposed

Credit: PixabayThe University of Leeds has revealed the genuine climate impact of long-distance passenger travel in recent research.Although trips over 50 miles (one way) account for less than 3% of all travel by UK residents, they contribute 70% of all passenger travel-related carbon emissions. This disparity is even more pronounced with international travel, which...

Trees in Los Angeles are Now an Unexpected Air Pollution Source

Credit: PixabayWhile trees and green spaces are often celebrated for their contributions to cleaner air and a healthier environment, recent research has highlighted a surprising drawback: they can also be significant sources of air pollution. A study mapping volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over Los Angeles revealed that botanical emissions, particularly from trees, are responsible...

Extreme Wildfires have Doubled in 20 Years

Credit: PixabayRecently, over 70 wildfires burned simultaneously in Greece. In early 2024, Chile experienced its worst wildfire season ever, resulting in over 130 fatalities. Last year, Canada endured record-breaking wildfires from March to November, and in August, flames ravaged Maui in Hawaii. And the list continues.Watching the news, it seems like catastrophic wildfires are...