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According to an annual study, global carbon emissions increased significantly in 2007, with developing countries like China and India now responsible for more than half of the world's carbon dioxide output, the main gas linked to global warming. The Global Carbon Project's report revealed that carbon dioxide emissions from human activities are growing much faster since 2000 compared to the 1990s, despite efforts by some countries to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. The burning of fossil fuels was a major factor in the rise in emissions. The report also predicted that India would soon surpass Russia to become the world's third largest emitter of CO2. The executive director of the Global Carbon Project noted that for the first time, developing countries are contributing more emissions to the atmosphere annually than developed nations. He informed Reuters that China is now the leading emitter and is responsible for 60% of the growth in emissions. The United States is the second largest emitter. The International Council for Science supports the project. Professor Barry Brook from the University of Adelaide in Australia warned that the rapid increase in emissions could lead to faster global warming than previously expected, with CO2 concentrations potentially reaching 450 ppm by 2030 instead of 2040. Currently, the level of CO2 is slightly above 380 ppm. However, reaching 450 ppm of CO2 will result in a 2 degrees Celsius global warming, leading to catastrophic consequences. The Global Carbon Project, which began in 2001, studies changes in the earth's carbon cycle due to both human and natural emissions, as well as how carbon is absorbed by sinks like oceans and forests. Data from CO2 samples worldwide and national emissions reported to the United Nations are analyzed by the project. The significant increase in emissions from 2000 to 2007 was unprecedented and occurred despite international efforts to combat climate change. Currently, only 37 wealthy nations are obligated to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, the primary global agreement addressing climate change. However, this agreement does not require developing countries to limit their emissions. The United Nations is working on negotiations to extend the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 and hopes to create a plan that will involve all nations in reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. A recent report has shown that the concentration of atmospheric CO2 reached 383 parts per million in 2007, a significant increase compared to levels at the start of the industrial revolution. This is the highest level in the past 650,000 years. The report also noted that the annual growth rate of atmospheric CO2 increased to 2.2 ppm in 2007, up from 1.8 ppm in 2006. Professor Matthew England, who is the joint director of the University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre, stated that the recent data on increasing carbon dioxide emissions should serve as a significant alert to the industry, business, and politicians. Canadell mentioned that the credit crisis is expected to reduce emissions growth, but he also emphasized that unless major countries like China, India, Russia, and Japan experience similar economic struggles as the United States, any decrease in emissions will likely be minimal.

This year, scientists are emphasizing the importance of focusing on methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, in order to prevent catastrophic global warming. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report urging countries to make significant reductions in methane emissions in addition to cutting CO2 emissions. This plea may be concerning for countries using natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, and may present challenges for countries with agriculture and livestock industries, particularly those reliant on cattle. Despite both methane and CO2 contributing to warming the atmosphere, they are not equivalent in their impact. A methane molecule has a more immediate impact on warming compared to a CO2 molecule, but CO2 remains in the atmosphere for a longer period of time. The recent IPCC report emphasizes the urgent need for the world to focus on reducing methane emissions, as it is the most effective and quickest strategy for slowing down global warming. The current global temperature is already 1.1C higher than the preindustrial average due to emissions since the mid-1800s. The report states that the world would have experienced an additional 0.5C of warming if pollution had not been reflecting some of the sun's radiation back into space. As the world moves away from fossil fuels and addresses air pollution, these aerosols will disappear, potentially causing temperatures to rise. The rapid reduction of methane could counteract this effect and improve air quality, according to Maisa Rojas Corradi, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Chile and author of the IPCC report summary. Methane emissions are responsible for about 30% of warming since the pre-industrial era on a global scale, as stated by the United Nations. The IPCC had not previously addressed the roles of methane, aerosols, and other short-lived climate pollutants until now. "The report highlights the immediate advantages of significant decreases in methane levels, not only in terms of atmospheric concentration but also in the positive impacts on human health due to improved air quality," stated Jane Lubchenco, who serves as the deputy director for climate and environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Recent advancements in technology and research indicate that methane emissions from sources such as oil and gas production, landfills, and livestock may have been previously underestimated. This report serves as a strong message to countries that produce and consume oil and gas, urging them to integrate aggressive methane reduction plans into their climate strategies, according to Mark Brownstein, the senior vice president of energy at Environmental Defense Fund. Brownstein also pointed out that addressing emissions from landfills and energy companies may be more feasible compared to tackling large-scale agricultural methane, as the necessary replacement technology on a larger scale is currently unavailable. The EU and the United States are both working on implementing stricter regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas companies this year. The US is expected to release regulations by September that are more stringent than those implemented by the Obama administration and later rolled back by President Trump. Together, the US and the EU account for over a third of global natural gas consumption. Countries like Brazil and Russia, which have less strict regulations on oil and gas production and agriculture, are also likely to be significant methane emitters, according to IPCC co-author Paulo Artaxo. He noted that quantifying methane leakage from gas and oil wells is a challenging task. If countries do not actively search for it, they will not discover it. Certain environmental organizations and government authorities have proposed a worldwide pact on methane similar to the Montreal Protocol, which successfully addressed ozone depletion. This agreement could initially focus on reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, as they already possess the necessary technology to achieve this, according to Armond Cohen, who leads the Clean Air Task Force, a climate technology organization based in Boston. Cohen emphasized that controlling methane emissions is a feasible task that does not require any complex or unfamiliar technology. "So, let's begin from that point."

Scientists have proposed mammoth structures to enclose the North Sea and protect tens of millions of Europeans from rising sea levels due to climate change. The urgency of the crisis is emphasized by the scale of the project, which would be one of the largest engineering feats ever attempted. The estimated cost is between $250 billion and $550 billion, which could potentially be covered by Northern European countries. Some experts are skeptical, suggesting that building defenses along the coastline might be a better solution. The scientists behind the proposal see it as a warning and hope it serves as a reminder of the drastic actions that may be necessary if global leaders fail to address climate change. The preferred solution, they say, is to reduce CO2 emissions and curb global warming to avoid the need for such extreme measures. If nothing changes, millions of people could become climate refugees due to sea level rise. Coastal cities like San Francisco and Manila are still dealing with the impacts of rising sea levels. A proposal for massive barriers connecting Norway to Scotland and France to England aims to protect tens of millions of Europeans from the threat of flooding. By 2050, around 150 million people in low-lying coastal areas could be at risk of being submerged. The proposed barriers would be much larger than existing sea walls and would require a massive amount of sand for construction. Building such structures would have significant ecological and economic consequences, but as sea levels rise, the options for protecting vulnerable areas are becoming limited. The Netherlands, a country with extensive experience in managing flood risks, views the proposal as extreme but necessary for the future. However, he emphasized that there are no easy answers when discussing the potential for a significant rise in sea levels.

According to US researchers, the United States may serve as a breeding ground for certain flu strains, aiding in their migration to warmer climates. It was previously believed that flu strains mainly originated from China and Southeast Asia, but a study involving the University of Michigan, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Florida State University discovered that some flu strains in North America do not disappear at the end of flu season. Instead, some of these strains travel to South America and even further. This may have been the case with the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. Trevor Bedford of the University of Michigan, along with his colleagues, conducted a study that found China and Southeast Asia are major players in the influenza A migration network, but temperate regions like the USA also play a significant role. They analyzed genetic sequences from seasonal flu viruses collected worldwide between 1998 and 2009, creating a family tree to show relationships among the viruses. This new understanding of flu could lead public health officials to reconsider their strategies for combating the virus, as the aggressive use of antiviral drugs like Tamiflu could potentially promote drug resistance if certain flu strains persist in the United States. Bedford stated that South America primarily gets its flu strains from North America, suggesting that a vaccine tailored to North American strains may be more effective. The research findings can help improve tracking of flu strains globally, providing insight into the origins of influenza outbreaks. Bedford emphasized the need for more comprehensive surveillance of flu viruses to better understand their global spread. The initial instances of H1N1 swine flu were identified in the United States. It is unclear where the swine flu originated, but genetic research indicates that it likely came from pigs and had been present for a long time before it was discovered.

According to a report from a wire service, scientists in Washington have found strong evidence suggesting that the increase in ocean temperatures over the last 40 years is directly linked to the industrial emission of carbon dioxide. Researchers in the US compared the ocean temperature increase with climate models and determined that human activity is the main cause. They predict that this warming will significantly affect regional water supplies in the future. The study was presented at a science meeting in Washington DC, where the team considered various scenarios to explain the oceanic observations, such as natural climate variability, solar radiation, and volcanic emissions, but none of these explanations were sufficient. Dr Barnett stated that greenhouse warming was the key factor, with a model that accurately replicated temperature changes in the oceans with a 95% statistical confidence. Researchers believe this is conclusive evidence that human activities are causing global warming. The team warns that regional water supplies will be significantly impacted by climate change in the near future. In areas such as the South American Andes and western China, millions of people could face water shortages during the summer due to glaciers melting at a faster rate. Dr Barnett emphasized that if snow melts earlier and societies are unable to capture the water, water shortages will occur in the summer. The Scripps researcher emphasized the importance of political leadership in preventing a global disaster. They expressed hope for the US to take action in addressing global warming-related issues worldwide, stressing the need to first understand the extent of the problems before finding solutions.

Contrary to previous reports, it is not Elon Musk's SpaceX but rather a piece of a rocket launched by China's space agency that is likely responsible for creating a crater on the lunar surface. Bill Gray, developer of Project Pluto, recently announced that the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was on a trajectory that would intersect with the moon's path. This rocket had launched the Deep Space Climate Observatory for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in February 2015. Gray had been monitoring this rocket part for years, and in January it passed within 6,000 miles of the moon's surface, leading to speculation that it might crash on a subsequent orbit. Reports from amateur astronomers who witnessed the object passing by Earth once again confirmed the anticipated collision within the Hertzsprung crater. However, an email received on Saturday from Jon Giorgini, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, provided new information. Giorgini oversees Horizons, an online database that can provide locations and orbits for nearly 1.2 million objects in the solar system, including approximately 200 spacecraft. After a user of Horizons inquired about the object's connection to the DSCOVR rocket, Giorgini decided to investigate further. He discovered that the orbit did not match the path that DSCOVR followed and reached out to Gray. Gray recalled his initial reaction was confidence in his work. However, he went through his emails to refresh his memory on when the object was first seen in March 2015, approximately a month after DSCOVR's launch. Typically, newly spotted objects in the sky are asteroids, and this object was also assumed to be one. It was named WE0913A. It was discovered that WE0913A was orbiting Earth instead of the sun, suggesting it originated from Earth. Gray suggested it could be part of the rocket that launched DSCOVR, and further data confirmed this theory when WE0913A passed the moon two days after DSCOVR's launch. Gray now realizes his mistake in assuming DSCOVR was headed towards the moon for a gravity-assist maneuver, as Giorgini clarified that DSCOVR was actually launched on a direct path not involving the moon. Gray admitted that he regretted not reviewing the information before making his announcement in January. Once Jon Giorgini brought it to his attention, he realized that he had made a mistake. SpaceX did not confirm or deny that WE0913A was their rocket stage, but it is likely that they were not tracking it. Typically, the second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket is disposed of by burning up in the atmosphere, but in this instance, the rocket needed all its fuel to deliver DSCOVR to its intended location. However, the second stage, which was not powered or controlled, was in an orbit that was not likely to pose a threat to any satellites, and it is probable that people did not monitor its whereabouts. Gray expressed a desire for transparency from those responsible for launching boosters into high orbits, suggesting that it would be helpful if they publicly disclosed information about their payloads and trajectories. Gray then began investigating other recent launches, specifically those directed towards the moon, in an effort to identify the unidentified object in orbit. The top contender for the mission was a Long March 3C rocket that launched China's Chang'e-5 T1 spacecraft on October 23, 2014. The spacecraft orbited the moon before returning to Earth, releasing a return capsule that landed in Mongolia. This test was a precursor to the successful Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, which collected moon rocks and dust for study on Earth. A computer simulation of WE0913A's orbit in the past indicated that it would have had a close encounter with the moon on October 28, just five days after the Chinese launch. Additionally, orbital data from a cubesat attached to the Long March rocket closely matched WE0913A. "It's a case that could likely result in a conviction if taken to a jury," said Christophe Demeautis, an amateur astronomer in northeast France, regarding the prediction of when an object will strike the moon. The impact is expected to occur at around 7:26 am Eastern time, but it will not be visible from Earth's telescopes and satellites due to it happening on the far side of the moon. The search for the Falcon 9 part continues as efforts are made to locate the DSCOVR second stage. It is most likely that the object ended up circling the sun instead of the Earth, meaning it may still be in space and currently out of sight. This situation has occurred before, as seen in 2020 when a mystery object was identified as part of a rocket from NASA's Surveyor missions to the moon in 1966.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has revealed in a recent study, done in collaboration with the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), that oceans are becoming more acidic at a rate 100 times faster than any previous changes in acidity seen over the last 20 million years. This rapid change is not allowing enough time for biological systems to adapt evolutionarily. The study, released at the Bella Convention Centre in Copenhagen, where climate talks are taking place, states that oceans are absorbing about a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The oceans have been absorbing increasing amounts of carbon dioxide at a faster rate as more emissions are produced. If the oceans were not absorbing this carbon dioxide, atmospheric CO2 levels would be much higher and the impacts of global climate change would be more severe. The absorption of atmospheric CO2 has caused the oceans to become more acidic, with predictions suggesting a 150 percent increase in ocean acidity by 2050. Ocean acidification is a permanent problem that can only be prevented by urgent reductions in global CO2 emissions. Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the convention, emphasizes the importance of integrating this issue into the global climate change debate in Copenhagen. A study by CBD highlights the severe ecological consequences of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity, based on analysis of over 300 scientific literatures. The study reveals that as ocean acidification increases, a significant portion of cold water corals, which serve as important habitats for commercial fish species, will be at risk of exposure to corrosive waters by the year 2100.

According to a NASA survey, there are approximately 1,000 asteroids in close proximity to Earth that are large enough to cause catastrophic damage if they were to collide with our planet. This survey, known as Spaceguard, was mandated by Congress in 1998 and aimed to locate 90 percent of objects near Earth that are 1 km in diameter or larger. At a conference in San Francisco, astronomer Amy Mainzer of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced that the survey is now 93 percent complete. Using the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) telescope, scientists also discovered around 20,500 smaller asteroids near Earth, a significant finding as previous studies had estimated there were between 36,000 to 100,000 of these objects with a diameter of about 100 meters. Mainzer informed Reuters that while asteroids still have the potential to cause significant damage, the likelihood of a catastrophic impact is low. However, history has shown that a major asteroid strike is possible, as evidenced by the collision of a 5 to 10 km asteroid or comet with Earth 65 million years ago, leading to the extinction of dinosaurs. Mainzer stated that an impact of that size could result in the extinction of most life on Earth. Scientists are currently utilizing archived WISE data to identify potentially dangerous objects that come close to Earth's orbit. As of now, there is no strategy in place for how to proceed in the event that an asteroid is found to be heading towards Earth.

The planet Venus crossed in front of the sun at a slow pace on Tuesday, marking the final visible transit from Earth for 105 years. Transits of Venus occur in pairs eight years apart, separated by more than a century. During this recent transit, Venus appeared as a small black dot moving gradually across the sun's northern hemisphere. Many amateur astronomers watched the event online through various websites offering live video feeds. Detailed views from the Prescott Observatory in Arizona, streamed on Slooh.com, showed a minor solar flare forming just below Venus' silhouette. The transit that took place on Tuesday marked the end of a pair of transits that occurred between 2004 and 2012. The event began at 6:09 p.m. EDT (2209 GMT) and was visible to skywatchers on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Even astronauts on the International Space Station were able to witness at least part of the transit. Don Pettit, a flight engineer on the space station, had been looking forward to this event and had brought a solar filter with him in preparation. The focus is not solely on beautiful images. Various scientific experiments were arranged, including research that could aid in the discovery of habitable planets outside of our solar system. Telescopes like NASA's Kepler space telescope are being utilized to locate extrasolar planets that pass in front of their respective stars, similar to Venus passing in front of the sun. During Venus' transit, astronomers aimed to analyze the planet's dense atmosphere in order to develop methods for studying atmospheres of other planets. By examining Venus' atmosphere, researchers could gain insight into why Earth and Venus, despite being nearly identical in size and orbiting at a similar distance from the sun, are so dissimilar. Venus has an extremely thick atmosphere, mainly composed of carbon dioxide, which is 100 times denser than Earth's atmosphere. The planet's surface temperature reaches a scorching 900 degrees Fahrenheit (480 degrees Celsius) and high-speed clouds of sulfuric acid move around Venus at 220 miles per hour, causing acid rain. Despite being known as the goddess of love, Venus is not a planet you would want to get close to, according to an astronomer on a webcast. Scientists are studying Venus' climate to gain insight into potential changes in Earth's atmosphere. In past transits of Venus, scientists determined the size of the solar system and the distance between the sun and the planets. Tuesday's transit, only the eighth since the telescope was invented, is the last one until December 10-11, 2117. This transit is unique as it is the first to occur with a spacecraft at Venus. Observations from Europe's Venus Express probe will be compared to data collected by various ground and space-based telescopes, such as NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the US-European Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and Japan's Hinode spacecraft.

Every resilient variety plays a crucial role in a strong seed system that supports agriculture, the basis of a strong food system. The unpredictable 2020 seed-catalogue season highlighted the importance of resilience for both seed company employees and their customers. Lessons learned from the chaotic year of high sales can help prepare for the 2021 garden season, which kicks off this month with new catalogues being distributed. Last year, no one could have predicted the surge in sales, with some companies experiencing a 300% increase in orders after a national emergency was declared on March 13. Johnny's Selected Seeds, with nearly five decades of sales data, was amazed by the sudden influx of orders when staff returned to the office. "We initially believed it was just a temporary issue, but it turned out to be more serious than we anticipated," explained Heron Breen, a research and development manager at Fedco Seeds, a company that has been catering to Northeastern gardeners since 1978. Breen mentioned that they received a warning from colleagues at other companies about the increasing demand for seeds. As larger companies struggled to keep up with the demand, smaller companies like Fedco Seeds were also overwhelmed. Many suppliers had to temporarily suspend sales to catch up with the orders, while the demand for catalogues and growing advice also increased significantly. Despite the challenges, sellers, both big and small, are assuring home gardeners that they are well stocked and there are no major seed shortages beyond the usual risks associated with farming. It may seem surprising to those who saw many product pages with "out of stock" labels on websites last spring. However, the issue was often not due to a lack of seed availability but rather a shortage of staff to pack the seeds quickly enough to meet the increased demand. Andrea Tursini, the chief marketing officer of High Mowing Organic Seeds, explained that this surge in demand occurred at the end of their usual busy season when they are not typically packing a high volume of seeds. Additionally, the challenges of hiring and operating safely during the pandemic, along with employee burnout, added to the difficulties. Seed companies have been working hard, even skipping summer breaks, to improve and strengthen their systems. Prior to diving into their catalogues, home gardeners should take the time to refine their methods. It is important to shop wisely and carefully consider the options available. It is recommended to study catalogues rather than just using them for purchasing items. Seed catalogues, whether in print or online, offer a wide range of options with each having its own unique specialties. Reading about the different traits and varieties of crops can be informative and interesting. By carefully reading variety descriptions, you can learn about the range of traits within a single crop, such as broccoli that produces one large head or "non-heading" varieties like Piracicaba that form smaller florets over time. Seed catalogs also offer valuable growing information beyond just planting and spacing instructions, including which varieties are best suited for specific conditions like summer heat. This knowledge can help you plan and sow your crops at the right time, resulting in a continuous harvest of lettuce for salads, for example. Seed companies now offer educational resources in digital formats, such as Johnny's Grower's Library, which has seen a significant increase in visits. Do not give in to impulse purchases. The season for seed-shopping and garden-planning can begin by checking what seeds you already have stored away. Take inventory to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money. It's okay to try new things occasionally to gain more experience. Before making any purchases, make sure to understand the principles of succession planting. Looking to improve your personal seed security? Consider purchasing open-pollinated varieties instead of hybrids, as hybrids may not produce true from seed. Save the seeds for 2022 and be prepared to adjust, like a seed. Despite thorough preparations, it is impossible for any company to predict factors such as the number of returning gardeners from last season or the influx of new gardeners in 2021. One aspect that remained consistent from 2019 to 2020 was a small sense of normalcy, according to D'errico. Johnny's Selected Seeds reported that the top 12 crops for home gardeners remained consistent, although the order may have varied slightly. The top four crops - zinnias, bush beans, heirloom tomatoes, and hot peppers - maintained the same ranking. Despite this consistency, sellers and buyers should be prepared to make adjustments. Tursini from High Mowing Organic Seeds recommended being flexible and trying different varieties if a specific type is sold out, as there may be another option that is even more appealing. "Order your seeds early, but stay calm," she advised, a sentiment that was also expressed by Breen from Fedco Seeds. He emphasized the importance of planning your garden rather than focusing on a doomsday survival plan. The companies featured in this article, such as Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and High Mowing Organic Seeds, are farm-based and grow their own stock. Other notable companies in the Northeast include Hudson Valley Seed, Turtle Tree Seed, and Fruition Seeds. Prairie Road Organic Seed, based in North Dakota, offers cold-adapted beans and tomatoes. The Pacific Northwest is known for its ideal seed-farming climate, leading to the establishment of several outstanding companies such as Adaptive Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Uprising Seeds, and Wild Garden Seed. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Sow True Seed are recommended for gardeners looking for heat-adapted seeds, while companies like Redwood Seed Co., High Desert Seed and Gardens, Native Seed/SEARCH, and Snake River Seed Cooperative cater to challenging growing conditions in various regions. Seed Savers Exchange, based in Iowa, serves as a national resource due to its nonprofit mission of preserving heirloom varieties. Some of the items in its collection were obtained from Glenn Drowns, who is associated with Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. The ordering process is done through traditional mail instead of online shopping, but the variety of products available is impressive.

Scientists reported that bacteria consumed almost all of the methane that was released from BP's broken wellhead in the Gulf of Mexico last year, which could have contributed to climate change. Despite nearly 200,000 tons of methane being released, the bacteria in the deep waters of the Gulf managed to consume it before it could reach the atmosphere. However, this process led to a loss of around 1 million tons of dissolved oxygen in certain areas. The study, conducted by David Valentine of the University of California-Santa Barbara and published in Science, found that while significant, the oxygen loss was dispersed enough to avoid creating a harmful low-oxygen condition known as hypoxia. Methane's impact on the environment is of interest to climate scientists, as it is much more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Similar to carbon dioxide, methane is produced by both natural and human activities, including the petroleum industry. Following the BP oil spill in April 2010, methane was not being consumed in the area near the wellhead for two months, raising concerns among scientists about its potential to linger in the water and eventually enter the atmosphere, where it could contribute to climate change by trapping heat. Researchers, including Valentine, have observed large-scale methane releases from natural sources in the past that have impacted the climate, prompting them to investigate the role of bacteria in such cases. The BP spill provided an unintentional opportunity to observe how certain bacteria thrived on a diet of methane as it spread through the underwater plume from the broken well. The peak consumption of methane likely occurred in late July and early August. While other organisms tackled different hydrocarbons emitted in the oil spill, the bacteria that consumed methane were the last to join the feast. Scientists were initially unsure if these bacteria could effectively consume the methane due to past observations suggesting it was a slow process. According to scientists, the bacteria's ability to consume a significant amount of methane suggests they may also be able to absorb other substantial releases of deep ocean methane. The US government recently filed a civil suit against BP and its partners for the damage caused by the spill. The White House commission on the oil spill stated that BP and its partners' cost-cutting decisions played a role in causing the spill.

A group of scientists stated that even slight variations in the sun's energy output can have a significant effect on global weather patterns, including the strength of the Indian monsoon, which could be predicted several years in advance. The sun goes through an 11-year cycle marked by the number of sun spots emitting bursts of energy on its surface. The difference in energy between a solar maximum and minimum is only about 0.1 percent, making it challenging for meteorologists to determine how this small fluctuation impacts the Earth's climate. By analyzing a century of weather data and using complex computer models, an international team of scientists, led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the United States, demonstrated that even a slight increase in the sun's energy can amplify wind and rainfall patterns. Julie Arblaster, a co-author of the study published in the journal Science, noted that small changes in the sun's output during the solar cycle are well-known to affect the global climate system. For the first time, researchers have explained how small variations are magnified to cause cooler sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and increased rainfall away from the equator. They discovered that during periods of high solar activity, the upper atmosphere, specifically the stratosphere, becomes warmer, particularly over the tropics where sunlight is strongest. This additional warmth changes wind patterns in the upper atmosphere, leading to more rainfall in tropical regions. Additionally, increased sunlight during solar maximum slightly warms ocean surface waters in the subtropical Pacific, where clouds are usually less common. This additional warmth causes increased evaporation, resulting in more water vapor being produced. The surplus moisture is transported by trade winds to the usually rainy regions of the western tropical Pacific, causing an increase in rainfall. Forecasts indicate that sea surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific will slightly decrease, creating conditions resembling a La Nina event. La Nina, which is the opposite of El Nino, brings wetter conditions to the western Pacific and drier conditions to parts of South America. The Indian monsoon and various other regional climate patterns are primarily influenced by the movement of rising and sinking air in the tropics and subtropics. Predictions of the solar cycle could assist meteorologists in estimating how various circulation patterns, changes in sea surface temperatures, and regional weather patterns may fluctuate. According to NCAR scientist Gerald Meehl, the sun, stratosphere, and oceans are interconnected and can impact events like winter rainfall in North America. Understanding the solar cycle's role can offer valuable insights as scientists strive to forecast regional weather patterns for the next couple of decades. Currently, the sun is in a quiet phase following a solar minimum at the end of last year, as reported by the Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA in the United States. The next solar peak is anticipated in May 2013. Brad Carter, a senior lecturer in physics at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, stated that the paper is a valuable contribution to understanding the potential impact of solar activity on climate. He emphasized that while solar activity can have detectable effects on climate, it is not a sufficient explanation for global warming in recent decades. For more information, visit www.swpc.noaa.gov/SolarCycle/.

At least 14 individuals perished due to rising waters in basements. A tornado in southern New Jersey destroyed a row of homes. Several drivers are said to have been stuck since Wednesday night, with over 200,000 residences in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania still lacking electricity, prompting states of emergency to be declared throughout the area. The heavy rain on Wednesday, exceeding six inches in a short period, transformed streets and subway platforms into streams, leading to emergency personnel using boats to save individuals stranded on car roofs and in flooded residences. Numerous individuals on trains and subways were also evacuated. The rain that fell recently broke previous records set by Tropical Storm Henri just 11 days earlier. This emphasizes the warnings from climate scientists that such storms are becoming more frequent due to a warmer planet, where increased heat can lead to stronger and larger storms more quickly. While the skies are clearing, many of the city's subway lines are still partially suspended and commuter rail services are affected. Flights have been cancelled and rescues are ongoing. Some rivers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are still rising. In New York City, the victims of the storm ranged from a 2-year-old boy to an 86-year-old woman. Some individuals perished in underground apartments in Queens, where a network of makeshift and often illegally converted living spaces has emerged. In Elizabeth, New Jersey, city officials confirmed the discovery of five deceased individuals in an apartment complex on Thursday. Additionally, one person lost their life in Passaic, New Jersey, as the Passaic River overflowed and fish were seen on the streets. The downpour of 3.15 inches of rain in Central Park within one hour on Wednesday exceeded the previous record of 1.94 inches of rain in one hour on Aug. 21. The National Weather Service, faced with the challenge of conveying the severity of the situation, issued a flash flood emergency in New York City for the first time. In Bergen County, the most populous county in New Jersey, County Executive James Tedesco, who used to be a firefighter, stated on Thursday that the area experienced severe damage but not complete devastation. He mentioned that it was one of the worst situations he had ever witnessed. The remnants of Hurricane Ida moved through parts of southern New England on Thursday, with the system located near eastern Long Island, New York as of 5 a.m. It was moving northeast at 28 mph towards Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with maximum sustained winds of 28 mph. Following heavy rain overnight, more rain was expected in parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where flash flood warnings were issued. The weather service warned of the potential for rare high-impact flooding in southern New England. The rain had already caused flash flooding in various areas such as small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, as well as other locations with poor drainage and low elevation, as stated by the weather service. Despite the rainfall moving away, many roads in southern New England remained flooded. According to the Weather Service in Boston, it will take some time for the water to go down in these areas. They advised against attempting to cross flooded roads and urged people to turn around instead to avoid drowning. Rhode Island has already experienced two tropical storms this hurricane season: Henri in the previous month and Elsa in July. Copyright 2021 The New York Times Company.

Computer simulations of global weather patterns will eventually be able to accurately forecast weather events within a few kilometers, aiding in predicting the impact of dangerous weather phenomena. However, it may take 20 to 40 years for this level of accuracy to be achieved as computer technology advances, according to Alan Thorpe, director general of the UK-based European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). Climate models, which are computer programs based on scientific principles, will play a key role in this advancement. Models with high resolutions are valuable for weather forecasting, climate understanding, and predicting climate change. The accuracy of results from a model with fine resolution depends on the computer capacity available. Thorpe mentioned that some climate models are now operating at resolutions as low as 100 km, a significant improvement from 10 to 15 years ago when resolutions were around 300 km. While global weather models are already being run at a 16 km resolution, the challenge lies in acquiring the necessary computer power to further increase resolution. Thorpe estimated that purchasing a top-of-the-line supercomputer could cost up to 200 million pounds, representing approximately 7 percent of the UK's annual science budget of 3 billion pounds. Thorpe emphasized the importance of recognizing climate change as a significant issue that warrants a high level of attention and resources. Some experts caution that the most severe consequences of climate change may occur between 2030 and 2050. Criticism has been directed at certain climate models for their lack of accuracy in predicting extreme events well into the future. ECMWF scientists are currently conducting extensive research on tipping points in the climate system, which are rapid and irreversible changes or changes that would be difficult to reverse. Thorpe emphasized the need to focus on these non-linear aspects of the climate system due to their potentially significant impact. He stated that the number of tipping points is still uncertain. While more rapid progress could be made by dedicating the entire science budget to these questions, a significant amount of research is already being conducted in these areas. Some tipping points, like the disappearance of summer Arctic sea ice or the Amazon rainforest, are anticipated to occur in the next few decades.

The danger became more apparent recently when a research facility near Ukraine's national seed bank in Kharkiv was damaged during intense bombing by Russian forces. The Crop Trust organization, established by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, reported the incident but did not provide further information for security reasons. This event highlighted the vulnerability of Ukraine's seed bank, which is the tenth largest in the world, as only 4% of its seeds have been backed up. "Seed banks serve as a form of insurance for humanity, providing the necessary resources for developing new plant varieties that can resist various challenges such as drought, pests, diseases, and extreme temperatures," said Stefan Schmitz, executive director of Crop Trust, in a statement to Reuters. The potential destruction of Ukraine's seed bank would be a significant loss. Unfortunately, the director of the seed bank could not be contacted, Ukraine's academy of science declined to comment, and Russia's defence ministry did not respond to inquiries about the damage. Researchers depend on the genetic diversity stored in seed banks to cultivate plants that are resilient to climate change and diseases." The increasing importance of seed banks in ensuring food production for a growing global population, especially in the face of extreme weather conditions, has been highlighted by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, major grain exporters. The war has led to food price inflation and concerns about scarcity, prompting protests in developing countries that rely on Ukraine's grain. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, the world's largest seed backup facility, played a crucial role in providing replacement seeds to researchers in Lebanon after a seed bank in Syria was destroyed during the conflict. The vault, located in an Arctic mountainside, holds over a million seed samples as a safeguard against potential disasters. These include 4% of Ukraine's 150,000 seeds, which represent more than 1,800 crops. The Crop Trust, based in Germany and the only international organization dedicated to safeguarding crop diversity, has provided funds to Ukraine for seed duplication. However, challenges related to security, logistics, and natural cycles, as well as the ongoing war, make it difficult to expedite the process. Schmitz estimated that only about 10% of Ukraine's seeds could be duplicated within a year, as they must be planted, grown, and harvested before duplicates can be extracted and sent to Svalbard. In emergency situations, sending the seed collection to Svalbard without duplication could be considered, but Schmitz noted that this may not be feasible during wartime. The Syrian seeds originated from the Fertile Crescent, known as the region where settled farming began, and Ukraine holds a significant role in agriculture as well. Grethe Helene Evjen, a senior adviser at the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, stated that agriculture in Ukraine dates back to prehistoric times and noted that many of the country's seeds are distinct. She mentioned that the ministry is prepared to assist Ukraine in replicating and preserving all of its seeds at Svalbard, but as of now, they have not been approached by Ukrainian officials for assistance.

Researchers have found correlations between a warming planet and severe weather events like hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts, suggesting that climate change may have played a part in these occurrences. However, the connection between tornadoes and climate change remains elusive. Despite ongoing studies on tornado trends and behavior, the role of climate change in tornado activity remains uncertain. According to Michael Tippett, an associate professor at Columbia University, tornadoes are the most challenging weather phenomenon to link to climate change. Harold Brooks, a senior research scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, acknowledges that many questions regarding the relationship between climate change and tornadoes remain unanswered. Tornadoes are created within large rotating thunderstorms when there is a combination of specific temperature, moisture, and wind conditions. This occurs when unstable air causes cold air to move over warmer, humid air, creating an updraft as the warm air rises. If the wind changes speed or direction rapidly within the clouds, the air can begin to spin, leading to the formation of a tornado. Tornadoes, like hurricanes and earthquakes, are measured on a scale called the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which ranges from 0 to 5. The tornado that moved through northeast Arkansas, Tennessee, and western Kentucky recently was believed to be around three-quarters of a mile wide with wind speeds reaching between 158 and 206 mph, classifying it as at least an EF3. Because directly measuring the winds in a tornado is difficult, surveyors typically assess tornadoes based on the extent of damage to various structures. This can include determining if the damage is limited to missing roof shingles or if entire sections of roofs or walls are missing. Scientists then use this information to estimate wind speeds and assign a rating to the tornado. Researchers have noted a trend of tornadoes occurring in clusters in recent years, with the traditional tornado alley in the Great Plains seemingly shifting eastward. The total amount of tornadoes each year remains consistent at approximately 1,200. Tornadoes in December in the United States are uncommon as they usually happen in the spring. The tornadoes on Friday could have been a result of high wind shear, which typically peaks in the winter, and warmer than usual weather. The question is raised whether climate change is the reason for this. The elements that lead to tornado formation consist of warm, moist air near the surface, cool dry air at higher altitudes, and wind shear, which involves changes in wind speed and direction. The impact of climate change on these factors may vary, with some affected differently than others. According to Brooks from NOAA, as the Earth heats up and the climate shifts, these elements may not all change in the same way. While temperature and humidity levels, which provide energy to the atmosphere, may increase with a warming climate, wind shear may not. Brooks explains that without sufficient wind shear to create rotation, the strength of the energy present becomes irrelevant. The size of a tornado makes it difficult to model, hindering scientists' ability to attribute extreme weather events to climate change. Tornado records are sparse compared to other events, possibly due to their localized nature and reliance on eyewitness reports for data collection. This indicates that smaller or unnoticed tornadoes might not be officially recorded. ©2021 The New York Times Company.

As they prepared to publish their findings, the researchers felt uneasy. Their study showed two very different future outcomes for ocean life depending on whether greenhouse gas emissions were reduced or continued at current levels. The title of the study seemed to only emphasize the negative aspects of their results, so they added a word to highlight the possibility of avoiding the bleak scenario described in their findings. The most recent research published in Science on Thursday, titled "Avoiding Ocean Mass Extinction From Climate Warming," highlights the critical juncture humanity is currently facing. The decisions made now regarding greenhouse gas emissions will have a profound impact on the future of life on Earth, despite the potential consequences seeming distant. According to the scientists' projections under a high emissions scenario, continued pollution from fossil fuel burning could lead to a level of ocean species loss by 2300 comparable to the five mass extinctions in Earth's history, including the event that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Penn, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, described his reaction to a graph comparing past extinctions with a grim forecast as more of an "oh, my God" moment rather than an "aha" moment. Scientists found that reducing emissions to stay within the upper limit of the Paris climate agreement could decrease ocean extinction risks by over 70%. In this scenario, climate change would result in about 4% of species being lost by the end of the century. Deutsch emphasized the significant impact our choices have on the environment. While transitioning away from coal towards wind and solar energy could prevent the worst-case scenario, the continued use of oil and gas is causing emissions to rise, putting the world off track to meet the lower-emissions scenario projected by scientists. The recent study expands on Deutsch and Penn's previous research by developing a computer simulation that examines the most severe extinction event in Earth's history around 252 million years ago. Known as "the Great Dying," this event resulted in the loss of over 90% of species in the oceans due to global warming caused by volcanic eruptions. The oceans experienced a decrease in oxygen levels, leading to fish dying from heat stress, asphyxiation, or both. The computer model revealed higher extinction rates at the poles than in the tropics, a finding that was supported by the fossil record. The scientists used a complex model to predict the impacts of global warming caused by human activity, considering factors such as sunlight, clouds, ocean and air currents, and chemical interactions among heat, oxygen, water, and air. They also examined potential shifts in fish habitats and estimated survivability thresholds. The study focused on warming and oxygen loss, but noted that ocean acidification and other consequences could exacerbate species loss. The ocean has historically served as a buffer against climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and heat from human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The provision of that service has resulted in negative consequences. The ocean experienced its highest temperature and lowest oxygen levels last year since the beginning of human record-keeping. Alterations in the ocean's chemical composition are currently endangering fish populations, while coral reefs are rapidly deteriorating. Deutsch frequently hears questions about how dire the situation is. "If we fail to take action, we are in serious trouble." Countries are still not close to taking the necessary actions to prevent catastrophic climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius since preindustrial times is in jeopardy. The International Energy Agency has stated that countries must immediately halt new fossil fuel projects, but they have not done so. The recent conflict in Ukraine has led to calls for increased drilling for energy security. Scientists Deutsch and Penn compare their situation to the ignored scientists in the movie "Don't Look Up," where a comet symbolizes climate change. Like in the film, the world is at a crucial juncture, with current generations having a significant role in shaping the future. Deutsch emphasized the importance of understanding the responsibility that comes with great power, particularly in relation to future generations and all other life on the planet. Pippa Moore, a marine science professor at Newcastle University, praised the study for its comprehensive analysis of the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. She warned that without significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, marine species could face significant shifts in habitat and potential extinction events comparable to past mass extinctions. Brad Plumer provided additional reporting for this article.

A group of US economists has stated that China is emitting more carbon dioxide (CO2) than previously thought, which will hinder global efforts to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gases. China is the second-largest emitter of CO2 in the world, and some studies suggest it may have surpassed the United States in emissions last year. This report may increase pressure on China to commit to binding emission reductions, a step it has so far resisted. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and UC San Diego have projected that China's CO2 emissions will increase by at least 11 percent annually from 2004 to 2010, a much higher rate than previous estimates, including those used by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The article is being released at a time when energy and environment ministers from the top 20 greenhouse gas emitting countries are set to gather in Japan to discuss climate change, clean energy, and sustainable development. The G20 nations, including major polluters like the United States and China, emit the majority of the world's greenhouse gases. There is increasing pressure on these countries to come to an agreement to reduce CO2 emissions, the main gas responsible for global warming. A report in a journal by U.S. researchers predicts a significant increase in CO2 emissions in China by 2010, which would outweigh the carbon emissions reductions pledged by developed countries under the Kyoto Protocol. China is not required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2008-12 under the Kyoto agreement. However, they participated in talks in Bali with nearly 190 other nations to develop a new global emissions-fighting pact to replace Kyoto starting in 2013. Researchers used pollution and waste gas emissions data to analyze China's CO2 emissions up to 2004. Despite expectations that emissions would slow as income increased, the growth rate of emissions has exceeded predictions, making it more difficult to stabilize atmospheric CO2 levels. According to the report, one of the issues was the decision to allow provinces more control over the construction of power plants after 2000. Richard Carson, a professor of economics at UC San Diego, stated that wealthier coastal provinces built modern power plants while poorer interior provinces used outdated Soviet technology. Carson also mentioned that these power plants are meant to last for several decades, locking China into a high emissions trajectory. The forecast takes into account the fact that many provinces are now stuck with inefficient and polluting power plants.

Supporters of a worldwide agreement prohibiting nuclear tests announced plans on Tuesday to use US President Barack Obama's efforts towards disarmament to advance their cause at the United Nations this month. Obama has expressed backing for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), but the treaty has not been ratified by nine countries, including the US, that have significant nuclear programs. Morocco's ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, Omar Zniber, stated that now is the time to strengthen the non-proliferation regime. Morocco and France are working together to persuade nuclear states like India, Pakistan, and North Korea to sign the treaty. Other countries that have not yet ratified include Egypt, Iran, and Israel. High-ranking officials from countries in the CTBT and the UN Security Council will gather at the United Nations in New York on September 24-25 to discuss the treaty. This will be the first time in ten years that the United States will participate in these discussions. George W. Bush, the previous president, did not prioritize nuclear diplomacy and arms control, leading to the US Senate's failure to ratify the treaty in 1999 during the Clinton administration. At that time, US politicians argued that there was no reliable way to confirm compliance with the treaty. However, supporters of the CTBT believe that verification technology has significantly improved since then. Obama has pledged to make renewed efforts to obtain Senate ratification. His administration, along with Russia, has emphasized the importance of eliminating nuclear arsenals worldwide, starting with their own countries. The upcoming UN talks will coincide with a special Security Council meeting on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, which will be led by Obama. Tibor Toth, the executive secretary of the CTBT implementing agency, stated that while the US and Russia's commitment to gradual disarmament is significant, achieving a global test ban treaty is also feasible given the current diplomatic environment. He believes that there is renewed support for multilateralism and nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and that there should be tangible results from these efforts. "This treaty is the one that most closely achieves something significant." Approximately 180 countries have agreed to the treaty, while about 150 have officially approved it. However, the treaty cannot be enforced until all nine nuclear-armed states sign and ratify it. Supporters believe that if the United States joins, it will encourage other countries to do the same.

The forecasts, based on new computer models and an analysis of a significant number of extreme heatwaves in the past decade, are more concerning than the findings of the UN panel of climate scientists last year. The report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which compiles scientific research from around the world, stated that it is likely that warm spells or heatwaves will increase in length, frequency, and intensity over most land areas this century. The new study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters predicts that monthly heat extremes in summer currently affect five percent of the world's land area, a number expected to double by 2020 and quadruple by 2040. The tropics will be the most impacted by increased heatwaves, followed by regions such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, parts of western Europe, central Asia, and the United States. Without curbing greenhouse gas emissions, the coldest summer months in many areas by the end of the century will be hotter than the hottest experienced today, according to Dim Coumou of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. The IPCC indicates that heat-trapping gases, primarily from burning fossil fuels, are leading to higher temperatures and are likely to result in more severe downpours, heatwaves, floods, and rising sea levels. Nearly 200 governments have agreed to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times and are working towards a deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2015. Global average surface temperatures have increased by 0.8C since the Industrial Revolution.

US scientists reported that nearly 75% of the oil spilled from the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico has been removed, with 26% remaining as a sheen or tarballs, buried in sediment or washed ashore. The report "BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Budget: What Happened to the Oil?" stated that burning, skimming, and direct recovery from the wellhead removed 25% of the oil released. Another 25% naturally evaporated or dissolved, while 24% was dispersed into small droplets. The remaining oil is either on or just beneath the water's surface, washed ashore, or buried in sand and sediments at the sea bottom. The Unified Command, consisting of government and private efforts, has dealt with 33% of the spilled oil. The report discovered that 17 percent of the oil was collected directly from the wellhead, while 5 percent was burned, 3 percent was skimmed, and 8 percent was dispersed using chemicals. The remaining 74 percent was eliminated through natural processes. Carol Browner, an adviser on energy and climate change to President Obama, expressed optimism on ABC's "Good Morning America" show, stating that most of the oil seems to have disappeared according to initial assessments by scientists. She also described this as a significant turning point.

According to state media, China is set to complete a new research station in Antarctica's interior next year, further expanding its presence on the continent. The station, located on Dome A which is the highest point on Antarctica at 4,093 meters above sea level, will be built by an expedition starting in November. This will be China's third scientific research station in Antarctica and is expected to be finished by January, as reported by Xinhua. The head of the Chinese Antarctic expedition team, Sun Bo, mentioned that scientists will be exploring various aspects such as searching for ice cores dating back 1.2 million years, studying geological evolution under the icecap, global climate changes, and astronomy in the region. Several nations are currently presenting their claims to parts of Antarctica before the United Nations, marking what some experts believe to be the final division of territory in history. Certain regions of the continent are being contested by Chile, Argentina, and Britain. These disputes have arisen as there is a heightened focus on the possibility of mining in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. However, at present, these claims are merely hypothetical due to the 1959 treaty that safeguards Antarctica from mineral exploitation, allowing only for scientific research.

The countries were categorized into four regions: North and South America, northern and western Europe, southern and eastern Europe, and Non-Americas and non-Europe. No data was available from India or China. Lead author Carlos Nordt from the University of Zurich stated that, regardless of country-specific differences, there was a strong link between unemployment and suicide rates across all four regions. The study showed that changes in unemployment rates impacted both genders and various age groups equally, with a short-term increase of 5,000 suicides after the 2008 crisis. The total number of suicides associated with unemployment that year was around 46,000, which was nine times higher than the excess suicides linked to the economic crisis. The study also found that the impact of unemployment on suicide was greater in countries with lower pre-crisis unemployment rates. The researchers recommended investing in programs that help people enter the job market and promote a healthy work environment, especially in countries with lower unemployment rates. These findings highlight the importance of suicide prevention strategies that address the negative health effects of unemployment during economic stability and recessions. The study was published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

At 1034 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was up 0.9 percent, bringing its gains for the year to 5.3 percent. Although the index's performance so far this year is not as impressive as the 14 percent gains seen at the same time in 2006, European shares have still managed to rise by 9.5 percent since hitting a low point in August during the credit market crisis. France Telecom saw a 6.5 percent increase in its shares after announcing strong results, which also had a positive impact on Vodafone, lifting its shares by 4 percent and making telecoms the best performing sector in Europe. ABB, a Swiss engineering group, experienced a 3.7 percent rise after an 86 percent increase in quarterly earnings due to high demand for power generation infrastructure. Additionally, French competitor Alstom saw a 5.6 percent increase in its shares following a target price raise by Lehman Brothers. Despite expectations of slower earnings growth this quarter, many companies have reported strong numbers. According to Gerhard Schwarz, head of global equity strategy at Unicredit in Munich, the earnings season has the potential to reassure investors as the results have been more positive than feared. However, there is a trend of increased selectivity and it is too early to determine if earnings growth in Europe will slow down less than in the United States. Daimler, a German auto group, reported third-quarter earnings that surpassed expectations, causing its stock to rise by 1.5 percent. In terms of macroeconomic news, U.S. durable goods orders and a reading on U.S. new home sales are expected later in the day, with financial markets already anticipating a 100 percent chance of a cut in U.S. interest rates next week. Recent data from the Ifo economic research institute revealed a decline in its German business climate index in October, in line with market predictions. European markets, including London's FTSE 100, Frankfurt's DAX, and Paris's CAC-40, all increased by more than 1 percent. European stocks have been on a rollercoaster ride, recovering after a 13 percent drop in one month from mid-July, due to cuts in the Federal Reserve's discount and main funds rates. However, the recovery has been fragile, with any negative news about banks' exposure to credit market problems causing declines. U.S. stocks also rebounded on Wednesday following speculation of a potential cut in the discount rate by the Federal Reserve. Despite remaining tight-lipped, the Fed is under pressure to ease monetary policy to alleviate market concerns about earnings and credit markets. Merger and acquisitions, a significant factor in the ongoing bull market, continued to drive up stock prices. Rexel, a French electrical supplier, saw an 8.5 percent increase in shares after announcing plans to divide Dutch competitor Hagemeyer with privately held Sonepar, causing Hagemeyer's shares to drop by 3.3 percent. Generali also experienced a 5.7 percent increase, following a 2.6 percent rise the previous day, after British fund Algebris criticized the Italian insurer's corporate governance and called for reforms. Additionally, Spanish bank Santander saw a 1.6 percent increase in stock prices as its nine-month net profit surpassed market expectations.

Scientific researchers have discovered an error in decades-old ocean temperature measurements, indicating that the world's seas are warming and rising at a faster rate than previously believed. An international team of scientists published their findings in the journal Nature, after analyzing millions of ship-based measurements taken since 1950, with a focus on data from 1960 and the use of XBT probes. By correcting this error in data collected over decades and using a complex statistical analysis, the team was able to estimate global ocean warming and sea level rise more accurately. According to team member Catia Domingues, the rate of ocean warming from 1961 to 2003 is actually 50 percent higher than previously reported. Co-author John Church expressed skepticism about historical data that did not align with computer model results of climate and ocean patterns. "We have adjusted the observations and now the models align much better with them," stated Church, a senior research scientist at the climate center. Through statistical analysis of numerous XBT observations and research ship data, one can determine the errors associated with XBTs. This is crucial because the oceans hold the majority of the planet's heat, serving as a buffer against climate change impacts, explained Domingues. Warmer water expands, contributing to rising sea levels along with melting glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Church's team estimated a global average surface warming of 0.4 degrees Celsius from 1961 to 2003, with sea levels rising an average of 1.6 millimeters per year during that time. Church stated that sea levels have been rising at a rate of more than 3 mm per year since 1993 due to increased consumption of fossil fuels. XBTs, which were commonly used by commercial vessels in the past, have now been largely replaced by satellites and permanent probes in the ocean. These disposable XBTs were dropped into the water with a wire attached to measure temperatures as they sank. Church explained that errors could occur if the instrument fell through the water column too quickly, resulting in incorrect depth and temperature readings. To address this issue, Church's colleague Susan Wijffels and other researchers developed a mathematical formula to correct the error. This, along with a more comprehensive analysis of global ocean temperature data, provided a clearer picture that aligned more closely with widely used computer models predicting climate and ocean behavior due to global warming. According to Church, the data shows a consistent rate of warming and an increasing trend, which reinforces confidence in the accuracy of future projections. Additionally, observations suggest that actual sea level rise is tracking towards the higher end of these projections, as indicated by the U.N. Climate Panel's assessment predicting a possible sea level rise of up to 80 cm by 2100 if carbon dioxide levels are not controlled.

However, throughout the United States, the elevations of various structures, natural landmarks, and geographical features are expected to change in relation to average sea level. This shift will result in most areas becoming shorter in height. According to Juliana P. Blackwell, the director of the National Geodetic Survey, parts of the Pacific Northwest could see a decrease of up to 5 feet, while parts of Alaska may experience a 6 1/2 foot reduction. Seattle, for example, is projected to be 4.3 feet lower than its current elevation. This adjustment is due to the fact that height is relative to a specific reference point, and geodesists, who study the Earth's shape, size, and gravitational field, are updating this reference point, known as the vertical datum, to redefine how height is measured. The challenging task of recalibrating the US's position on the planet, known as "height modernisation," is nearing completion after fifteen years of work. This effort, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, aims to establish a more accurate spatial reference system encompassing height, latitude, longitude, and time. The new system is expected to be implemented in 2022 or 2023 and will replace outdated reference systems from the 1980s. According to Chris Rizos, this accomplishment is significant due to the scale of the operation and the advancements in technology that have made it possible. The discrepancies in elevation become more pronounced when traveling diagonally from the southeast to the northwest of the country. According to Blackwell, the only part of the US that is projected to maintain its current elevation or slightly increase is the southern tip of Florida. Blackwell noted that there seems to be a tilt in which all the inaccuracies in the vertical network are concentrated in the northwest. However, the concept of height has always been linked to pride. Blackwell mentioned that some residents of Colorado are concerned that a few of their mountain peaks may no longer meet a certain height standard under the updated system. She mentioned that people are proud of the height of certain things, and it would be disappointing if they were found to be shorter than previously believed. She is unsure of the new measurements of Colorado's peaks. In Beaumont, Texas, some areas have subsided so much that they are now in the floodplain, requiring landowners to insure themselves against flood losses. The US has been measuring its height since 1807. The survey was the first scientific organization in the country and was created to improve safety in shipping. As the nation expanded, so did the measuring process, with surveyors using the coast as a reference point for sea level. They placed metal bench marks in the land to indicate height above sea level, allowing others to measure buildings or hills relative to these points and indirectly to sea level. Geodetic levelling, also known as the process, was meticulous and costly. The goal was to ensure that heights were consistently measured throughout the entire country, rather than each region having its own method. For instance, if engineers from different states were constructing a bridge that crossed state borders, they needed to ensure that it would align perfectly in the center. By 1900, geodesy had advanced significantly. Instead of relying on a coastline to represent sea level, geodesists created a model that accurately depicted sea level using data from tide readings. Since then, the height reference has been adjusted five times, in 1903, 1907, 1912, 1929, and 1988. The 1988 model is currently the standard in the US and Mexico, but it was found to be lacking accurate information for California and parts of Texas and North Carolina due to significant movement of the crust in those areas from tectonic plate activity and extraction of oil, gas, and water from underground. Former director of the National Geodetic Survey David B Zilkoski suggested using global navigational satellite system technologies like GPS to address this issue. GPS is very accurate in determining your location in a two-dimensional setting, such as at a specific intersection. However, it can also provide your exact position in a three-dimensional environment, including altitude above sea level. In the mid-1990s, the idea of using GPS to update elevation became popular due to its affordability and simplicity. Satellites and GPS systems calculate height based on the Earth's mathematical shape known as an ellipsoid. Imagine a basketball that is flattened at the top and bottom. However, there is a major issue with GPS when it comes to understanding gravity, according to James L. Davis, a geophysicist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University in New York. This topographic work is being conducted in the Glacier Bay area of Alaska. Geodesists consider gravity to be important because height is determined by the direction in which gravity points, which can vary based on the density of the material beneath and near the surface. Therefore, height is not just a measure of distance above the ground, but is closely connected to gravity, which is influenced by the distribution of mass. Geodesists prefer to use the term "height" instead of "elevation" in their work. Davis mentioned that when giving public lectures on gravity, a significant portion of the talk is focused on getting the audience to think about it in a new way. Therefore, relying solely on GPS for height measurements can lead to significant inaccuracies, as it does not account for local variations in gravity. To address this issue, the National Geodetic Survey initiated the GRAV-D mission in 2007, aiming to incorporate detailed gravitational field measurements into GPS height calculations. This ambitious project will ultimately help geodesists create a more accurate model of average sea level worldwide, including on land. Due to the varying pull of gravity in different locations, a model known as the geoid is shaped like a lumpy potato. All measurements of height will now consider this model. Blackwell from the National Geodetic Survey mentioned that once the new height system is implemented, there will be unexpected uses for it. She referenced "The Jetsons," a futuristic animated show from the 1960s where characters traveled around their cities in small spacecraft. The technology needed to calculate heights and coordinates quickly and accurately was considered unimaginable back then. Today, the importance of accurate three-dimensional navigation is increasing due to the widespread use of drones, self-driving cars, and remotely operated aerial systems. Geodesists are improving their ability to calculate the shape of the Earth, but human activities such as warming the planet are altering it by melting glaciers and ice sheets. This shift in mass from land to ocean is raising sea levels and changing elevations referenced to sea level. The change in mass is also impacting the planet's structure. According to Davis from Columbia University, the mass on Earth's surface is exerting pressure and changing its shape. Essentially, human activity related to climate change is modifying gravity worldwide. By manipulating atmospheric chemicals, we are shifting mass on a large scale. Researchers like Davis are currently working to improve their calculations of the impact of human activity on the Earth's geoid shape and rotation. They are faced with the challenge of accurately predicting changes in the Earth's shape, mass distribution in glaciers, and their implications for the future. This ongoing research is seen as a race to accurately forecast what will happen in the coming years due to human influence.

A study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that recent volcanic activity in Panama and Costa Rica holds the key to understanding the extreme continent-building that occurred billions of years ago. While many believe all of the Earth's continental crust was formed during a specific period in history, new research shows that "juvenile" continental crust has been created throughout Earth's existence. This challenges the previous belief that all continental crust has been continuously recycled through tectonic plate collisions. Lead author Esteban Gazel, an assistant professor of geology at Virginia Tech, states that the discovery of these exceptions sheds light on the mystery of whether Earth has been recycling all of its continental crust. The Galapagos islands were formed by the melting of oceanic crust, which recreated conditions similar to those found in the ancient Achaean era, providing an essential element for the creation of continental crust. Researchers have found that erupted lavas from the islands had a composition similar to continental crust about 10 million years ago. By testing the material, they also observed seismic waves moving through the crust at speeds comparable to continental crust worldwide. Other examples of recently formed continental crust include the western Aleutian Islands and the Iwo-Jima segment of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) arc system, according to the researchers. This study prompts questions about the impact newly formed continental crust has had globally over time, and its role in the evolution not just of continents, but also of life itself. For instance, the creation of the Central American land bridge led to the blocking of the seaway, causing alterations in ocean circulation, the isolation of marine species, and significant effects on the planet's climate. Gazel stated, "We have discovered a significant aspect in the planet's evolution."

Scientists have suggested that modern humans may have left Africa for Arabia much earlier than previously believed, up to 65,000 years earlier. They believe that the migration was due to environmental factors rather than technological advancements. The findings indicate that the migrants traveled directly to the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, rather than through the Nile Valley or the Near East as previously thought. Researchers studied ancient tools found at the Jebel Faya archaeological site in the UAE, dating them to be between 100,000 and 125,000 years old using luminescence dating. Simon Armitage, from the University of London, stated that these findings should prompt a re-evaluation of how modern humans spread globally. The research, led by Hans-Peter Uerpmann of Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen, revealed that the tools discovered were not made in the Middle East but bore a resemblance to those made by early humans in east Africa. This suggests that individuals did not need any specific cultural advancements to leave Africa. The study, published in Science, indicates that environmental factors such as sea levels were more significant than technological advancements in facilitating the migration. By analyzing sea-level and climate-change records from the last interglacial period, the researchers determined that the Bab al-Mandab strait would have been narrower around 130,000 years ago, providing a safe passage out of Africa. Uerpmann suggested that the straits could have been crossed at low tide, leading to the possibility that early humans either walked across or used rafts or boats to travel. Previously, it was believed that the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula would have prevented a migration from Africa, but a new study indicates that Arabia experienced a wetter climate during the last interglacial period, with increased lakes, rivers, and vegetation, making it easier for humans to make the journey. While the timing of the exodus of modern humans from Africa has been a topic of much discussion, previous evidence pointed to a migration along the Mediterranean Sea or Arabian coast approximately 60,000 years ago.

UN scientists stated that an increase in heat waves is highly likely, along with heavier rainfall, more floods, stronger cyclones, landslides, and more intense droughts worldwide as the Earth's climate continues to warm. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) called for countries to develop disaster management plans to adapt to the growing risk of extreme weather events caused by human-induced climate change, according to a report released in Uganda. The report presents varying probabilities for extreme weather events based on different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, but the overall trend suggests that extreme weather is expected to become more frequent. The IPCC report confirmed that warm daily temperature extremes are expected to increase in frequency and magnitude on a global scale in the 21st century, with warm spells, or heat waves, becoming longer, more frequent, and more intense. According to the text, a 1-in-20 year hottest day is projected to become a 1-in-2 year event by the end of the 21st century in most regions, with exceptions in very high latitudes. Heat waves are expected to increase in temperature by 1 to 3 degrees C by mid-21st century and by about 2 to 5 degrees C by late-21st century, depending on the region and emissions scenario. Delegates from nearly 200 countries will gather in South Africa starting on Nov. 28 for climate talks, with the most likely outcome being small steps towards a broader agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to combat climate change. However, global efforts to curb CO2 emissions are not considered sufficient to prevent the planet from warming beyond 2 degrees Celsius, which scientists warn could lead to more extreme weather events and challenges in food production. Global carbon emissions increased significantly last year, setting a new record after a period of economic recession. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that heavy precipitation events will become more frequent in various regions around the world, especially in high latitudes and tropical areas. The IPCC defines "likely" as a two-thirds chance or greater. The report also suggests that there is a "medium confidence" in the likelihood of increases in local flooding in some regions, but the impact on river floods is more complex. Additionally, the report states that tropical cyclones are expected to become less frequent or remain the same, though those that do occur may be more severe. The report stated that heavy rainfalls linked to tropical cyclones are expected to rise as temperatures continue to increase. It also highlighted the likelihood of an increase in average tropical cyclone maximum wind speed, as well as the rising sea levels, especially concerning for small island nations. Additionally, the report mentioned that droughts, which are a major concern for a growing global population, are expected to worsen. The global population recently reached 7 billion and is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050 according to UN estimates. It is believed with moderate certainty that droughts will become more severe in the 21st century because of lower precipitation and/or higher evapotranspiration. This is expected to occur in various regions such as southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, central Europe, central North America, Central America and Mexico, northeast Brazil, and southern Africa. Additionally, there is a strong likelihood that landslides will be caused by melting glaciers and permafrost due to climate change.

A study published in the journal Environmental Research has found that parts of China, India, Europe, and the northeastern United States are experiencing a disproportionately high number of annual deaths, totaling 8.7 million, due to fossil fuel air pollution. This research provides the most detailed assessment of premature deaths caused by fossil fuels to date. A previous study in 2017 had estimated the annual number of deaths from all outdoor airborne particulate matter, including dust and smoke from agricultural burns and wildfires, at 4.2 million. Eloise Marais, an atmospheric chemistry expert at University College London and co-author of the study, expressed surprise at the large estimate of deaths attributed to air pollution. Previous research had difficulty distinguishing pollution from burning fossil fuels from other sources of harmful particulates like wildfires or dust. A group of researchers from three British universities and Harvard University aimed to address the issue by utilizing a high-resolution model to identify the types of pollutants present in a specific area. As concerns mount regarding the impact of burning fossil fuels on climate change, the authors of the study, which utilized 2018 data, expressed hope that it would encourage governments to expedite the transition to cleaner energy sources. Co-author Joel Schwartz, an environmental epidemiologist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, stated, "We aim to highlight the health risks associated with fossil fuel combustion in order to emphasize the advantages of shifting towards alternative energy sources to policymakers and stakeholders."

Conservationists have reported that around 6,000 rare Irrawaddy dolphins, residing in the freshwater regions of Bangladesh's Sundarbans and neighboring Bay of Bengal waters, constitute the largest population of these endangered sea mammals in their natural habitat. The Wildlife Conservation Society made this announcement at the First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui, revealing that previous estimates had only identified a few hundred Irrawaddy dolphins. Dr. Steven Sanderson, president of the Wildlife Conservation Society, expressed optimism about protecting the species and their habitats, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts for various marine animals. The study was conducted by researchers Brian Smith, Rubaiyat Mansur Mowgli, and Samantha Strindberg from the Wildlife Conservation Society, along with Benazir Ahmed from Chittagong University in Bangladesh, in an area where marine mammal research has been limited. Even though a significant population of Irrawaddy dolphins has been discovered, the authors caution that these dolphins are facing a growing threat of accidental entanglement in fishing nets. Two dolphins were found during the study that had become trapped and drowned in fishing nets, a common occurrence as reported by local fishermen. The Irrawaddy dolphin, also known as Orcaella brevirostris, can grow up to eight feet and is found in large rivers, estuaries, and freshwater lagoons in South and Southeast Asia. In Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River, these dolphins are famous for their "cooperative fishing" behavior with humans, where they help fishermen by herding schools of fish towards fishing boats and nets, increasing the fishermen's catches. The dolphins benefit from this relationship by easily catching the cornered fish and those that escape from the nets as the fishermen pull them out of the water. In 2006, WCS played a role in creating a protected area along the Ayeyarwady River to protect the endangered mammal population. The New York-based WCS is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and Forests in Bangladesh to establish a network of protected areas for both Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The conservation group emphasizes the importance of funding to continue these efforts, as well as their long-term goals of studying the impact of climate change on the habitat, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and creating local ecotourism projects.

A study showed that ice and snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere is reflecting less sunlight back into space than previously thought, potentially contributing to global warming. Satellite data from 1979 to 2008 indicated that Arctic sea ice, glaciers, winter snow, and Greenland's ice were reflecting less energy back to space. This decrease in reflection exposes darker ground or water, which absorbs more heat. The study estimated that ice and snow in the Northern Hemisphere are now reflecting 3.3 watts per square meter of solar energy back to the upper atmosphere, a reduction of 0.45 watt per square meter since the late 1970s. Mark Flanner, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan and lead author of the study, explained that this reduction in cooling effect is causing the planet to absorb more solar energy. "The team of US-based researchers, as published in the journal Nature Geoscience Sunday, found that the decrease in reflected solar energy due to warming is more significant than what is currently predicted by climate models," he stated. "Their conclusion is that the cryosphere, which consists of ice and snow, is reacting more sensitively to, and also contributing to, more intense climate change than previously believed." With more ground and water being exposed to sunlight, the heat absorbed accelerates the melting of nearby snow and ice. The reduction in Arctic sea ice over the past few decades, attributed mainly to greenhouse gases from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, could result in the disappearance of Arctic sea ice in summers later in this century, impacting indigenous hunting cultures and endangering polar bears and other wildlife, as well as exacerbating global climate change." Flanner stated that drawing conclusions about the future rate of melting, such as Arctic sea ice, from the study was impossible due to it being based on only 30 years of data. He emphasized that climate is influenced by many other factors besides ice shrinkage. These factors include the presence of more clouds in a warmer world, which reflect sunlight, and an increase in water vapor that traps heat in the atmosphere. The study projected that for every degree Celsius rise in temperature, there would be a decrease in solar energy reflected out to space ranging between 0.3 and 1.1 watts per square meter from snow and ice in the Northern Hemisphere. In the last thirty years, temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere have increased by approximately 0.75 degrees Celsius. This study did not examine the Southern Hemisphere, where Antarctica has more ice but is colder and shows less warming. Globally, the Earth absorbs an average of 240 watts per square meter of solar energy annually. If the Northern Hemisphere cryosphere were not present, the planet would be darker and absorb an extra 3.3 watts, according to Flanner.

In a recent study published in Environmental Research Letters, researchers have suggested that peat bogs, which are wetlands containing high levels of carbon from decaying vegetation accumulated over centuries, could play a crucial role in helping the world achieve climate goals outlined in the 2015 Paris agreement, such as limiting postindustrial warming to 2 degrees Celsius. Alexander Popp, a senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, emphasized the importance of protecting and restoring peatlands, as failing to do so could make it very challenging or nearly impossible to reach greenhouse gas emission targets. Despite making up only 3% of global land area, peatlands are significant carbon reservoirs, holding approximately double the amount of carbon compared to the world's forests. Peatlands are found in various regions around the world, from tropical to colder climates. In undisturbed wetlands, the carbon remains wet and undisturbed. However, when a wetland is drained for farming or other purposes, the carbon begins to break down and is released into the air as carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming. This process can last for hundreds of years. It is currently believed that drained peatlands around the world release as much carbon dioxide each year as the entire aviation industry. In addition, dry peatlands are at risk of catching on fire, which can rapidly release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. In September and October 2015, peat fires in Indonesia, where bogs have been drained for palm oil plantations and other purposes, emitted more carbon dioxide daily than all the fossil fuels burned in the European Union. The restoration of dried peatlands by allowing them to become wet again is crucial in preventing further carbon dioxide release and eliminating the fire hazard. Rewetting the peatlands is essential for achieving mitigation targets. Many strategies for addressing climate change predict that by the end of this century, land use, including forests and agriculture, will be a net carbon sink, meaning it will store more carbon than it releases into the atmosphere, thereby slowing global warming. The researchers pointed out that most existing pathways do not consider emissions from degraded peatland. When they incorporated peatland data into their own land-use model, they discovered that land use would result in a net release of carbon dioxide. However, by protecting pristine wetlands and restoring around 60% of degraded ones, land use could once again become a net carbon sink. Mike Waddington, a peat researcher at McMaster University, commented that the study provides strong evidence in support of peatland restoration due to their significant role in carbon storage despite their small size. He mentioned that the study emphasized the significance of peatlands in global climate regulation. Currently, land use changes aimed at helping the climate often overlook peatlands, prioritizing tree planting instead. Waddington explained that there is a common misconception that planting trees in drained peatlands is the best way to store carbon, but preserving the intact bog is actually more effective. Peat bogs are typically dried out by digging drainage ditches, allowing the water to escape. Some peatlands are also drained for peat extraction for horticulture or fuel, in addition to being converted into croplands or forests. Waddington stated that draining only 10 to 15% of a peatland and extracting peat could make the entire system a source. Restoring them could involve blocking ditches or building berms to keep the peat saturated. The study found uncertainty in cost estimates for protecting and restoring peatlands, but the fundamental conclusion remained the same, even if costs were high. Waddington described it as an easily achievable goal. Copyright 2020 The New York Times Company.

Researchers believe that the world's soils currently contain 2.4 trillion tonnes of gases in the form of organic carbon, but they are confident that there is potential for more. A recent study by scientists from the US and Scotland, published in Nature journal, suggests that by implementing changes in agricultural practices, an additional 8 billion tonnes of carbon could be stored in the soil. Dave Reay, a geoscientist and carbon management specialist at Edinburgh University, emphasizes the importance of utilizing soil as a powerful ally in the fight against climate change, stating that with improved management, soils could become even larger stores of carbon. The availability of data on soils has been ignored for too long as a tool to address climate change. Challenges with accurate measurement and reporting have hindered progress in climate-smart soil management. However, with the increasing availability of big data on soils globally and advancements in understanding and modeling, it is now time for soils to be recognized as a significant player in addressing climate change. Researchers have long been aware of the important role soils play, identifying factors that control a soil's ability to store carbon and testing climate models to assess emissions from soils. They have tested methods for preserving soil carbon and have consistently warned about the organic carbon reserves in permafrost. They have also determined that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions align with the expansion of global agriculture many centuries ago. Scientists estimate that land use contributes to around 25% of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with 10% to 14% directly from agriculture. They believe that improving management of the Earth's soil, which holds three times more organic carbon than the atmosphere, could also help decrease emissions. The key is to protect healthy ecosystems, as forests and grasslands store carbon effectively. Draining wetlands for agriculture releases soil carbon, but restoring wetlands can absorb it. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as growing crops with deep roots and using charcoal-based composts, can help conserve carbon while still producing food. Tools like the 'Cool Farm Tool' can assist farmers in monitoring and reducing emissions from their land. There is not a single solution, but rather a variety of responses that could be effective in addressing the issue. These responses include improving crop rotation, using low tillage instead of deep ploughing, implementing land restoration, and adopting agroforestry. When combined, these approaches - referred to as the "all-of-the-above" approach by researchers - could have a significant impact. With support from science, government officials, and innovative strategies, these methods could help soils retain the majority of the emissions released annually from burning fossil fuels.

A recent report from the UN's Environment Programme highlights the increasing pressures on desert ecosystems due to climate change, high water demand, and tourism. The Global Deserts Outlook emphasizes that deserts have significant economic potential if managed properly, despite the misconception of them being barren wastelands. The report calls for more responsible water usage in desert regions, particularly in agriculture. Desertification will be the focus of World Environment Day on Monday, with ecologists planning to plant trees to combat erosion and give talks in schools. In Mauritius, a group will plant vegetation on dunes to protect beaches, while activists in Australia are collecting computer parts for recycling. In Zambia, a "Miss Environment" beauty pageant will be held, and in Vadodara, India, schools are being encouraged to plant trees and build sandcastles to raise awareness about deserts and desertification. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned that poverty, unsustainable land management, and climate change are causing drylands to turn into deserts, which in turn worsens poverty. Despite many challenges expected in the next 50 years, some positive changes are also anticipated. New economic opportunities are emerging in places like Arizona and the Negev Desert in Israel, with shrimp and fish farms providing environmentally friendly jobs for local residents. Additionally, desert plants and animals are being recognized for their potential in producing new drugs and crops. Some experts believe that desert regions could play a role in addressing global warming, with the Sahara alone capable of generating enough solar energy to power the world. However, many desert regions are projected to become drier in the future, and the melting glaciers in South America are causing issues for desert ecosystems. The effects of human activity are still causing problems, especially in desert cities where populations are increasing and putting strain on limited water supplies. Mountainous regions in deserts are also at risk of losing their wildlife and ecosystems within the next 50 years if immediate action is not taken.

The WWF reported that around 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds, and 51 million frogs were affected by the devastating bushfires in Australia. Initially, the WWF estimated the number of affected animals at 1.25 billion while the fires were still burning. These fires destroyed over 11 million hectares of land in the Australian southeast, which is equivalent to about half the size of the United Kingdom. WWF-Australia's CEO Dermot O'Gorman described this as one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history. The project leader, Lily Van Eeden from the University of Sydney, stated that this research is the first of its kind to analyze the impact of bushfires on animals across an entire continent, and hopes that other countries can use this research to better understand the effects of bushfires globally. The overall number of animals affected by the destruction of their habitats has increased, leading to a lack of food and shelter or the need to move to already occupied habitats. Researchers attribute the rise in animal casualties to their assessment of the total affected area, rather than just focusing on the most affected states. Australia faced an exceptionally dry bush due to years of drought, resulting in one of its worst bushfire seasons from September 2019 to March 2020, which led to 34 human deaths and the loss of nearly 3,000 homes.

Begum's family, in a desperate attempt to protect their limited belongings, attached their sole suitcase to their home - a temporary shelter made of bamboo and banana leaves put together following the previous destructive flood in the region just two years earlier. When the floodwaters rose, their house became isolated in muddy waters, forcing the family to prepare meals on a dry elevated spot close by. However, a heartbreaking event unfolded when Begum left her 1-year-old daughter, Lamia Khatun, on a higher piece of land while she washed clothes in the floodwaters on Tuesday. Tragically, the waters continued to rise. Begum, 32, recounted that upon her return, she discovered that the woman she was looking for had disappeared and her body was found hours later. Monsoon floods have severely affected over 4 million individuals in southern Asia, destroying homes, villages, and prompting people to seek refuge on rooftops. The monsoon season, typically from June to September, brings heavy rainfall crucial to South Asia's agriculture. However, in recent years, cyclones and floods have become more frequent during this season, leading to the displacement of millions in low-lying areas, particularly in Bangladesh. The previous year witnessed over 600 fatalities and more than 25 million people affected by flooding in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Nepal due to the relentless monsoon rains, as reported by the United Nations. In 2017, over 1,000 people lost their lives in floods in South Asia. The heaviest rainfall this year has been in northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, according to the Southeast Asia Flash Flood Forecast System, which is linked to the United Nations. Flooding in Bangladesh began in late June and is expected to continue into the following month, affecting more areas. Enamur Rahman, the Bangladeshi minister for disaster management, stated that these floods are the worst in decades, leaving hundreds of thousands of families stranded and leading to the opening of over 1,000 emergency shelters. Rahman assured that they are utilizing all available resources to combat this catastrophe. Researchers are warning that this year's rains and floods may last longer than usual. They predict that Bangladesh, with a population of over 160 million, could lose over 10% of its land to rising sea levels due to climate change, potentially displacing 18 million people. India has also been severely affected, with floods hitting states such as Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal. At least 85 people have died and over 3 million have been affected by the floods. In Assam, Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage site home to the vulnerable one-horned Indian rhinoceros, has been completely submerged. Authorities reported that over 50 animals perished in the flood, although some wildlife was saved. Rescue efforts have been conducted in at least 22 districts in Assam as more than a dozen rivers and tributaries have exceeded the danger level. In Nepal, 67 individuals have died and 40 are still unaccounted for, as stated by the National Emergency Operation Center. This is in addition to the severe monsoon rains affecting Bangladesh, a low-lying and densely populated country with 165 million residents that is consistently plagued by flooding. In the northern region of Jamalpur, the flood situation has reached a critical point as rivers are flowing well above the danger level. Muneeb-ul-Islam, a 42-year-old resident of the area, along with his wife and three children, has faced the loss of his home multiple times over the past decade, leaving him with only the clothes on his back. Along with his family, Muneeb-ul-Islam is one of over 1 million people in Bangladesh who have been displaced or left homeless due to the floods. He expressed feeling as though they had committed a sin and lamented having to rebuild their lives from scratch for the third time in recent years. Another resident named Begum, who tragically lost her one-year-old child, shared that her life had been completely devastated by the disaster. She has relocated to a nearby shelter in a school building, where hundreds of people are packed in tightly. Concern about the coronavirus spreading in such crowded conditions is significant. Begum's family expressed that they were not adequately warned about the severity of the flooding. "I will never return to our previous home," she stated, "The water has taken everything from us."

Ocean scientists are calling on governments to invest in a new monitoring system for the seas by 2015 in order to provide alerts for various environmental issues such as tsunamis and acidification. They believe that better oversight would bring economic benefits and help understand the impact of over-fishing and shifts in weather patterns. The scientific alliance, Oceans United, will present this request to governments meeting in Beijing in November. Jesse Ausubel, a founder of POGO, stated that most experts believe the future ocean will be saltier, hotter, more acidic, and less diverse, emphasizing the importance of measuring changes in the oceans. POGO stated that establishing a global ocean monitoring system would require $10 to $15 billion upfront and $5 billion annually. Currently, an estimated $1 to $3 billion is spent on monitoring the oceans. Tony Knap, a leader of POGO, acknowledged that the new funding may seem excessive during times of austerity, but emphasized that it could prevent larger losses. For example, in Japan, a $100 million system of subsea cables has been credited with potentially averting 7,500-10,000 out of 25,000 projected fatalities in the event of a major subsea earthquake. Knap noted that while the cost of installing the cables may seem high, the impact on saving lives should be the priority. According to Ausubel, obtaining new funding could help enhance various ongoing projects, such as satellite monitoring of ocean temperatures, tracking devices on marine animals like dolphins, salmon, and whales, and the implementation of tsunami warning systems in certain countries. Ausubel compared these initiatives to the historical benefits of lighthouses and aids for navigation, stating that they are the modern-day equivalent in the 21st century. One concerning development is that surface waters in the oceans have become 30% more acidic since 1800, largely attributed to the rise in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. This could create difficulties for creatures like lobsters, crabs, shellfish, corals, and plankton in constructing their protective shells, ultimately impacting other marine species.

Sony Ericsson has appointed Bert Nordberg as the new chief executive in an effort to improve the struggling cellphone maker's profitability and market share, following steep losses and a decline in market share to below 5 percent. Nordberg aims to increase market share, restore profitability, and develop popular products to revive the company's performance. Nordberg, who is 53 years old and currently serves as the Executive Vice President at Ericsson and leads the company's Silicon Valley division, expressed strong confidence in the support from both parent companies and anticipated a quick move towards profitability. Sony CEO Howard Stringer is set to take over as the new board chairman on October 15, replacing Carl-Henric Svanberg, who will assume the role of chairman at BP Plc in January. Analyst Neil Mawston from Strategy Analytics believes that these management changes indicate a commitment from Sony and Ericsson to continue their partnership, which will be reassuring for Sony Ericsson employees and customers. Sony Ericsson experienced the most significant decline in sales among the top five cellphone vendors in the first quarter. According to research firm Gartner, Sony Ericsson has fallen behind in mobile phone trends such as full keyboards, Internet browsing, and navigation, resulting in a global market share of just 4.7 percent. Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, believes that new CEO Nordberg must make significant decisions to streamline the company's software strategy, reduce dependence on mid-tier feature phones, and improve profitability in a challenging economic climate. Sony Ericsson, known for music and imaging phones, has struggled to offer competitive smartphones. Nordberg plans to revamp the company's product portfolio strategically. "In this sector, successful products are essential," he stated. Nordberg has been an employee of Ericsson since 1996, having previously worked for companies such as Data General Corp. and Digital Equipment Corp. In July, Sony Ericsson reported a pre-tax loss of 283 million euros ($400 million) and predicted a challenging remainder of the year, with the market expected to contract by at least 10 percent. "I believe this is a result of the need for a fresh start, some new perspective. Additionally, Sony Ericsson's performance has been subpar over the last year and a half," noted Greger Johansson from Redeye. Ericsson's shares were down 0.5 percent at 66.90 crowns by 1214 GMT (8:14 a.m. EDT), which was better performance compared to a 1.7 percent drop in the DJ Stoxx European technology index.

China's space agency will reach a significant milestone on Wednesday as their spacecraft, Tianwen-1, is scheduled to attempt to orbit Mars. If successful, China plans to send a lander and robotic rover to the planet later this year, potentially joining NASA's trio of spacecraft studying the Martian surface. According to China, Tianwen-1 is expected to arrive at Mars on Wednesday. The China National Space Administration and state media have not given detailed information about the spacecraft's mission. The agency is known for being secretive about its missions, but has become more transparent in the past year, even broadcasting the launch of the Chang'e-4 mission to the moon. Tianwen-1 was launched in July, when Mars and Earth were closest to each other in their orbits around the sun. This enables a quick journey between the two planets. In order to align with Mars, the spacecraft has used its engines multiple times to adjust its trajectory. The latest engine firing took place on Feb 5, capturing images of Mars from a distance of approximately 1.3 million miles. The spacecraft will ignite its engines again on Wednesday to use up a significant amount of remaining fuel in order to slow down and be captured by Martian gravity. It will fly around at a safe distance in Martian orbit, along with other robotic explorers, to prepare for a future surface landing. Past missions to Mars have encountered difficulties, such as a Chinese mission in 2011 that failed to leave Earth's orbit due to a malfunctioning Russian rocket. In 1999, NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter was lost in the Martian atmosphere due to a navigation error caused by failure to convert English units to metric. In 1992, NASA was unable to communicate with its Mars Observer spacecraft just days before its scheduled arrival at Mars, possibly due to a fuel line issue. Following a failed attempt by the Soviet Mars 4 mission in 1974, the spacecraft drifted away from Mars after its retro rockets did not ignite. Despite the challenges of orbiting Mars, the real feat lies in successfully landing on the planet. The question remains: When will China achieve a successful Mars landing? The orbiter is equipped with a lander and rover that will undertake the challenging journey to the Martian surface. China has announced plans to land on Mars in May, aiming for Utopia Planitia in the northern hemisphere. This area was likely impacted by a meteor and was previously visited by NASA's Viking 2 lander in 1976. One objective of the Tianwen-1 mission is to study the distribution of ice in this region, which could be vital for future human colonization efforts on Mars. Landing on Mars is challenging due to the high speed at which spacecraft must descend and the thin atmosphere offering little resistance. Air resistance continues to create high levels of heat, which must be either absorbed or dispersed. Several Soviet, NASA, and European missions have failed, with only NASA successfully landing more than once. The Chinese spacecraft will spend several months circling Mars to assess systems and choose a safe landing location. If it successfully lands, the rover will require a name. Following nominations from individuals in China, a group of experts has chosen 10 semifinalists. These include Hongyi, named after a Chinese term representing determination and perseverance; Qilin, a mythical hoofed creature in Chinese folklore; and Nezha, a youthful deity known as a protector of rebellious youth. In addition to these achievements, China has recently made significant progress in space exploration. In July, China launched a mission to Mars, and since then, they have successfully completed a mission to the moon and back. The Chang’e-5 mission, which took place in November, involved the collection of lunar samples that were later brought back to Earth for further analysis by scientists. The most recent cache of moon rocks was collected during China's Chang'e-4 mission, the first to land on the far side of the moon, which is still ongoing more than two years after its launch. In addition to this mission, the United Arab Emirates' space agency sent an orbiter named Hope to Mars this year, arriving on Tuesday to study the planet's atmosphere and help scientists learn more about its weather patterns. The third newcomer to Mars will be Perseverance, NASA's latest rover, which was launched in July after the other two spacecraft. Instead of orbiting Mars, Perseverance will head straight for the planet's surface on Feb. 18. This robotic explorer will be NASA's fifth rover on Mars and is similar to Curiosity, currently investigating the Gale crater. Perseverance is equipped with different scientific tools and will explore the Jezero crater, a dry lakebed where scientists hope to find fossilized evidence of ancient Martian microbial life. The mission will also attempt to fly a helicopter in the thin Martian atmosphere, a first for the red planet. NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will be deployed by the rover shortly after landing on Mars. The helicopter will conduct test flights in the thin Martian atmosphere to show that exploring Mars from the air is possible. In addition to Ingenuity, there are currently six orbiters studying Mars from space, making it a busy time for spacecraft around the red planet. Three spacecraft were sent to Mars by NASA: Mars Odyssey, which was launched in 2001, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which was launched in 2005, and MAVEN, which departed Earth in 2013. Europe also has two spacecraft orbiting Mars: Mars Express orbiter, launched in 2003, and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, which took off in 2016 and is a joint project with Russia's space program. India's Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, launched in 2013, operates as the sixth spacecraft. Additionally, two American missions are currently operating on the Martian surface. Curiosity has been exploring Mars since 2012, accompanied by InSight, which has been investigating marsquakes and other internal characteristics of the planet since 2018. Another American mission, the Opportunity rover, ceased operation in 2019 due to a dust storm draining its power.

Scientists reported on Tuesday that a significant portion of Antarctica's Wilkins Ice Shelf is collapsing due to rapid warming in the region. Satellite images from the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center showed that about 160 square miles of the shelf had collapsed. The Wilkins Ice Shelf is a large expanse of floating ice covering approximately 5,000 square miles on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula. Ted Scambos, lead scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, described the situation as blocks of ice tumbling and crumbling into the ocean, rather than just cracking off and drifting away. "These types of occurrences are rare, but we are eager to gain a better understanding of them as they are the factors that contribute to the complete collapse of the ice shelf," Scambos stated. According to Scambos, a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently only held up by a narrow strip of ice. If this final "ice buttress" were to give way, approximately half of the total ice shelf area could be lost within the next few years, Scambos elaborated. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan expressed in a statement that "This shelf is on the brink of collapse." According to Scambos, a portion of the ice shelf exposed to the ocean is breaking apart in a familiar pattern that has been observed in other locations over the past decade or so. The collapse, which began on Feb. 28 with a large iceberg breaking off, is believed to be a result of climate warming. A plane was dispatched to capture images of the disintegration as warm air and ocean waves are causing the centuries-old ice shelf to break up. Over the last 50 years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to anywhere else on Earth, according to experts. The increase in temperatures in the region is directly linked to the rise in greenhouse gases and the resulting changes in atmospheric circulation around Antarctica. Although the summer melt season in Antarctica is ending, experts do not anticipate immediate further disintegration of the ice shelf. However, they will closely monitor the situation in January to see if the ice shelf continues to break apart.

An Australian report released on Tuesday stated that global warming is progressing more rapidly than anticipated due to increased greenhouse gas emissions since 2000, driven by rapid economic growth. According to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), emissions from burning fossil fuels have been rising by around 3 percent annually since 2000, compared to 1 percent in the 1990s. CSIRO scientist Mike Raupach explained that the main reason for the faster growth in emissions is the higher carbon output per unit of wealth generated worldwide. This has led to climate change happening at a quicker pace than previously forecasted. Raupach collaborated with a team of experts from the CSIRO's Global Carbon Project to assess global carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption. The report discovered that there was a significant increase in global carbon emissions from nearly 6 billion metric tons in 1995 to almost 8 billion metric tons in 2005. According to Raupach, as countries progress through industrial development, they go through a phase of high and often inefficient use of fossil fuels. Although efficiencies improve along the way, they eventually plateau. Developed countries like Australia and the US have reached this plateau, while developing countries like China are still in the intensive development phase. Since the industrial revolution, the US and Europe have been responsible for more than half of global emissions over the past two centuries, whereas China has contributed less than 8 percent, as per the CSIRO report. The report stated that the 50 least-developed nations contributed less than 0.5 percent of global emissions over a span of 200 years. It was noted that on average, each person in Australia and the United States emits more than 5 tons of carbon per year, compared to 1 ton per year in China. Raupach highlighted the importance of considering both current and historical emissions when negotiating global emissions reductions. He emphasized the need for emissions reductions to be both feasible and fair to be effective. The CSIRO report discovered that Australia has some of the highest per capita emissions in the world due to its heavy reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity and the use of cars and trucks for transportation. Raupach stated that there is still a long way to go in reducing emissions to stabilize CO2 levels, and Australia's energy efficiency improvements have not kept pace with other developed countries. Australia, like the United States, has not signed the Kyoto Protocol and instead calls for a global scheme to replace it, citing the exclusion of major developing nations like India and China from binding targets in the treaty's first phase until 2012. China is the second largest producer of carbon dioxide in the world, following the United States. Discussions have not yet begun in earnest regarding the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol, as India and China are strongly against mandatory targets and are requesting that wealthy countries, especially the United States, make significant cuts in emissions.

Scientists have determined that the fish bones found were from creatures that perished during the asteroid collision that ended the reign of dinosaurs in the spring. The impact occurred over 66 million years ago near the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, marking the end of the Cretaceous period. While most species were wiped out in the mass extinction that followed, it has been difficult to find fossils directly linked to the meteor impact. However, a discovery in 2019 in southwestern North Dakota revealed a mass graveyard of creatures that died shortly after the collision. Even though North Dakota was located around 2,000 miles away from where the meteor struck, the seismic waves caused a massive earthquake-like event, with a magnitude of 10 or 11, that resulted in water being displaced from lakes and rivers, leading to the death of fish. Small glass beads called tektites were also ejected into the air by the impact and fell from the sky. Researchers spent years investigating the site, known as Tanis, situated within the fossil-rich Hell Creek formation spanning four states. While an article in The New Yorker portrayed Tanis as a treasure trove of fossil discoveries, the initial scientific paper focused more on the geological aspects. The newly obtained scientific findings from the fossils now offer valuable insights into the catastrophic event that was previously difficult to interpret. "It is remarkable that we are able to identify an event that occurred 66 million years ago to a specific time of year," stated Stephen L Brusatte, a palaeontologist at the University of Edinburgh, who was not part of the study. He described it as a high-caliber detective story. Animals in the Northern Hemisphere, such as those emerging from hibernation or giving birth, may have been more susceptible to extinction during this event. Conversely, animals in the Southern Hemisphere, entering autumn, may have been better protected from the climate change. During a news conference organized by Nature, it was mentioned that hibernation could have increased an organism's chances of survival. Brusatte agreed that if one could isolate themselves in a burrow or take shelter underwater, it could be beneficial. He believes that this has the potential to help in understanding the extinction patterns and processes. During first learned about Tanis in 2017 from a talk by Jan Smit, an expert on dinosaur extinction at Vrije University in Amsterdam. She found his description of the North Dakota fossil finds intriguing and immediately reached out to him about conducting isotopic analysis on the fish bones. She contacted Robert DePalma, the paleontologist leading the study of Tanis. She traveled to North Dakota in August 2017 and spent 10 days at Tanis excavating fossils of six fish - three sturgeon and three paddlefish. In the lab, thin slices of bone were taken from the fish's lower jaws and pectoral fin spines. The scientists observed light and dark lines in the bones that indicated seasonal changes in growth, resembling tree rings. The outermost part of the bones showed that the fish became more active and grew faster after winter. During speculated that the fish likely perished in April rather than summer based on the levels of carbon isotopes in their bones, which indicated a lower plankton abundance in the water. Jeroen van der Lubbe, a paleo-climatologist at Vrije University and one of the authors of the Nature paper, mentioned that this evidence, along with the discovery of tektites in the fish gills but not in the digestive tract, supported the theory that the fish died in the spring. "They were unable to continue swimming," During stated. "They died right away." A separate group of researchers, led by DePalma, conducted a comparable analysis on fish fossils and reached nearly identical findings, as reported in Scientific Reports last December. ©2022 The New York Times Company.

Bird enthusiasts are amazed at the increasing number of snowy owls migrating from the Arctic to the lower 48 states this winter. Thousands of these large birds have been seen across the country, from Idaho to Massachusetts, in places like farmlands, rooftops, golf courses, and shorelines. While some snowy owls migrate south each winter, it is rare to see so many travel such long distances. Denver Holt, a leading owl researcher, described this mass migration as "unbelievable" and the most significant wildlife event in decades. Holt has been studying snowy owls in the Arctic for twenty years. Holt and other experts on owls believe that the increase in snowy owl sightings in areas farther south than usual may be due to a rise in lemming populations, which are a major food source for snowy owls during the breeding season. Last year, an abundance of lemmings led to a higher number of offspring being hatched by breeding pairs, with some pairs having as many as seven chicks compared to the usual two. This increase in owl population may have resulted in greater competition for food in the Far North, causing younger, male owls to migrate further south in search of food. According to him, there is a lack of research on the animals due to the remote and harsh conditions of the terrain where the owls are found, such as northern Russia and Scandinavia. The increase in snowy owl sightings has attracted birdwatchers from Texas, Arizona, and Utah to the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, boosting local economies and leading to overcrowding in parks and wildlife areas. The sudden appearance of snowy owls has captured the interest of the public of all ages and backgrounds. Frances Tanaka, a volunteer at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington, mentioned that many visitors inquire about snowy owls. However, reports of malnourished owls in certain locations, including one that died in a farmer's field in Wisconsin, indicate that the migration has a darker side. Holt mentioned that an owl was shot and killed at a Hawaii airport in November to prevent collisions with planes. He explained that snowy owl populations are decreasing, possibly due to climate change reducing vegetation that lemmings depend on. The recent increase in snowy owl sightings this winter, reaching as far south as Oklahoma, is still not fully understood and remains a mystery of nature. Holt stated that while there is much speculation, there is little concrete evidence to explain this phenomenon.

An ancient underground water basin the size of Libya in Australia, known as the Great Artesian Basin, is crucial for the country to avoid a water crisis amidst climate change and drought. Covering 1.7 million sq km and lying beneath one-fifth of Australia, this basin holds 65 million gigalitres of water, equivalent to 820 times the amount of surface water in the country. Rain filters through porous sandstone rock and becomes trapped in the basin, slowly replenishing it with 1 million megalitres a year. According to the Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee, there is enough water in the basin to fulfill Australia's needs for 1,500 years, if necessary. John Hillier, a hydrogeologist who recently conducted a study on the basin, confirms this vast water resource. However, he and other experts caution that the basin's water supply is at risk due to decreasing artesian pressure, which pushes water to the surface through bores and springs. If excessive water extraction continues, the ancient water source may become unreachable without costly pumping. Some parts of the basin, located up to two km below ground and reaching depths of 3 km, were formed between 100 and 250 million years ago. The basin consists of layers of waterbearing sandstone aquifers and non-waterbearing siltstones and mudstones. Water from the basin is crucial for mining, tourism, and grazing in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee reports that the underground water from the basin generates A$3.5 billion (US$2.4 billion) in production annually through activities such as farming, mining, and tourism. The mining and petroleum industry alone extracts 31,000 megalitres of water from the basin each year, which is essential for current operations and future growth. BHP-Billiton, a major mining company, takes 11,680 megalitres annually from the basin for its Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, and plans to increase water usage significantly to double production. Xstrata Plc, another mining company, is considering using water from the basin for a large coal mine in Queensland that would produce 20 million tonnes annually over a 30-year period. The pastoral industry is the largest consumer of water, utilizing 500,000 megalitres annually to irrigate some of Australia's most productive farmlands. Angus Emmott, who owns a cattle property in central Queensland, relies on basin water during droughts. Emmott emphasizes the importance of utilizing Great Artesian Basin water efficiently due to climate change, as up to 90 percent of the 87 million megalitres extracted since 1878 has been wasted. Due to decreasing water pressure, over 1,000 natural springs have disappeared and one-third of the original artesian bores have stopped flowing. The extraction of ancient basin water into the atmosphere is also a contributor to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, releasing 330,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. A 15-year project called the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability project, which began in 1990, aims to preserve the water supply and the necessary hydraulic pressure to access it. Currently, there are around 3,000 bores that release water into 34,000 km of open bore drains, with 90 percent of the water evaporating due to the outback heat. However, more than 1,052 bores have been regulated and many kilometers of open drains have been eliminated, with pipelines now in place, saving 272 gigalitres of water each year. Farmers are now using technology to control livestock access to bores and bore flows by fencing off bores and utilizing mobile telephone, satellite, and computer imaging technology. This has resulted in previously ceased bores and springs starting to flow again, leading to significant improvements in land management, pasture quality, and stock management. According to Emmott, the capping and piping program has also helped prevent issues such as bogging of domestic animals, maintenance costs of drains, and soil salination. Farmers and scientists emphasize the need for more efforts to be made to prevent a water crisis in the Great Artesian Basin due to the anticipated increase in demand for basin water in the future. Emmott emphasized the importance of taking care of communities for their survival, as the Great Artesian Basin requires a significant amount of time to recharge. A A$17 million sustainability report will focus on ensuring water supply for mining, pastoral, and environmental development in the future. With the increase in mining activity in the basin due to the global commodities boom, there will be a greater need to secure groundwater allocations for economic development. Andy Love from Flinders University will lead the study on this issue. Love stated that in order to achieve a balance between development and environmental protection, it is essential to have a better understanding of the amount of groundwater that can be extracted safely.

Since 1500, over 320 terrestrial vertebrates have gone extinct and the remaining species have experienced a 25 percent decrease in abundance. Invertebrate animal life is also facing a dire situation. The current decline is attributed to human activity, leading to what researchers call an era of 'Anthropocene defaunation.' Between 16 to 33 percent of vertebrate species are globally threatened or endangered, with large animals like elephants, rhinoceroses, and polar bears facing the highest decline rate. This decline in large animals leads to an increase in rodents and disease-carrying ectoparasites. In the past 35 years, human population has doubled while the number of invertebrate animals has decreased by 45 percent due to loss of habitat and global climate disruption. These trends could have negative impacts on our everyday lives. Dirzo recommended that promptly reducing habitat change and overexploitation would be beneficial, but these strategies should be customized to specific regions and circumstances. He emphasized that extinction is not just about the disappearance of a species, but also the loss of essential ecosystem functions that animals contribute to. This information was detailed in a review published in the journal Science.

In 2010, Musa Ibrahim made history by being the first Bangladeshi to plant the country's flag at the top of Mount Everest. Additionally, Bangladeshi scientists achieved a milestone by sequencing the jute genome. However, the year was also marked by setbacks such as a drop in Dhaka stocks and allegations of fund siphoning against Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Despite these challenges, the achievement of reaching the summit of Mount Everest was a momentous occasion for Bangladeshis. North Alpine Club president Musa, who is originally from Lalmonirhat, attended Dhaka University and BRAC University. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced in parliament on June 16th that Bangladeshi researchers, led by Dr. Maqsudul Alam from Dhaka University's biochemistry and biotechnology departments, have successfully sequenced the genome of jute. This breakthrough is expected to enhance the quality of jute fiber and help jute plants withstand challenging weather conditions caused by climate change. Meanwhile, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been embroiled in controversy regarding allegations that he misused funds from Grameen Bank without informing Norwegian donors and attempted to cover up the issue. On November 30, the Norwegian national television NRK broadcasted the documentary 'Caught in Micro Debt' by investigative journalist Tom Heinemann. The documentary brought attention to the fund transfer issue, which had been kept private for 12 years. bdnews24.com was the first to report on the story in Bangladesh on December 1. Yunus called for the media to join a discussion on the 'channelled fund' debate on Sunday. Grameen Bank, on the other hand, stated that the matter had been resolved by the Norwegian government and the bank back in 1998. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other leaders of the ruling party criticized the Grameen Bank chief and called for investigations. The hijacked ship MV Jahan Moni is the most recent addition to the numerous ships taken by Somali pirates towards the end of the year. The Bangladeshi vessel was seized in the Arabian Sea on December 5 near the Indian coast of Kochin, with 26 Bangladeshis, including 25 crew members, on board. The government has been urged to negotiate with the pirates and pay ransom for the release of the ship. Relatives of the captured crew are calling for urgent intervention from the government to secure their release. Two weeks ago, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni stated that no government should give in to ransom demands. The ship's owner has confirmed that negotiations with Somali pirates are ongoing. In contrast, Somali pirates recently freed a German ship after receiving a $5.5 million ransom. The ship had been hijacked in May. The issue of sexual harassment towards women gained attention in the media when stalkers killed a college teacher in Natore in October. The violence continued with the murder of a woman in Faridpur for speaking out against harassment and another woman in Sirajganj who committed suicide after being kidnapped by an eve-teaser. In response to these incidents, the government, prompted by the High Court, made amendments to the law to try stalkers in mobile courts, which began operating in early November. The sudden drop in share prices at the end of the year caused chaos in the country's financial market. Interest in investing in the capital market increased due to several record-breaking exchanges. However, investors pushed share prices up until the general index at the Dhaka Stock Exchange plummeted in the second week of December, losing over 500 points in just one hour. Frustrated and angry investors took to the streets twice in the last month as the market showed signs of decline, with protests on December 8 and 19 resulting in violence towards the police. The country recently established a comprehensive education policy for the first time, which was approved by the cabinet on May 31 and by parliament on Dec 7. Despite protests from some Islamic parties claiming that religious education opportunities have been decreased, the government is moving forward with implementing the policy. The changes include extending primary education to class VIII and eliminating the Secondary School Certificate exam. The policy will bring changes to text books and exam systems, as well as modernizing madrasa education. Anthrax caused panic in the middle of the year, affecting at least 500 people in multiple districts. The government declared a red alert and began large-scale cattle testing across the country, including border areas where foreign cattle enter. The demand for cattle meat dropped suddenly, but the government declared the country anthrax-free in early October. Butchers claimed that poultry traders intentionally caused panic for financial gain. Livestock state minister Abdul Latif Biswas supported their claim and stated that the government will look into the issue. The national carrier, Biman, came to a standstill when pilots went on strike on October 26. The strike, led by younger pilots, was ended after a meeting with prime minister Sheikh Hasina on October 29, saving Biman Bangladesh Airlines from collapse. On October 25, Biman suspended four pilots, including the acting president and general secretary of the pilots' association BAPA. BAPA made the decision to go on strike immediately to protest against a decision. That same evening, 53 pilots called in sick. On October 20, the 116-member BAPA group gave Biman a 24-hour deadline to fulfill their 5-point demands, one of which was to revoke the decision to raise the retirement age of pilots from 57 to 62 years. The pilots also warned that they would not perform any duties beyond their contract with Biman if their demands were not met.

A study has found that inflation, particularly in food prices, and climate change are becoming major challenges for Bangladesh in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The 'Social Watch Report 2010', launched by Dhaka-based research arm Unnayan Shumunnay, also highlighted debt servicing, poor revenue collection, and a decrease in foreign direct investment as additional obstacles. Despite efforts, Bangladesh has remained at a low ranking of 61 in the Basic Capabilities Index (BCI) over the past decade, while Pakistan has shown significant improvement, moving from 55 to 65. Nepal and India have made progress in their rankings, while Sri Lanka leads the region with a score of 99. The report highlights that Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are still seen as political targets, as global defense spending surpasses aid to developing nations by 49 percent. To reach MDGs worldwide by 2015, an estimated $100-120 billion annually would be needed, which is less than 0.5 percent of the global GDP according to a Social Watch study. Referencing a Jubilee Netherlands study, the report mentions that Bangladesh would require $7.5 billion in annual assistance, five times more than current levels, to achieve the MDGs. Despite being a minor contributor to pollution, Bangladesh is greatly affected by climate change. According to the report, the country's greenhouse gas emissions account for less than 0.2% of the global total. Social Watch warns that climate change will pose ongoing challenges to the country's efforts to boost economic growth and reduce poverty at the anticipated rate.

Researchers are equipping elephant seals and autonomous underwater gliders with monitoring devices in order to uncover the mysteries of the oceans and enhance our comprehension of the effects of climate change. The oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing heat and redistributing it across the planet. Additionally, they serve as a significant storage space for carbon dioxide emissions, helping to slow down the pace of climate change. However, scientists emphasize the need to expand a global monitoring network, with particular focus on the Southern Ocean situated between Australia and Antarctica. This region is a major repository for human-produced carbon emissions and plays a critical role in shaping the Earth's climate. "To grasp the speed at which climate change is occurring, it is crucial to comprehend ocean processes such as the rate at which heat and carbon can be stored," explained oceanographer Susan Wijffels, who leads a team for Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS). Speaking from a climate conference in Hobart, Tasmania, she emphasized how the ocean's actions impact the pace and regional patterns of climate change. In addition, scientists aim to enhance their understanding of natural ocean cycles that influence terrestrial weather to enhance long-term forecasts for agriculture and urban water management. IMOS collaborates with researchers from various Australian universities, research institutions, and international partners in the United States, Asia, and Europe. With recent funding, the team plans to equip approximately 100 elephant seals with devices to gather data from the depths surrounding Antarctica. A small device with an antenna is attached to the heads of seals to collect data on temperature, salinity, and pressure as they dive for food. Additionally, self-propelled gliders measuring about 2 meters in length will be deployed in Australian waters to depths of 1,500 meters to gather information. These gliders, equipped with wings and a rudder, can remain at sea for extended periods and are operated remotely. The focus is on the area of sea ice near Antarctica where current measurement devices, known as Argos, struggle to function efficiently as they need to resurface frequently to transmit data to satellites. Argos are cylindrical devices that move between depths of up to 2 km. Thousands of new types of Argos are being deployed globally, with some being developed to detect breaks in sea ice and transmit data. According to Wijffels, the oceans under the ice are currently not being adequately monitored by global and national observation systems. There is growing concern that the ocean may be transferring heat into the sea ice zone, potentially contributing to the destabilization of the massive iceshelves in Greenland and Antarctica. Scientists warn that if all the ice in Greenland were to melt, it could raise sea levels by 7 meters (23 feet). The increasing levels of carbon dioxide are causing oceans to become more acidic, which is impacting sea creatures' ability to produce shells. There is concern that this increased acidity could hinder the ocean's ability to absorb carbon. The program also seeks to enhance monitoring of significant currents in Australia that distribute heat globally, including through the Lombok Strait near Bali in Indonesia, using deep-ocean moorings. While these measurements are more prevalent in the North Atlantic, there is a significant gap in data collection in the Southern Hemisphere, according to Wijffels.

"Due to penguins being fish eaters, the absence of the umami taste is particularly perplexing," explained study leader Jianzhi "George" Zhang, a professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology. Penguins consume fish, so one would assume they would require the umami receptor genes, yet they do not possess them. Zhang added, "These results are both surprising and puzzling and we do not have a definitive explanation for them. However, we have a few theories." He believes that the changes in sensory perception are linked to ancient climate cooling events in Antarctica, where penguins originated. The primary hypothesis is that the genes were lost due to cold Antarctic temperatures affecting taste perception. Vertebrates typically have five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Previous genetic research indicated that the sweet taste receptor gene is not present in the genomes of any birds examined so far. For this study, Zhang and his team closely examined data from Adelie and emperor penguins. They also analyzed tissue samples from other bird species. They discovered that all penguin species lack functional genes for the receptors of sweet, umami, and bitter tastes. In the Adelie and emperor genomes, umami and bitter taste receptor genes have turned into "pseudogenes," which are genetic sequences resembling a gene but unable to encode proteins. On the other hand, non-penguin bird species contain genes for umami and bitter tastes but lack receptors for the sweet taste. The authors concluded that umami and bitter tastes were lost in the common ancestor of all penguins, while the sweet taste was lost earlier. Penguins emerged in Antarctica after splitting from tubenose seabirds around 60 million years ago, with major penguin groups diverging from each other about 23 million years ago. "The loss of taste likely occurred during that 37-million-year period, which included periods of significant climate cooling in Antarctica," Zhang explained. The study will be published in the journal Current Biology.

It is all by chance, but it will create some chaos. NASA has chosen SpaceX, the rocket company founded by Elon Musk, to provide the spacecraft that will transport astronauts to the moon in the future. However, in the meantime, a 4-ton upper stage of a SpaceX rocket launched seven years ago is expected to collide with the moon on March 4, according to recent observations and calculations made by amateur astronomers. The impact is anticipated to occur at 7:25 am Eastern time, although there is still some uncertainty surrounding the exact timing and location. Bill Gray, creator of Project Pluto, a set of astronomical software used for calculating the orbits of asteroids and comets, stated that the rocket piece will not miss the moon. Gray stated that it is highly likely that a predicted object will collide within a few minutes and a few kilometers of its projected location. Throughout the Space Age, human-made objects have ventured into the solar system, with some not expected to return, such as Musk's Tesla Roadster launched by SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket in 2018. However, some objects do return, like a mystery object discovered in 2020 that was actually a part of a rocket launched in 1966 during NASA's Surveyor missions to the moon. Gray has been monitoring a specific piece of SpaceX debris that aided in launching the Deep Space Climate Observatory for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on February 11, 2015. The observatory, also known as DSCOVR, was originally called Triana and was championed by Al Gore as an Earth observation mission. It was later repurposed as a solar storm warning system and now regularly captures images of Earth from space, including rare occurrences like the moon crossing in front of the planet. Typically, the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket is intentionally pushed back into Earth's atmosphere after delivering its payload to avoid creating space debris. The upper stage of the rocket used all its fuel to propel DSCOVR to its destination, leaving it in a high, elongated orbit around Earth that could potentially lead to a collision in the future. The motion of the Falcon 9 stage is influenced by the gravitational forces of Earth, the moon, and the sun, as well as sunlight pressure. While debris in low-Earth orbit is closely monitored for satellite and International Space Station safety, more distant objects like the DSCOVR rocket are often overlooked. Gray claims to be the only person tracking these objects. Many spacecraft that have been sent to the moon have crashed there, but it seems that this is the first time something from Earth not intended for the moon will end up there. On January 5, a rocket stage passed within 6,000 miles of the moon, and its trajectory was altered by the moon's gravity, potentially causing it to eventually intersect with the moon. Gray asked amateur astronomers to observe the object as it passed by Earth in January, and one of those who responded was Peter Birtwhistle, a retired IT professional living near London. The Great Shefford Observatory's 16-inch telescope in his garden tracked a rocket stage moving quickly through the sky, allowing Birtwhistle to predict its impact trajectory. Astronomers will have one more opportunity to observe it before it swings out beyond the moon and ultimately hits the far side, hidden from view on Earth. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will not witness the impact live, but it will fly over the site afterward to capture images of the newly formed crater. Mark Robinson, a professor at Arizona State University and the principal investigator for the orbiter's camera, estimates that the impact of 4 tons of metal traveling at a speed of 5,700 mph will create a crater 10 to 20 meters wide. This will provide scientists with valuable information about what lies beneath the moon's surface, unlike meteor strikes where the size and timing are unknown. India's Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, also in orbit around the moon, may also be able to photograph the impact site. Other spacecraft that are scheduled to travel to the moon this year may have the opportunity to observe the impact location, unless they also accidentally create new craters. ©2022 The New York Times Company.

Suzanne Becker, the general manager of the Henry Howard Hotel, described how the delta variant negatively impacted their August by erasing many reservations. However, there was a glimmer of hope as guests were finally scheduled to fill nearly every room. Other hotels were also fully booked at higher rates typically seen only during holiday weekends. Becker expressed disappointment when the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival canceled its October event due to concerns about rising COVID-19 cases, causing many reservations to be wiped off the books. Hotels were anticipating the upcoming Labor Day in New Orleans with excitement. Robert LeBlanc, owner of the Chloe boutique hotel in the Garden District, was pleased that his hotel was fully booked and had more large party restaurant reservations than in late July. The French Quarter was expected to be bustling with visitors for Southern Decadence, often called "gay Mardi Gras." Beaux Church, manager of three gay bars in the French Quarter, scheduled twice as many bartenders as usual for the busy weekend. Despite having enough staff, he was confident that they would receive a significant amount of tips. He believed that the weekend would have been a great opportunity for them to recover from the losses they experienced during COVID-19. The tips would have helped them catch up on rent and pay off extra credit card debts. However, due to Hurricane Ida hitting Louisiana and causing damage, the bartenders had to evacuate to other cities. As a result, The Henry Howard Hotel, along with many other hotels, are now vacant. Southern Decadence has been canceled once again. Even Cafe Lafitte in Exile, a gay bar known for being open 24 hours a day, has had to close due to a lack of electricity, air conditioning, and margaritas following Hurricane Katrina. With many still without power and surrounding areas assessing damage, New Orleans' tourism industry, a key part of the city's economy, is once again facing challenges. Tony Leggio, an organizer of Southern Decadence, expressed concern about the impact of Hurricane Ida on tourism, fearing it may deter visitors long-term, as Hurricane Katrina did in 2005. It was not until 2010 that the number of visitors returned to pre-Katrina levels. Kelly Schulz, a spokesperson for New Orleans & Company, stated that New Orleans did not experience the same devastation as other areas during Hurricane Katrina, so the tourist infrastructure remained largely intact. She expressed hope that tourists would return once power is restored. However, with overcrowded ICUs and a low vaccination rate in Louisiana, some argue that the city may be better off without large crowds. Researchers have linked Mardi Gras in February 2020 to a significant coronavirus outbreak. Restaurant owners, hotel managers, and event planners believe that they could have accommodated visitors had the storm allowed, as the city now requires proof of vaccination or a recent coronavirus test, along with masks, to enter most businesses. Amanda Price, an event planner in New Orleans, stated that visitors appreciated the safety rules, which allowed them to proceed with events feeling secure. Labor Day weekend, usually not a popular time for weddings in New Orleans due to hurricane season, saw many couples determined to hold weddings that had been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions on large gatherings. Cayla Contardi, a client of Price's from Austin, Texas, expressed how busy it has been for her. She had planned her wedding for the third time on Saturday, Sept 4. Originally, her wedding was scheduled for June 20, 2020, in Tucson, Arizona, but due to COVID concerns, she moved the event to a ballroom in the French Quarter where all guests were either recovered or fully vaccinated. On Saturday afternoon, Contardi was devastated to discover that her husband's family from New Orleans and St Tammany Parish, located 50 miles north of the city, were evacuating their homes. Despite receiving a call from the hotel on Monday informing her that her guests could no longer stay due to significant damage, she found it difficult to come to terms with the cancellation of her wedding. "I have a beautiful dress that I've owned for three years," she lamented, stating that she has no intention of planning a fourth wedding. Labor Day had historically been a busy weekend for restaurants in New Orleans, as noted by Nina Compton, the chef of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro, who mentioned that food was being wasted even before the COVID pandemic hit. She mentioned that a large number of individuals usually visit the town for a big celebration before the school year begins. This year, she was expecting a hectic week. However, once she noticed the approaching storm, she realized that things would not go as planned. What has been particularly difficult for her to accept is that while many people in the state are facing challenges, restaurants are having to discard a significant amount of quality food. She explained that it is not possible to donate food to those in need because they lack the means to cook. She expressed this sentiment as she completed the task of cleaning out the walk-in fridge at Compère Lapin. She had found someone interested in the produce, but milk and fresh pasta were going to waste. James Doucette, the general manager of Meals From The Heart Cafe, expressed sorrow over the waste and mentioned that his team is currently displaced due to the storm. Alon Shaya, the founder of Pomegranate Hospitality, also noted that the impact of the storm on the restaurant industry goes beyond just the loss of weekend tourists, as it will also deter longer term visitors. Students had recently come back to Tulane University, which had been beneficial for Saba, a restaurant located about a mile away. However, the university has now decided to delay classes for at least another month. This sudden change of plans is a familiar experience for the hospitality industry in New Orleans. At the beginning of the pandemic, business was so poor that almost half of the city's restaurants and one-third of its hotels closed indefinitely. However, as more individuals received vaccines and chose to visit New Orleans again, optimism within the industry skyrocketed. In the spring, Church, who manages a diner and three French Quarter gay bars, saw business surpass its 2018 peak. However, when delta variant emerged, Bourbon Street suffered a decline. His bars went from making $10,000 a night to $1,000 virtually overnight. Church believes tourists stopped coming once his staff enforced rules for vaccination proof and masks, measures he supports. He was hopeful for a busy weekend due to clear requirements for the Southern Decadence festival. Edgar Chase IV, also known as Dooky, operates two Dooky Chase restaurants and described the recent business fluctuations as a roller coaster. It was supposed to be a significant weekend for his team, but they had to evacuate instead. He stated that in times like these, his main concern is not money, but rather how they can provide comfort to people. He believes that this should be the primary focus of the hospitality industry at the moment.

Deforestation has long been recognized for its role in raising temperatures in local regions, but a new study released on Tuesday reveals a potentially broader influence on monsoon rains. In addition to releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, deforestation also alters the amount of light reflected off the earth's surface and the level of moisture in the atmosphere due to plant transpiration. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore utilized a model that mimicked atmospheric circulation, as well as processes such as photosynthesis, transpiration, ocean surface warming, and ice melting. The authors stated that they sought to gain a fundamental understanding of how large-scale deforestation in various locations affects monsoon rainfall. To investigate, they conducted three deforestation experiments by eliminating all trees in tropical, temperate, and high-latitude regions. Deforestation in temperate and high latitudes has led to changes in atmospheric circulation, causing the monsoon rains to shift southward. This has resulted in a significant decrease in precipitation in regions such as East Asia, North America, North Africa, and South Asia, while there have been moderate increases in rainfall in regions like South Africa, South America, and Australia. A recent study has shown that deforestation in mid- and high-latitudes can have a greater impact on tropical rainfall than local tropical deforestation. The South Asian monsoon region is expected to be the most affected, with a projected 18 percent decline in precipitation over India. The authors of the study emphasize the importance of considering remote impacts, such as changes in rainfall patterns, when evaluating the climate benefits of planting trees in deforested areas. The research observed that the amount of land dedicated to crops and pastures has grown on a global scale, from 620 million hectares in the 1700s (equivalent to approximately 7 percent of the total land area worldwide) to 4,690 million hectares in the year 2000, which now accounts for about one-third of the Earth's land surface.

The Qatar 2022 supreme committee stated that they had always planned to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup in the summer, but are open to hosting it in the winter if necessary. They are prepared to host the tournament in either season, as their planning is not affected. Fifa President Sepp Blatter mentioned that any change in timing would have to be requested by Qatar. The organisers are planning to use air-conditioned stadiums that will be sent to developing nations after the competition. Qatar has invested significant resources to prove that the cooling technology will work, and they will continue developing the systems regardless of the timing of the event. Their commitment to this project is based on the legacy it will leave for Qatar and other countries with similar climates. The technology will allow sports to be played year-round, not just in stadiums or sports venues but also in public spaces, ensuring outdoor activities can be enjoyed in any climate.

The Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft captured compelling images indicating the possible existence of liquid water on Mars, a discovery that excites scientists curious about the potential for life on the planet. By observing changes in crater walls in Mars' southern hemisphere, scientists have inferred that water may have flowed downhill in recent years. The presence of liquid water is crucial in the search for signs of life on Mars, as all known forms of life on Earth depend on water for survival. Scientists have previously confirmed the presence of water on Mars in the form of ice at the poles and water vapor, as well as geological features that suggest water may have carved the landscape in the past. Kenneth Edgett, a scientist involved in the research, described the search for proof of liquid water currently on Mars as a "squirting gun" for water. The researchers, whose findings are published in the journal Science, compared images of the Martian surface taken seven years apart and discovered 20 new craters caused by space debris. They observed evidence of water flowing down two gullies in recent years, despite the challenges of liquid water existing on Mars' cold, thin atmosphere. The evidence suggested that there may be underground liquid water close to the surface in certain areas, allowing it to seep out periodically. Although the images did not directly show water, they displayed bright deposits left by material carried downhill inside the crater by running water, occasionally diverting around obstacles and leaving finger-shaped marks. Edgett mentioned that the water could be acidic, briny, or carrying sediment, but it definitely contains H2O. Each flow appeared to be caused by an amount equivalent to "five to 10 swimming pools of water." Michael Meyer, the head scientist of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, stated that the recent observations indicate that water still occasionally flows on the surface of Mars, providing the most compelling evidence to date. He emphasized the importance of understanding how this process occurs and whether it could potentially support life. Mars is one of the few planets in our solar system with a climate comparable to Earth, leading some scientists to believe that it may have once been home to primitive life forms. Past missions have also discovered evidence of abundant water on Mars in the past. The scientists acknowledged that the images provided were not definitive proof, but rather indirect evidence. They suggested that the features could potentially be explained by the movement of dry dust down a slope. The researchers noted that their discoveries raised numerous questions, such as the origin and quantity of the water, and its potential use in future Mars exploration missions. While the researchers had identified these gullies in 2000, this was the first time they had observed recently deposited material that appeared to have been carried by liquid water. Last month, NASA announced that communication had been lost with the Mars Global Surveyor after a successful mission that lasted a decade, during which it mapped the Martian surface, monitored its climate, and searched for signs of water.

Two new reports have warned that the growing demand for food, fuel, and wood due to the world's population increasing from six to nine billion will place unprecedented and unsustainable pressure on the world's remaining forests. The reports from the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) stated that this potential surge in deforestation could contribute to global warming and create conflicts with indigenous forest dwellers. Andy White, co-author of "Seeing People Through the Trees," one of the reports, expressed concerns about a looming global land grab if steps are not taken to protect traditional forest owners and the forests themselves. This scenario would result in more deforestation, conflict, carbon emissions, climate change, and less prosperity for all. RRI is a global alliance of environmental and conservation NGOs that focuses on forest protection, management, and the rights of forest peoples. According to White's report, if agricultural productivity does not increase significantly, an area of land equivalent to 12 Germanys will need to be cultivated by 2030 to meet food and biofuel demands. This land is expected to be mainly in developing countries, much of which is currently forested. The second report, "From Exclusion to Ownership", highlighted that governments in developing countries still claim ownership of most forests, but have not taken sufficient action to secure the rights and tenure of forest dwellers. It emphasized that those who rely on forests for their livelihood are often the best stewards of the forests and their biodiversity. RRI pointed out that governments are not effectively stopping industrial encroachments on indigenous territories. According to their report, the expansion of soy and sugar cane cultivation for biofuels in Brazil is projected to increase to 128 million hectares by 2020, up from the current 28 million hectares, largely through deforestation in the Amazon. Ghanaian civil rights lawyer Kyeretwie Opoku expressed concerns about the lack of democracy, violent conflicts, and human rights violations highlighted in the reports. Opoku emphasized the importance of addressing inequalities by involving and empowering forest communities in decision-making processes related to industry and conservation.

However, before that can happen, the spacecraft will need to participate in a scavenger hunt in the Australian outback. This weekend, fragments of an asteroid are expected to touch down in a desolate area near Woomera, South Australia. These fragments are being transported to Earth by Hayabusa2, a robotic space probe launched by Japan's space agency, JAXA, in 2014 to investigate an asteroid called Ryugu, which is a dark, carbon-rich rock that is slightly over half a mile wide. The success of this mission and the scientific data it yields will enhance Japan's reputation as a key player in deep space exploration, alongside NASA, the European Space Agency, and Russia. JAXA also has a spacecraft currently orbiting Venus to study its extreme climate and is working with European partners on a mission to Mercury. In the near future, Japan aims to retrieve rocks from Phobos, a moon of Mars, and support NASA's Artemis program to send astronauts to the moon. However, the main challenge at the moment is locating a small capsule containing asteroid samples in a vast area north of Adelaide, which is quite remote. Shogo Tachibana, the lead investigator overseeing the analysis of the Hayabusa2 samples, mentioned that the recovery team from Japan is facing difficulties due to the isolated location in Woomera, used by the Australian military for testing purposes. This area provides a suitable environment for the return of a spacecraft from another planet. The return capsule detached from the spacecraft 12 hours before landing, when it was 125,000 miles from Earth. JAXA will air live coverage of the capsule's landing at 11:30 am Eastern time on Saturday (pre-dawn Sunday in Australia). The capsule is expected to land shortly before noon. Mission manager Makoto Yoshikawa mentioned in an interview that there is a 10-kilometer uncertainty in predicting where the capsule will reenter the atmosphere. Once it reaches an altitude of 6 miles, the capsule will release a parachute, adding to the uncertainty of its descent path. Yoshikawa explained that the location of the landing will be determined by the wind conditions on the day of the event. The search area could potentially span up to 60 miles. The recovery team will be aided by the trail of superheated air left by the reentering capsule, as well as the capsule's radio beacon. However, the mission will become significantly more challenging if the beacon malfunctions or if the parachute does not deploy. Additionally, there is some urgency in completing the task. The team's goal is to retrieve the capsule, conduct an initial analysis, and quickly return it to Japan within 100 hours. Despite being sealed, there is concern that Earth's air could gradually seep into the capsule. Tachibana noted that perfect sealing is not possible. Once the capsule is located, it will be transported by helicopter to a laboratory at the Australian air force base in Woomera. At the lab, an instrument will remove any gases that may have been released by the asteroid rocks as they were disturbed and broken during reentry. Yoshikawa mentioned that the scientists are interested in detecting helium particles from the solar wind that may have impacted the asteroid and become trapped in the rocks. The presence of these gases would confirm that Hayabusa2 successfully gathered samples from Ryugu, with at least 0.1 grams required for a successful mission. The team hopes that the spacecraft has brought back several grams of samples, and analysis of the Ryugu samples will soon begin in Japan. Some of the samples collected by Hayabusa2 at the asteroid Ryugu will be shared with other scientists for further study in approximately a year. Hayabusa2 conducted various investigations at the asteroid starting in June 2018, including dropping probes to the surface, creating a hole to look below the surface, and collecting small pieces of the asteroid. This process was more difficult than anticipated due to the presence of numerous boulders. Masaki Fujimoto, deputy director general of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, noted that small worlds like Ryugu were previously not of great interest to planetary scientists who typically focused on studying planets. "Who cares about minor bodies?" he questioned, before emphasizing the importance of studying small bodies in understanding the formation of planetary systems. By analyzing water trapped in minerals from Ryugu, scientists may uncover clues about the origins of Earth's oceans and the potential for carbon-based molecules to have played a role in the development of life. NASA will receive some of the Ryugu samples, in addition to rocks and soil from the OSIRIS-Rex mission's exploration of the asteroid Bennu. Despite similarities between Ryugu and Bennu, such as their spinning top-like appearance and boulder-covered surfaces, they also exhibit distinct differences. The rocks on Ryugu seem to have less water compared to other rocks. The importance of these similarities and differences will only be understood once scientists conduct a more detailed study on the rocks. Harold Connolly, a geology professor at Rowan University and the mission sample scientist for OSIRIS-Rex, mentioned that there are fascinating similarities and differences between the rocks. He plans to travel to Japan next summer to assist in analyzing the Ryugu samples. Hayabusa2 is not Japan's initial planetary mission. The name of the mission, Hayabusa2, is a reference to an earlier mission called Hayabusa, which successfully brought back samples from the asteroid Itokawa. While previous missions by JAXA, such as Akatsuki and a mission to Mars, faced technical challenges, Hayabusa2 has been operating smoothly despite having a similar design to its predecessor. Yoshikawa, the mission manager, stated that there are no major issues with the mission, only some minor ones. He mentioned that the team thoroughly analyzed the failures of Hayabusa and made necessary changes, in addition to conducting numerous rehearsals to prepare for any potential challenges. Japanese missions typically have smaller budgets compared to NASA's missions, resulting in fewer instruments being carried. The cost of Hayabusa2 is under $300 million, while OSIRIS-Rex's price tag is around $1 billion. Delivering the Ryugu samples does not mark the conclusion of the Hayabusa2 mission. After releasing the return capsule, the main spacecraft changed its trajectory to avoid a collision with Earth, narrowly missing by 125 miles. It is now en route to another asteroid, a small one called 1998 KY26, which is only 100 feet wide and spins rapidly, completing one rotation in less than 11 minutes. Hayabusa2 will utilize two flybys of Earth to propel itself towards KY26, with an expected arrival in 2031. The spacecraft will conduct astronomical experiments during its extended journey through deep space, and still has a final projectile that may be used to test the surface of the asteroid.

A group of seven researchers published a commentary in the journal Nature, warning of irreversible changes to the Earth's environmental systems and urging urgent action to prevent a global tipping point. They emphasized the need to address climate change ahead of the COP25 summit in Madrid, stating that the planet is in a 'state of planetary emergency' and could face 'hothouse' conditions if drastic measures are not taken soon. The scientists highlighted the loss of the Amazon rainforest, melting ice sheets, and thawing permafrost as key indicators of the urgent need for action. They emphasized that the time to prevent tipping may have already shrunk to zero, while achieving net zero emissions would require at least 30 years. A boat and a bicycle are visible on the dried Lake Poopo in the Oruro Department of Bolivia on December 16, 2017, in a file photo showcasing the effects of climate change. According to Timothy Lenton, a professor of climate change and Earth system science at the University of Exeter, tipping points are already occurring in nine key areas, including the destruction of the Amazon, reduction of Arctic sea ice, coral reef die-offs, melting of ice sheets in Greenland and West Antarctica, permafrost thawing, destabilization of boreal forests, and a slowdown of ocean circulation. Lenton argues that these events are interconnected and that a change in one will impact another, leading to a worsening 'cascade' of crises. According to a recent study, regional warming is causing increased thawing of Arctic permafrost, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This warming has also led to insect disturbances and fires in North American boreal forests, potentially changing some areas from a carbon sink to a carbon source. Researchers have found that the climate is more sensitive than previously believed, with the possibility of a global tipping point. Last year's research examined various regime shifts, such as the collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet and the transition from rainforest to Savanna. The concept of reaching tipping points in one system leading to an increased risk of surpassing them in other systems was illustrated. A photo of an offering to Mother Water on a dried lake affected by climate change in Bolivia was provided. According to the Climate News Network, the idea of climate tipping points was introduced by the IPCC 20 years ago, suggesting that significant disruptions would only occur with a global warming of over 5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Climate scientists have indicated that data from the two most recent IPCC reports, published in 2018 and September 2019, indicate that tipping points may occur with as little as 1 to 2 degrees Celsius of warming. The current global average temperature is approximately 1 degree Celsius higher than it was in the pre-industrial era, and it is still increasing.

The yen reached a historic low against the euro and remained close to a four-year low against the dollar on Friday due to expectations of low Japanese rates. Oil stayed near $61, which was a seven-week high. Germany's Ifo business sentiment survey for February showed a larger-than-anticipated decline, causing a slight decrease in the euro against the dollar and an increase in Bunds. However, it did not change the belief that euro zone interest rates would increase the following month. Japanese exporters benefited from the weak yen, boosting the Nikkei average to a seven-year closing high. European stocks were negatively impacted by weakness in banking stocks and concerns over Iran's nuclear program. The euro briefly reached a record high of 159.63 yen before dropping to around 159.25 yen. Traders predicted that the euro would soon surpass the 160-yen level. The dollar traded around 121.40 yen after peaking at 121.63 yen for the second consecutive day, nearing the highest level since December 2002. The recent increase of 25 basis points in Japanese interest rates to 0.5 percent, the highest in a decade, has not been effective in stopping the yen from depreciating against major currencies. This is because Japanese rates are still lower compared to other developed countries. Ronnie Steadman from Lloyds TSB Financial Markets stated that the rise in short-term rates in Japan will not deter Japanese investors, particularly households, from buying foreign bonds and stocks to seek better returns. Investors have taken large short positions against the yen in carry trades, where they borrow yen to invest in higher-yielding assets elsewhere. The New Zealand dollar, known for its high yield, reached a 14-month high against the yen. Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui emphasized that rate hikes will occur gradually. Germany's Ifo research institute reported a decrease in the business climate index to 107.0 in February from 107.9 in the previous month. Analysts still anticipate a European Central Bank rate increase to 3.75 percent in March. The euro was trading slightly lower at $1.311 at 1015 GMT. Euro zone bonds rebounded and yields on the 10-year Bund dropped by 3.2 basis points to 4.066 percent following the Ifo reading. Oil prices rose above $61 per barrel to a seven-week high due to a sharp decline in US gasoline stocks and concerns over Iran's nuclear program. US crude climbed 45 cents to $61.40 a barrel. It reached $61.49 earlier, the highest level since January 2nd. Iran stated it would not show any weakness regarding its nuclear program, following the UN nuclear watchdog's announcement that Tehran had missed the deadline to suspend uranium enrichment. European shares slightly decreased in early trading due to concerns about Iran and weakness in banking stocks, despite positive results from industrial sectors and higher commodity prices. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was down 0.16 percent at 1,537.54 points, with slight decreases in British and French indexes and minimal change in Germany's index. Japan's Nikkei rose 0.44 percent to a seven-year closing high, driven in part by gains in exporters like Canon Inc benefiting from the weak yen. The increase was balanced out by a decrease of up to 29 percent in Sanyo Electric Co. following news of a regulatory investigation and reports of unaccounted losses exceeding $1 billion. The MSCI All-Country World Index stood at 380.93, up by 0.05 percent.

A recent study found that global carbon emissions increased significantly in 2007, with countries like China and India now responsible for more than half of the world's carbon dioxide output. The Global Carbon Project reported that emissions have been growing at a much faster rate since 2000 compared to the 1990s, despite efforts to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. The burning of fossil fuels was identified as a major factor in the rise of emissions. The report also predicts that India will soon surpass Russia as the third largest emitter of CO2. The executive director of the Global Carbon Project noted that for the first time, developing countries are now contributing more to global emissions than developed nations. "The other thing we confirm is that China is now the top emitter," he informed Reuters, noting that China alone was responsible for 60 percent of all emissions growth. The United States ranked as the second largest emitter. The project is backed by the International Council for Science, the overarching organization for all national academies of science. Professor Barry Brook, director of the Research Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability at the University of Adelaide in Australia, warned of "DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES" due to the rapid increase in emissions, which could result in the world warming faster than previously anticipated. He suggested that CO2 concentrations could reach 450 ppm by 2030 instead of the current prediction of 2040. They are currently slightly above 380 parts per million. However, reaching 450 parts per million of CO2 will result in a 2 degrees Celsius global warming and its disastrous consequences. The Global Carbon Project, which began in 2001, studies changes in the earth's carbon cycle, including both human and natural emissions, and how carbon is absorbed by sinks like oceans and forests. Canadell explains that the project analyzes CO2 samples from around the world and national emission data submitted to the United Nations. He notes the unprecedented increase in emissions and gas accumulation between 2000 and 2007, despite international efforts to combat climate change during that time. Currently, only 37 wealthy nations are bound by the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions starting in 2008. However, this agreement does not include developing nations in emissions reduction targets. The United Nations is leading discussions to extend the Kyoto Protocol beyond 2012 and create a plan that involves all countries in reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. The report calls this situation a "wake-up call," citing that atmospheric CO2 levels reached 383 parts per million in 2007, the highest in the past 650,000 years. In 2007, the annual growth rate of atmospheric CO2 was 2.2 ppm, an increase from 1.8 ppm in 2006. Professor Matthew England, the joint director of the University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre, stated that the recent data on increasing carbon dioxide emissions should serve as a significant alert to industry, business, and politicians. Canadell suggested that the credit crisis is likely to reduce emissions growth, acknowledging the impact of the economic downturn. He noted that unless major countries like China, India, Russia, and Japan experience the same level of economic hardship as the United States, emissions may only see a slight decline.

This year, scientists are emphasizing the importance of focusing on methane as a potent greenhouse gas in order to combat catastrophic global warming. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released a report urging countries to make significant reductions in methane emissions along with CO2 emissions. This plea may be concerning for countries that rely on natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, as well as for countries with significant agriculture and livestock industries. Despite both methane and CO2 contributing to warming the atmosphere, they are not equally harmful. A methane molecule has a greater warming effect than a CO2 molecule, but while CO2 lingers in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, methane disappears within two decades. The recent IPCC report is putting pressure on the world to prioritize reducing methane emissions, according to Durwood Zaelke, a reviewer of the report. Zaelke, who is the president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development in Washington, DC, stated that cutting methane is the most effective and quickest strategy for slowing down global warming. The current global temperature is already 1.1C higher than the preindustrial average due to emissions dating back to the mid-1800s. The report states that if pollution had not been reflecting some of the sun's radiation back out into space, the world would have experienced an additional 0.5C of warming. As the world moves away from fossil fuels and addresses air pollution, the aerosols causing this reflection will disappear, potentially leading to a spike in temperatures. The rapid reduction of methane could help offset this effect and also improve air quality, according to Maisa Rojas Corradi, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Chile and author of the IPCC report summary. Methane emissions contribute to around 30% of warming since the pre-industrial era on a global scale, as noted by the United Nations. The IPCC had not previously addressed the role of methane, aerosols, and other short-lived climate pollutants until now. “The report highlights the immediate advantages of significant decreases in methane, not only from a perspective of atmospheric concentration but also the added benefits to human health due to improved air quality,” mentioned Jane Lubchenco, who serves as the deputy director for climate and environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Recent advancements in technology and research indicate that methane emissions from sources such as oil and gas production, landfills, and livestock may have been underestimated. This report serves as a clear message to countries involved in oil and gas production and consumption that they must include aggressive plans to reduce methane emissions in their climate strategies,” stated Mark Brownstein, who is the senior vice president of energy at Environmental Defense Fund. Brownstein also mentioned that addressing emissions from landfills and energy companies may be more manageable compared to agricultural methane, as the technology needed for large-scale replacement is not yet available. The EU is planning to implement new laws this year that will require oil and gas companies to monitor and report methane emissions, as well as repair any leaks. The United States is also expected to introduce methane regulations by September that are more rigorous than those put in place by the Obama administration but later repealed by former President Donald Trump. The US and the EU together account for over a third of global natural gas consumption. However, countries like Brazil and Russia, which do not have strict regulations on oil and gas production or agriculture, are also likely to be significant methane emitters, according to IPCC co-author Paulo Artaxo. He pointed out that quantifying methane leakage from gas and oil wells is a challenging task. If countries do not actively search for it, they will not discover it. Certain environmental organizations and government officials are advocating for a worldwide treaty on methane, similar to the Montreal Protocol that addressed ozone depletion. This treaty could initially focus on reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, as they already possess the necessary technology to control these emissions, according to Armond Cohen, the executive director of the Clean Air Task Force, a climate technology group based in Boston. Cohen emphasized that reducing methane emissions is feasible and does not require any advanced technology. "So let's begin from that point."

The massive structures proposed by scientists would enclose the North Sea to protect millions of Europeans from rising sea levels due to climate change. The urgency of the crisis is emphasized by the scale of the project, which could cost up to $550 billion and be covered by Northern European countries. Some experts are skeptical about damming the North Sea, suggesting that building defenses along the coastline might be more efficient. The scientists behind the proposal see it as a warning, illustrating the drastic action that may be necessary if global leaders fail to address climate change. While acknowledging that damming the North Sea is not ideal, they emphasize the need for drastic solutions to combat sea level rise. The authors also stress the importance of reducing carbon emissions to prevent the need for extreme measures like damming the North Sea. Even now, coastal cities like San Francisco and Manila are grappling with the effects of rising sea levels. A recent proposal to construct massive barriers connecting Norway to Scotland and France to England serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis. These structures, if built, would enclose the North Sea and protect millions of Europeans from the threat of inundation. According to a report by Climate Central, by 2050, around 150 million people in coastal cities could be at risk of being submerged. The proposed dams would surpass existing barriers like the Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands and the Saemangeum Seawall in South Korea. The construction of these dams would require a significant amount of sand and would drastically alter the ecological balance of the region. While the economic and environmental implications of such a project are significant, the authors argue that as sea levels continue to rise, drastic measures may be necessary. However, he emphasized that there are no easy answers when discussing the potential for a sea level increase of several meters.

US researchers have found that some flu strains may originate in the United States and migrate to warmer climates, contrary to previous assumptions that they mostly came from China and Southeast Asia. The University of Michigan, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Florida State University discovered that not all flu strains in North America disappear at the end of flu season, with some traveling to South America and beyond. This may have been the case with the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. Trevor Bedford, from the University of Michigan, stated that China and Southeast Asia are significant in the influenza A migration network, but temperate regions, including the USA, also play a crucial role. Their study, published in the journal PLoS Pathogens, involved analyzing genetic sequences of seasonal flu viruses from 1998 to 2009. By creating a family tree of these viruses, the researchers gained new insights into flu, which may lead to changes in public health strategies. For instance, overusing antiviral drugs like Tamiflu could result in drug resistance if flu strains persist in the United States. Bedford stated that South America primarily gets its flu from North America, suggesting that a vaccine tailored to North American strains could be more effective for South America. The research findings could also help improve tracking of flu strains globally. Bedford emphasized the importance of understanding the origins of flu outbreaks and the need for global surveillance to effectively monitor and control the spread of the virus. The United States diagnosed the initial cases of H1N1 swine flu. Although experts are uncertain about the exact origin of the virus, genetic analysis indicates that it likely came from pigs and had been circulating for a long time before being identified.

Scientists have strong evidence that ocean warming in the last 40 years is a result of the industrial release of carbon dioxide, according to a wire service report. Researchers in the US compared the increase in ocean temperatures with climate model predictions and concluded that human activity is the main cause. They anticipate that this warming will significantly affect regional water supplies in the future. The study findings were presented at a science conference in Washington DC, where the team explored different scenarios to explain their observations, ruling out natural climate variability, solar radiation, and volcanic emissions as potential causes. Dr Barnett stated that greenhouse warming was the key factor in accurately replicating observed ocean temperature changes in a model with 95% statistical confidence. Researchers believe this is conclusive evidence that human activities are causing global warming. The team predicts that regional water supplies will be significantly impacted by climate change in the near future. In areas like the South American Andes and western China, millions of people could face water shortages in the summer due to faster glacier melting. Dr Barnett warned that if snow pack melts earlier and societies are unable to capture all the water, water shortages will occur in the summer. The Scripps researcher stated that political leadership is crucial in order to prevent a global disaster. The researchers expressed hope that the United States would change course to address the issue. They emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing global warming-related problems worldwide in order to effectively combat the issue.

Recent reports have revealed that it was not Elon Musk's SpaceX, as previously stated in various sources, that will be responsible for creating a crater on the moon's surface. Instead, it is believed that a fragment of a rocket launched by China's space agency is likely to be the cause. Bill Gray, the creator of Project Pluto, a software used for astronomical calculations, disclosed last month that the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was on a trajectory that could potentially intersect with the moon's path. This rocket had launched the Deep Space Climate Observatory for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2015. Gray had been monitoring this rocket fragment for years, and in early January, it came within 6,000 miles of the moon's surface, with the moon's gravity causing it to veer towards a potential crash on a subsequent orbit. Reports from amateur astronomers who witnessed the object passing by Earth once again confirmed the imminent collision inside Hertzsprung, a large crater measuring 315 miles across. However, an email received on Saturday from Jon Giorgini, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, provided new information. Giorgini manages Horizons, an online database containing data on nearly 1.2 million objects in the solar system, including around 200 spacecraft. After a user of Horizons inquired about the object's connection to the DSCOVR rocket, Giorgini decided to investigate further. He discovered that the orbit did not match the trajectory of DSCOVR and reached out to Gray. Gray initially believed he was correct but decided to review his old emails to recall when the object was first observed in March 2015, approximately a month after DSCOVR was launched. Typically, newly spotted objects in the sky are assumed to be asteroids, including this one, which was labeled as WE0913A. It was discovered that WE0913A was in orbit around Earth, not the sun, indicating it likely originated from Earth. Gray suggested it could be part of the rocket that launched DSCOVR, and further data showed that WE0913A passed the moon two days after the DSCOVR launch, confirming this theory. Gray realized his mistake in assuming DSCOVR was headed towards the moon to use its gravity to reach its final destination, but Giorgini clarified that DSCOVR was actually launched on a direct path that did not involve passing the moon. Gray stated that he regretted not reviewing the information before making his January announcement. After Jon Giorgini brought it to his attention, he realized his mistake. SpaceX did not comment on the issue, but it is likely that they have not been monitoring WE0913A, as the second stage of a Falcon 9 is typically burned up in the atmosphere. In this instance, the rocket needed all its propellant to deliver DSCOVR to its intended location. However, the second stage, without power or control, was in an orbit that was not likely to pose a threat to any satellites, and it is probable that people did not monitor its movements. Gray expressed the desire for transparency from those responsible for putting these boosters into high orbits, suggesting that they should publicly disclose information about what they are launching and where it is headed instead of leaving it to individuals like himself to investigate. Despite this, Gray was uncertain about the identity of the object in question, prompting him to investigate other recent launches, particularly those directed towards the moon, but found limited information in that category. The leading candidate was a Long March 3C rocket that launched China's Chang'e-5 T1 spacecraft on October 23, 2014. The spacecraft orbited the moon and returned to Earth, releasing a small return capsule that landed in Mongolia. This test was a precursor to the successful Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, which collected moon rocks and dust for study on Earth. Analysis of the orbit of WE0913A indicated a close lunar flyby on October 28, five days after the Chinese launch. Orbital data from a cubesat attached to the rocket's third stage closely matched that of WE0913A, according to Gray. "It's the type of case that could likely result in a conviction if taken to a jury," noted Christophe Demeautis, an amateur astronomer from northeast France, regarding the object predicted to strike the moon. Recent observations have adjusted the estimated time and location of the impact slightly. The crash is still expected to happen around 7:26 am Eastern time, but it will be on the far side of the moon, out of view from Earth's telescopes and satellites. The location of the Falcon 9 part, specifically the DSCOVR second stage, is still being determined. It is most likely that the object ended up orbiting the sun rather than the Earth, and it may still be out there, making it currently out of view. There have been instances of pieces of old rockets returning, such as in 2020 when a mystery object was discovered to be part of a rocket launched in 1966 for NASA's Surveyor missions to the moon.

A recent study released by the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in collaboration with the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) at the Bella Convention Centre in Copenhagen has revealed that oceans are becoming more acidic at a rate 100 times faster than any change in acidity seen in the past 20 million years. This rapid increase in acidity is giving little time for biological systems to adapt evolutionarily. The study explains that oceans currently absorb around one quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Without this absorption, atmospheric CO2 levels would be much higher, leading to more pronounced effects of global climate change. The absorption of atmospheric CO2 has caused the oceans to become more acidic, with predictions indicating a potential 150 percent increase in ocean acidity by 2050. Ocean acidification is considered irreversible for thousands of years, and urgent action is needed to reduce global CO2 emissions to prevent significant damage to ocean ecosystems. Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the convention, emphasized the importance of integrating this issue into the global climate change debate in Copenhagen. A study by the CBD highlights the alarming ecological scenarios and adverse impacts of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity, drawing on over 300 scientific sources. The research reveals that as ocean acidification continues to rise, a significant portion of cold water corals, which serve as important habitats and food sources for commercial fish, will be at risk of being in contact with acidic waters by the year 2100.

A NASA survey has identified around 1,000 asteroids that are large enough to cause catastrophic damage if they were to collide with Earth. This survey, known as Spaceguard, was mandated by Congress in 1998 with the goal of locating 90 percent of objects near Earth that are 1 km in diameter or larger. The survey has been completed, with 93 percent of the objects accounted for, according to astronomer Amy Mainzer of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Using the retired WISE telescope, scientists also discovered approximately 20,500 smaller asteroids near Earth, a significant finding compared to previous estimates of 36,000 to 100,000 objects with a diameter of about 100 meters. Mainzer told Reuters that while asteroids could still cause significant damage, the likelihood of impact is low. However, history has shown that a major asteroid strike is possible, as evidenced by a 5 to 10 km (3.1 to 6.2 miles) asteroid or comet that hit Earth 65 million years ago and led to the extinction of dinosaurs. Mainzer emphasized that an impact of that magnitude could devastate life on Earth. Scientists are currently using archived WISE observations to identify potentially hazardous objects that come within about 4.6 million miles (7.4 million km) of Earth. Up to now, there is no established strategy for addressing the possibility of an asteroid heading towards Earth.

The planet Venus crossed in front of the sun at a slow pace on Tuesday, marking the final visible transit from Earth for the next 105 years. Transits of Venus occur in pairs every eight years, with over a century between cycles. During this recent transit, Venus appeared as a small black dot moving slowly across the sun's northern hemisphere. Many people observed the six-hour and 40-minute event online, with numerous websites offering live video feeds from different locations worldwide. Detailed images from the Prescott Observatory in Arizona, featured on Slooh.com's webcast, captured a small solar flare beginning just below Venus' silhouette. The transit that took place on Tuesday marked the completion of a pair of transits that occurred between 2004 and 2012. It began at 6:09 p.m. EDT (2209 GMT), and observers from all seven continents, including Antarctica, were able to witness at least part of the event. Astronauts on the International Space Station also had the opportunity to view the transit, with flight engineer Don Pettit mentioning that he had been preparing for it for a while and brought a solar filter along for the occasion. It's not just about aesthetics. Numerous scientific experiments were planned, including research that could aid in the discovery of potentially habitable planets outside of our solar system. Telescopes like NASA's Kepler space telescope are currently being utilized to locate extrasolar planets that transit in front of their host stars, similar to Venus passing in front of the sun. Astronomers intended to analyze Venus's dense atmosphere during its transit in hopes of developing methods to study atmospheres of other planets. Additionally, studying Venus's atmosphere could provide insight into the differences between Earth and Venus, despite their similar size and distance from the sun. Venus has a very thick atmosphere, which is mostly carbon dioxide and 100 times denser than Earth's atmosphere. The planet's surface temperature reaches a scorching 900 degrees Fahrenheit (480 degrees Celsius) and it is covered with clouds of sulfuric acid that move at 220 miles per hour, causing acid rain. Despite being known as the goddess of love, Venus is not a planet you would want to get close to. Scientists are studying Venus' climate to gain insight into changes in Earth's atmosphere. In past transits of Venus, scientists determined the size of the solar system and the distance between the sun and the planets. The upcoming transit on Tuesday will be the eighth since the telescope was invented and the last until December 10-11, 2117. This will also be the first transit to occur with a spacecraft present at Venus. Data collected from Europe's Venus Express probe will be analyzed alongside observations from various ground and space-based telescopes, such as NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the US-European Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and Japan's Hinode spacecraft.

Every strong plant variety plays a crucial role in a strong seed system that supports farming, the basis of a strong food system. The unpredictable 2020 seed-catalog season showed the importance of resilience for both seed company employees and their customers. Lessons learned from the chaos of last year's record-breaking sales can help prepare for the upcoming 2021 garden season, which is set to begin this month with the release of new catalogues. The sudden increase in sales, reaching up to 300%, following the national emergency declaration on March 13, caught many by surprise. Johnny's Selected Seeds marketing coordinator, Joshua D'errico, noted the overwhelming number of orders received when staff returned to the office after the emergency declaration. "We initially believed it was a minor issue, but it turned out to be more serious than we expected," said Heron Breen, a research and development manager at Fedco Seeds, which has been serving Northeastern gardeners since 1978. Breen explained that they received a warning from colleagues at other companies about the increase in demand for seeds. Larger companies were overwhelmed first, leading to a surge in orders for smaller companies like Fedco Seeds. This resulted in fulfilment operations exceeding capacity and many suppliers having to temporarily suspend sales to catch up. Requests for catalogues and online searches for growing advice also increased significantly. However, sellers, both big and small, want to assure home gardeners that they are well stocked, with no seed shortages beyond the normal fluctuations that can occur in farming due to crop failures. This may seem contradictory to those who encountered "out of stock" notices on many product pages last spring. Despite the wording, the issue was often not a lack of seed, but rather a shortage of workers to pack the seeds into packets in time to meet the increased demand. Andrea Tursini, the chief marketing officer of High Mowing Organic Seeds, explained that this surge in demand occurred towards the end of their usual peak season when they typically do not pack a high volume of seeds. In addition to the staffing challenges posed by the pandemic, companies also faced employee burnout and the need to operate within safety guidelines. As a result, seed companies have worked tirelessly, even skipping summer breaks, to improve their systems and meet the demand. Before diving into shopping for plants, home gardeners should take the time to refine their shopping habits. It is important to carefully study seed catalogues, as they offer a wide variety of options and each catalogue has its own unique strengths. And they are enjoyable to read. By carefully reading descriptions of different varieties, you can learn about the wide range of traits that a single crop can have. For instance, some broccoli produces a large head while others, like Piracicaba, do not form a head but instead grow smaller florets over several weeks. Seed catalogs also offer valuable growing information, such as which varieties are best suited for hot summer weather. This knowledge can help you plan and sow your crops at the right time, ensuring a continuous harvest of lettuce for salads throughout the months. The educational resources provided by seed companies have expanded with the use of digital tools. One notable example is Johnny's Grower's Library, which has experienced a significant increase in visits this year, according to D'errico. Do not give in to impulse purchases. The season for seed-shopping and garden-planning can begin by checking the seeds stored in a cool, dry cupboard. Take inventory to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money and seeds. It's okay to try new things occasionally, but before ordering, make sure to understand the principles of succession planting. Looking to improve your personal seed security? Consider purchasing open-pollinated varieties instead of hybrids, as hybrids may not produce consistent seeds. Save these seeds for the upcoming year. Be prepared to adjust and be flexible, similar to a seed. Despite careful planning, companies cannot accurately predict factors such as the number of returning customers or potential new customers in 2021. One aspect that remained consistent from 2019 to 2020, according to D’errico, is a small sense of normalcy. Johnny’s Selected Seeds found that the top 12 crops sold to home gardeners were the same, although their ranking may have varied slightly. The top four crops - zinnias, bush beans, heirloom tomatoes, and hot peppers - remained in the same order. However, sellers and buyers should be prepared to be flexible. Tursini from High Mowing Organic Seeds suggests trying different varieties if a specific type is unavailable, as you may discover a new favorite. "Order early, but don't panic," she advised, a sentiment that was also expressed by Breen of Fedco Seeds. Breen emphasized the importance of being mindful and planning your garden, rather than preparing for a dystopian survival scenario. The companies listed in the article are farm-based and not just seed resellers, as they grow and sometimes even breed their own stock. In addition to popular companies like Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and High Mowing Organic Seeds, smaller Northeastern companies like Hudson Valley Seed, Turtle Tree Seed, and Fruition Seeds are worth checking out. Prairie Road Organic Seed, based in North Dakota, offers cold-adapted beans and tomatoes that are hard to beat. The Pacific Northwest has an ideal climate for seed farming and has given rise to several outstanding companies such as Adaptive Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Uprising Seeds, and Wild Garden Seed. For those looking for heat-adapted seeds for Southern gardens or trying new crops like okra and greasy beans, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Sow True Seed are recommended. Companies catering to challenging growing conditions include Redwood Seed Co. in Northern California, High Desert Seed and Gardens in high-altitude Colorado, Native Seed/SEARCH in arid Arizona, and Snake River Seed Cooperative in Idaho. Although Seed Savers Exchange is located in Iowa, its nonprofit mission of preserving heirloom varieties makes it a valuable national resource. Some of the collection was obtained from Glenn Drowns, who is affiliated with Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. Orders must be placed through traditional mail since there is no online shopping cart, but the variety of seeds available is impressive. © 2020 New York Times News Service.

Scientists reported that bacteria consumed almost all of the methane released from BP's broken wellhead in the Gulf of Mexico last year, preventing it from contributing to climate change. Despite the significant loss of dissolved oxygen in the surrounding areas, the bacterial consumption of methane did not lead to a harmful low-oxygen condition. This study, published in the journal Science by researcher David Valentine from the University of California-Santa Barbara, addresses the important question of what happens to methane in the atmosphere, as it is a potent greenhouse gas. Similar to carbon dioxide, methane is produced by both natural and human activities, including the petroleum industry. Following the BP blowout in 2010, methane was not being consumed in and around the wellhead for two months, raising concerns among scientists that it could remain in the water and eventually enter the atmosphere, potentially contributing to climate change by trapping heat. Researcher Valentine highlighted the importance of addressing large releases of methane into the atmosphere, as it has been known to warm the climate in the past. Valentine and his colleagues are interested in investigating the role that bacteria may have played in previous instances of natural methane releases. The accidental experiment of the BP spill revealed that specific bacteria, which feed solely on methane, multiplied rapidly as the methane spread through the underwater plume from the broken well. The peak consumption of methane likely occurred in late July and early August. Other organisms in the area were observed to consume different hydrocarbons, such as ethane and propane, which were released during the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. The methane-eating bacteria were the last to join the feast of hydrocarbons, and based on previous observations, scientists were skeptical about their ability to effectively consume the methane. Contrary to expectations, the bacteria population proved to be up to the challenge, consuming the methane at a faster rate than anticipated. The scientists suggested that because bacteria were able to consume a significant amount of methane, they may also be able to absorb other large methane releases in the deep ocean. Last month, the US government filed a civil suit against BP and its partners for the damage caused by the spill. The White House commission on the oil spill stated that BP and its partners made cost-cutting decisions that played a role in the spill.

A group of scientists stated that even minor fluctuations in the sun's energy output can significantly influence global weather patterns, including the intensity of the Indian monsoon, which can be predicted years in advance. The sun goes through an 11-year cycle marked by sun spots emitting bursts of energy, with only a 0.1 percent difference between a solar maximum and minimum. Understanding how this slight variation affects the climate has been a challenge for meteorologists. By analyzing a century of weather data and using complex computer models, an international team of scientists led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the United States demonstrated that a small increase in solar energy can enhance wind and rainfall patterns. Julie Arblaster, from the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research and a co-author of the study published in Science, noted that the impact of the sun's output on the global climate system has long been recognized. The researchers have discovered how small variations are magnified, leading to cooler sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and increased rainfall away from the equator for the first time. They found that during periods of high solar activity, the stratosphere warms up over the tropics due to intense sunlight, which changes wind patterns and boosts tropical rainfall. Additionally, increased sunlight during solar maximum slightly warms the ocean surface in the subtropical Pacific, where clouds are usually sparse. This additional warmth causes an increase in evaporation, resulting in more water vapor. The excess moisture is transported by trade winds to the typically rainy regions of the western tropical Pacific, causing an increase in rainfall. Forecasts indicate that in the tropical eastern Pacific, sea surface temperatures will slightly decrease, leading to conditions resembling a La Nina event. La Nina, the opposite of El Nino, brings wetter conditions to the western Pacific and drier conditions to certain parts of South America. The Indian monsoon and various other regional climate patterns are mainly influenced by the movement of rising and sinking air in the tropics and subtropics. Solar-cycle predictions could assist meteorologists in estimating potential variations in circulation patterns, sea surface temperatures, and regional weather patterns. NCAR scientist Gerald Meehl, the lead author of a study on the topic, notes that the interconnectedness of the sun, stratosphere, and oceans can impact phenomena such as winter rainfall in North America. Understanding the solar cycle's role could enhance scientists' ability to forecast regional weather patterns for the coming decades. The Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA reports that the sun is currently in a quiet phase following a solar minimum in late 2012, with the next peak expected in May 2013. Brad Carter, a senior lecturer in physics at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, stated that the paper is a significant advancement in comprehending how solar activity can have slight yet noticeable impacts on climate. He also emphasized that solar activity should not be considered as the sole explanation for global warming in recent years. For further information, refer to www.swpc.noaa.gov/SolarCycle/.

At least 14 individuals lost their lives due to flooding in basements, while a tornado in southern New Jersey destroyed a row of houses. Reports have surfaced of drivers being stuck since Wednesday night, with over 200,000 households in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania still lacking electricity. States of emergency have been announced throughout the area. The heavy rainfall on Wednesday, amounting to over six inches in a short span of time, transformed streets and subway platforms into waterways, prompting rescuers to use boats to save individuals stranded on car rooftops and in flooded residences. Hundreds of individuals on trains and subways were also evacuated. The rainfall surpassed previous records set by Tropical Storm Henri just 11 days earlier, highlighting concerns from climate experts about the increasing frequency and intensity of storms due to a warmer planet. Despite improving weather conditions, many subway lines in the city are still partially closed, as well as commuter rail services. Flights at airports are operating, but numerous flights have been canceled. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and some rivers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are still experiencing rising water levels. In New York City, the fatalities include individuals ranging from a 2-year-old boy to an 86-year-old woman, according to police. Some individuals perished in basement apartments in Queens, where a system of temporary and mostly unlawfully converted living spaces has emerged. Five individuals were discovered deceased in an apartment complex in Elizabeth, New Jersey, according to city officials on Thursday. Additionally, one fatality occurred in Passaic, New Jersey, as the Passaic River overflowed and fish were seen on the streets. The 3.15 inches of rain that poured down in Central Park in just one hour on Wednesday surpassed the previous record of 1.94 inches in one hour on Aug. 21. The National Weather Service, facing challenges in conveying the extent of the danger, declared a flash flood emergency in New York City for the first time. In Bergen County, New Jersey's most populous county, County Executive James Tedesco, who used to be a firefighter, stated on Thursday that the devastation caused by Ida was close to complete. He mentioned that it was the worst he had ever seen. The remnants of Ida moved across parts of southern New England on Thursday, with the system located near eastern Long Island, New York at 5 a.m. The system was moving northeast at 28 mph towards Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with maximum sustained winds of 28 mph. Heavy rain overnight led to more rain expected in parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with flash flood warnings in effect. The weather service warned of the potential for rare high impact flooding in southern New England. The rain had already caused rapid flooding in various areas such as small creeks, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, and other low-lying areas, as reported by the weather service. Even though the rain was starting to move away, there were still numerous flooded roads in southern New England. The weather service in Boston warned that it would take some time for the water to go down in these areas, advising people not to try to drive through flooded roads. Rhode Island has experienced two tropical storms, Henri in August and Elsa in July, during this hurricane season. Copyright 2021 The New York Times Company.

Computer simulations of global weather patterns may soon be able to provide forecasts accurate to within a few kilometers, aiding in the prediction of dangerous weather phenomena. However, achieving this level of accuracy may take 20 to 40 years as computer technology continues to advance, according to a senior British scientist. Alan Thorpe, director general of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, believes that with future advancements in climate science, climate models could potentially have a resolution down to a few kilometers, providing valuable insights into climate variability. These models are computer-based representations of the Earth's climate system, utilizing physics and complex equations. Models of this kind can be utilized for predicting weather, comprehending climate patterns, and forecasting climate change. A model with a very detailed resolution has the potential to generate more precise outcomes, although this is contingent on the capacity of the computer. Thorpe mentioned that some climate models are currently approaching a resolution of 100 km, as opposed to approximately 300 km a decade or so ago. "We are already using global weather models with a resolution of 16 km, so we have the technology and models to address the issue of high resolution, but we require the computational power to do so," Thorpe stated. He also noted that acquiring a state-of-the-art supercomputer could cost up to 200 million pounds, which accounts for roughly 7 percent of the UK's annual science budget of 3 billion pounds. Thorpe emphasized the need for society to consider climate change as a significant issue that warrants a high level of attention and resources. Some experts are concerned that the most severe impacts of climate change may occur between 2030 and 2050. Criticism has been directed towards certain climate models for their lack of accuracy in predicting extreme events well into the future. ECMWF scientists, according to Thorpe, are conducting extensive research on tipping points in the climate system, which could result in irreversible changes or changes that would be difficult to reverse. These non-linear aspects of the climate system are particularly concerning and require careful consideration. He stated that the number of those tipping points is still uncertain. If the entire science budget was focused on these issues, progress could be accelerated, but research is currently being conducted on various aspects. It is expected that some tipping points will occur in the next few decades, such as the disappearance of summer Arctic sea ice or the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

The risk became more apparent earlier this month when a research facility near Ukraine's national seed bank was damaged in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, which has been heavily bombed by Russian forces. The cause of the damage is unknown and the Crop Trust organization, established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, did not provide further details for security reasons. This incident highlighted the importance of protecting the seeds stored in Ukraine's seed bank, with only 4% of the seeds being backed up. Seed banks are like a form of protection for humanity, providing the necessary materials to develop new plant varieties that can resist various challenges such as drought, pests, diseases, and extreme temperatures. It would be devastating if Ukraine's seed bank was destroyed, as it plays a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity for researchers to develop resilient plants. Despite efforts to reach the seed bank director and obtain comments from relevant institutions, there has been no response regarding potential damage to the seed bank. They have become increasingly crucial in ensuring that there is enough food produced each season to feed the world's population of 7.9 billion, especially as extreme weather conditions become more common. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, two of the world's top grain exporters, has contributed to rising food prices and the risk of food shortages, leading to protests in developing countries that rely on Ukraine's grain. The war in Syria has highlighted the importance of having a backup plan for seeds, such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, which is the largest and most important seed storage facility in the world. In 2015, the Svalbard vault was able to provide replacement samples of wheat, barley, and grasses to researchers in Lebanon after a seed bank near Aleppo was destroyed. Overall, Svalbard holds over a million seed samples in a vault located in an Arctic mountainside. These consist of 4% of Ukraine's 150,000 seeds, which represent over 1,800 crops. The Crop Trust, based in Germany and the only international organization dedicated to preserving crop diversity, has provided funding to Ukraine for seed duplication. However, challenges related to security, logistics, and the impact of war and natural cycles make it difficult to expedite the process. Schmitz estimated that only around 10% of Ukraine's seeds could be duplicated within a year due to the need for planting, growing, and harvesting before duplicates can be extracted and sent to Svalbard. In an emergency situation, the option of shipping the collection to Svalbard without duplication is possible, but Schmitz mentioned that this may not be feasible during wartime. The Syrian seeds come from the Fertile Crescent, the region where settled farming is believed to have originated, and Ukraine holds a significant role in agriculture as well. "Agriculture in Ukraine has a long history dating back to prehistoric times," stated Grethe Helene Evjen, a senior adviser at the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food. She mentioned that many of the seeds in the country are one-of-a-kind. Evjen also mentioned that the ministry is prepared to assist Ukraine in replicating and storing all of its seeds at Svalbard, but has not yet been approached by Ukrainian officials for assistance."

Scientists have been able to establish connections between a warming planet and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts, attributing the possibility that climate change may have contributed to these events. However, when it comes to tornadoes, researchers have found it challenging to link them to climate change. Michael Tippett, an associate professor at Columbia University who studies extreme weather, states that tornadoes are the most difficult phenomenon to connect to climate change. While scientists are beginning to uncover patterns in tornado behavior, the extent to which climate change influences tornado activity remains uncertain. Harold Brooks, a senior research scientist at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, acknowledges that many questions regarding the relationship between climate change and tornadoes remain unanswered. Tornadoes are created within large rotating thunderstorms as a result of a combination of temperature, moisture profile, and wind profile. These storms occur when unstable air causes cold air to be pushed over warmer, humid air, creating an updraft as the warm air rises. If wind speed or direction changes abruptly over a small area, the air inside the clouds can begin to rotate, leading to the formation of a tornado. Tornadoes can intensify when the air column starts spinning vertically and rotating near the ground, which increases friction on Earth's surface and accelerates the air inward, forming a tornado. They are measured using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which ranges from 0 to 5. The recent tornado that passed through northeast Arkansas, Tennessee, and western Kentucky was approximately three-quarters of a mile wide with wind speeds reaching between 158 and 206 mph, earning it a minimum EF rating of 3. Due to the difficulty of directly measuring the winds in a tornado, researchers typically assess tornadoes based on the extent of damage to various structures. By examining whether the damage is limited to specific areas or involves entire sections of buildings, scientists can estimate wind speeds and assign a rating to the tornado. According to researchers, there has been a trend in recent years where tornadoes are occurring in clusters and the traditional tornado alley in the Great Plains is seemingly moving towards the east. The annual number of tornadoes remains consistent at around 1,200. Tornadoes in December are uncommon in the United States, as they usually occur in the spring. The tornadoes on Friday may have been caused by high wind shear, which is more common in the winter, and warmer than usual weather. Is climate change responsible for this? The ingredients necessary for tornado formation include warm, moist air near the surface, cool dry air at higher altitudes, and wind shear, which is the change in wind speed or direction. Climate change may impact each of these factors differently. While overall temperature and humidity may increase with a warming climate, wind shear may not. According to Brooks of NOAA, these changes may not all occur in the same direction. If there is not enough wind shear to cause rotation, the strength of the energy in the air becomes irrelevant. The size of a tornado makes it challenging to model, hindering scientists' ability to attribute extreme weather events to climate change. Tornado records are limited compared to other events, possibly due to their localized nature and reliance on eyewitness reports for data collection. This indicates that smaller or unobserved tornadoes might not be documented. ©2021 The New York Times Company.

As they approached the publication of their findings, the researchers were troubled by something. Their study showed that the future of ocean life could go in very different directions depending on how greenhouse gas emissions were managed. The original title of their study seemed to only focus on the negative outcomes, so the researchers decided to add a word to emphasize that there was still a way to prevent the grim scenario outlined in their results. On Thursday, an article titled "Avoiding Ocean Mass Extinction From Climate Warming" was published in Science. This research highlights the critical point at which humanity currently stands, with decisions made today about greenhouse gas emissions having a significant impact on the future of life on Earth. The scientists' high emissions scenario predicts that if pollution from fossil fuels continues to rise, ocean species loss by 2300 could rival the five mass extinctions in Earth's history, including the event that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Penn, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, described his reaction to seeing a graph comparing past extinctions with future forecasts as more of an "oh, my God" moment rather than a sudden realization. Scientists found that reducing emissions to stay within the upper limit of the Paris climate agreement could decrease ocean extinction risks by over 70%. This would result in only about 4% of species being lost by the end of the century if warming were to stop at that point. Deutsch emphasized that our choices have significant impacts on the environment. While there is agreement that moving away from coal and towards renewable energy sources would make the worst-case scenario less likely, the continued use of oil and gas is on the rise, and the world is not currently on track to achieve the lower-emissions scenario outlined by the scientists. The latest research expands upon the previous work of Deutsch and Penn, who developed a computer simulation that examined the most severe extinction event on Earth around 252 million years ago. Referred to as "the Great Dying," this event led to the extinction of over 90% of ocean species. The primary cause was global warming, which was initiated by volcanic eruptions. As a result, the oceans experienced a decrease in oxygen levels, causing fish to perish from heat stress, lack of oxygen, or a combination of both factors. The computer model revealed a higher rate of extinctions at the poles compared to the tropics, a finding that was supported by the fossil record. The scientists used a complex model to predict the impact of global warming caused by human activity. This model considered various factors such as sunlight, clouds, ocean and air currents, and chemical interactions among heat, oxygen, water, and air. They also assessed potential shifts in fish habitats and estimated survivability thresholds. The study focused on the effects of warming and oxygen loss, but warned that ocean acidification and other consequences could exacerbate species loss. The ocean has historically played a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and trapped heat from human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. However, providing that service has had consequences. The ocean experienced its highest temperature and lowest oxygen levels last year since humans began recording data. Alterations in the ocean's chemistry are currently endangering fish populations, and coral reefs are rapidly deteriorating. Deutsch noted that he frequently hears the question, "How much trouble are we in?" “If we fail to take action, we are in trouble.” Countries have not yet taken the necessary steps to prevent catastrophic climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned that the critical goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels is in jeopardy. The International Energy Agency has urged countries to halt new fossil fuel projects, but this has not been done, with some countries even pushing for more drilling in the name of energy security, exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Scientists Deutsch and Penn feel like the overlooked experts in the movie "Don't Look Up," where a comet symbolizes climate change. Just like in the film, the planet is at a crucial point, with the decisions made by current generations having a significant impact on the future. Deutsch emphasized the importance of recognizing the responsibility that comes with great power, particularly in relation to future generations and the diverse life forms with whom we share the planet. Pippa Moore, a marine science professor at Newcastle University, praised the study for its thoroughness and warned of the severe consequences of failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on marine ecosystems. The article also credits Brad Plumer for his reporting.

According to a group of US economists, China's carbon dioxide (CO2) production is higher than previously thought, which will hinder global efforts to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gases. China is the second-largest CO2 emitter in the world, with some studies suggesting it may have surpassed the United States in emissions last year. The report may lead to increased pressure for China to commit to binding emission reductions, a step it has so far resisted. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and UC San Diego, writing in the May edition of the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, predict that China's CO2 emissions will increase by at least 11 percent annually from 2004 to 2010. This is significantly higher than previous estimates, such as those used by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which projected a 2.5 to 5 percent annual increase in CO2 emissions for the region that includes China during the same period. The article's release coincides with a meeting of energy and environment ministers from the world's top 20 greenhouse gas emitting nations in Japan. These nations, including the United States and China, are responsible for about 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. There is increasing pressure on these countries to come to an agreement to reduce CO2 emissions, the main culprit of global warming. According to a report in a journal, U.S. researchers predict a significant increase in China's CO2 emissions by 2010, which would outweigh the carbon emissions reductions promised by developed countries under the Kyoto Protocol. China is not required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 to 2012 according to the Kyoto Protocol, but it did participate in talks in Bali with almost 190 other countries to begin creating a new global agreement to fight emissions starting in 2013. Researchers used pollution data from 30 provinces in China and official waste gas emissions data to study CO2 emissions up to 2004. Maximillian Auffhammer, an assistant professor at UC Berkeley, noted that while it was expected that China's power generation efficiency would improve with increasing income, the rate of CO2 emissions growth has actually been higher than anticipated, making the goal of stabilizing atmospheric CO2 much more challenging. According to the report, one of the issues was a change in policy post-2000 that allowed provinces more control over constructing power plants. Richard Carson, an economics professor at UC San Diego, noted that while wealthier coastal provinces built modern, efficient power plants, poorer interior provinces opted for outdated Soviet technology. Carson pointed out that these decisions have long-term consequences as power plants are built to last for several decades. As a result, China is now facing higher emissions due to the prevalence of old and inefficient power plants.

Supporters of a worldwide agreement to ban nuclear tests announced on Tuesday that they would use US President Barack Obama's efforts to reduce nuclear weapons as an opportunity to advance their goals at the United Nations this month. Obama has expressed his backing for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has not been put into effect because the United States, along with eight other countries with significant nuclear programs, has not ratified it. Morocco's ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, Omar Zniber, emphasized the importance of strengthening the non-proliferation regime at a press conference. Morocco and France are working together to encourage nuclear-armed nations like India, Pakistan, and North Korea to sign the treaty, while countries such as Egypt, Iran, and Israel have also yet to ratify it. Senior officials from countries involved in the CTBT and the UN Security Council will gather at the United Nations in New York on September 24-25 to discuss the treaty. This will be the first time in ten years that the United States will participate in such discussions. George W. Bush, the previous president, did not prioritize nuclear diplomacy and arms control, and the US Senate did not ratify the treaty during Bill Clinton's presidency in 1999 due to concerns about verifying compliance. However, advancements in verification technology have been made since then, and President Obama is committed to making new efforts to get the treaty ratified by the Senate. His administration and Russia have emphasized the importance of eliminating nuclear weapons worldwide, starting with their own countries. The UN discussions will coincide with a special Security Council meeting on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament led by Obama. Tibor Toth, executive secretary of the CTBT implementing agency, believes that while the US-Russian commitment to gradual disarmament is significant, a global test ban treaty is also possible in the current diplomatic environment. He stated that there is a renewed support for multilateralism and nuclear non-proliferation efforts, emphasizing the need for tangible results. "This treaty is the most promising in terms of achieving something significant." Approximately 180 countries have agreed to the treaty, with around 150 having officially approved it. However, the treaty cannot be enforced until all nine nuclear-armed countries sign and approve it. Proponents believe that if the United States joins, it will encourage other nations to do the same.

The new projections, based on advanced computer models and a review of recent extreme heatwaves, are more concerning than the conclusions reached by the UN climate scientists last year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report stated that heatwaves are likely to become more frequent and intense over land areas this century. Monthly heat extremes in the summer now affect five percent of the world's land area, a figure projected to double by 2020 and quadruple by 2040. The tropics are expected to be the most impacted by increased heatwaves, followed by regions such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, parts of western Europe, central Asia, and the United States. Without curbing greenhouse gas emissions, many regions could experience summers hotter than their current hottest temperatures. The IPCC attributes rising temperatures and extreme weather events to heat-trapping gases, primarily from burning fossil fuels. Nearly 200 governments have pledged to limit global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius and are working towards a deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2015. Since the Industrial Revolution, global average surface temperatures have already increased by 0.8 degrees Celsius.

US scientists announced on Wednesday that approximately 74 percent of the oil spilled from the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has been removed, leaving 26 percent remaining in various forms such as sheen, tarballs, buried sediment, or washed ashore. According to the report "BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Budget: What Happened to the Oil?", a quarter of the oil was removed through burning, skimming, and direct recovery efforts, while another 25 percent evaporated or dissolved naturally and 24 percent was dispersed into small droplets. The remaining oil is either on or just beneath the water's surface, washed ashore, or buried in sediments. The Unified Command, which includes government and private entities, has dealt with 33 percent of the spilled oil. The report discovered that 17 percent of the oil was collected directly from the wellhead, while 5 percent was burned, 3 percent was skimmed, and 8 percent was dispersed using chemicals. The remaining 74 percent was removed through natural processes. Carol Browner, energy and climate change adviser to President Barack Obama, stated on ABC's "Good Morning America" show that the majority of the oil seems to have disappeared, according to the initial assessment by scientists. She also expressed that this is seen as a significant milestone.

According to state media, China will complete a new research station in the interior of Antarctica next year, expanding its presence on the continent. The station, located on Dome A, the highest point on the continent at 4,093 meters above sea level, will be the country's third scientific research station in Antarctica. The expedition to construct the main structure of the station will begin in November and is expected to be finished by January. Upon completion, scientists will search for ice core dating back 1.2 million years on Dome A and study geological evolution, global climate changes, and astronomy in the region. Several nations claiming parts of Antarctica are presenting their cases to the United Nations, in what some experts believe to be the last significant division of territory in history. Chile, Argentina, and Britain have conflicting claims over certain regions of the continent, as interest in mineral exploitation at the North and South Poles increases. However, these claims are currently only theoretical due to a treaty from 1959 that prohibits mineral exploitation in Antarctica, allowing only for scientific research.

The countries were categorized into four regions: North and South America, northern and western Europe, southern and eastern Europe, and Non-Americas and non-Europe. Data was not available from India or China. Lead author Carlos Nordt from the University of Zurich stated that despite country-specific differences, a strong correlation between unemployment and suicide rates was found in all four regions. The study showed that changes in unemployment rates affected both genders and various age groups equally. Nordt noted that there was a short-term increase of 5,000 suicides after the 2008 crisis, with a total of around 46,000 suicides associated with unemployment that year. The impact of unemployment on suicide was more significant in countries with lower pre-crisis unemployment rates. Therefore, the researchers suggest investing in programs that help integrate individuals into the job market and create a healthy work environment, especially in countries with lower unemployment rates. These findings indicate the need for suicide prevention strategies that address the negative health impacts of unemployment in both stable economic times and during recessions. The study was published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

At 1034 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares increased by 0.9 percent, bringing its gains for the year to 5.3 percent. While this year's performance falls short of the 14 percent gains seen at this time in 2006, European shares have rebounded by 9.5 percent from a low point in August when concerns over credit market instability were at their peak. France Telecom saw a 6.5 percent surge in its shares following strong results, which also lifted Vodafone by 4 percent, making telecoms the best performing sector in Europe. ABB, a Swiss engineering group, experienced a 3.7 percent rise after an 86 percent increase in quarterly earnings driven by high demand for power generation infrastructure. Additionally, French competitor Alstom saw a 5.6 percent increase in its stock price after Lehman Brothers raised its target price for the company. While expectations for earnings growth to slow this quarter have been widespread after a period of strong performance, many companies have reported robust numbers. Gerhard Schwarz, head of global equity strategy at Unicredit in Munich, stated that the earnings season could reassure investors, with results exceeding expectations and having a positive impact on sentiment. However, there is a noticeable trend of increased selectivity, and it is premature to assume that earnings growth in Europe will slow down less than in the United States. Daimler, a German auto group, reported third-quarter earnings that surpassed forecasts, resulting in a 1.5 percent increase in its stock. In terms of macroeconomics, U.S. durable goods orders and a reading on U.S. new home sales are expected later in the day, with financial markets already factoring in a 100 percent probability of a cut in U.S. interest rates next week. Additionally, data from the Ifo economic research institute showed that its German business climate index decreased in October, aligning with market expectations. In European markets, the FTSE 100 in London, DAX in Frankfurt, and CAC-40 in Paris all increased by more than 1 percent. European stocks have been on a rollercoaster ride, recovering after a 13 percent drop in one month starting from mid-July, thanks to reductions in the Federal Reserve's discount and main funds rates. However, the recovery has been impacted by negative news about banks' exposure to credit market issues, with the European benchmark falling one week for every week it has gained in the past 14 weeks since mid-August. U.S. stocks bounced back on Wednesday amid talks of a possible cut in the discount rate by the Federal Reserve. Market speculation about another easing move by the Fed has increased due to concerns about downside earnings surprises and credit market problems. The merger and acquisitions trend, which has been a major factor in the stock market's positive performance over the past few years, continued to drive up stock prices. French electrical supplier Rexel saw an 8.5 percent increase in its shares after announcing plans to divide Dutch competitor Hagemeyer with privately held Sonepar, causing Hagemeyer's shares to drop by 3.3 percent. Generali's stock rose by 5.7 percent, following a 2.6 percent increase the previous day, after British fund Algebris criticized the Italian insurer's corporate governance and called for changes. Spanish bank Santander also saw a 1.6 percent increase in its stock price as the company's nine-month net profit exceeded market expectations.

Scientific researchers have discovered a long-standing error in ocean temperature measurements, leading to a realization that the world's seas are warming and rising at a faster rate than previously believed. The team of international scientists, publishing their findings in the journal Nature on Thursday, analyzed millions of ship-based measurements dating back to 1950, with a focus on data from 1960. They identified a mistake in data collected from a common probe known as an XBT. By rectifying this error and applying a sophisticated statistical analysis to sea temperature data, the team calculated a new global estimate of ocean warming in the top layers down to 700 meters (2,300 feet) and the speed at which oceans are rising. Catia Domingues, a member of the team from the Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research, stated, "We show that the rate of ocean warming from 1961 to 2003 is about 50 percent larger than previously reported." Another author of the report, John Church, expressed skepticism about historical data not aligning with results from climate and oceanic computer models. "We have adjusted the observations, leading to better agreement between the models and observations," stated Church, a senior research scientist at the climate center. By comparing numerous XBT observations with research ship data in a statistical manner, it is possible to estimate the errors associated with XBTs. This is important because the oceans hold over 90 percent of the heat in the Earth's climate system and can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, according to Domingues. Warmer water expands, contributing to rising sea levels, along with runoff from melting glaciers and ice sheets. Church's team estimated a global average surface warming of 0.4 degrees Celsius between 1961 and 2003, with an average sea level rise of 1.6 millimeters per year during that time period. Church stated that sea levels have been increasing by more than 3 mm annually since 1993 due to the increased consumption of fossil fuels. XBTs, previously used by commercial vessels to measure temperature as they sank in the ocean, have now been mostly replaced by satellites and permanent probes. Church mentioned that inaccuracies in depth calculations due to the speed at which the instrument falls through the water column can lead to errors in temperature readings. To address this issue, Susan Wijffels and other researchers developed a mathematical formula to correct the errors. Combined with a broader statistical analysis of global ocean temperature data, a clearer picture emerged that aligned more closely with widely used computer models predicting the behavior of the climate and oceans due to global warming. According to Church, this new data shows a more consistent rate of warming and an increasing trend in that warming, bolstering confidence in future projections. Additionally, observations suggested that actual sea level rise was on track to exceed previous projections. The U.N. Climate Panel's most recent global assessment predicted sea levels could increase by as much as 80 cm by the end of the century unless carbon dioxide levels are controlled.

However, throughout the United States, the elevations of various structures, natural features, and landscapes are expected to change in relation to average sea level. This shift will result in most areas becoming shorter, with regions in the Pacific Northwest predicted to decrease by up to 5 feet and parts of Alaska by 6 1/2 feet, according to Juliana P Blackwell, director of the National Geodetic Survey. Seattle, for example, is projected to be 4.3 feet lower than its current elevation. This adjustment is due to the fact that height is relative to a reference point, and geodesists are revising the reference point, or vertical datum, from which height measurements are determined while calculating the Earth's shape, size, gravitational field, and orientation in space over time. It is a highly challenging task in mathematics and physics that has taken fifteen years to complete. Chris Rizos, president-elect of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics and an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales, describes the project as significant for the US. The project, known as "height modernization," is part of a larger initiative by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to accurately determine the US's location on Earth. The new National Spatial Reference System, including height, latitude, longitude, and time, is expected to be implemented in late 2022 or 2023. This system will replace outdated reference systems from the 1980s that were based on outdated calculations. The mistakes in elevation become larger as you travel diagonally from the southeast to the northwest in the country. The only region in the US where the elevation is predicted to remain the same or increase slightly is the southern tip of Florida. Blackwell noted that there is a noticeable tilt where all the errors in the vertical network are shifted towards the northwest. Height has always been linked to pride and some people in Colorado are concerned that a few of their mountain peaks may not meet the minimum elevation required for bragging rights under the new system, according to Blackwell. “They are very proud of how high these things are, and I know that it’s going to be a bit of a bummer if they start to be a little bit shorter than they were thought to be previously,” she said. She added that she is not yet sure precisely what the new measurements of Colorado’s peaks will be. And near Beaumont, Texas, citizens are grappling with the unwelcome news that certain areas have subsided so much since previous height calculations that these regions now sit in the floodplain. As a result, some landowners may now need to insure themselves against losses from floods, said Daniel R Roman, chief geodesist at NOAA. “They didn’t want to know that the heights had changed,” he said, “because when they do floodplain mapping, they’re like, ‘Well, I’m this height — it hasn’t changed.’” The US has been measuring its height since 1807, when Thomas Jefferson, then the president, established the Survey of the Coast, forerunner to the National Geodetic Survey, to chart the waters and coasts on the Eastern Seaboard. The survey was the first civilian scientific organization in the country with the goal of improving shipping safety. As the nation expanded towards the west, so did the process of measuring, with the coast serving as a reference point for sea level. Surveyors placed metal bench marks in the land as they journeyed, noting the height above sea level at each point, often on a mile by mile basis. Those interested in measuring the height of a building or hill would do so in relation to the bench mark and, ultimately, to sea level. Geodetic levelling, which was known for being meticulous and costly, aimed to ensure that heights were consistently measured nationwide over time, rather than each region having its own method. For instance, if engineers from different states were constructing a bridge spanning state borders, they needed to be confident it would align perfectly in the center. By 1900, geodesy had advanced, with experts no longer relying on a coastline as a substitute for sea level, but instead creating a model of sea level based on tidal data. They have made adjustments to the height reference five times since then, in the years 1903, 1907, 1912, 1929, and 1988. The 1988 model is currently the standard in the US and Mexico. However, the 1988 version did not provide accurate information for California and parts of Texas and North Carolina due to significant movements in the crust caused by tectonic plate activity and extraction of oil, gas, and water from underground. To address this issue, David B Zilkoski, a former director of the National Geodetic Survey and geodesist, suggested using global navigational satellite system technologies like GPS, which were becoming more widely available at the time. GPS is very accurate in determining your location in a two-dimensional space, such as at a specific intersection. However, it can also provide your location in a three-dimensional world, including your height above sea level. By the mid-1990s, the idea of using GPS to update height measurements became popular due to its cost-effectiveness and simplicity. Satellites and GPS systems calculate height based on a smoothed-out mathematical model of the Earth's shape known as an ellipsoid. Imagine a basketball that is flattened at the top and bottom. However, there was a significant issue. According to James L Davis, a geophysicist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in New York, GPS technology has limitations when it comes to understanding gravity. This topographic research is being conducted in the Glacier Bay region of Alaska. Geodesists are concerned with gravity because height is determined by the direction and strength of gravity, which is influenced by the density of the material below and near the terrain. This means that height is not just a measurement of distance above the ground, but is closely connected to gravity. Geodesists prefer to use the term "height" instead of "elevation" because gravity is linked to the distribution of mass. According to Davis, when giving public lectures on gravity, a significant portion of the talk is dedicated to changing people's perspective on the topic. Therefore, relying solely on GPS for measuring height can lead to inaccuracies, as variations in gravity must also be considered. The National Geodetic Survey initiated the GRAV-D mission in 2007 to incorporate detailed gravitational field measurements into GPS height calculations to create a more accurate model of average sea level worldwide, including on land. Due to the varying pull of gravity across different locations, a model known as the geoid is used, which has a lumpy potato-like shape. All height measurements will now consider this model. Once the new height system is implemented, it is expected that people will discover unexpected applications for it, according to Blackwell from the National Geodetic Survey. She referenced "The Jetsons," a futuristic animated show from the 1960s where characters traveled around their cities in small spacecraft. The technology that allows for quick and accurate calculations of heights and other positional coordinates was previously unimaginable. Today, the importance of precise three-dimensional navigation is increasing with the widespread use of drones, self-driving cars, and remote aerial systems. Despite improvements in calculating the Earth's shape by geodesists, human activities such as global warming are altering the planet. As glaciers and ice sheets melt, their mass is transferred from land to ocean, leading to rising sea levels and ultimately affecting elevation measurements based on sea level. The change in mass also impacts the planet's structure, according to Davis from Columbia University. The mass on Earth's surface causes it to deform, due to the pressure applied. Essentially, human activity, particularly through the alteration of the atmosphere, is changing gravity globally. Davis explained that this is happening as chemical changes in the atmosphere lead to the redistribution of mass, resulting in a significant increase in overall mass. Davis and other researchers are working to improve their calculations of the impact of human activity on the Earth, particularly in terms of changes in the geoid shape and rotation. The focus has shifted from understanding the Earth's shape to predicting future changes, such as glacier mass loss. The urgency of the situation is evident as scientists strive to accurately predict what will happen in the coming years.

The study, published in Nature Geoscience, reveals how recent volcanic activity in Panama and Costa Rica holds clues to the continent-building processes that occurred billions of years ago. While many scientists believe that all of Earth's continental crust was formed during a specific time period in history, the research shows that new continental crust has been created throughout Earth's existence. This challenges the traditional belief that all continental crust recycles through tectonic plate collisions. Senior author Esteban Gazel, an assistant professor of geology at Virginia Tech, stated that the discovery of "juvenile" continental crust contradicts the idea that Earth has been continuously recycling its crust. The creation of the Galapagos islands from melting oceanic crust provided the necessary conditions for the generation of continental crust similar to the ancient Achaean era. Researchers have found that the erupted lavas from the islands have a composition resembling continental crust and have observed seismic waves traveling through the crust at velocities comparable to those found in continental crust worldwide. Other examples of recently formed juvenile continental crust include the western Aleutian Islands and the Iwo-Jima segment of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) arc system. This study raises questions about the global impact of newly formed continental crust on the evolution of continents and life itself. One significant example is the creation of the Central American land bridge, which led to the sealing of the seaway. This event caused a shift in ocean circulation, the isolation of marine species, and a substantial influence on the Earth's climate. Gazel stated, "We have uncovered a significant mystery in the history of our planet."

According to scientists, modern humans may have departed Africa for Arabia much earlier than previously believed, possibly up to 65,000 years earlier. The migration was likely due to environmental factors rather than technological advancements. Research indicates that the migrants took a direct route from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, rather than traveling through the Nile Valley or the Near East as previously thought. An international team of researchers examined ancient tools found at the Jebel Faya archaeological site in the United Arab Emirates, which included hand axes, perforators, and scrapers. The discovery suggests a need to reconsider how modern humans spread globally. Luminescence dating revealed that the stone tools were between 100,000 and 125,000 years old. Hans-Peter Uerpmann from Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen conducted research showing that the tools found were likely not made in the Middle East, but rather resembled those made by early humans in east Africa. This suggests that humans may have left Africa without needing any specific cultural advancements. The study, published in Science, indicates that environmental factors, such as sea levels, played a more crucial role in enabling migration than technological advancements. By analyzing sea-level and climate-change records from around 130,000 years ago, the researchers determined that the Bab al-Mandab strait between Arabia and the Horn of Africa would have been narrower at that time, providing a safe passage out of Africa before and during the last interglacial period. Uerpmann suggested that the straits may have been crossable at low tide, allowing modern humans to walk or travel on rafts or boats. Previous beliefs that the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula would have prevented an exodus from Africa have been challenged by a new study indicating that Arabia was more hospitable during the last interglacial period, with increased bodies of water and vegetation. While the timing of modern humans leaving Africa has been debated, earlier evidence pointed to a migration along the Mediterranean Sea or Arabian coast around 60,000 years ago.

UN scientists stated that as the Earth's climate warms, there will almost certainly be an increase in heat waves and a likelihood of heavier rainfall, more floods, stronger cyclones, landslides, and more intense droughts worldwide in this century. The IPCC recommended that countries develop disaster management plans to cope with the rising risk of extreme weather events caused by human-induced climate change. The report, released in Uganda, provides varying probabilities for extreme weather events based on different greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, but the overall trend indicates an increase in extreme weather. The report emphasized that there will likely be increases in the frequency and intensity of warm daily temperature extremes globally, as well as an increase in the length, frequency, and intensity of heat waves. According to the text, a 1-in-20 year hottest day is expected to occur every 1-in-2 years by the end of the 21st century in most regions, with the exception of very high latitudes. Heat waves are projected to increase in temperature by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius by the mid-21st century and by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius by the late-21st century, depending on the region and emissions scenario. Delegates from nearly 200 countries will gather in South Africa starting on Nov. 28 for climate talks, with the most likely outcome being small steps towards a broader agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to combat climate change. Despite global efforts to curb CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, experts warn that current pledges are insufficient to prevent the planet from warming beyond 2 degrees Celsius, a threshold that could lead to more extreme weather events and challenges with food production. Global carbon emissions increased significantly last year, marking a new record after a period of recession. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that heavy precipitation is likely to become more frequent in the 21st century, particularly in high latitudes and tropical regions. The IPCC defines "likely" as a two-thirds chance or higher. The report also suggests there is a moderate level of confidence that this increase in heavy rainfall could lead to more local flooding in certain regions, although the impact on river floods remains unclear due to complex causes. Additionally, the report indicates that tropical cyclones are expected to become less frequent or remain the same, but those that do occur are likely to be more intense. The report stated that heavy rainfalls linked to tropical cyclones are expected to rise due to ongoing warming. It also mentioned that the average maximum wind speed of tropical cyclones is likely to increase, along with concerns about rising sea levels for small island nations. Droughts, which are a major concern for feeding a growing population, are also projected to worsen. The global population recently reached 7 billion and is forecasted to reach 9 billion by 2050 according to the United Nations. It is moderately likely that droughts will become more severe in the 21st century due to decreased precipitation and/or increased evapotranspiration in various regions including southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, central Europe, central North America, Central America and Mexico, northeast Brazil, and southern Africa. Additionally, there is a strong possibility that landslides will be caused by melting glaciers and permafrost as a result of climate change.

A study published in the journal Environmental Research found that parts of China, India, Europe, and the northeastern United States are experiencing a disproportionately high number of annual deaths, totaling 8.7 million, attributed to fossil fuels. This new research provides the most detailed assessment to date of premature deaths caused by air pollution from fossil fuels. Previous studies estimated the annual deaths from all outdoor airborne particulate matter, including dust and smoke from agricultural burns and wildfires, at 4.2 million in 2017. Eloise Marais, an expert in atmospheric chemistry at University College London and a co-author of the study, expressed surprise at the large estimate of deaths due to fossil-fuel air pollution. Prior research struggled to differentiate pollution from burning fossil fuels from other sources of harmful particulates like wildfires or dust. The team from three British universities and Harvard University aimed to address the issue by using a high-resolution model to identify the specific pollutants being inhaled in a certain area. They hope their study, which focuses on data from 2018, will encourage governments to speed up the transition to cleaner energy sources due to concerns about the impact of burning fossil fuels on climate change. Co-author Joel Schwartz, an environmental epidemiologist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, emphasized the importance of quantifying the health risks associated with fossil fuel combustion to persuade policymakers and stakeholders to consider alternative energy sources.

Conservationists have announced that the largest population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the wild, totaling around 6,000, has been discovered in the freshwater regions of Bangladesh's Sundarbans and adjacent Bay of Bengal waters. This discovery, shared at the First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui by the Wildlife Conservation Society, is significant as previous known populations of these dolphins were much smaller. Dr. Steven Sanderson, president of WCS, expressed hope for the protection of these endangered species and their habitats, noting the importance of the finding in Bangladesh. The study was conducted by researchers including Brian Smith, Rubaiyat Mansur Mowgli, Samantha Strindberg from WCS, and Benazir Ahmed from Chittagong University in Bangladesh, in an area where little marine mammal research had been done before. Despite the discovery of a large population of Irrawaddy dolphins in South and Southeast Asia, researchers are concerned about the increasing threat of accidental entanglement in fishing nets. During their study, two dolphins were found drowned in fishing nets, a common problem reported by local fishermen. The Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris, can grow up to eight feet in length and is found in large rivers, estuaries, and freshwater lagoons in the region. In Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River, these dolphins are known to engage in cooperative fishing with humans, where they help herd schools of fish towards fishing boats and nets, ultimately benefiting from the easy prey that falls out of the nets as fishermen pull them from the water. In 2006, WCS played a role in creating a protected area by the Ayeyarwady River to protect the endangered mammal population. WCS, based in New York, is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and Forests in Bangladesh to establish protected areas for Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The conservation group emphasizes the importance of funding to support these initiatives, as well as their ongoing work in studying the impact of climate change on the habitat, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and initiating local ecotourism projects.

A recent study found that ice and snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere is shrinking, causing less sunlight to be reflected back into space than previously thought. This phenomenon, which was underestimated, could contribute to global warming. Satellite data from 1979 to 2008 showed that Arctic sea ice, glaciers, winter snow, and Greenland's ice were reflecting less energy back to space. As a result, the Earth's surface is being exposed, leading to an increase in heat absorption. The study estimated that ice and snow in the Northern Hemisphere now reflect an average of 3.3 watts per square meter of solar energy back to the atmosphere, a decrease of 0.45 watts per square meter since the late 1970s. Mark Flanner, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, explained that this reduction in cooling effect is causing the planet to absorb more solar energy. "The team of US-based researchers found that the reduction in reflected solar energy due to warming is more significant than what is currently predicted by climate models," he stated in reference to the findings published in the journal Nature Geoscience Sunday. He added that the cryosphere, which includes areas of ice and snow, is reacting more sensitively to and influencing stronger climate change than previously believed. The exposure of more ground and water to sunlight leads to increased heat absorption, which accelerates the melting of nearby snow and ice. The shrinking of Arctic sea ice, attributed mainly to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, is a concerning trend that could have negative impacts on indigenous cultures, polar bears, and other wildlife, as well as contributing to global climate change. Many studies suggest that Arctic sea ice may disappear in summers later this century, further exacerbating these issues. Flanner mentioned that drawing conclusions about the future rate of melting, such as Arctic sea ice, from the study was not possible due to it being based on only 30 years of data. He emphasized that climate is influenced by many other factors besides ice shrinking. These factors include the presence of more clouds in a warmer world, which reflect sunlight, and an increase in water vapor that traps heat in the atmosphere. The study predicted that for every degree Celsius rise in temperatures, there would be a decrease in solar energy reflected out to space ranging from 0.3 to 1.1 watts per square meter from the snow and ice in the Northern Hemisphere. In the last thirty years, temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere have increased by approximately 0.75 degrees Celsius. The study did not examine the Southern Hemisphere, where Antarctica has a greater amount of ice but experiences colder temperatures and displays fewer indications of warming. According to Flanner, globally, the Earth absorbs solar energy at a rate of around 240 watts per square meter annually. If not for the cryosphere in the Northern Hemisphere, the planet would be darker and absorb an extra 3.3 watts.

According to a study published in Environmental Research Letters, peat bogs, which are wetlands containing large amounts of carbon from decaying vegetation accumulated over centuries, could play a key role in helping the world achieve climate goals such as limiting postindustrial warming to 2 degrees Celsius as outlined in the 2015 Paris agreement. Alexander Popp, a senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, emphasized the importance of protecting and restoring peatlands in order to reach greenhouse gas emission targets, which he believes would otherwise be very difficult to achieve. Despite making up only 3% of global land area, peatlands hold vast amounts of carbon, approximately double the amount found in the world's forests, making them crucial in the fight against climate change. In undisturbed wetlands, carbon remains preserved in a soggy state. However, when a wetland is drained for farming or other purposes, the carbon begins to oxidize and is released into the air as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. This process can persist for hundreds of years. It is currently estimated that drained peatlands worldwide release as much carbon dioxide each year as the entire aviation industry. Additionally, dried peatlands are at risk for fires, which can quickly release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. In September and October 2015, peat fires in Indonesia, caused by drained bogs for palm oil plantations and other uses, emitted more carbon dioxide daily than all fossil fuels burned in the European Union. Restoring dried peatlands by allowing them to become wet again would saturate decaying vegetation, preventing further carbon dioxide release and reducing fire risk. "Rewetting them is crucial for meeting mitigation goals," Popp explained. Many climate change solutions predict that by the end of the century, land use, including forests and agriculture, will become a net carbon sink, storing more carbon than is released, thus slowing global warming. The researchers stated that most of the pathways do not consider emissions from degraded peatland. When they included peatland data in their land-use model, they discovered that land use would release more carbon dioxide than it stored. By protecting pristine wetlands and rewetting 60% of degraded ones, land use could become a net sink again. Mike Waddington, a peat researcher at McMaster University, praised the study for supporting the restoration of peatlands, noting that despite their small area, they have a significant impact on carbon storage in ecosystems. He stated that peatlands play a crucial role in regulating the global climate. The study emphasized that in current efforts to change land use to combat climate change by planting trees or other methods, peatlands are often seen as dispensable. Waddington highlighted that when considering carbon storage in ecosystems, the focus is usually on tree planting. He noted that there is significant pressure to plant trees in drained peatlands, but this is not the best option as intact bogs have a greater ability to store carbon. Peat bogs are typically drained by digging ditches, which allows the water to escape. Some peatlands are also drained for the extraction of peat for horticulture or fuel, in addition to being converted into croplands or tree plantations. Waddington stated that draining a small portion of a peatland and extracting peat can turn the entire system into a source. Restoring these peatlands could involve blocking ditches or building berms to keep the peat saturated. The study found uncertainty in cost estimates for protecting and restoring peatlands, but the overall conclusion remained the same. Waddington described this as an easily achievable goal. Copyright 2020 The New York Times Company.

They estimate that the world's soils currently contain 2.4 trillion tonnes of gases in the form of organic carbon, but believe there is potential for more. Researchers from the US and Scotland published a study in the Nature journal suggesting that by making some adjustments to agricultural practices, an additional 8 billion tonnes of carbon could be stored in the soil. Geoscientist and carbon management expert Dave Reay from Edinburgh University emphasizes the importance of utilizing soils as a key ally in the fight against climate change, as they are already significant carbon reservoirs that can be further enhanced through improved management practices. For a long time, data availability has been ignored as a way to address climate change. Issues with accurate measurement and reporting have hindered advancements in climate-smart soil management. However, with the increase in big data on soils globally and improvements in understanding and modeling, it is now time for soil to be recognized as an important factor in combating climate change. Researchers have long been aware of the significant role soils play, identifying factors that affect a soil's ability to store carbon and testing climate models to monitor emissions from soils. They have tested methods to preserve soil carbon and have consistently warned about the organic carbon stored in permafrost. Furthermore, they have confirmed that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions align with the expansion of global agriculture many centuries ago. Scientists estimate that land use contributes to around 25% of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, with 10% to 14% directly from agriculture. They believe that improving management of the Earth's soil, which holds three times more organic carbon than is found in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, could also help decrease emissions. The key is to protect healthy ecosystems, as unmanaged forests and grasslands are effective at storing carbon. Draining wetlands for agriculture releases soil carbon, but restoring wetlands can help absorb it. There are sustainable agricultural practices that can help conserve carbon while still producing food. Farmers can grow crops with deeper roots, use charcoal-based compost, and implement more efficient practices for their specific crops and land. Tools like the 'Cool Farm Tool' can assist farmers in monitoring and reducing emissions from their land. There is not a single solution, but rather a range of different responses that could make a significant impact. These include improving crop rotation, using low tillage instead of deep ploughing, land restoration, and implementing agroforestry. By combining all of these approaches, researchers believe that soils could potentially retain a large portion of the emissions released annually from the burning of fossil fuels. This could be achieved with the assistance of science, government policy makers, and innovative strategies.

A new report, the Global Deserts Outlook produced by the UN's Environment Programme, highlights the increasing pressures on desert ecosystems due to climate change, high water demand, and tourism. The report emphasizes that deserts are not barren wastelands but are biologically, economically, and culturally dynamic. It also points out that excessive water use for water-intensive agricultural crops is a major concern, but if deserts are managed sensibly, they can provide significant economic benefits. Desertification will be the focus of World Environment Day on Monday, with ecologists planning to plant trees to slow erosion and give talks in schools. In Mauritius, a group will plant vegetation on dunes to protect beaches from erosion, while activists in Churchill, Australia, are collecting computer parts for recycling. In Zambia, a group is organizing a "Miss Environment" beauty pageant, and in Vadodara, India, activists are encouraging schools to plant trees and build sandcastles to increase awareness about deserts and desertification. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan stated that poverty, unsustainable land management, and climate change are turning drylands into deserts, which in turn leads to poverty. The report also suggests that while many changes will occur in the next 50 years, some may be surprisingly positive. New economic opportunities such as shrimp and fish farms in Arizona and the Negev Desert in Israel are providing environmentally friendly livelihoods for local residents. Additionally, desert plants and animals are being explored for their potential as sources of new drugs and crops. Some experts believe that better utilization of deserts could help address issues related to global warming, with the Sahara alone having the potential to generate enough solar energy to meet the world's electricity needs. However, many of the 12 desert regions studied are expected to become drier in the future, and the melting of glaciers in South America is posing challenges for desert ecosystems that rely on their waters. The effects of human activity are still creating challenges, particularly in desert cities in the United States and the United Arab Emirates where a growing population is putting strain on limited water resources. The unique wildlife and ecosystems in mountainous desert regions are also at risk and could disappear within the next 50 years if immediate action is not taken.

The WWF reported that around 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds, and 51 million frogs were affected by the devastating bushfires in Australia. Initially, the organization estimated the number of affected animals to be 1.25 billion while the fires were still burning. The fires ravaged more than 11 million hectares of land in the Australian southeast, which is approximately half the size of the United Kingdom. According to WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O'Gorman, this is considered one of the worst wildlife disasters in recent history. The research conducted by project leader Lily Van Eeden from the University of Sydney is the first comprehensive analysis of the impact of the bushfires on animals across the entire continent, providing valuable insights for other countries looking to improve their understanding of bushfire impacts globally. The overall number of animals impacted by the destruction of habitats has increased due to lack of food and shelter or the need to move to already occupied areas. Researchers attribute the rise in animal casualties to their assessment of the total affected area rather than just focusing on the most impacted states. Australia experienced a severe bushfire season from September 2019 to March 2020, resulting in 34 human deaths and almost 3,000 homes lost, as years of drought left the bush exceptionally dry.

Begum's family, in an attempt to protect their limited belongings, secured their sole suitcase to their home, a temporary shelter made of bamboo and banana leaves that was built following the previous destructive flood in the region just two years earlier. With the rising waters, their house became isolated in muddy floodwaters, forcing the family to prepare meals on a dry elevated spot nearby. However, a tragic event occurred when Begum left her one-year-old daughter, Lamia Khatun, on a raised area while she washed clothes in the floodwaters on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the waters continued to rise. Begum, 32, recounted that upon her return, she discovered that the person she was looking for had disappeared, only to later find her lifeless body. Throughout southern Asia, over 4 million individuals have been severely impacted by monsoon floods that have wiped out homes, submerged entire communities, and left individuals stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue. The monsoon season, typically occurring from June to September, brings heavy rainfall that is essential for the region's agricultural sector. However, in recent years, the monsoon season has brought about cyclones and destructive floods, resulting in the displacement of millions of individuals in low-lying regions, especially in Bangladesh. Last year, the United Nations reported that at least 600 individuals lost their lives and over 25 million were affected by flooding caused by intense monsoon rains in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. In 2017, over 1,000 people lost their lives due to floods in South Asia. The heaviest rainfall has been recorded in northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal this year. Bangladeshi authorities have reported that flooding began in late June and is expected to continue this month, affecting more areas. Enamur Rahman, the Bangladeshi minister for disaster management, stated that the floods were the worst in decades, leaving hundreds of thousands of families stranded. Over 1,000 emergency shelters have been opened to assist those affected by the disaster. Rahman emphasized that every available resource is being utilized to combat the catastrophe. Experts have cautioned that this year's rains and floods are expected to last for an extended period. They have also issued a warning that Bangladesh, which has a population exceeding 160 million, could lose over 10% of its land to rising sea levels due to climate change, potentially displacing as many as 18 million people. India has also been severely impacted, with floods affecting several states in the eastern part of the country, resulting in the deaths of at least 85 people and affecting over 3 million individuals. In Assam, Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage site housing the vulnerable one-horned Indian rhinoceros, has been completely submerged. Authorities reported that over 50 animals perished in the flooding, but some wildlife was saved. Rescue efforts have been conducted in 22 districts in Assam, where more than a dozen rivers and tributaries have risen above dangerous levels. In Nepal, the National Emergency Operation Center stated that 67 individuals have died and 40 are still unaccounted for. This is occurring alongside the monsoons that have impacted Bangladesh, a low-lying and heavily populated country with 165 million inhabitants that is frequently devastated by floods. In Jamalpur, located in the northern region, the flood situation has reached a critical point as rivers are currently flowing well above the danger level. Muneeb-ul-Islam, a 42-year-old resident of the area, along with his wife and three children, has faced the devastation of losing his home multiple times in the past decade. This has left him with nothing except the clothes on his back. Muneeb-ul-Islam and his family are just a few of over 1 million individuals in Bangladesh who have been displaced or left homeless due to the floods. Muneeb-ul-Islam expressed his frustration by saying, "It feels like we have done something wrong. This will be the third time in recent years that we will have to start our lives from scratch." Begum, who tragically lost her 1-year-old child, described the flood as completely destroying her life. She has relocated to a nearby shelter, which is a school building, where hundreds of people are crowded together. There is a great concern about the coronavirus spreading in such close quarters. Begum's family expressed that they were not adequately warned about the extent of the flooding. "I will never return to our previous home," she stated. "The water has taken everything from us."

Ocean scientists are urging governments to invest billions of dollars by 2015 in a new monitoring system for the seas. This system would provide alerts for events like tsunamis and acidification related to climate change. The scientists believe that better oversight would lead to significant economic benefits by helping to understand the effects of over-fishing and changes in weather patterns. Oceans United, a scientific alliance, plans to present this proposal to governments at a meeting in Beijing in November. Jesse Ausubel, a founder of POGO, emphasized the importance of taking action to monitor the health of the planet's oceans, which are predicted to become saltier, hotter, more acidic, and less diverse in the future. POGO stated that establishing a global ocean monitoring system would require $10 to $15 billion initially, with annual operating costs of $5 billion. Currently, between $1 and $3 billion is spent on monitoring the oceans. Tony Knap, director of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and a POGO leader, mentioned that while this new funding may seem significant during a time of government budget cuts, it could ultimately prevent larger losses. For example, Japan has invested $100 million in subsea cables to monitor earthquakes and tsunamis, which officials estimate could save 7,500-10,000 lives out of a projected 25,000 fatalities in the event of a major earthquake. Knap emphasized that although the cost of installing the cables may seem high, the prevention of loss of life makes it a worthwhile investment. New funding could support the expansion of various ongoing projects, such as satellite monitoring of ocean temperatures, tagging of marine animals like dolphins, salmon, and whales, and the development of tsunami warning systems in certain countries. Ausubel, a vice-president at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, compared these efforts to the construction of lighthouses by the ancient Greeks, emphasizing the importance of investing in navigation aids for the modern era. One concerning trend is the 30% increase in ocean acidity since 1800, primarily due to rising carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuel combustion. This could potentially pose challenges for creatures like lobsters, crabs, shellfish, corals, and plankton in constructing their protective shells, ultimately impacting other marine organisms as well.

Sony Ericsson has appointed Bert Nordberg as the new chief executive to help the struggling cellphone maker regain profitability and increase market share. Nordberg plans to focus on improving market share, restoring profitability, and developing successful products to achieve these goals. Nordberg, who is currently the Executive Vice President at Ericsson and leads the company's Silicon Valley business, expressed confidence in the support from both parent companies and believes that the company is close to turning a profit. Sony CEO Howard Stringer will take over as board chairman on October 15, replacing Ericsson's Carl-Henric Svanberg, who will become chairman of BP Plc in January. Analyst Neil Mawston from Strategy Analytics believes that these management changes indicate a commitment from both Sony and Ericsson to continue working together, which is good news for Sony Ericsson's employees and customers. Sony Ericsson experienced the largest drop in sales among the top five cellphone vendors in the first quarter. The company has failed to keep up with mobile phone trends such as full keyboards, Internet browsing, and navigation, leading to a decrease in market share to just 4.7 percent globally, according to research firm Gartner. Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, believes that the new CEO, Nordberg, faces significant decisions in streamlining the mobile software strategy, reducing dependence on mid-tier feature phones, and restoring profitability in a challenging economic climate. While Sony Ericsson is known for its music and imaging-focused phones, it lacks a strong presence in the smartphone market. Nordberg plans to revamp the firm's product portfolio strategically. "In this sector, you require extremely successful products," he stated. Nordberg has been employed at Ericsson since 1996, after previously working for companies such as Data General Corp. and Digital Equipment Corp. In July, Sony Ericsson reported a pre-tax loss of 283 million euros ($400 million) and predicted a challenging remainder of the year, with the overall market expected to decline by at least 10 percent. "I believe this is a result of the need for a fresh start, some new perspectives. Additionally, Sony Ericsson's performance has not been particularly strong over the past year and a half," said Greger Johansson from Redeye. At 1214 GMT (8:14 a.m. EDT), Ericsson's shares were trading at 66.90 crowns, which was a 0.5 percent decrease. This performance was better than the DJ Stoxx European technology index, which was down 1.7 percent.

The country's space agency is set to achieve an important milestone on Wednesday as its spacecraft, Tianwen-1, will attempt to orbit Mars. If successful, China plans to send a lander and robotic rover to the planet later this year. This would make China the third country, after NASA, to have spacecraft studying Mars. China has announced that Tianwen-1 will reach Mars on Wednesday. The China National Space Administration and state media have not given further details, as they tend to keep their missions secret. However, they have become more open in the past year, even livestreaming the Chang'e-4 mission launch to the moon. Tianwen-1 was launched from China in July, strategically taking advantage of the closest point between Mars and Earth in their orbits around the sun. This enables a brief journey between the two worlds. The spacecraft has used its engines multiple times to adjust its trajectory and align itself with Mars. The latest engine firing took place on Feb 5, capturing images of Mars from a distance of approximately 1.3 million miles. On Wednesday, the engines will be ignited again to use up most of the remaining fuel for a braking maneuver, significantly reducing its speed and allowing it to be captured by Martian gravity. It will orbit Mars at a safe distance along with other robotic explorers, getting ready for a surface landing in the future. There have been numerous failed missions to Mars in the history of spaceflight, such as a Chinese mission in 2011 that never left Earth's orbit due to a failed Russian rocket. Some spacecraft have also faced challenges during the process of entering Martian orbit, like NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999 which burned up in the Martian atmosphere due to a navigation error caused by not converting English units to metric. In 1992, NASA's Mars Observer spacecraft lost communication just days before its planned arrival at Mars, possibly due to a fuel line issue. This incident was reminiscent of the Soviet Mars 4 mission in 1974, which failed to fire its retro rockets and drifted away from Mars. While orbiting Mars is a challenge, landing on the planet is an even greater feat. The question remains: when will China successfully land on Mars? The orbiter currently carries a lander and rover, which are tasked with navigating the complex journey to the Martian surface. China has announced plans to land on Mars in May at Utopia Planitia, a large basin in the northern hemisphere that was likely impacted by a meteor and previously visited by NASA's Viking 2 lander in 1976. The Tianwen-1 mission aims to study the distribution of ice in this region, which could be crucial for sustaining future human colonies on Mars. Landing on Mars is a dangerous endeavor due to the high speed at which spacecraft must descend and the thin atmosphere that provides little assistance in slowing down the descent. Air resistance continues to produce high levels of heat that need to be absorbed or released. Several Soviet, NASA, and European missions have failed upon landing. NASA is the only agency to have successfully landed more than once. The Chinese spacecraft will spend a significant amount of time orbiting Mars to assess systems and select a safe landing location. If the rover successfully lands, it will require a name. Following recommendations from individuals in China, a group of specialists chose 10 semifinalists. These include Hongyi, named after a Chinese term for determination and perseverance; Qilin, a mythical hoofed creature in Chinese folklore; and Nezha, a youthful deity known as a protector of rebellious youth. What other space achievements has China made recently? In July, China successfully launched a mission to Mars, after previously completing a mission to the moon and returning with lunar samples through the Chang’e-5 mission which launched in November. The most recent cache of moon rocks was collected during China's Chang'e-4 mission, which landed on the far side of the moon over two years ago. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates' space agency recently sent an orbiter named Hope to Mars to study the planet's atmosphere and weather patterns. The third newcomer to Mars will be Perseverance, the latest rover from NASA. Unlike the other two spacecraft, it launched in July and will travel directly to the planet's surface on Feb. 18 without orbiting Mars. Perseverance is NASA's fifth rover on Mars and shares similarities with Curiosity, currently exploring the Gale crater. Equipped with a different set of scientific tools, Perseverance will investigate the Jezero crater, a former lake where scientists hope to find evidence of ancient Martian microbial life. The mission will also attempt to fly a helicopter in the thin Martian atmosphere, a first for the red planet. The Ingenuity helicopter from NASA will be released by the rover shortly after landing on Mars. It will conduct several test flights in the thin Martian atmosphere to show that exploration of Mars can be done from the air as well as the ground. In addition to the Ingenuity helicopter, there are currently six orbiters around Mars studying the planet from space. NASA sent three spacecraft to Mars: Mars Odyssey was launched in 2001, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2005, and MAVEN in 2013. Europe has two spacecraft in orbit: Mars Express, launched in 2003, and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, launched in 2016 in collaboration with Russia. India operates the sixth spacecraft, the Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, which was launched in 2013. Additionally, two American missions are currently operating on the ground. Curiosity has been exploring since 2012, while InSight has been examining marsquakes and other internal features of Mars since 2018. The Opportunity rover, a third American mission, ceased functioning in 2019 due to a dust storm draining its power.

Scientists reported that satellite images have revealed a significant portion of Antarctica's Wilkins Ice Shelf is collapsing rapidly in a region experiencing rapid warming. The collapse, which covers approximately 160 square miles (415 square km), was observed through satellite imagery from the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center. The Wilkins Ice Shelf, a large expanse of floating ice spanning around 5,000 square miles (13,000 square km), is situated on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) south of South America. Lead scientist Ted Scambos described the scene as blocks of ice falling and breaking apart into the ocean, rather than just cracking off and drifting away. Events like these are rare occurrences, but it is important for us to gain a better understanding of them as they can result in the complete collapse of the ice shelf," stated Scambos. According to Scambos, a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently only being supported by a thin strip of ice. If this last "ice buttress" were to collapse, approximately half of the total ice shelf area could be lost within the next few years, Scambos noted. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan expressed in a statement that "This shelf is hanging by a thread." Scambos stated that a portion of the ice shelf exposed to the ocean is breaking apart in a familiar pattern observed in recent years, leading researchers to attribute it to climate warming. Satellite images captured the collapse starting on Feb. 28, with a large iceberg breaking off from the ice shelf's front, triggering further disintegration within the shelf. A plane was dispatched to capture photos of the disintegrating shelf. Scambos noted that while the ice shelf has been stable for hundreds of years, warmer temperatures and ocean waves are now causing it to break up. Over the last fifty years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to any other region on Earth, as stated by scientists. According to Scambos, the warming in the peninsula is directly linked to the rise in greenhouse gases and the resulting changes in atmospheric circulation around Antarctica. As the summer melt season in Antarctica draws to a close, he anticipates that the ice shelf will not immediately disintegrate further. However, in January, scientists will be monitoring closely to see if the deterioration continues.