Penguin guano could be slowing climate change in Antarctica
Antarctica's number one cutest animal might be saving the planet with its number two.
A recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment finds that ammonia released from penguin guano – yes, their poo – may help form clouds that insulate the Earth and prevent sea ice from melting.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki spent two months on the Antarctic Peninsula measuring the air near a colony of 60,000 Adélie penguins.
When winds blew from the direction of the colony, ammonia levels in the atmosphere surged more than 1,000 times above baseline levels.
Ammonia from the guano reacts with sulfur-containing gases emitted by marine phytoplankton, forming aerosol particles that seed clouds. These clouds reflect sunlight and help cool the surface below, a process that could slow glacial melt and sea ice retreat.
The penguins act as 'major emitters' of this ammonia, lead author Matthew Boyer explains.
'There is a deep connection between ecosystem processes – being the ocean phytoplankton activity as well as penguins – and atmospheric processes that can have an impact on the local climate,' he told ABC News.
Even after the penguins migrate, the lingering guano continues to emit ammonia. In one case, researchers observed a fog bank that lasted for three hours after a spike in aerosol concentration.
The findings highlight how interconnected Antarctic ecosystems are with Earth's climate systems. As ice melts and habitats shift due to global warming, it's not just wildlife like penguins that are at risk, but also the natural processes they support.
The Antarctic plays a vital role in stabilising global temperatures, acting as a heat buffer, a carbon sink and the engine behind ocean currents, according to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition. But it's also one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth.
TheThwaites Glacier – dubbed the 'Doomsday Glacier' – alone could raise sea levels by up to three metres if it collapses.
Understanding how local processes affect global climate systems is now more critical than ever.
Penguin poop isn't the only unexpected ally in the fight against climate change and ecological destruction.
In Kenya and other parts of East Africa,beehive fences are proving to be a natural solution to human-wildlife conflict. Elephants avoid the fences because they fear bees. That protects crops, farmers and elephants alike.
In the UK, engineers have developedelectric wallpaper to cut home heating emissions, one of the biggest sources of carbon in colder climates.
A French company called New World Wind has also created 'wind trees' – artificial trees equipped with tiny, silent turbines that capture energy from light breezes in urban areas.
The compact trees can generate electricity year-round in spaces too tight for traditional wind turbines, powering everything from streetlights to small buildings.
Whether it's penguin poo or warming wallpaper, novel insights and solutions like these could help shape future climate change and conservation strategies.
With warmer than normal ocean waters, forecasters are expecting yet another unusually busy hurricane season for the Atlantic. But they don't think it will be as chaotic as 2024, the third-costliest season on record as it spawned killer storms Beryl, Helene and Milton.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday unveiled its outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season that begins 1 June and stretches through the end of November, with a 60 per cent chance it will above normal, 30 per cent chance near normal and just 10 per cent chance it will be quieter than average.
The forecast calls for 13 to 19 named storms with six to 10 becoming hurricanes and three to five reaching major status with winds of more than 177 kph.
A normal season has 14 named storms, seven of which strengthen to hurricanes and three power up further to major hurricanes.
Ocean warmth is not quite as high as last year's off-the-charts heat. But it's sufficient to be the top reason for the busy forecast, National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said.
'Everything is in place for an above average season," he said.
'With a warming climate, forecasting above the long-term mean is always a safe bet,' said Kristen Corbosiero, a University at Albany tropical meteorology professor who was not part of the NOAA research.
Human-caused climate change has generally made storms more intense, wetter and slower-moving so they drop more rain, Corbosiero and other experts said.
'The main fuel source for hurricanes is warm ocean waters," Corbosiero said. 'Warmer ocean water, warmer atmosphere above it can hold more moisture, more fuel for storms.'
Corbosiero said there are three main factors: Water temperature, the El Nino/La Nina cycle of natural ocean warming and cooling, and 'seeds' of storms coming off Africa as thunderstorms. The warmer-than-normal water pushes toward a busy season, the El Nino cycle is neutral and it's too early to know what's coming off Africa, she and other hurricane experts said.
With climate change, hurricanes are powering up from almost nothing to intense storms more quickly, giving people less notice for whopper storms, meteorologists said.
Every Category 5 hurricane that hit the United States was a tropical storm or weaker just three days earlier, Graham said.
Despite massive job cuts at NOAA from the Department of Government Efficiency, 'our ability to serve this country has never been better and it will be this year as well,' Graham said at a news conference Thursday in Gretna, Louisiana, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
'The hurricane centre is fully staffed up and we're ready to go,' acting NOAA administrator Laura Grimm said. 'We are making this a top priority for this administration.'
Since 1995, 21 of the 30 Atlantic hurricane seasons have been officially classified as above normal, with nearly half of those considered 'hyperactive,' according to NOAA.
It classifies seasons based on their Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index, which takes into account the number and strength of storms and how long they last. In the last 10 years, only 2015 was below normal and 2022 was near normal.
Last year started with a record early Category 5 hurricane in Beryl but then had a lull during the early part of peak storm season from mid-August to mid-October. But then six storms, including Helene and Milton, formed in just two weeks.
With 18 named storms, 11 of those becoming hurricanes and five major hurricanes, 2024 was considered a hyperactive season in the Atlantic. And it was the third such in the last 10 years.
Several other groups besides NOAA - private, public and academic - have already made forecasts for the upcoming season and they average out to a busy, but not hyperactive year with 16 named storms, eight of which become hurricanes and four major hurricanes.
Phil Klotzbach, who coordinates Colorado State's pioneering forecast program, is calling for a bit more than other forecasters - 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and four majors - heavily based on the warm waters and past trends. Still, it should not quite be like last year, he said.
'At least we're not looking at a crazy hot Atlantic like we did last year at this time,' Klotzbach said. 'We're still pretty toasty out there. So I don't have the warm fuzzies about 2025.'
Even if it's a quiet year, Corbosiero said just one storm can change everything, recalling an ultra quiet 1992, when that one storm was the devastating Hurricane Andrew.
'We don't need a hyperactive season to have devastation in the US or the Caribbean or anywhere,' Corbosiero said.
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France 24
16 hours ago
- France 24
Environmental DNA, a ‘revolutionary' key to unlocking the secrets of our oceans
Pierre Jorcin slides on a pair of gloves, attaches a plastic tube to a filter, plunges it into the water, presses the start button on a small pump and then slowly begins walking through the river stream. Thirty minutes later, he has gathered three litres of water and filtered thousands of particles. The entire procedure seems simple, banal even. But Jorcin's gesture is part of a microscopic revolution. In the process, the scientist has collected fragments of environmental DNA, also known as eDNA. 'Every living organism leaves traces of DNA behind, whether in water, soil or in the air. And those traces hold out for some time before eventually degrading,' Jorcin explains. 'By collecting them, we can identify and catalogue the organisms we find like bacteria, mammals, amphibians, fish, etc.' The samples Jorcin collects are then transported a few kilometres away to the University of Savoie Mont Blanc in Chambéry, an Alpine town in southeast France. That is where the offices of Spygen are based, a French pioneer in environmental DNA and the only company in the country that markets eDNA kits. Spygen sells the kits to NGOs, universities and private stakeholders, and then collects the samples to decode them. Dozens and dozens of samples are processed in the small premises of the company, which analyses the trapped eDNA to try and identify what species it belongs to. 'We extract the DNA from the filters and then run it through the sequencing machines,' says Jorcin, who is a project manager at the company. After sequencing, a long succession of four letters emerges – A, T, C, G – representing the genetic code of all species. 'Then it's up to us to find which species the code belongs to by looking through reference databases,' he explains. A burgeoning practice Spygen didn't end up at the foot of the Alps by accident. While the practice of sampling and sequencing eDNA was first tested by a US microbiologist in the 90s, this small revolution truly began about 60 kilometres south of Chambéry. Researchers from the Alpine ecology lab in Grenoble in 2008 found that the method could be used to detect bullfrogs, an invasive species, in places it had not yet been seen. A year later, scientist and Spygen co-founder Alice Valentini came up with the idea of using eDNA in her study on Himalayan brown bears, an endangered species. 'To get a better understanding of the bear's low reproductive capacity, Valentini tested the eDNA of food in its feces, which allowed her to get a precise rundown of its diet. It was a completely new method," says Benjamin Allegrini, president of the company. "That's when we understood the full scope of eDNA. Not only can we detect what organisms or species exist in different environments, but we can also understand how they interact with one another,' he says, beaming. A passionate birdwatcher since he was a child, Allegrini kicked off his career, binoculars in hand, as an ornithologist and went on to study bats. 'Then I discovered how much we could learn from DNA," he recounts. Once he had earned a degree in molecular biology, he decided to devote himself entirely to Spygen from 2018 onwards. 'The more we know about our environment, the more we'll be able to protect it,' says Allegrini, who recently published a book on eDNA. 'That's why it's important to develop new technologies like eDNA, which can revolutionise how we see the world.' The number of scientific papers on environmental DNA has skyrocketed since Spygen was founded in 2011, with each publication confirming the effectiveness of the method a little more. It is now a widely used approach, and is even part of France's new national strategy to protect biodiversity, which was published late last year. The country plans to 'regularly and extensively' document its national biodiversity with a census creating during a 'large-scale campaign to collect and analyse environmental DNA'. An ambitious inventory for underwater species And if there is one habitat where environmental DNA is especially useful, it's in our seas and oceans. Much of the life that exists in the vastness of these underwater worlds is invisible. 'In just one litre of seawater, there are 28 million DNA sequences. But only 14 percent of those sequences are identifiable. That means there are millions and millions of genetic sequences we know nothing about,' Allegrini explains. 'Until now, traditional methods used to document marine biodiversity yielded fragmented results,' says Yvan Griboval, a sailor who is also the head of the French NGO OceanoScientific, which works to collect scientific data from our oceans. 'Environmental DNA opens up a new range of possibilities by offering a tool that is no longer based on estimates or observations, but on factual data.' Scientists traditionally rely on fishing returns, diving expeditions, underwater cameras or acoustic surveys to observe life underwater. Collecting eDNA is a less invasive procedure, with no bait or electric fishing needed to gather data. 'Above all, it allows us to detect species that are invisible to the naked eye, especially those that are rare and difficult to find, or those that only come out at night or live in habitats that are hard for humans to reach,' Allegrini adds. 'It's also much faster and cheaper than traditional methods. A diver can only make four trips 50 metres underwater per day, and their visibility is limited to two metres… Imagine if they had to cover the entire Mediterranean basin. How many species would they miss?' the head of Spygen insists. Two years ago, Spygen and OceanoScientific banded together with six other partners to take on a wild dream. Between May and July, the group decided they would make an inventory of every species of fish, crustacean and marine mammal found along the Mediterranean coast. Over the course of four months, they gathered more than 700 eDNA samples. The project was called BioDivMed. 'When we started out, we didn't really know what the outcome would be. No one had ever tried to get that broad of an inventory of Mediterranean species,' Griboval recalls. 'And the results were good news. The biodiversity of the area was much richer than we had expected it to be.' 'We often talk about the Mediterranean as a dying sea, but this project showed that the coastline is healthier than we thought,' Griboval says. A total of 267 fish species were identified. 'It was a phenomenal result. Unprecedented,' adds David Mouillot, a professor at the University of Montpellier who took part in the project. And there were other surprises. Off the coast of Corsica, eDNA identified the presence of several angel sharks, a critically endangered species that was already thought to have disappeared from the area. 'We were able to find the animal's last refuge,' Mouillot says. 'We also found DNA traces of sunfish, which we also thought had disappeared from our waters.' For Mouillot, the discoveries were not only symbolic but vital for conservation efforts of the Mediterranean's biodiversity. 'Detecting rare species has a tendency to get things moving, especially when it comes to protecting a specific area or ecosystem. No one wants to destroy the habitat of the last living specimen of an endangered species,' he says. Better protections, better catch At a time when France, like several other countries, has promised to transform 30 percent of its land and marine ecosystems into protected areas – compiling inventories of living organisms could help identify and monitor priority zones. One hundred sites in the Mediterranean were identified thanks to the BioDivMed project from 2023. Surveys are conducted annually to observe how many species are left in each delineated zone. And every three or four years, a more complete inventory is taken to allow for long-term monitoring. 'That's another advantage of eDNA,' says Mouillot. 'There is a standard protocol that is easy to replicate, so we can conduct serious species monitoring. It allows us to determine whether the protection of a given area is actually working, whether a species has moved somewhere else, or if there is a proliferation of an invasive species that could pose a threat.' 'Inventories based on eDNA also help us inform fishers about available resources,' says Griboval. 'We know when we need to reduce fishing when it puts too much pressure on a given area, and we can help by directing fishers to other locations or even diversify their catch.' Exploring the deep sea Allegrini and his team are now setting their sights on new horizons – the deep sea. While some have their sights set on exploiting the resources that can be found, eDNA could help bolster research on this ecosystem we still know very little about. For some time now, Spygen has been developing an underwater drone that could collect data from these unexplored depths. But there is a limit to their ambitions. Organisms can only be identified if their genetic sequencing has already been catalogued in the past. In other words, unknown species would not be able to be identified – there would be no match in existing databases. 'So we have a parallel challenge of enriching the existing databases,' says Mouillot. 'The good news is that the DNA we collect can be saved, even if it's unknown for now. We can always identify it later when our inventories grow.' Another major challenge is "developing our identification process', says Allegrini. 'We can find out what species an organism is thanks to a fragment of its DNA. But we need to be able to identify what family or even what individual it belongs to.' 'It would be a revolution for species monitoring, especially for those at risk of becoming extinct. We could track them with precision, understand their behaviour, their movements…' Allegrini adds. For now, however, Allegrini admits that these ambitions feel a little more like science fiction than reality. But the president of Spygen has a tendency to think big, especially when it comes to observing something small.
France 24
17 hours ago
- France 24
Scientists on the front line in climate change ocean research
France 12:05 Issued on: Modified: From the show Ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, our reporters went to meet some of the French scientists working to better understand and preserve the ocean. From high-tech robots 6,000m below sea level to critical mineral exploration in the Pacific, the team takes a look at some of the initiatives across the country. They also explore how cuts to climate change projects in the US are having an impact in France.
Sustainability Times
20 hours ago
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'America's Cities Are Sinking Fast': 28 Urban Giants Like New York and Houston Are Quietly Crumbling Beneath Our Feet
IN A NUTSHELL 🌍 A new study reveals that 28 major U.S. cities , including Houston and New York, are experiencing significant land subsidence. , including Houston and New York, are experiencing significant land subsidence. 💧 The primary cause of this sinking phenomenon is intensive groundwater extraction , with additional contributions from oil and gas extraction. , with additional contributions from oil and gas extraction. 🏙️ Urban infrastructure is at risk of damage due to both natural and man-made subsidence, affecting millions of residents. is at risk of damage due to both natural and man-made subsidence, affecting millions of residents. 🚨 The study emphasizes the urgent need for proactive measures to address and mitigate the risks associated with subsidence. In the heart of America, a hidden crisis is unfolding beneath our feet. The ground under 28 major U.S. cities, from the sprawling urban landscapes of New York to the vibrant streets of Houston, is sinking. This alarming phenomenon, driven primarily by groundwater depletion and other human activities, is reshaping the landscape of these bustling metropolises. As urban populations continue to swell, understanding and addressing this silent yet significant threat becomes ever more critical. How are these changes impacting the cities, and what can be done to mitigate the looming dangers? Groundwater Depletion and Uneven Terrain Behind Sinking Cities The process of land subsidence, where the ground sinks gradually, is heavily influenced by groundwater depletion. This is particularly evident in cities like Houston, which has emerged as the fastest subsiding city in the United States. Here, approximately 12% of the population experiences a yearly ground drop exceeding 0.4 inches, with some areas witnessing an alarming sinkage of up to 2 inches annually. The situation is mirrored in other Texan cities, such as Dallas and Fort Worth, with subsidence hotspots also identified near New York's LaGuardia Airport, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. The study conducted by Columbia University indicates that 80% of the subsidence is due to intense water extraction. As groundwater is pumped out, the fine-grained aquifers compact, causing the ground to sink. This issue is further compounded by oil and gas extraction activities in certain regions. However, not all subsidence is a result of human activity. In cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, the land still settles from the last Ice Age, where massive ice sheets once pressed down on the earth, a process still occurring 20,000 years later. Additionally, the immense weight of urban infrastructure, such as New York's towering skyline, contributes to localized subsidence, illustrating the complex interplay between natural and man-made factors. 'Gene-Edited Pigs Cleared for Dinner': FDA Greenlights CRISPR Pork for American Tables After Safety Review A Threat Beneath Our Feet The insidious nature of land subsidence poses a unique threat to urban infrastructure. Unlike flood-related hazards, subsidence can damage infrastructure even with subtle land motion changes. This latent risk implies that infrastructure could be silently compromised over time, with damage only becoming apparent when it reaches a severe or catastrophic level. This risk is particularly acute in rapidly expanding urban centers, where more than 60% of the population lives on sinking land, as observed in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Phoenix. Since 2000, over 90 major floods have been recorded in these cities, raising concerns that increased flooding risks are exacerbated by subsidence. Leonard Ohenhen, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the need for proactive measures: 'As opposed to just saying it's a problem, we can respond, address, mitigate, adapt. We have to move to solutions.' The call to action is clear—cities must implement strategies to counteract subsidence and protect their infrastructures. Scientists Create Extremely Heavy Hydrogen Isotope Using Electron Beams in a Historic First That Redefines Atomic Research Adapting to the New Normal As urban areas continue to expand, the challenge of managing land subsidence becomes more pressing. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as ultra-high-resolution satellite data, provides valuable insights into the vertical movement of land, allowing for more precise monitoring. By tracking even the tiniest land shifts, cities can better plan and implement mitigation strategies, ensuring the resilience of their infrastructure against this hidden threat. Efforts to manage groundwater extraction responsibly, alongside measures to reduce the burden of infrastructure, are crucial steps in addressing this issue. Cities need to invest in sustainable water management practices and explore alternative methods to reduce reliance on groundwater. Moreover, urban planners and engineers must consider the impact of infrastructure weight and seek innovative solutions to minimize its effects on land subsidence. The End of Jet Fuel: Next-Generation Engine Uses Electricity Alone to Generate Thrust in Historic Aerospace Breakthrough Understanding the Impact on Urban Life The implications of land subsidence extend beyond infrastructure and into the daily lives of urban dwellers. The risks of flooding and damage to buildings and roads can disrupt communities and economies, highlighting the importance of public awareness and preparedness. By educating citizens on the causes and consequences of subsidence, cities can foster a more informed and resilient populace capable of adapting to these changes. As cities grapple with these challenges, collaboration among government agencies, scientists, engineers, and the public is vital. By fostering a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating land subsidence, communities can safeguard their futures and ensure the sustainability of their urban environments. As we confront the reality of sinking cities, the urgency to address this issue becomes undeniable. The stakes are high, and the need for action is immediate. What innovative solutions can we implement to ensure the safety and resilience of our urban landscapes in the face of this silent, subsurface threat? Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
