News.Life

Pollution Through the Eyes of a Malaysian Teen

Unknown environmental friendliness, environmental pollution, environmental science, environmentalism, sustainability

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 Kota Kinabalu: Every time Iris Sofea Irwin sees the ocean gradually being choked by pollution, her heart breaks.
 
 
 As he strolls along the shoreline, the youth frequently encounters cast-off objects and litter floating on the water, serving as eerie indicators of humanity’s disregard.
 
 
 Deeply troubled by what she witnessed, the girl conveyed her sorrow and reflections in an article entitled "Our Ocean in Agony," which quickly rose to the top of a local online platform.
 
 
 The sea has always been a precious bounty close to my heart. The distinct ebb and flow, the varied aquatic universe beneath the waves, with fishes gliding gracefully through the waters — it’s an unparalleled natural wonder.
 
 
 "Nonetheless, an unforeseen event occurred over the past several years — the seas, which hold my deepest affection, are dying gradually. Each time I visit the shore, it’s now routine for me to spot plastic bottles, straws, and packaging drifting on the water as though they were specters," penned the 17-year-old.
 
 
 Her entry into E-Magz, a journal published by the Indonesian Teachers Association at Pacitan Teachers Training and Education Institute, resonated strongly with the editorial team. They recognized her work as the Best Article for the February 2025 issue.
 
 
 Although her piece depicts a grim image of the ocean's suffering, Iris Sofea still holds hope.
 
 
 She thinks that through increased understanding and a change in perspective, the harm done to the ocean could potentially be undone.
 
 
 "The alterations each individual can effectuate, irrespective of their magnitude—such as consuming fewer resources, repurposing goods, or merely disseminating information—can significantly aid our efforts. It’s crucial we take action immediately, lest all seas become casualties of ecological crises from which recovery may prove impossible," she asserted.
 
 
 Iris Sofea was among six students from Keningau Vocational College (KVC) who left a notable mark on environmental advocacy by having their articles published in a local English-language magazine.
 
 
 The February issue of E-Magz focused on Waste Awareness Day.
 
 
 Students from different vocational programs like early childhood education, cosmetology, construction technology, and electrical technology utilized their platforms to highlight the detrimental impacts of waste on Earth, with a focus on oceans and natural environments.
 
 
 Their pieces promote group efforts to minimize single-use plastics, utilize recycled materials, and implement eco-friendly waste-management techniques.
 
 
 The other contributing students were 17-year-old Rosselina Senora Ungkak, Jescyleo Jesimon and Jason Robert Sopining, both 18, Nur Qamariah Hasmeddy, 19, and Siti Nur Hanisah Omar Hashim, 20.
 
 
 KVC director Lumang Lang called the students’ achievement a testament to the power of education and youth engagement in addressing global environmental challenges.
 
 
 “He mentioned that with the guidance and editorial assistance from their committed teachers, these students managed to write their articles in English and send them to E-Magz, where only six chosen pieces are showcased per issue.”

Pollution Through the Eyes of a Malaysian Teen

Unknown environmental friendliness, environmental pollution, environmental science, environmentalism, sustainability

Kota Kinabalu: Every time Iris Sofea Irwin sees the ocean gradually being choked by pollution, her heart breaks. As he strolls along the shoreline, the youth frequently encounters cast-off …

Farmers Stunned as USDA Proposes Axing DEI From Energy Projects

Unknown agriculture, environmental science, government, government regulations, rural development

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 The Department of Agriculture has an announcement for farmers.
 owed federal grant money
 Think about removing "counterproductive DEIA" elements from your initiatives to receive funding more quickly.


 The department informed those farmers in a letter sent last week that they would start handling the delayed payments after thirty days. However, they are initially urging the farmers to modify their energy initiatives, like setting up solar panels or enhancing ventilation systems, so as to eliminate diversity elements or implement other changes that more closely match President Donald Trump’s objectives.


 "When I received that, I sent it to my USDA representative and asked, 'What on earth does this mean?'" said Michael Protas, who was granted money to put up solar panels on his farm in Dickerson, Maryland.


 The interruption of three rural energy initiatives, which were halted by the Trump administration in January, has stranded farmers and led to a federal lawsuit. According to a letter from the USDA sent out last week, they will start releasing the delayed funds, ensuring that all recipients will ultimately get their allocated money.


 The department distributed an optional web-based questionnaire to impacted farmers, encouraging them to suggest modifications within thirty days. Participants completing this survey—whether agreeing with proposed adjustments or indicating they wouldn’t change their plans—would see their financial support expedited upon review and acceptance of suggested alterations as per the department’s guidelines. Conversely, individuals failing to respond shall experience a one-month delay before the department initiates the disbursement process for their grants.


 Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the department was making adjustments following the Inflation Reduction Act, which is associated with President Joe Biden.
 key climate and healthcare legislation
 , “delivered more bureaucracy than benefits for rural families.”


 But farmers said the announcement created only more confusion and another hurdle to receive funding they desperately need to pay off loans and replenish money already spent on projects. Some reported finally receiving their payments this week without having altered their projects. Others said that they feared their contracts with the USDA would be voided if they responded to the survey in the wrong way and that they weren’t sure what changes the Agriculture Department is looking for.


 “DEI has nothing to do with solar panels,” Protas said. “I don’t know what they’re asking for.”


 The Agriculture Department declined to answer questions from The Washington Post about what changes to remove diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility from rural energy projects could entail.


 The funding embargo began on Trump’s inaugural day as he signed an order.
 executive order
 To hold back millions of dollars in funds pledged to farmers from past years aimed at promoting sustainable and energy-efficient farming methods. Numerous agreements included compensating farmers for their costs; however, the delay in payments placed these financial burdens squarely on them.


 On March 13, multiple farmers along with nonprofit organizations
 sued
 The Agriculture Department is being accused of improperly holding back funds that Congress had allocated. (According to Hana Vizcarra, an attorney with Earthjustice, one plaintiff in the lawsuit was granted funding on Monday. The Agriculture Department has not responded to inquiries from The Post regarding the lawsuit.)


 “They expect the government just to fulfill their obligations,” Vizcarra said. “And instead, as the new administration came in, they just froze all the funds and disrupted work that was already ongoing and put everything at risk.”


 The request for farmers to complete a survey and consider changing their projects came as another frustrating curveball to those who have waited months for their money under the Empowering Rural America (New ERA), Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) and Rural Energy for America (REAP) programs.


 “It just adds more confusion,” said Protas, who took out a roughly $97,000 loan to install solar panels on his farm. A REAP grant was supposed to cover about half the amount.


 The Agriculture Department’s letter said that, besides removing diversity features, project revisions could include using “more affordable and effective energy sources” and implementing changes to increase “production, transportation, refining and generation capacity of energy and critical minerals.”


 The department had earlier taken pride in rejecting grants aimed at promoting diversity programs. In a March social media post, Rollins mentioned that she terminated a $397,000 grant to a California-based non-profit organization running a training initiative for aspiring farmers. She stated this program was focused on teaching "queer, trans, and BIPOC urban farmers and consumers about food justice," as reported by Civil Eats.
 reported
 .


 Earthjustice
 called
 The announcement was labeled as a "stunt" and the department was accused of fabricating an excuse to withhold funds from farmers who refuse to alter their programs. Vizcarra also mentioned that farmers supported through various other USDA initiatives continue to be without the financial assistance they were expecting.


 This simply seems like an extra obstacle we have to overcome," she stated. "There’s no reason for them to further complicate things for those who received grants by making them wonder if they must use specific phrases to obtain funds that the government has already committed to giving.


 Travis Forgues, who operates a dairy farm in Westby, Wisconsin, along with his spouse, Amy, mentioned that he anticipates receiving approximately a $55,000 REAP grant to assist with the cost of installing solar panels. Last week, the pair completed the USDA’s questionnaire and stated they wouldn’t be altering their plans for the project.


 I hope we haven't made an error here," Forgues stated. "When discussing topics like solar power or energy autonomy, this isn't really related to diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. To be honest, even if it were tied to those matters, I wouldn't consider it significant.


 David Funk manages an energy consultancy firm that offers services funded by REAP for farmers in Idaho and nearby regions like Washington. Last week, he submitted a declaration stating that he wouldn’t alter his program’s operations and recommended his farming clientele follow suit. Although he got paid on Monday evening, several of the farmers collaborating with him have yet to receive their funds.


 Funk stated that he appreciated the Agriculture Department’s commitment to providing compensation to recipients at last. However, he also noted that it seemed inefficient for the government to subject farmers to such prolonged ambiguity before reinstating their access to financial resources.


 "They have harmed numerous businesses and undermined the reliability of the government in their pursuit to eliminate DEI from things that do not actually possess it," Funk stated.

Farmers Stunned as USDA Proposes Axing DEI From Energy Projects

Unknown agriculture, environmental science, government, government regulations, rural development

The Department of Agriculture has an announcement for farmers. owed federal grant money Think about removing "counterproductive DEIA" elements from your initiatives to receive funding more quickly…

Scientists Unveil 'Game-Changing' Phenomenon Solving 80-Year-Old Mystery

Unknown environmental science, innovation, science, scientific research, technology

Researchers have uncovered a new aspect of water behavior that significantly alters our comprehension of this substance.
 how the world works
 And this might result in entirely new technological innovations.


 A group from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (
 MIT
 ) revealed a phenomenon known as the "photomolecular effect," which shows for the first time that water can evaporate without any heat source when exposed only to light.


 This study could potentially unravel an 80-year-old enigma regarding why clouds soak up sunlight in a manner that seems to contradict physical laws. Over many years, researchers and climate experts have been baffled by the fact that clouds absorb significantly more light than what current theories predict as feasible.


 “The finding of
 evaporation
 Caused by light rather than heat, this offers novel disruptive insights into the nature of light.
 water
 “Interaction,” stated Xiulin Ruan, a professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University, who had no involvement in the study.


 It might assist us in acquiring fresh insights into how sunlight affects clouds, fogs, seas, and various natural aquatic environments, thereby influencing meteorological patterns and climatic conditions… This study falls within that select category of groundbreaking findings which often aren’t immediately embraced by the scientific community but require considerable time, occasionally an extensive period, to achieve validation.

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 This finding could affect areas ranging from climate change predictions to weather forecasting, as well as pave the way for innovative uses in sectors such as energy generation and clean water production.


 According to the researchers, early implementations of this technology are expected to appear in solar desalination systems, offering a more effective method for generating freshwater compared to present approaches.

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 "I believe this has numerous applications," stated Gang Chen, an MIT professor who participated in the research.


 We're investigating various pathways. Naturally, this has an impact on fundamental research as well, such as how clouds influence climate, since clouds represent the least understood element in climate modeling.


 The results were published in the journal
 National Academy of Sciences Proceedings
 (PNAS), in
 a study
 Titled 'The Photomolecular Effect: Interaction of Visible Light with the Air-Water Interface'.


 The research outlines the process where scientists conducted a sequence of 14 highly meticulous experiments to demonstrate that photons within the visible light range have the capability to detach water clusters when they are exposed to the atmosphere.


 The study further indicated that the photomolecular effect is not confined to laboratory settings and is commonly observed in natural environments.


 "The findings in this paper reveal a novel physical process that fundamentally changes how we understand the dynamics of evaporation," explained Shannon Yee, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech, who did not participate in the study.


 Who could have imagined that we continue to learn about something as ordinary as water evaporation?


 The Independent stands out as the globe’s premier source of unbiased journalism, offering international news, insights, and evaluations tailored for those with independent thinking. With an extensive reach across various regions, we attract a vast audience of people unafraid to think differently, valuing our reliable perspective and dedication to fostering meaningful progress. Today more than ever, fulfilling our purpose—driving transformation forward—is crucial.

Scientists Unveil 'Game-Changing' Phenomenon Solving 80-Year-Old Mystery

Unknown environmental science, innovation, science, scientific research, technology

Researchers have uncovered a new aspect of water behavior that significantly alters our comprehension of this substance. how the world works And this might result in entirely new technological inn…

How to Reduce Your Intake of Microplastics in Food and Drink

Unknown environmental friendliness, environmental science, environmentalism, food and drink, plastic recycling

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Ac4pG" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Ac4pG.jpg"/>

 Microplastics can be found virtually anywhere. They have been detected in your liver, blood, and even within your brain, and they're
 almost impossible to avoid
 Luckily, there are several measures you can adopt to reduce your risk of exposure.


 "This genuinely constitutes a public health emergency that remains widely unrecognized," stated Sherri Mason, a specialist in freshwater and plastic pollution from Gannon University located in Pennsylvania. She advised individuals to minimize their contact with these risks by recognizing the presence of plastics in their daily lives and seeking methods to decrease consumption.


 A fresh opinion piece published Tuesday in the journal
 Brain Medicine
 pinpointed major methods to reduce microplastic pollution. The study’s primary author, Nicholas Fabiano, noted that despite new research indicating otherwise, "There isn’t extensive knowledge about the long-term impacts of these microplastics; however, growing evidence suggests they’re definitely not harmless."


 Below are five methods to decrease your intake of harmful substances through food and beverages.

<h1>
 Drink tap water
</h1>

 Consuming bottled water might introduce you to myriad tiny bits of plastic. Indeed, bottled water serves as the primary route for people to encounter microplastics, according to Mason.


 Researchers have
 found
 An average liter of bottled water includes approximately 240,000 tiny plastic particles, primarily consisting of nanoplastics, which are so small they measure only a portion of the width of a strand of human hair.


 Transitioning from bottled water to filtered tap water could potentially
 reduce microplastic intake
 Microplastics are also present in tap water, though in lesser quantities.


 Boiling and filtering water
 Can assist in eliminating as much as 90 percent of plastic particles from drinking water; however, specialists caution that this might also lead to an increased release of harmful substances into the water.


 Many individuals in the U.S. do not require bottled water; tap water is both safer and better regulated.
 
 ,”
 
 Mason said.

<h1>
 Avoid plastic food containers
</h1>

 Plastic usage is frequently inevitable, yet numerous methods can minimize your food's contact with plastics. This encompasses using alternative types of storage containers as well, according to Jane Muncke, who serves as the managing director and chief science officer for the Food Packaging Forum—a research institution.


 Specialists advise individuals to swap out foods packaged in plastic for alternative options. This might be as straightforward as purchasing peanut butter in a glass jar instead.


 "Any product encased in plastic releases microplastics from these materials," Mason stated.


 Canned foods and drink containers present another route of plastic contamination for people. The liners inside these cans frequently release microplastics and can emit dangerous chemicals.

<h1>
 Utilize glass containers when using the microwave.
</h1>

 One
 study
 discovered that heating food in plastic containers and reusable food pouches using a microwave can lead to the release of over 4 million microplastic and 2 billion nanoplastic particles per square centimeter within only three minutes.


 Muncke stated that heat can cause microplastics to move around, hence it's best to refrain from placing hot meals in plastic containers and ensure they aren’t kept in direct sunlight or other heated areas. She also mentioned that substances such as those found in acidic drinks like orange juice and similar fruit beverages, along with oily foods, might enhance this leakage process.

<h1>
 Avoid highly processed foods
</h1>

 Heavily processed foods have considerably higher levels of microplastics compared to those that are minimally processed.
 study
 The study found microplastics in all 16 protein-based items they examined. Among these, breaded shrimp showed the highest levels of plastic contamination. Processed chicken nuggets were discovered to contain approximately 30 times more microplastics per gram compared to unprocessed chicken breast meat.


 "As a general guideline, the higher the degree of processing or ultra-processing in foods, the greater the release of micro-nanoplastics," Muncke stated.


 Microplastics might also be lurking in your spice cabinet. A study from 2023 revealed this.
 study
 The research uncovered significant amounts of plastics within various types of salt. This investigation examined seven different kinds of salt such as iodized, seawater-derived, and even Himalayan pink salt. Every type tested contained detectable levels of microplastics; however, the coarser varieties like Himlayan pink salt and black salt showed higher concentrations of these microscopic particles. In contrast, iodized salt exhibited lower contamination levels.

<h1>
 Skip the plastic tea bags
</h1>

 Nylon teabags, constructed from plastic materials, have the potential to
 release
 over 11 billion microplastic pieces and 3 billion nanoplastic fragments within just one bag.


 One method to circumvent issues linked with plastic tea bags is brewing loose-leaf tea. Additionally, utilizing tea bags crafted from cellulose—a biodegradable substance—is significantly safer compared to using plastics. These cellulose-based bags also enhance the tea’s ability to soak up flavors.
 other harmful materials
 like heavy metals.


 
 Shannon Osaka provided input for this report.

How to Reduce Your Intake of Microplastics in Food and Drink

Unknown environmental friendliness, environmental science, environmentalism, food and drink, plastic recycling

Microplastics can be found virtually anywhere. They have been detected in your liver, blood, and even within your brain, and they're almost impossible to avoid Luckily, there are several measures …

El hallazgo de un antiguo glaciar revela pistas sobre cómo evolucionó la vida compleja en la Tierra, según los científicos

Unknown ecology, environmental science, geology, glaciers, science

Hace más de 500 millones de años, en una Tierra gélida y cubierta de hielo, los glaciares agitaron los ingredientes de la vida compleja al arrasar los minerales terrestres y depositarlos después en el océano, según un nuevo estudio.


 Centímetro a centímetro, a medida que los enormes glaciares se arrastraban sobre la tierra helada hacia un mar cubierto de hielo, escarbaban el suelo bajo ellos, excavando y raspando rocas de la corteza terrestre. Cuando los glaciares acabaron derritiéndose, liberaron en el océano un torrente de sustancias químicas terrestres, según informaron recientemente los investigadores. Los minerales arrastrados a tierra por esta “escoba glaciar” alteraron la química marina e infundieron a los océanos nutrientes que, según dicen, pueden haber determinado la evolución de la vida compleja.


 Este antiguo periodo de heladas profundas, conocido como la era
 Neoproterozoica
 , o “Tierra bola de nieve”, duró desde hace unos 1.000 millones a 543 millones de años.


 Durante ese tiempo, las masas de tierra se consolidaron en un supercontinente llamado Rodinia y luego volvieron a separarse. Las primeras formas de vida de la Tierra, como los microbios, las cianobacterias, las esponjas y los organismos que habitaban los fondos marinos, poblaron los océanos. Tras el final del Neoproterozoico llegó el auge de la vida más compleja, con la primera aparición de criaturas marinas que lucían armaduras, caparazones y púas.


 Los científicos han atribuido este auge evolutivo al
 aumento de los niveles de oxígeno
 en la atmósfera terrestre y en las aguas poco profundas de los océanos. Y ahora, una investigación publicada el martes en la revista académica
 Geology
 Propone que el movimiento de los glaciares antiguos pudo haber modelado directamente modificaciones químicas en los océanos, las cuales fueron cruciales para la evolución de organismos más complejos.


 El análisis de la "Tiempos glaciares" proporciona un vistazo al historial climático terrestre y brinda importantes insights sobre los cambios climáticos actuales, señaló el investigador principal del estudio, el Dr. Chris Kirkland.


 “Nuestro registro geológico en tiempo profundo indica cómo el cambio de una parte de la Tierra afecta a otra”, afirmó. Ahora mismo, el dramático calentamiento del planeta que marca la crisis climática provocada por el ser humano se está produciendo a una velocidad vertiginosa en comparación con estos antiguos procesos que duraron millones de años.


 Esta velocidad incrementada reduce la habilidad del planeta para equilibrarse por sí mismo de manera natural, destacando así la importancia crucial de enfrentar el calentamiento global provocado por humanos.

<h3>
 
 De la Tierra bola de nieve al planeta invernadero
 
</h3>

 Se conoce que el desplazamiento de los glaciares, conocido como glaciarización, lleva consigo y traslada sedimento continental hacia los océanos, lagunas y arroyos, sentando así las bases para las cadenas tróficas acuáticas. No obstante, aquellos científicos dedicados al estudio del planeta prehistórico carecían hasta ahora de certezas sobre si los glaciares neoproterozoicos tenían algún tipo de movimiento, incluso menos aún sabían si eran capaces de moverse lo bastante como para erosionar el lecho rocoso debajo de ellos e introducir minerales en el mar.


 "La teoría sugerida era que la extensa erosión glacial en las áreas internas del continente pudo deberse al hielo de una 'Tierra bola de nieve'", aclara Kirkland, quien es profesor en la Facultad de Ciencias Planetarias y Terrestres de la Universidad Curtin en Perth, Australia. "No obstante, ciertos detalles de esa suposición eran confusos debido a que este hielo tal vez no se desplazó mucho o simplemente fluyó".

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 Kirkland y sus colegas encontraron respuestas en Escocia e Irlanda del Norte, donde estudiaron sedimentos de formaciones rocosas que datan del Neoproterozoico. El equipo se fijó en los zircones, minerales cristalizados que son excepcionalmente duraderos y pueden resistir acontecimientos geológicos extremos. Los zircones también contienen uranio; al medir las etapas de la desintegración del uranio en los zircones, los geólogos utilizan los minerales como cronómetros para estudiar el pasado de la Tierra.


 Los investigadores examinaron sedimentos que databan de la época en que la Tierra estaba cubierta de hielo y del periodo de la “Tierra invernadero”, millones de años después, cuando el hielo desapareció, y descubrieron que la composición mineral de los sedimentos de la “Tierra bola de nieve” difería drásticamente de la de los sedimentos posteriores.


 “Recuperamos patrones distintivos en las poblaciones de estos granos minerales”, dijo Kirkland a CNN en un correo electrónico. “En esencia, la huella dactilar del ‘ADN’ de estas rocas sedimentarias cambió”.


 Los hallazgos parecen reforzar “en cierta medida” la noción de glaciación activa, afirmó el Dr. Graham Shields, profesor de Geología del University College de Londres. Shields no participó en la nueva investigación. Sin embargo, el estudio no incluyó datos de un intervalo glaciar significativo llamado
 Marinoan
 , que marcó el final de la “Tierra bola de nieve”, dijo a CNN en un correo electrónico. Shields también se mostró cauto a la hora de vincular directamente la erosión glaciar con la evolución de la vida compleja.


 “Esta conexión se ha propuesto antes, pero es controvertida porque el vínculo se asume en lugar de explicarse”, dijo Shields. “Un cambio drástico del paisaje que provoque la aparición de animales macroscópicos es una idea estupenda, pero el artículo introduce una hipótesis sobre la erosión glaciar/el clima que puede ponerse a prueba, en lugar de zanjar el debate”.

<h3>
 
 El deshielo masivo de los glaciares transforma los océanos
 
</h3>

 Las rocas de la época de la “Tierra bola de nieve” contenían minerales más antiguos, pero también presentaban un abanico de edades minerales, lo que insinuaba que las rocas quedaron expuestas y se erosionaron con el tiempo por el movimiento de raspado de los glaciares.


 Estas pruebas indicaron a los científicos que los glaciares del Neoproterozoico eran móviles. Las rocas más jóvenes, de cuando la “Tierra bola de nieve” se estaba descongelando, tenían un rango más estrecho de edades minerales, y los granos más frágiles estaban ausentes, lo que sugería que el agua que fluía había disuelto material que antes estaba molido.


 En el ocaso del Neoproterozoico, uno de los cambios conocidos en la química oceánica fue un aumento del uranio. Otras investigaciones habían explicado anteriormente este aumento como resultado del incremento del oxígeno atmosférico, “sin embargo, nuestros datos implican que el aporte de elementos químicos a los océanos también desempeñó un papel en ello”, dijo Kirkland.


 “El componente disuelto ‘perdido’ en estas rocas se ve ‘reaparecer’ en los cambios de la química oceánica en este momento”, añadió. Al cartografiar estos cambios en los entornos terrestres y marinos, “estamos obteniendo imágenes de la transferencia de elementos químicos a través de la Tierra como sistema”.


 Los científicos informaron que se produjeron grandes glaciaciones al menos dos veces entre hace 720 millones y 635 millones de años. A finales del Neoproterozoico, cuando la cubierta helada de la Tierra comenzó a descongelarse, se estaban produciendo importantes cambios químicos en la atmósfera y los océanos de la Tierra.


 “El final de estas glaciaciones está marcado por un rápido aumento del oxígeno atmosférico y oceánico, posiblemente debido a una mayor meteorización de las superficies rocosas expuestas y a un mayor flujo de nutrientes hacia el océano”, explicó Kirkland. Tales cambios podrían haber infundido ciclos de nutrientes y proporcionado a la vida emergente el impulso que necesitaba para evolucionar hacia formas más complejas.


 “La idea de que los restos glaciares de las eras glaciares del Neoproterozoico proporcionaron nutrientes para apoyar la evolución animal primitiva existe desde hace tiempo”, afirmó el Dr. Andrew Knoll, profesor emérito de Ciencias de la Tierra y Planetarias de la Universidad de Harvard, que no participó en la nueva investigación. Sin embargo, sigue habiendo dudas sobre si los minerales vertidos en el océano por la glaciación neoproterozoica habrían sido suficientes para provocar cambios medioambientales a largo plazo con consecuencias biológicas, dijo Knoll a CNN en un correo electrónico.


 Otras investigaciones sugirieron anteriormente que los impactos de los fenómenos de glaciación, como los descritos en el nuevo estudio, “bien podrían tener solo consecuencias transitorias: un bolo de nutrientes que eleva la producción primaria y tal vez aumenta los niveles de oxígeno, antes de volver al estado anterior del medio ambiente”, dijo Knoll. Los nuevos hallazgos son “una interesante adición a la conversación”, añadió. “Pero la conversación continúa”.

<h3>
 
 Lecciones para la crisis climática actual
 
</h3>

 Desde el Neoproterozoico hasta el presente, procesos similares configuran el cambio climático, incluido el papel desempeñado por el dióxido de carbono (CO2) y el comportamiento de los bucles de retroalimentación, cuando un proceso se alimenta de un aspecto existente del sistema climático de la Tierra y lo intensifica.


 Las pruebas climáticas antiguas también arrojan luz sobre lo que ocurre durante los puntos de inflexión climáticos, es decir, cuando se cruza un umbral que desencadena cambios a gran escala que suelen ser irreversibles.


 En la actualidad, la Tierra se está calentando rápidamente en lugar de enfriarse gradualmente a lo largo del tiempo. Hicieron falta millones de años para que la glaciación se apoderara del planeta durante la fase de bola de nieve de la Tierra, mientras que el calentamiento moderno se está acelerando en apenas unas décadas, “mucho más rápido que los cambios climáticos naturales del pasado”, afirmó Kirkland.


 Sin embargo, el avance global del cambio climático se sigue trazando estudiando la interacción de la acumulación de CO2, los bucles de retroalimentación y los puntos de inflexión, añadió.


 Observamos cómo diversas regiones del mundo se encuentran conectadas mediante relaciones químicas," expresó. "Cuando alteras un componente del sistema, el resto también experimenta cambios.


 Mindy Weisberger se desempeña como periodista científica y productora multimedia, habiendo publicado sus trabajos en plataformas como Live Science, Scientific American y la revista How It Works.


 Para obtener más noticias y boletines de CNN, crea una cuenta aquí.
 CNN.com

El hallazgo de un antiguo glaciar revela pistas sobre cómo evolucionó la vida compleja en la Tierra, según los científicos

Unknown ecology, environmental science, geology, glaciers, science

Hace más de 500 millones de años, en una Tierra gélida y cubierta de hielo, los glaciares agitaron los ingredientes de la vida compleja al arrasar los minerales terrestres y depositarlos después en …