ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
Tina Geiger 17, Jul 3 mins
3 mins
The Ritz Herald
© Wikimedia Commons
Aerosols in air pollution cause negative health impacts, but they also help cool cities by deflecting the sun’s rays

Recent research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals alarming findings about the impact of declining aerosol levels on heatwave occurrences in populated regions. As heatwaves become more frequent worldwide, this study—published in Environmental Research Letters—highlights how reducing aerosols, which contribute to air pollution, may be exacerbating the problem.

Cameron Cummins, a co-author of the study, explains, “While we knew that aerosol emissions were suppressing global warming at the regional level, we found that their impact on heatwaves near urban centers was much more significant than we expected.” Although clean air policies aimed at improving public health have led to reduced aerosol emissions, this study warns that urban areas may be at higher risk for heatwaves as a result.

Using advanced global climate models, researchers found that aerosols play a vital role in moderating temperature changes, being up to 2.5 times more influential than greenhouse gases in urban heatwave events. Higher levels of aerosols effectively reflect sunlight, resulting in lower heatwave exposure, but this balance is shifting as aerosol levels decline.

The research indicates that from 1920 to now, increased aerosol levels had helped decrease heatwave occurrences in urban settings by nearly half. Unfortunately, this trend is reversing, with projected outcomes showing that heatwaves could rise from an average of 40 days per year today to about 110 days annually by 2080 in certain regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, South America, and Western Europe.

Geeta Persad, the study’s lead author and assistant professor at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences, underscores the urgency of the situation: “We seem to have already crossed a tipping point where declining aerosols are accelerating heatwave exposure in many places.”

In…

CURRENT EDITION

WEATHER

TODAY

RH

WASHINGTON BUREAU

U.S. and Bahrain Reaffirm Defense Partnership at Pentagon Meeting
On Thursday, high-level officials gathered at the Pentagon to reinforce the longstanding defense partnership between
The Ritz Herald
U.S. and Bahrain Forge Path for Civil Nuclear Cooperation
In a significant diplomatic milestone, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Dr. Abdullatif bin
The Ritz Herald
Climate Change Increases Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The Ritz Herald

Rising temperatures increase the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a large new study published at the ATS 2025 International Conference. The study also found that, under the most likely climate change scenarios, the societal burden of OSA is expected to double in most countries over…

U.S. Department of Energy Halts Fossil Fuel Ban for Federal Buildings
The Ritz Herald

The Department of Energy announced it has delayed the compliance date for new provisions regarding Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings (CER). This action delays the restrictive standards imposed by the previous administration to limit the use of affordable, reliable energy sources, such…

Panama Takes Aim at ‘Invisible’ Owners in Fight Against Illegal Fishing
The Ritz Herald

The Government of Panama today strengthened its commitment to a transparent and sustainable ocean future by announcing new efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).

The announcement, made at Our Ocean Conference, in Busan, Republic of Korea, spotlights Panama’s ambitions to establish clearer and more accessible vessel…

Solar Power is Transforming Home Energy in 2025—and Define Solar is Leading the Way
The Ritz Herald

As 2025 unfolds, solar power is no longer just a trend—it’s a revolution. Homeowners are switching to solar in record numbers across the United States, especially in forward-thinking states. The reason is clear: today’s solar technology is more efficient, affordable, and impactful than ever.

Define Solar, in NJ, is…

5 mins
© Alexander Semenov
The Ritz Herald
Pause, not plunder: International Seabed Authority must halt deep-sea mining rush

The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is calling for the international community to urgently establish a moratorium on destructive deep-sea mining to prevent irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems and protect the rights of current and future generations.

Over the next three weeks, States will convene in Kingston, Jamaica, for the critical International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council and Assembly meetings, where discussions will continue whether to open the deep sea, one of our greatest allies in combating the climate crisis, to the highly destructive deep-sea mining industry.

During the marathon 3-week meeting, ISA Member States will resume negotiations on a deeply flawed and incomplete mining code, despite growing environmental, cultural, technical, economic, and human rights concerns, and mounting global opposition. Thirty-seven countries, along with major financial institutions, businesses, human rights experts, scientists, fishers, and millions of people around the world, are now calling for a moratorium or precautionary pause.

Sofia Tsenikli, DSCC Campaign Director, said: “The unmistakable momentum for a moratorium at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in June made it clear that the world does not need or want deep-sea mining, either through the ISA or unilaterally. It…

4 mins
© University of Adelaide
The Ritz Herald
While some scientists argue that agricultural gene editing regulations are overly restrictive, a new paper from the University of Adelaide emphasises the importance of clear regulations to ensure new technologies are used safely and responsibly

A recent paper from the University of Adelaide is drawing attention to the crucial role of regulatory frameworks in agricultural gene editing. While some scientists argue that current regulations are overly restrictive, the authors emphasize the need for clear guidelines to ensure these emerging technologies are applied safely and responsibly.

The paper, published in The Plant Journal, features contributions from researchers Dr. Emily Buddle, Michail Ivanov, and Professor Rachel Ankeny. The review underscores how effective regulation not only fosters innovation but also encourages public engagement and builds trust in new gene technologies.

“Regulatory decisions are influenced by value judgements related to safety, risk, and societal benefits,” explains Dr. Buddle. She further stresses the importance of early and ongoing communication between plant scientists and various stakeholders to address potential concerns regarding new technologies. “This engagement should be seen as a mutual learning process, recognizing that no single group can shape regulation in isolation.”

A notable point made in the review is the distinction between scientific equivalency and public acceptance. While certain gene-editing techniques can produce changes that occur naturally in agriculture, public perception relies more on the application and perceived benefits of the technology rather than the methods themselves. Dr. Buddle notes…

Spring Break is Fire for Students Conducting Prescribed Burns in Georgia
The Ritz Herald

Students from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) chose to spend spring break in Georgia, engaging in prescribed burns — a forestry management practice that involves intentionally setting fires to promote forest health, support wildlife biodiversity, and increase resilience to future wildfires.

Led by graduate students Maria…

New Research Uncovers Evolutionary Secrets Linking Birds to Their Dinosaur Ancestors
The Ritz Herald

Modern birds are the living relatives of dinosaurs. Take a look at the features of flightless birds like chickens and ostriches that walk upright on two hind legs, or predators like eagles and hawks with their sharp talons and keen eyesight, and the similarities to small theropod dinosaurs like…

The Role of Climate Data in Predicting Natural Disasters With Insights From Dr. Philippe Smith
The Ritz Herald

Natural disasters are occurring more frequently, disrupting lives and economies worldwide. With these events becoming harder to predict, reliable climate data has never been more essential. Advanced analysis of weather patterns, historical trends, and environmental changes provides valuable insights that can save lives. Dr. Philippe Smith discusses how…

U.S. Army Chemical Corps and Joint Partners Tackle Hazardous Waste in Southern California Wildfire Response
The Ritz Herald

U.S. Army Chemical Corps Soldiers recently worked with joint and interagency partners to support the wildfire response mission in Southern California, Feb. 12-17, 2025.

Highly trained Soldiers from the 172nd Chemical Company (Hazard Response) and the 21st Chemical Company (Hazard Response) joined together with Sailors, Marines and Airmen under the…

7 mins
The Ritz Herald
Adult polyp of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. © Grigory Genikhovich
New insights into the evolution of the back-belly-axis
By / Staff Writer

A new study from the University of Vienna reveals that sea anemones use a molecular mechanism known from bilaterian animals to form their back-to-belly body axis. This mechanism (“BMP shuttling”) enables cells to organize themselves during development by interpreting signaling gradients. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that this system evolved much earlier than previously assumed and was already present in the common ancestor of cnidarians and bilaterians.

Most animals exhibit bilateral symmetry—a body plan with a head and tail, a back and belly, and left and right sides. This body organization characterizes the vast group known as Bilateria, which includes animals as diverse as vertebrates, insects, molluscs and worms. In contrast, cnidarians, such as jellyfish and sea anemones, are traditionally described as radially symmetric, and indeed jellyfish are. However, the situation is different is the sea anemones: despite superficial radiality, they are bilaterally symmetric – first at the level of gene expression in the embryo and later also anatomically as adults. This raises a fundamental evolutionary question: did bilateral symmetry arise in the common ancestor of Bilateria and Cnidaria, or did it evolve independently in multiple animal lineages? Researchers at the University of Vienna have addressed this question by investigating whether a key developmental mechanism called BMP shuttling is already present in cnidarians.

Shuttling for development

In bilaterian animals, the back-to-belly axis is patterned by a signaling system involving Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) and their inhibitor Chordin. BMPs act as molecular messengers, telling embryonic cells where they are and what kind of tissue they should…

MORE ARTICLES

In Memoriam: Kristina Washer, 30, Environmental Science Pioneer and Advocate for Planetary Health
The environmental science community mourns the loss of Kristina Comley
New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Methane Emissions Linked to Arctic Warming
A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature highlights
New Conservation Strategy Launched to Protect Monarch Butterflies as Federal Listing Looms
The Ritz Herald

Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed the monarch butterfly be afforded new protections under the Endangered Species Act.

The Defense Department, with nearly 27 million acres of land, air and water resources, already plays a role in providing protections for the monarch butterfly. However, the new “Conservation…

U.S. Department of Defense Deploys 500 Troops and Aircraft to Combat California Wildfires
The Ritz Herald

The Defense Department now has 500 active-duty troops and a variety of equipment on standby to assist with the wildfires in California, said the deputy Pentagon press secretary.

“As announced by the president, 500 active-duty personnel currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, are preparing to support requests from federal and…

U.S. Department of Energy Announces $65 Million Funding Opportunity for Small Businesses in Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization
The Ritz Herald

On Dec. 27, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $65 million funding opportunity to support projects through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This investment includes $1.1 million in Phase I/Release 2 proof of concept grants for projects funded by…

3 mins
Kristina Washer Environmental Scientist
The Ritz Herald
Remembering Kristina Comley Washer: A passionate environmental scientist and advocate who left an indelible mark at 30

The environmental science community mourns the loss of Kristina Comley Washer, a gifted and compassionate environmental scientist whose life was tragically cut short by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on June 9, 2025. She was 30 years old.

Kristina was more than a scholar—she was a force for change. A master’s student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts University, she was awarded the prestigious Hanes Endowed Fellowship in Environmental Health, which supported her research into the complex intersections between pollution, public health, and environmental risk management. Her academic path was marked by a rare blend of intellectual excellence and moral clarity, with a sharp focus on hazardous waste site remediation and environmental justice.

In June 2022, the Licensed Site Professional Association (LSPA) recognized Kristina’s outstanding potential by awarding her one of its coveted scholarships. The LSPA Scholarship Fund, which annually supports students in environmental studies across New England, honored Kristina’s deep commitment to environmental health, selecting her for the award in recognition of both her scholarly promise and her profound passion for the field.

Kristina’s work had a global scope and…

EDITOR'S

CHOICE

New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Methane Emissions Linked to Arctic Warming

Ducrot / RH
A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature highlights the escalating methane emissions from the Arctic, underscoring a troubling feedback loop that may further exacerbate climate change. Researchers from
Senator Padilla Announces $122.9 Million in Federal Funding for Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Projects in California
The Ritz Herald

Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation will award $122.9 million for six California projects to build zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure, including over $55 million for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. The funding comes through the Federal Highway Administration’s…

Flying Green: Transforming Aviation With Sustainable Goals
The Ritz Herald

The aviation industry is at a transformative moment globally, driven by sustainability goals that aim to minimize the environmental impact of flying. Airlines, manufacturers, and regulators are under pressure to adopt greener technologies, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), electric aircraft, and hydrogen propulsion. These innovations promise to revolutionize…

Study Reveals Lingering Indoor Air Pollutants in Homes After Colorado’s Marshall Fire
The Ritz Herald

2021’s Marshall Fire became the most destructive fire in Colorado history, burning nearly 1,000 homes and forcing more than 37,000 residents of Boulder County to evacuate.

New research by scientists at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder found compromised indoor air quality…