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Show Notes

This Week's Reason for Hope

New research is showing promise in helping plants adapt to heat

  • Scientists have discovered how to activate production of salicylic acid in plants (a key defense mechanism)
  • Plants produce seven times more salicylic acid when they get attacked by pathogens and insects.
  • Even after just two days above 86 degrees Fahrenheit / 30 degrees Celsius, plants can’t produce enough acid to defend themselves
  • As high temperatures become more frequent with climate change, the problem is becoming worse.
  • In this latest discovery, scientists have proven they can turn on the gene needed for plant to continue to produce acid even at higher temperatures

Sources

Climate change is making plants more vulnerable to disease. New research could help them fight back. (phys.org)

Climate Adaptation

Historical emissions

U.S. and E.U. together = 47%

Africa and South America together = 6%

Climate finance commitments according to Climate Action Tracker

U.S. – critically insufficient

E.U. – insufficient

Sources

USA | Climate Action Tracker

EU | Climate Action Tracker

CO2 emissions - Our World in Data

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