ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 
NEWS & DISCOVERIES
 

In 2004, scientists rediscovered the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a species once believed extinct, in the Southern United States. This rediscovery sparked renewed conservation efforts to protect and study this rare bird.

In 1985, scientists observed a significant thinning of the ozone layer above Antarctica, revealing the detrimental effects of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on the environment. This discovery prompted global efforts to phase out ozone-depleting substances.

In 1977, scientists discovered hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean, revealing ecosystems supported by chemosynthesis, challenging previous notions of life's limits.

In the late 20th century, scientists observed a significant rise in Earth's average surface temperature, linked predominantly to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. This phenomenon, known as global warming, has profound implications for ecosystems and human societies worldwide.

Extremophiles, discovered from the 1970s onwards, are microorganisms that defy conventional limits of habitability by thriving in extreme environments such as hot springs, acidic lakes, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Their discovery has reshaped our understanding of where life can exist and has implications for astrobiology and biotechnology.

The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 marked a monumental achievement in science, providing a comprehensive map of human DNA that has revolutionized genetics, medicine, and our understanding of genetic diversity and environmental health.

Since the mid-20th century, scientists have documented the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in oceans worldwide, highlighting its detrimental environmental and ecological effects on marine life and ecosystems.