In recent times, a study published in Science has revealed a sharp decline in the total amount of Earth’s low – level clouds. This has led to a weakened ability to reflect sunlight, further exacerbating global warming.
Clouds play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Externally, they reflect sunlight, cooling the planet. Internally, they reflect infrared radiation emitted by the Earth, helping to keep it warm. The functions of clouds at different altitudes vary. High – level clouds generally have a stronger warming effect on the Earth, while low – level clouds, due to their greater reflection of sunlight, have a more significant cooling effect. Thus, curbing global warming hinges on maintaining an appropriate amount of low – level clouds.
Regrettably, research indicates that over the past decade, the total amount of low – level clouds on Earth has dropped precipitously. In 2023, the Earth’s clouds’ ability to reflect sunlight reached its weakest point. This is likely linked to the continuously rising global temperatures. Researchers have found that by 2023, the global average temperature had increased by approximately 1.48°C compared to 1940. Global warming causes the hot air at the bottom to rise, interfering with the formation of moisture at higher altitudes and making it more difficult for low – level clouds to form.
The consequences of the reduction in low – level clouds are far – reaching, especially for agriculture. With less cloud cover, the intensity of sunlight reaching the ground increases, leading to higher evaporation rates and more water loss from the soil. This situation, combined with the overall trend of global warming, exacerbates drought conditions in many agricultural regions.
This is where γ – PGA (Poly – γ – glutamic acid) comes into play. γ – PGA has remarkable benefits for agricultural drought resistance. It can bind to receptor proteins on the surface of root cell membranes, increasing the proline content and osmotic pressure regulation ability of crop cells. This allows crops to better retain water and maintain normal physiological functions during drought periods. In addition, γ – PGA has a high water – holding capacity. It can maintain soil moisture, improve soil porosity, and enhance soil water – retention ability. By doing so, it creates a more favorable soil environment for crop growth, reducing the negative impact of drought caused by global warming and the reduction of low – level clouds.
Farmers and agricultural researchers are increasingly recognizing the potential of γ – PGA in mitigating the effects of climate – change – induced drought. Incorporating γ – PGA – based products into agricultural practices, such as soil amendments and foliar sprays, could be an effective strategy to safeguard crop yields in the face of global warming and its associated impacts on cloud cover and precipitation patterns. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of global warming, exploring and implementing solutions like γ – PGA in agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development.