What's happening to Earth's core? - Shannon Odell

Explore the science of why Earth’s atmosphere is losing hydrogen, and find out what other leaks could affect life on our planet.
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A hydrogen atom is traveling high within the outermost layer of Earth’s atmosphere. This particular atom first entered the exosphere millions of years ago, but today it overcomes Earth’s gravitational pull and escapes, joining the roughly 90 tons of material that leak out of our atmosphere each day. Should we be worried about these leaks? Shannon Odell digs into our planet’s imperfect plumbing.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Eva Münnich, Strange Beast.
This video made possible in collaboration with Speed & Scale
Learn more about how TED-Ed partnerships work: bit.ly/TEDEdPartners
A special thanks to Mary Kang and Jean-Baptiste Koehl who provided information and insights for the development of this video.
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View full lesson: ed.ted.com/lessons/what-s-hap...
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Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Carsten Tobehn, Katie Dean, Ezgi Yersu, Gerald Onyango, alessandra tasso, Doreen Reynolds-Consolati, Manognya Chakrapani, Ayala Ron, Eunsun Kim, Phyllis Dubrow, Ophelia Gibson Best, Paul Schneider, Joichiro Yamada, Henrique Cassús, Karthik Cherala, Clarence E. Harper Jr., Vignan Velivela, Ana Maria, Exal Enrique Cisneros Tuch, Tejas Dc, Khalifa Alhulail, Martin Stephen, Jose Henrique Leopoldo e Silva, Mandeep Singh, Abhijit Kiran Valluri, Morgan Williams, Devin Harris, Pavel Zalevskiy, Karen Goepen-Wee, Filip Dabrowski, Barbara Smalley, Megan Douglas, Tim Leistikow, Ka-Hei Law, Hiroshi Uchiyama, Mark Morris, Misaki Sato, EdoKun, SookKwan Loong, Bev Millar, Lex Azevedo, Michael Aquilina, Jason A Saslow, Yansong Li, Cristóbal Moenne, Dawn Jordan, Prasanth Mathialagan, Samuel Doerle, David Rosario and Dominik Kugelmann - they-them.

[@whatevershizz]

It baffles me how such well-explained videos of the most complicated topics are so underrated. Through the intriguing animation, they are able to bring alarming situations to the attention of their viewers. The efforts that go into these videos are beyond commendable. Please never stop producing this valuable content ever.

[@Emg2463]

("Warning"....independent thinker invasion !! ) ........What boggles my mind is that all someone has to do to convince a huge population of a particular "crisis"....is to produce a video like this. Nobody questions the information given and most just take it all as 'fact' without question. How bout we start expecting these producers of videos to prove their 'facts' before we swallow their information. Could save us all a lot of unnecessary anxiety if all this information turns out to be false....or at least...not as huge a crisis as they portray. 🤔

[@DrinkTheKoolAid62]

Nobody wants to know about the doom we are facing

[@haileyv-log2326]

​@@DrinkTheKoolAid62Uhhh I do

[@lathakm3366]

Very true😢

[@RandyLy]

Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue, and as an environmental engineer, I couldn't agree more with the concerns raised in this video. The leaking methane gas from abandoned wells is a serious contributor to climate change, posing significant risks to our planet's future. It's disheartening to see some companies prioritize short-term profits over environmental responsibility. We must hold them accountable and demand better practices for the sake of our planet and future generations. Let's continue spreading awareness about this issue and working towards sustainable solutions. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable and livable world.

[@lemagicbaguette1917]

We could always delete profits ;)

[@kechaco4171]

I honestly believe we're the last generations to have a relatively good quality of life. The damage is irreversible by now. It's already really, really bad. We just need to stop companies from accelerating the impending destruction that awaits.

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

oil and gas companies need to be [redacted]. anyone with an ounce of common sense realizes that this wont end by askig them nicely and offering carbon credits/offsets. we are doomed

[@Talon3000]

You'd think plugging the boreholes would be easy.

[@user-ge3gc6lt5r]

When americans blew up russian gas tube, amount of co2 was like cars co2 for 25 years all over the world

[@macngeeseyt6029]

Volcanos are just earth's zits.

[@cho_zone]

lol very true

[@J.o.s.h.u.a.]

Lethal zits

[@Lukas0901]

So Earth-Chan?

[@fawazgerhard2742]

And humans are earth’s cancer

[@pubertdefrog]

Then what are supervolcanoes and hot spots? 🤔

[@sherlock1854]

No word is enough to appreciate this piece of animation ❤

[@tomasholada7151]

Totally agree. When I saw it for the first time, voice in my head just said - "so wonderful and cute on the other hand" 😇

[@nerd26373]

We appreciate this channel a lot. We learn so many significant lessons.

[@DegreesOfThree]

...says the five bots that copy and pasted this exact same message.

[@tobiasgranata5293]

​@@DegreesOfThreewho?

[@DegreesOfThree]

@@tobiasgranata5293 A user with the handle: tinkleme4se.x745 posted the exact same message. Keep scrolling and you'll find other examples.

[@alphaapple1375]

For those who are familiar with the metric system: At 3:30: "The impact of methane escaping from abandoned wells in the US is comparable to burning 4,535,923,700 kilos (4,535,923.7 metric tons) of coal each year."

[@jeffrey3334]

I never thought the earth could be this leaky

[@franciszekgapinski424]

And we should be able to regain at least some.

[@hackanimator12]

I always wanted to know how mars lost its magnetic field, now knowing it, it is pretty sad to know that earth will have the same destiny someday

[@massimookissed1023]

On the plus side, Earth might get incinerated by our dying Sun before the magnetic core solidifies.

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Me too

[@algorhythm2373]

This video, along with many others produced by the TedEd team never cease to amaze me with their awesome quality. 🙌 Thank you TedEd! ❤

[@teddymanguerra]

The animation is soooooo impressive!!!!! Good job!!!

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Agreed.❤❤

[@camrennbiter673]

I started watching this channel because of my science teacher showed us one of your videos, then I went home to watch more of your videos, i have been watching every video since! I just thought that was cool, that my science teacher showed that one video 2 years ago!

[@PrimordialNyx]

W teacher moment.

[@bioalkemisti]

I am absolutely in love with this animation style. ♡

[@VEE727]

So cute!

[@HayItsRhy]

This channel is 1 month and 10 days older than me. I watched Ted Ed all the time and I still do. Thank you for making these videos, entertaining people, giving people knowledge and so much more. Thank you ted ed, thank you!! 🌸✨😍😊

[@Agent-ie3uv]

👶🍼

[@steam2011]

I'm a few months older than you

[@HayItsRhy]

@@steam2011 nuce

[@dc_rxmxng]

Tell me why I teared up at the Sad Earth. You had no right making it so lovable.

[@yellowstarproductions6743]

Same here

[@Unknown-xm8ll]

I love that earth cartoon it's soo cute that i want one earth for me 😂..

[@GuzForster]

The video is amazing as always, but can we take a moment to appreciate how well done the motion graphics are? This is some top quality graphic prowess right there.

[@Leron...]

The animation in this one was like Corporate Memphis meets claymation. Kudos to the team at studio cool!

[@tm43977]

That would be terrifying

[@minionana]

Love the 3d style of the video

[@norapray]

Hypothetically, if we did start running into issues with material being ejected from Earth, what would be a solution to fix it? I know this is a problem that we will probably never have to face but I’m just curious.

[@miniverse2002]

Asteroid mining perhaps. Then again, there's so many problems that'll come before the expected date. The expansion of the sun for instances.

[@manishp7206]

Amazing animation...thought process linking content with specific scene is outstanding 👏👏

[@netkosent1620]

Really love the animation/art style. Almost has a claymation type of effect, pretty neat.

[@aliengeo]

The Earth in this was so cute 🥺🌎

[@medusagorgon8432]

This is wonderful! The visuals especially are a lot of fun. Can't wait to show my class.🌏🌎🌍

[@jaylouantipuesto9041]

the animation is adorable, and informatively alarming at the same time

[@tristodudes101]

Loved this style of animation!

[@user-qc6jh6ob1b]

Is it possible to gather leaking methane to use as fuel? Or would it cause other problems?

[@ModernAtomX]

First off, the methane gas is called Natural Gas, which is used everywhere in stoves and heaters and whatnot. The problem is that it is so readily avaliable and cheap is that it is no longer financially viable for companies to even sell it because they would not ever make enough money to pay back the infrastructure required to collect and sell it.

[@salemsaberhagan]

I think you mean biogas plants

[@spliter88]

It's possible (mostly, some will still escape), but it's not economically advantageous, since the cost of cleaning up the old equipment and re-opening the well and then maintaining it and transporting outweigh the selling price of methane which is why those places were abandoned in the first place.

[@Bruced82]

As temperatures keep rising, we will also hit methane feedback loops, which will just keep release more, and in turn heat up too. This especially counts for water vapour, which is the most powerful greenhouse gas, and usually not effected by us directly, it will be by these rising temperatures feedback loops.

[@wren_.]

@@spliter88fuck the economy, we need to save the planet or there won’t BE any more economy

[@mecahhannah]

Awesome thanks as always

[@smallspace7]

This is the most intriguing animation for the subject I have ever seen 👏, liked the distressed Earth

[@peganix_ignis2775]

The gasp of the earth really soften me and decided to go eco friendly.

[@Whatsthepoint223]

I love this nostalgic claymation-cgi-like animation. What y’all use to animate?

[@evamunnich2136]

Hey! It’s Cinema 4D and rendered with Redshift

[@Whatsthepoint223]

@@evamunnich2136 ayyooo 😱 thanks

[@reisanibal1]

Wow this animation was on another level. Kudos.

[@HellOnWheel]

Great animation on this one. I have never seen a cartoon Earth emote like that. Its sad little "Me?" got me.

[@Romanthinker]

Humanity has reached its peak there’s no going back no matter how far of damage we’ve done to this earth, there’s too much money involved to just stop all the pollution 😢

[@travisgoodman2132]

I wish there was some way to stop Earth’s core from leaking and cracking.

[@GrantSR]

The animation was adorable.

[@ashishverma9840]

OMG !! What a beautiful video with insightful theme

[@sansparkle]

Informative for people who don't know anything like this can also exist ❤

[@manavsaboo9610]

Ted-Ed rocks!

[@sapnagoel1985]

Thanks for information

[@laletemanolete]

Superb video, touching the right points (and the rights nerves).

[@pumpulijapenni9304]

Thank you for always as exciting videos❤

[@matheusGMN]

Now I'm worried about the core solidifying despite it being so far away, thanks a lot for that --'

[@Chris-ut6eq]

it's billions are years off. Probably about the time our sun starts running low on hydrogen. Plenty else to worry about if you are looking for something :)

[@Bruced82]

The ageing sun will probably have boiled off all the surface water by then anyway.

[@yoshi9358]

The way Earth looks so cute in this 🥺🤗

[@chriswilliams8159]

It's such a shame that we humans as the most advanced species on this planet still rely so heavily on fossil fuels.

[@user-cq5tl2gf2d]

I agree😢

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Love your videos! 😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉 Do mote history vs!

[@_Waluigi_]

You earn a crown 👑 if you watch TED-ed

[@soniamuscat4932]

Amazing animation! ♡

[@aarngarcia6530]

Shannon Odell makes a really strong point about how different leaks on Earth can be a big problem for the environment. She talks a lot about methane emissions and how they could seriously mess up the climate. It's clear that we need to do something about these issues ASAP. (Neit Placeres)

[@mariac.9937]

I find the information about the Earth's leaks fascinating and somewhat concerning. The fact that the Earth is constantly losing atoms, energy, and molecules through various processes shows that our planet is a dynamic system. While the loss of hydrogen to space doesn't seem like an immediate threat, the leaking of methane from abandoned wells is a serious issue with significant environmental consequences. Really Nice video graphics!

[@nicolemarcano3583]

I appreciate your insights on this crucial matter. I fully align with the issues highlighted in the video. The release of methane from deserted wells is a major factor in climate change, endangering our planet's future. It's disheartening to witness companies favoring immediate gains over environmental stewardship. We need to ensure their accountability, urging improved practices for the well-being of our planet and future generations. I also loved the animations! We should continue raising awareness and striving for sustainable solutions. Together, we can foster positive change and build a more sustainable world for all!!

[@cuttingcoffee]

thanks I've been wondering about this

[@c4itch4n]

TED-ed videos are always so educational! It’s scary to know that this is happening. 😨 (I like the animation)

[@gailaltschwager7377]

Thank you!

[@alparslankorkmaz2964]

great job. support from Turkey.

[@kuukeli]

thank you for the video

[@13thravenpurple94]

Great video Thank you 👍

[@hieuquachminh-kd3nj]

I come from Vietnam, thank you very much😊

[@Kerffuf]

This is the channel where you'll think man there's nothing more that they could possibly upload. They made a video about every possible problem, place or people they couldn't possibly make more; they have done it all. Somehow there still making videos even more interesting than the last with some obscure knowledge that you didn't know about.

[@dennis2376]

Interesting. Thank you.

[@abdellrahmannour9977]

Man the animation on this one is super damn cute !!

[@felipereigosa96]

The animation was too entertaining. I didn't hear a word he said during the whole flower dying drama :D

[@SuarezSaint]

Fascinating! The Earth's leaks, especially methane from abandoned wells, are concerning. The call for government action and accountability is spot on. It's a reminder of our shared responsibility for the planet. Halt in new oil and gas wells is a sensible step. Thought-provoking and impactful!

[@plekplek-edu]

My favorite watch!❤

[@rebecamelo8363]

As an environmental engineer, I appreciate you bringing this important topic to light and wholeheartedly concur with the issues expressed in the film. Future Earth is at grave risk from methane gas leaks from abandoned wells, which are a major cause to climate change. Disappointingly, some businesses put short-term financial gain ahead of environmental sustainability.

[@darshita1270]

how do environmental and climate scientists not die of anxiety everyday

[@midimusicforever]

Exciting times...

[@The.RandomTube]

The whale shouldn't have made me laugh soo hard!😂😂

[@anticrymax]

Is plugging the holes with cement safe? Isn't there perhaps a more eco-friendly option?

[@anticrymax]

And, yes, as always, amazing job, Team TEDEd... You are quite easily one of the best things to watch on the Internet. 🙏

[@jadennienhueser30]

I cannot describe how scared I am to watch this video

[@namchen6315]

love the vid

[@_natshs]

Loving the Indo sub! On point 🎉

[@gropatapouf5998]

Scary, I wish I didn't know 😢

[@DanielWatson-vv7cd]

A planet the size of Earth constantly recycles and renews it's interior heat. However, a smaller world like Mars probably use to have tectonics until the core cooled down, then the interior solidified.

[@miniverse2002]

50% from its initial formation. 50% from radioactive decay. Though time marches on and heat is irreversibly lost.

[@LeoAngora]

Watching the video one question rose: how greenhouse gases manage to bounce back more outgoing heat than incoming heat? Is it different type of radiation? Is it the distance to the source? Is it the power of the sun?

[@misaelvalenzuelaa.6497]

Interesting 👍

[@spungboy]

the art style is adorable lol i wanna hug the h in a circle

[@peppermintmiso4341]

the graphic and art in this video is so pretty actually

[@rhpsoregon]

While I don't have the data to prove it, I'm just a retiree, and I firmly believe that we've already surpassed the 1.5C threshold. Mostly because methane emissions are not part of the original global warming equations. Not only does methane leach out of oil and gas wells, but also from thawing permafrost and tropical/subtropical oceanic seeps. The total amounts are unknown but its effect on warming is 86x that of the same volume of CO2. Its effect can no longer be ignored.

[@mmmm-yt4cw]

does anyone know what kind of video this is? Is it an animated video? what apps can we use to make a video like this? TYSM\

[@evamunnich2136]

Hi! It`s fully animated. 3D animated characters and elements done in Cinema 4D, rendered in Redshift. 2D backgrounds, effects and compositing done in After effects

[@maxhill9254]

thx

[@mikef.5817]

Pretty important ❤

[@deanab-se5op]

Oh my...new animation style 👍🏻

[@lecomentorrito]

Pq os vídeos estão sem legenda em português?

[@minkyungkim5673]

Hello~ TED-Ed. Actually I'm a Korean student who is 13years old. I leave comment that the video is really useful. Thank you.

[@levvl11]

Are there already efforts to plug all those leaking shafts? And how can we as an individual raise awareness for this?

[@RedLeader327]

Holding oil companies accountable? In the USA? Oh how I admire your optimism.

[@itzfelipe3839]

The perspectives on the pivotal matter of methane release from neglected wells are valued. The fact that this contributes significantly to climate change is of shared concern. It's disheartening to observe companies prioritizing short-term gains at the expense of environmental stewardship. Holding them accountable and promoting improved practices is crucial for the welfare of our planet and future generations. The animations were also appreciated! Let's persist in heightening awareness and striving for sustainable solutions to foster positive change and construct a more sustainable world collectively!

[@TheVault11]

1000 years from now, i wonder what will be our main source of energy? Most probable to me is the solar energy and nuclear energy.

[@muhammadfauzi7340]

We still need mining metal, and it need oil to moving that machine 👀

[@yonelismartinez7357]

It's alarming to consider the various leaks from Earth mentioned here, especially when we weigh the immediate risks of hydrogen and core leaks against the imminent danger posed by methane emissions. With a staggering warming potential 86 times greater than CO2, the urgency to address this issue is undeniable. The suggestion to plug abandoned wells is a step in the right direction, but its success hinges on robust governmental initiatives and corporate responsibility from the oil and gas industry. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for unified, collective action to combat and alleviate the environmental repercussions we face.

[@aarngarcia6530]

The proposed solution of ceasing the drilling of new oil and gas wells seems ambitious but necessary for long-term environmental preservation. Governments and corporations must collaborate to implement these changes and take responsibility for the ecological consequences of their actions. Overall, Odell's perspective highlights the need for proactive measures to protect our planet's integrity. (Aaron Garcia)

[@Ninjaeule97]

Why are these abandon wells sealed of with concrete (which has its own emmisions) instead of using that gas? Humanity hasn't stopped drilling yet, so if we use methane, shouldn't it be the one that will leak out anyway?

[@channel.INSPIREDINSIGHT]

We just need to *LOVE THE PLANET*

[@oberynlannister4551]

Nice

[@yuribezmenov6187]

I like that quote 😂😂

[@rw9207]

on the up side, unlike CO2, Methane only lives in the atmosphere for approx, 12 years. So, it dissipates quickly in comparison.

[@hansduran9462]

I freakin love the animationnnnj

[@camgrundy4837]

Very Bob the Builder vibes via the animation

[@Manowar458]

Cool

[@Earth6094]

Not much, it's getting better.

[@user-gr5qr4qu7e]

I think that this can be a very complicated discussion as we don't currently have the best "replacement" for the production of oil to reduce enough metane production. I do agree that there must be some sort of regulation being held on corporations though. -Enmanuel