The Northern California kelp forest ecosystem has collapsed due to an abrupt loss of a key predator, the sunflower sea star, which was wiped out by sea star wasting disease. The area covered by kelp forests has dropped by over 95%, with only isolated patches remaining.
More than half of Europe's forests are at risk from climate-driven disturbances, with large trees and old trees particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and insect infestations. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of these events, posing significant threats to European forest ecosystems.
Researchers from WMG, University of Warwick found that LiDAR sensors' effectiveness decreases in heavy rain, hindering object detection. The study simulated real-world roads and weather using the WMG 3xD simulator to test LiDAR sensor performance.
Researchers found that species diversity in mangrove forests enhances biomass production and soil carbon storage, leading to higher carbon storage capacities. Increasing mangrove diversity through restoration and conservation projects is crucial for mitigating climate change.
A new study finds that eastern forests are more responsive to climate change, with younger trees increasing their seed production. In contrast, older western trees have been less responsive, which could limit their ability to regenerate after diebacks. The study reveals a continental divide in forest responses to climate change.
A new study published in Frontiers in Earth Science uses citizen science data to identify the temperature cutoff between rain and snow in winter storms in the Lake Tahoe region of the Sierra Nevada. The results show that a warmer temperature threshold of 39.5°F may be more accurate for predicting precipitation in this region.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki have identified over 70 new species of jelly lichens in East African mountain forests. The study reveals that many previously thought to be single species are actually distinct entities with narrow ranges, significantly increasing the genus diversity of Leptogium.
A mathematical model reveals how two radically different communities coexist beneath California's iconic kelp forests. The model accounts for the growth rate and mortality of algae and invertebrates, as well as the lifecycle of giant kelp and sunlight availability. This dynamic foundation species allows competing groups to dominate at ...
A new study finds that severe spruce beetle outbreaks followed by wildfires can lead to permanent damage in high-elevation forests. Aspen trees, however, have a higher chance of regrowing from their root systems and may dominate these forests.
A study by WVU biologists found that trees globally are consuming more carbon dioxide than previously reported, making forests crucial in regulating the Earth's atmosphere. The research shows that increased photosynthesis is the main driver of this increase, contradicting previous studies.
A study led by the University of Göttingen analyzed global forest structures and found that precipitation patterns drive diversity in these complex ecosystems. The research team created maps showing regional variability in structural complexity, highlighting the importance of water availability for tree species coexistence.
A new study published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire found that forests with diverse tree sizes and small clearings slow down wildland fire growth. The research used a 3D analysis to examine how forest structure affects fire behavior and revealed that varying tree sizes and shapes can significantly impact fire spread.
A study published in Nature Climate Change finds that climate change will alter the position of the Earth's tropical rain belt, with a northward shift expected in the Eastern Hemisphere and a southward shift in the Western Hemisphere. This shift may lead to increased drought stress in some regions and intensified flooding in others.
Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute synthesize patterns of tropical forest productivity and carbon storage, finding that warm, wet forests with moderately fertile soils store more carbon. The study's findings reveal consistent relationships across regions, influenced by climate and soil conditions.
A three-year study in Del Mar, California has uncovered the relationship between wave impacts and coastal cliff erosion, with waves affecting the base of cliffs and rain impacting the upper region. The findings provide a new opportunity to improve forecasts and predict cliff retreat.
An international research team proposes a 'glocal' approach to better predict and prevent flooding disasters by combining global forecasting with local observations. The proposed system, GHS-F, aims to provide highly detailed and consistent rain-flood information, which could help avoid some flooding damage.
A new UCPH study highlights significant trends affecting the world's forests, including drought, viral outbreaks, and vast infrastructure expansions. These trends pose severe consequences on forests and humans alike, emphasizing the need for prioritized forest conservation strategies.
Researchers at KAUST developed a high-frequency rainfall model using new rain gauges that measure rainfall drop by drop, providing unprecedented insight into minute-to-minute rainfall dynamics. The model captures the 'skewness' of high-frequency precipitation data and generates synthetic precipitation data for water management.
A new study reveals that only 10% of remaining tropical forest cover remains fire-resistant, while the rest has been fragmented or degraded. Tropical forests play a crucial role in preventing catastrophic fires, emphasizing the need for preservation and regeneration.
A new predictive mapping tool, POCSCRPT, aids forest managers in determining which areas of western US forests will naturally regrow following wildfires. The tool's accuracy is enhanced by incorporating climate and seed production data.
A new global measure found that only 17.4 million square kilometres of Earth's remaining forests - or 40 per cent - are considered to have high integrity. High integrity forests contain high levels of biodiversity and provide ecosystem services, but many have been heavily impacted by human activities.
A new study identifies five large-scale 'megatrends' impacting forests globally, including droughts, urbanization, consumer demand, digital technologies, and infrastructure development. These megatrends are likely to have both positive and negative effects on forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.
New observational study shows that certain Amazon rainforest regions increase photosynthesis in response to limited water stress, contradicting Earth system models. This discovery suggests the current models overestimate carbon losses in the Amazon rainforest due to climate change.
A new study finds that infrastructure and mining projects in tropical forests will destroy forests and increase development, harming wildlife and people. The report highlights the urgent need to factor in forest value and protect critical habitats.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that species diversity is optimal for equatorial and tropical rainforests, while abundance of trees is key to carbon storage in colder regions. The findings have substantial practical relevance for climate change mitigation strategies.
A new study found that community forest management policies often result in weakened rights and less access to forests for local populations. Despite positive outcomes in some cases, the overall results show a series of trade-offs between people and the environment. The research highlights the need for governments to ensure that commun...
A study led by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research found that regenerated forests in the Brazilian Amazon can offset 12% of carbon emissions due to deforestation. The study created 131 benchmark maps for Brazil and showed that secondary forests absorb a larger amount of carbon than they release.
Research in Colorado's mountain forests found that wildfires accelerate climate-driven species changes by compounding regional warming trends. In contrast, canopy loss due to beetles resulted in slight cooling, suggesting a type of forest resilience.
A new global assessment report finds that forests and trees can alleviate poverty, but benefits are unevenly distributed among communities. Agroforestry systems, community forest management, ecotourism, and forest producer organizations show promise in reducing poverty, while protected areas can exacerbate local income inequalities.
Researchers found significant increases in floral abundance and wild bee diversity in spruce beetle-affected forests, compared to similar, undisturbed forests. This is good news for wild bee communities, which have been declining in recent years.
A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that thinning and prescribed fire can significantly reduce tree mortality and increase tree growth. The study compared two thinning methods and found both were effective in reducing tree deaths and promoting healthy forests.
A new study published in Nature Plants suggests that tropical forests like the one at Biosphere 2 may be more resilient to predicted temperature increases than previously thought. The rainforest's ability to photosynthesize steadily even at high temperatures, up to 38C, challenges current climate change predictions for the Amazon.
A new study finds that the Amazon rainforest is at risk of crossing a tipping point where it could become a savanna-type ecosystem, affecting up to 40% of the region. Climate change is expected to worsen this trend due to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found that the spread of ghost forests across North Carolina's coastline can lead to significant losses in carbon stored in plants and trees above ground. Researchers discovered ways landowners can offset these losses, including tree plantings and proper drainage management.
A study in Borneo found that degraded tropical forests have a high conservation value for 28 tropical mammal species. Mammals tend to avoid heavily degraded areas with open canopies and reduced vegetation density, highlighting the importance of maintaining good quality forest habitat.
Despite high hopes, the Amazon's regrowing forests have been found to absorb less than 10% of the carbon dioxide released from widespread deforestation. Secondary forests, which form a key part of climate policies, are also subject to repeated deforestation, limiting their effectiveness as carbon stores.
Climate change is causing more frequent and severe wildfires in the Cascade Range, reshaping forests. Historically, fires occurred every 50-200 years, but climate-driven changes have led to increased fire frequency, with some areas burning within 12 years of each other.
A global assessment maps the spatial relationship between people and forests, revealing an estimated 1.6 billion individuals live near forests. The study highlights that many of these people do not rely on forest resources for their livelihoods.
A new study reveals that many primary forests in Europe are not protected and are at risk of being destroyed. The researchers found that only a small percentage of the forest types they assessed had more than half of their old growth strictly protected, highlighting the need for strict conservation protections to be put in place.
A high-resolution map of European forest canopy openings has been created, showing a 17% loss of canopy in 30 years. The size of openings varies widely by region, with Spain's largest opening being 17,000 hectares due to a single fire.
Primary forests in Europe are scarce and irreplaceable, requiring top priority protection. Restoration is a viable option where no primary forests remain, storing carbon and benefiting biodiversity. An expansion of protected areas by just 1% can suffice to safeguard most remaining primary forests.
A new study reveals that cold-climate forests at high latitudes are already absorbing less carbon, casting uncertainty on their ability to continue doing so. In contrast, Siberian forests have increased their carbon uptake four times more than other North American forests, suggesting stark divergent responses across regions.
Research reveals that forest restoration can replenish carbon storage and preserve biodiversity, with actively restored forests recovering 50% faster than naturally regenerating ones. The study found that degraded forests can recover up to 2.9 tons of aboveground carbon per hectare annually if protected from agricultural conversion.
A study by WCS and partners pinpointed the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea as crucial countries for safeguarding biodiversity and intact forests. The analysis combines datasets to highlight regions with high conservation value, guiding national development plans towards sustainabl...
Only 6.5% of world's pristine tropical forests are formally protected, leaving rest at risk due to lack of focus on forest intactness and quality in global conservation strategies. New targets for protection, restoration, and reduction of human pressure are urgently needed to conserve these ecosystems.
A new study reveals that fertilizer and pesticide applications on croplands are now the primary source of sulfur emissions, outpacing fossil fuel emissions. This increase in sulfur use has detrimental effects on agricultural soils and downstream waters, similar to acid rain.
A new study suggests that climate change will negatively influence forest growth in semi-arid climates with reduced seasonal snowpack, but less so in wetter climates. In water-limited areas, this may lead to increased tree mortality and negative impacts on forest density.
Researchers estimate that reducing transmission of new diseases from tropical forests would cost between $22.2 and $30.7 billion annually, compared to the COVID-19 pandemic's estimated $8.1 to $15.8 trillion cost. Investing in prevention measures could save lives and reduce economic losses.
Researchers found that small-scale maize farming with modern hybrid seeds and improved soil health can significantly reduce deforestation and mitigate climate change. This technique helps protect forests and promote food security, particularly for vulnerable communities in Zambia.
Researchers found that native 'ohi'a seedlings can survive for at least a year in areas with active mortality from Rapid 'ohi'a Death, a fungal disease devastating to Hawaiian forests. Seedlings were six times more likely to die if weeds were allowed to grow around them.
Research highlights risk of ecological change as wildfires flare up across West, driving changes in forest vegetation and threatening wildlife habitats and local economies. Scientists explore strategies to adapt forests to emerging climatic conditions, including 'assisted migration' and managing wildfire for resource objectives.
A new study reveals that gold mining significantly restricts Amazon forest regeneration, leading to substantial losses in carbon sink capacity. The research highlights the urgent need for active land management and restoration to recover tropical forests on previously mined lands.
Scientists warn that forests can be risky climate investments due to risks from climate change, including droughts, wildfires, and insect damage. This paper highlights the need for a better understanding of these risks to optimize forest investments and minimize carbon storage loss.
Researchers warn that forests can be vulnerable to climate change, including fire, drought, and insect damage, which can undermine the effectiveness of forest-based natural climate solutions. Scientists must focus on assessing forest climate risks and sharing data with policymakers to inform climate strategies.
Researchers found that forests on shale bedrock store 25% more live aboveground carbon and grow 55% faster than those on sandstone bedrock, making them ideal for conservation and carbon sequestration.
New research evaluates how US wind plant performance changes with age, finding that older plants experience relatively low levels of decline in peak performance compared to European fleets. Fungi food choices study reveals enzymes used for breaking down plant cell walls can be mass-produced and used in industrial processes.
A PNNL-led study found that environmental changes are transforming forests worldwide, leading to a dramatic decrease in tree age and stature. Rising temperatures, carbon dioxide, and increased disturbances like wildfire and drought are contributing to this trend.
A new study reveals that global environmental changes are leading to a decrease in the age and stature of forests worldwide. Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide have been altering forest dynamics, causing increased stress and mortality among trees.
Researchers found that maximum daily temperatures above 32.2 degrees Celsius cause tropical forests to lose stored carbon more quickly. The study highlights the importance of protecting tropical forests and stabilizing the Earth's climate.
Researchers found that tropical forests can handle heat up to a certain threshold of 32 degrees Celsius, but limiting global temperatures is crucial to avoid accelerating climate change. The study analyzed over half a million trees across 813 forests in the tropics.