Articles tagged with Biodiversity Loss
Scientists argue that tree planting at high latitudes will accelerate rather than decelerate global warming due to the unique characteristics of Arctic ecosystems. Large herbivores like caribou may be a more viable nature-based solution to climate change in these regions.
A recent study by Probal Dutta finds that companies with good environmental performance tend to disclose more information about their activities and effects on nature, often with external verification. This is a positive association, suggesting that companies are taking responsibility for their impact.
Researchers use animal tracking devices to monitor individual animals' locations over time, gaining detailed information on the specific impacts of threats like pollution and climate change. This data enables targeted interventions to make a positive effect on wildlife populations.
A global study published in Nature reveals that over 215 million hectares of tropical forests can support natural regeneration, sequestering 23.4 gigatonnes of carbon over 30 years. The identified area spans across five countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, China, Mexico, and Colombia, highlighting the need for targeted restoration e...
A new tool developed by Stanford University and Morgan Stanley assesses the nature-related impacts of over 2000 global companies, providing a new framework for evaluating and acting on corporate impacts on nature. The tool provides ecosystem services footprinting metrics with greater transparency than existing ESG approaches.
A new Princeton study provides detailed insights into the impact of cropland abandonment on biodiversity. The research reveals that most bird and mammal species gain habitat due to crop abandonment, but even more would have benefited if recultivation occurred.
A new study found that 90% of countries with biodiversity conservation policies fail to specify individual and group behavioural changes, despite the critical role they play in making a real difference. Researchers suggest that clear policy specification on behaviour change is essential to boost effectiveness.
A Simon Fraser University study ranks Canadian terrestrial vertebrates by their level of evolutionary distinctness, finding that amphibians and reptiles are the most distinct species. The spiny softshell turtle is the most evolutionarily distinct terrestrial animal in Canada.
The study found that a decrease in insect and spider biodiversity is accompanied by a decline in biomass and key fatty acid content. Aquatic ecosystems show less pronounced land use effects, whereas terrestrial ecosystems exhibit significant differences depending on land use.
A new study predicts that climate change will threaten the survival of up to 2,000 resident bird species in the Neotropics by 2100. However, a more optimistic future scenario suggests that only 90 bird species will be exposed to longer dry seasons.
Increased nitrogen deposition from human activity is reducing diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness of nitrogen-fixing plants. The loss of these plants threatens both biodiversity and ecosystem stability, according to a study published in Science Advances.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to identify 31,800 insect samples from 37 habitats in Sweden, discovering 175 new species of scuttle flies. The study provides insights into the diversity and distribution of these species, which are influenced by climate factors and habitat changes.
New research reveals that grasslands are responding to climate change almost in real time, with shifts driven by temperature and precipitation changes. The study found that as the climate became hotter and drier, dominant species adapted to those conditions, leading to potential loss of biodiversity.
A 24-year study found that elevated carbon dioxide levels nearly tripled species losses attributed to nitrogen pollution in grasslands, reducing species richness by an average of 7-19%.
The COP16 policy brief recommends implementing FAIR data principles to enhance biodiversity monitoring. This approach enables standardization of indicators, streamlined reporting, and improved global tracking.
An international team of researchers has discovered seven new species of tree frogs in Madagascar, characterized by their high-pitched whistling calls. The unique vocalizations are believed to serve as self-promotional advertisement calls to convey information about the male frog's suitability as a mate.
Researchers found that seven common European forest trees have preserved their genetic diversity over millions of years, defying expectations. This resilience is attributed to unique characteristics such as long generation times and pollen dispersal capabilities.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze interactions between neighboring plant individuals, identifying genes involved in associative resistance. Mixing different plant genotypes reduced herbivore damage by up to 24.8% compared to planting individual genotypes.
Research finds that low stream diatom biodiversity on islands may decrease oxygen production due to reduced biodiversity. This could have implications for freshwater ecosystems and the animals that depend on them. The study examines how island location, age, and distance from continents affect diatom diversity and oxygen levels.
Researchers develop novel workflows to digitize and future-proof biodiversity data using digital specimen DOIs and nanopublications. This enables scientists to link digital specimens to various databases, facilitating inter-institutional scientific work and saving time for AI systems.
Research reveals European flat oysters formed large reefs of living and dead shells, supporting rich biodiversity and stabilizing shorelines. Historical records show that these reefs existed along Europe's coasts from Norway to the Mediterranean, but were destroyed over a century ago due to overfishing.
A new study reveals the true global impact of human-induced species loss is far greater than previously thought, resulting in a loss of approximately 3 billion years of unique evolutionary history. This extinction crisis has severe consequences on ecosystem function, including reduced pollination, seed dispersal, and disease outbreaks.
A global study reveals that women's environmental quality of life explains a substantial 46% of their overall health and well-being. The study found that younger women report poorer environmental quality of life, while older women experience improved quality of life after age 45.
The study reveals substantial gaps in compensating for lost protected areas, risking global efforts to conserve biodiversity. Protected areas play a crucial role in conserving species and ecosystems, but PADDD events expose them to extinction risks.
Researchers discovered a massive number of evolutionary events in the Asteraceae family on remote islands, resulting from rapid speciation over short time periods. The findings confirm that larger, isolated islands harbor unique species and highlight the importance of protecting this diverse group of plants.
A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security and income, highlighting the catastrophic impact of their loss on human health and economic wellbeing.
New research on genetically modified crops reveals potential environmental impacts, including increased pesticide use, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the need for further research to support sustainable agriculture practices.
A Europe-wide invasion of the southern small white butterfly has led to a significant loss of genetic diversity within the species. The insect's expansion into new areas is facilitated by urbanization and its preference for human-designed habitats, but this comes at the cost of reduced genetic variation.
The unique polar light environment creates conditions for circumpolar hybrid zones, increasing reproductive synchrony among species. Microbes play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity by adapting to light-sensitive environmental cues.
The EU's Green Deal aims to reduce carbon emissions by 2050 but may increase emissions globally. An international team of scientists found that the deal could lead to a 244.8% increase in global emissions outside EU borders. However, adopting a plant-based diet and phasing out biofuels within the EU could significantly reduce emissions.
Climate scientists have proposed a new approach to conserve vulnerable ecosystems, focusing on sites with favorable weather conditions. The 'climate-change refugia' concept aims to reduce species extinctions by identifying and protecting areas least impacted by changing weather.
Conservation efforts focused on 25 EDGE Zones could protect one-third of threatened and unique tetrapod species. The study identifies areas with high levels of evolutionary distinctiveness and global endangerment as key to saving these species.
A new study by Imperial College London identifies key trade-offs between effectiveness and scalability in conservation programs. The lessons highlight the importance of balancing program expansion with effective implementation, considering scale-dependent effects on conservation outcomes.
A worldwide survey by Goethe University Frankfurt found that students in environmental studies are unaware of the main causes of biodiversity loss. The study identified eight response types with varying levels of understanding, with climate change being underestimated in many countries. The researchers suggest that this lack of knowled...
A new study found that climate change is shifting the regions suitable for growing crops, putting pressure on timber production. As the land needed for producing vital resources becomes scarce, researchers warn of a looming issue that could lead to increased competition and conflict between agriculture and forestry.
Researchers call for a rethink of environmental decision-making to consider foreseeable harm and integrate key scientific and ecological evidence, including local community knowledge. The update aims to address biodiversity loss as a human rights issue and align with advances in international human rights law.
Research reveals that deforestation in Africa's montane forests has induced a higher warming and cloud level rise than climate change alone, leading to decreased water supply. The study found that air temperature increased by 1.4°C and cloud levels rose by 230 meters over the last 20 years.
The study finds that agricultural expansion could lead to a 26% decline in biodiversity and emit almost half of current annual global CO2 emissions. Conservation policies can also have economic benefits, with minimal impact on GDP and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts provide clarity on key species elements of Goal A and Target 4, emphasizing the need for urgent focused actions to halt extinctions. The study aims to support Parties in updating their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans by clarifying implementation needs.
A KAUST-led study reveals that plant trait diversity increases above an aridity threshold of 0.7, challenging the view that harsh environments reduce biodiversity. The research found that chemical and morphological traits respond similarly to changes in aridity and grazing pressure.
A team of biologists has discovered a unique breeding behavior in the Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, laying terrestrial eggs inside tree holes in an upside-down position. The frog also produces complex advertisement calls and engages in aggressive fights for mating rights.
A recent study by UC Davis highlights California's vulnerability to climate change, with native plant species facing extinction in hot spots like the Sierra Nevada and coastal ranges. The study suggests a 19% loss of species by 2080 under current projections.
A new study reveals that mining activities pose a significant threat to vertebrate species worldwide, with over 4,642 species at risk. The main drivers of this threat are mining for materials essential to clean energy technologies like lithium, cobalt, and limestone.
A new study reveals that trees in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are migrating uphill to escape rising temperatures, while some species are moving downhill. The research found that younger trees in high-altitude forests are growing more rapidly and moving uphill.
Drylands cover 42% of the earth's land surface but receive inadequate protection, with only a small fraction slated for conservation. The study highlights the urgent need to protect dryland species and ecosystems due to human actions, which may lead to severe biodiversity loss.
A joint work programme between the UNFCCC and CBD is crucial to meet international commitments under the Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This unified approach can address the interconnected nature and climate crises, driving progress towards a sustainable future.
The project will sequence the genomes of eukaryotic species in Catalan-speaking territories to characterize genomic biodiversity. This will help design tools to minimize biodiversity loss and extinction.
A study analyzing 127 studies reveals 'thresholds' for logged rainforests to sustain themselves. Beyond a certain threshold, serious proactive conservation is needed to maintain biodiversity; otherwise, the forests rapidly lose their ecological value. The findings expand the scope of which forests are considered worth conserving.
A study published in Nature used DNA sequencing to identify fungi from air samples worldwide, providing groundbreaking knowledge about their occurrence and seasonal variation. The research aims to predict the fate of fungal species under global change and has significant implications for biomonitoring and biodiversity forecasts.
A global database of animals with four feet has identified significant gaps in tetrapod knowledge, including biases in biodiversity data. Researchers used artificial intelligence to predict missing data and improve the accuracy of ecology, evolution, and conservation studies.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that humans have a greater impact on alien species diversity than geographic variables on most islands. Human factors such as colonisation pressure, habitat modification, and connectivity drive disparities in functional and phylogenetic diversity.
Researchers found that planting energy crops on existing agricultural land in Central Europe and China minimizes harm to biodiversity. This approach allows for restoration of natural habitats, maximizing biodiversity benefits.
Conservationists and researchers propose preserving just 1.22% of the Earth's surface to protect threatened species from extinction, safeguarding wildlife for future generations. Protecting these sites could cost around $34 billion per year, but represents less than 0.2% of US GDP.
Researchers identified 16,825 Conservation Imperatives covering 164 Mha, which could prevent all predicted extinctions if adequately protected. Protecting these sites would cost approximately $34 billion per year and represent less than 0.2% of the US GDP.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil and hydrocarbon gases, affecting an area of 1,100 square miles, nearly nine times larger than earlier studies. Biodiversity loss among harpacticoid copepods declined dramatically due to the spill.
Researchers create special language Phenoscript to describe traits in a way that both humans and computers can understand. This allows for large-scale studies of organismal traits, boosting the emerging field of phenomics. The new language is being tested and aims to integrate semantic species descriptions with nanopublications.
A new study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig found that climate change impacts ecosystems' multifunctionality, affecting soil health and biodiversity. Sustainable land management practices can enhance ecological and economic benefits under current and future climate conditions.
A study published in Global Change Biology reveals that higher biodiversity and synchrony between C3 and C4 species can increase a community's stability. Maintaining diverse plant communities with high C3 and C4 species abundance is key to enhancing stability across Mongolian grasslands.