Articles tagged with Ecosystem Services
A new concept has emerged to describe the natural world's resources supplied to humans, but its application raises ethical concerns about social equity and responsibilities. The study highlights the need for considering multiple values and interests when analyzing nature's contribution to humanity.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have discovered a new method for producing insect-killing fungi, which significantly reduces production costs and increases yields. The liquid culture fermentation process uses less expensive nitrogen sources, making it a more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers found that baited black pyramid traps are more effective at capturing stink bugs than other traps, with higher yields of adults and nymphs. The study also discovered that stink bugs can produce two generations per year in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Vegetated drainage ditches have been shown to effectively capture herbicides and insecticides from field runoff, reducing their impact on downstream waterways. This innovative solution provides a cost-effective way for farmers to manage agricultural pollutants and protect natural resources.
A recent study published in Bioscience highlights the importance of long-term, site-specific research to understand climate change's impact on ecosystem structure and function. Climate-driven changes affect multiple components of forest ecosystems, including hydrologic variables, phenology, and plant community composition.
Researchers used housing sales data to estimate how much home buyers are willing to pay for scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and neighborhood tree cover. In Dakota County, home buyers were willing to pay $200-500 more per 10 percent increase in tree cover.
A recent study published in BioScience reveals surprising results on the effects of climate change on ecosystems, highlighting the value of long-term ecological research. The analysis shows how changes in temperature and precipitation affect hydrologic variables, plant and animal community composition, and ecosystem services.
A new study suggests climate change is causing significant stress to western rangelands, leading to ecosystem degradation and loss of biodiversity. The researchers recommend reducing or eliminating livestock from public lands to mitigate these effects and restore affected ecosystems.
A new framework developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota provides a tool for assessing and valuing the services clean water provides, including recreation, beauty, navigation, and hydropower. The framework can be applied to on-the-ground decisions around water issues, yielding a more accurate picture of costs and benefits.
Researchers have developed a method to apply beneficial mold K49 as a frontline defense against aflatoxin contamination in corn. By packaging K49 in bioplastic granules, the technology improves storage life and viability of the mold, reducing aflatoxin levels by 65-97%.
A study by University of Zurich botanists and ecologists found that higher biodiversity aids stress resistance in ecosystems. Systems with more species can maintain biomass production longer under moderate stress, while those with few species are more negatively impacted as stress increases.
The US Forest Service study found that New Hampshire has the highest percent tree cover (89%) and Connecticut has the highest urban tree cover (67%). Urban forestry is essential for sustaining urban forests, which provide environmental benefits such as air pollution reduction and heat island mitigation.
Researchers will assess nine ecosystem services provided by grasslands before and after woody plant encroachment in Kansas and New Mexico. The study aims to understand the ecological, economic, and social consequences of this dramatic change.
Experts discuss the science underlying ecosystem services markets, weighing benefits against potential unintended consequences for non-target ecosystem attributes. The symposium aims to address tough questions about how to measure and value nature's services.
Researchers in the Yangtze basin region have created a long-term record of ecosystem health, measuring past condition and predicting future trends. The study highlights the decline in ecosystem services due to intensive farming techniques, posing a threat to local livelihoods.
The Inclusive Wealth Report 2012 proposes a new approach to sustainability by measuring natural, manufactured, human, and social forms of capital. This comprehensive index provides a more accurate picture of a country's development and well-being than traditional indicators like GDP.
UMass Amherst researchers Michael Zink and Brenda Philips lead US Ignite project to create virtual online laboratory for real-time network experimentation. The goal is to enhance next-generation Internet with ultra-high-speed networks, improving weather forecasting and aircraft surveillance.
Ecologists call for urgent action to preserve planet's remaining biodiversity, essential for natural ecosystem services like food and wood production. The 17 prominent ecologists' consensus statement highlights the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functions and human health.
A sweeping review of 20 years of research finds that biodiversity loss diminishes ecosystem services essential for human health and prosperity. Genetic diversity enhances crop yields, wood production, and fodder, while plant diversity increases resistance to invasive species and pathogens.
Scientists recommend halting biodiversity losses to prevent ecosystem collapse and reduce essential goods and services like food and water. The research, a scientific consensus statement, summarizes evidence from over 1,000 ecological studies and highlights the urgent need for international action.
An interdisciplinary team has completed the most comprehensive genetic analysis of corn, shedding light on its genetic diversity and evolution. The study provides a foundation for developing improved varieties equipped to resist pests and disease, addressing global food security challenges.
The University of Oklahoma led a US-based team in sequencing the tomato genome, revealing new insights into fruit characteristics. The achievement has significant implications for developing more desirable strains with higher yields, increased disease resistance, and improved flavor.
Research by the University of Exeter finds that light pollution is transforming communities of insects, with more predators and scavengers found near artificial lights. This could have a knock-on effect on entire ecosystems, including birds and mammals that rely on these species for food.
Researchers will assess climate change impacts on biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystem services in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They aim to identify sustainable options for communities coping with climate change.
A new analysis of streams in the western US found that stream temperatures are not necessarily warming at the same rate as air temperatures despite general climate trends. Long-term monitoring sites with minimal human impact show cooler-than-expected maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures.
Researchers found that countries like China, India, and the USA rely heavily on pollination-dependent crops, while others like Egypt and Turkey have decreased dependence. The study suggests that global price increases for these products may be a warning sign for potential conflicts between agriculture and insect-related services.
Researchers from the University of Southampton are leading two international studies to improve the lives of over one billion people living in poverty. The ASSETS Project investigates ecosystem services at forest-agricultural interfaces in Amazonia and Africa, while assessing delta changes in Bangladesh and India.
A recent study found that plant species living in urban backyards are closer related to each other and live shorter than those in rural areas. The study, conducted by Jeannine Cavender-Bares and Sonja Knapp, analyzed the diversity of plant species in private yards in Minneapolis and compared it to nearby natural ecosystems.
International experts agree on the need to better understand biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystem services, which are crucial for human well-being. The new framework sets out a strategy to address biodiversity-related research efforts and inform policy decisions.
The Northern Forests Futures Project reports a 28% increase in forest coverage in the northern US, benefiting from carbon emissions collection and forestry jobs. However, threats to forests in the coming decades could undermine these gains due to invasive plants and diseases.
Fraunhofer researchers have developed the Cloud Control Center to provide global monitoring of cloud services and assess their security. The control center provides administrators with a customizable dashboard to track key figures and establish meaningful status reports about the entire cloud system.
A study by Lund University found that organic strawberry farms had significantly higher pollination rates (45% vs. 17%) due to the absence of pesticides and non-organic fertilizers. This positive effect on pollination was evident within 2-4 years after farm certification.
The Health Impact Project has awarded grants to conduct health impact assessments (HIAs) in various sectors, including energy, housing, agriculture, and transportation. The assessments will help policymakers and communities anticipate potential health impacts of decisions and make informed choices.
A study published in Science suggests that plant biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem multi-functionality in drylands, which are vulnerable to desertification and climate change. The research found that increasing perennial plant species enhances ecosystem ability to store carbon and build nutrient pools.
A global analysis finds that over half the world's poorest people benefit from ecosystem services in areas prioritized for conservation. Ensuring fair payments to conservation stewards could increase benefits by 50% and amount to $1 per person per day for 330 million people.
A new landmark study confirms that diverse ecosystems perform more ecological functions and are vital for carbon sequestration and soil health. Dryland ecosystems covering 40% of the Earth's land surface support 40% of its people, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
A new study in Nature Climate Change presents a more complete picture of the climate costs of land use changes by incorporating biophysical effects beyond greenhouse gases. The researchers found that tropical rainforests are highly valuable for protecting against climate warming, while boreal forests have lower climate regulation values.
A study by Michigan State University researchers reveals that racial minorities face higher costs for basic water and sewer services. The study attributes the disparity to the aging infrastructure in urban areas, where whites have fled, leaving minority residents to bear the costs.
The Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium has begun injecting carbon dioxide for the first million-tonne demonstration of carbon sequestration in the US. The CO2 will be stored permanently in the Mt. Simon Sandstone, a saline reservoir with estimated storage capacity of 11-151 billion metric tonnes.
A new study by Dr. Murray Rudd reveals a high level of consensus among conservation scientists about the impending loss of biological diversity. The survey found that 99.5% of responders believed a serious loss was likely or very likely, with tropical coral ecosystems perceived as the most seriously affected.
Ecosystem services have declined by 60% due to land conversion for food and fiber production. Experts recommend market-based solutions, such as cap-and-trade policies and certification schemes, to incentivize sustainable supply of these services.
A study by Arizona State University experts warns that some payment mechanisms for ecosystem services can be detrimental to the environment. The report highlights the need for carefully designed payment schemes to track changes in publicly owned environmental assets, similar to tracking economic indicators like GDP.
A recent study by the National University of Singapore reveals that climate change is causing a significant decrease in body size among various species worldwide. This trend has far-reaching implications for ecosystems and biodiversity, as smaller organisms can lead to reduced resource availability, population declines, and even loss o...
Carla Atkinson, a University of Oklahoma graduate student, received the EPA's STAR Fellowship to study freshwater mussels in North America. Her research will explore the role of mussels in altering riverine ecosystems and their impact on human well-being.
A recent study by the USDA Forest Service estimates that non-native forest insects, such as the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, are causing significant economic damage to urban trees. The study reveals that homeowners and local governments are bearing the greatest share of costs associated with these insects.
Invasive tree-feeding insects cause significant economic damage to homeowners, local governments, and the federal government, resulting in estimated annual losses of over $2 billion. The study highlights the need for strengthened regulations and enforcement to protect forests and economies from invasive pests.
The Society for Ecological Restoration International delegates congratulate the CBD Parties on their Strategic Plan 2011-2020, urging swift action on restoring ecosystems. The SER2011 delegates also call on World Bank and funding institutions to support ecological restoration projects globally.
A recent study by McGill University researchers found that biodiversity is essential for maintaining multiple ecosystem services across different years, places, and environmental conditions. The study suggests that many species are needed to maintain ecosystem services, rather than just a few, and highlights the importance of conservin...
A study by Penn State economists found that locally owned small businesses generate higher incomes for community members and provide long-term economic growth. In contrast, large, nonlocal firms can depress local economies. The researchers analyzed data from 2,953 US counties to support their findings.
Research on pet ownership has produced conflicting results, with some studies suggesting positive health outcomes but others finding none. Herzog argues that methodological problems and lack of rigorous study design contribute to these inconsistencies.
Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are identifying factors that influence pesticide levels in the Chesapeake Bay airshed. The study found that nearly all air samples contained lindane and chlordane products, with highest concentrations at dieldrin and DDE.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute offer new insights on reforestation in Latin America, highlighting the importance of native species, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation. The research provides a framework for land managers to weigh environmental and economic factors in their decision-making.
Researchers have identified a macrocyclic lactone compound that female emerald ash borers release while feeding, attracting male borers. This discovery has the potential to improve traps for monitoring and controlling the tree-killing beetle.
A recent study reveals that bats save the US agricultural industry at least $3 billion a year by controlling insect pests. The analysis also warns of potential losses due to white-nose syndrome and wind-energy facility fatalities, emphasizing the need for bat conservation.
Leading scientists advocate for a modified approach to assessing policy options on biodiversity and ecosystem services. They argue that hypothetical scenarios do not represent real-world policy options, emphasizing the need for authoritative scientific advice on actual policy choices.
Researchers at Penn State are designing a fast service lane option called meal deals for school cafeterias, which will limit the time spent in line and offer predetermined side selections. The goal is to create an environment where students can make healthier food choices by choosing familiar options.
The University of Miami College of Engineering is developing a self-sustaining water system for 20 students using new technologies to reduce energy and water demands. The project aims to promote sustainable development by treating wastewater as a resource, reducing the need for centralized treatment plants.
A group of leading biodiversity scientists, including NJIT's Daniel Bunker, argue that CBD targets must consider ecosystem services for effective conservation. By valuing biodiversity through ecosystem services, nations can better justify and improve biodiversity conservation efforts.
Gretchen Daily's innovative research places a value on natural ecosystem services, leading to increased momentum in conservation efforts. Her work, including the InVEST software program, informs global policy decisions on land use and resource management.
Despite evidence of ecosystem decline, global well-being shows improvement due to past food production increases and technological innovations. However, time lags and potential future effects on food production and personal security suggest that complacency is unwarranted.