Articles tagged with Ecosystem Services
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that prolonged exposure to wildfire pollution can decrease life expectancy by about one week. Living in green neighborhoods with more extensive greenspaces can be beneficial for health, but even small increases can lead to slight life expectancy gains.
Fast-growing tree species are dominating Brazilian forests in regions with high levels of deforestation, threatening ecosystem services and biodiversity. The study highlights the urgent need to conserve and restore tropical forests to preserve these vital ecosystems.
A new study highlights the critical role of mangroves in coastal resilience, providing $855 billion in flood protection services worldwide. Mangroves offer cost-effective protection to coastal communities and support national wealth by preserving lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
A study by the University of the Basque Country has optimized the conservation of Asian hornet baits, extending their service life to at least 14 days when refrigerated with CO2. This method helps control the invasive species, which is a predator of honey bees and causes significant economic losses.
Expanding wild-harvested meat donation programs could provide a sustainable source of healthy protein to those in need while mitigating ecosystem damage. Such programs already have a substantial impact, with 48 US programs providing over 10 million meals annually.
A Florida Museum curator was part of an international team that won first place and $5 million in the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team developed a monitoring device equipped with lights, audio recorders, cameras, insect traps, and collection reservoirs to survey a 100-hectare test plot of tropical rainforest.
Research by an international team found that birds, bees, and bats working together increased macadamia nut production by up to four times, while reducing insect infestation by 40%. The effectiveness of these ecosystem services depends on altitude and natural habitats.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that infections are a significant problem for white-tailed deer on Missouri farms. The study identified the three most common types of bacteria causing pneumonia in farmed deer, providing actionable data for veterinarians and farmers to make informed decisions.
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.
Researchers found that restoring coastal marshes can significantly help protect coastlines at a reasonable cost. A study by MIT graduate student Ernie I. H. Lee and professor Heidi Nepf shows that enhancing salt marshes in front of protective seawalls can reduce construction costs while still providing adequate protection from storms.
A team of researchers has identified mangrove bacteria that can transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, which are a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery of novel enzymes and bacterial species with the ability to break down PET could potentially be used to develop new strategies for plastic waste cleanup.
A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.
A recent study published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation highlights the urgent need for Brazil to reinforce protection of its forests to achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The research emphasizes the importance of strengthening socioenvironmental actions and policies focusing on conserving or restoring f...
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.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
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.
The study found that Tipuana tipu grows faster at higher temperatures and can contribute to urban climate resilience. The tree can thrive in restrictive weather conditions, providing ecosystem services such as carbon capture and temperature regulation.
A new study published by US Forest Service researchers explores the impact of leaf-eating insects on forest ecosystems worldwide. The findings suggest that warmer climates affect plant-herbivore interactions, leading to changes in carbon and nutrient cycling in broadleaved forests globally.
A study found that invasive cicad aulacaspis scale alters leaf litter decomposition dynamics of cycad species, releasing nutrients too quickly. This damage threatens ecosystem balance and conservation efforts in invaded islands.
A new study suggests that ending mass human deprivation and providing good lives for the whole world's population can be achieved while reducing environmental damage. The research proposes that only 30% of current global resources and energy use are required to provide universal access to basic goods and services.
Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.
A long-term ecological research network can help scale up ecological restoration in Europe by providing standardized and open-access data on natural ecosystems. The network's knowledge and expertise cover most European habitats and degradation states, enabling the development of a harmonized monitoring framework for EU-wide evaluation.
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.
The fourth SELINA Thematic Workshop in Trondheim built on progress since the second workshop and featured presentations on 11 work packages, breakout sessions, and a city walk. Participants explored methods and knowledge needs identified by 15 demonstration projects.
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 new study suggests that tropical forests can overcome the challenge of scarce nutrients by adjusting their strategies for acquiring phosphorus. Forests of different ages respond differently to nutrient additions, with younger forests investing in nitrogen-based strategies and older forests relying on phosphatase to access phosphorus.
A study by the University of Göttingen investigated regional differences in bird diversity within cocoa agroforestry systems in Peru. The research team found that biodiversity decreases with increasing distance from natural forests, with greater richness of species found in humid subtropical forests than in dry tropical forests.
A recent study by University of Maryland economists suggests that the current payment structures in Ecosystem Services Incentive Programs limit participation and create incentives to leave early. The new design uncouples penalties from payments, resulting in increased program completion rates, higher payments to farm owners, and more e...
Climate change threatens freshwater habitats, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling and water quality maintenance. Many abundant freshwater bacteria with small genomes experience extended periods of adaptive standstill, limiting their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
A new accounting method evaluates the impact of agricultural practices on nitrous oxide emissions, finding long-term no-till management and specific fertilizer types can effectively cut emissions. The study provides a more accurate estimate of N2O emissions than previous methods, enabling policymakers to make informed recommendations.
A comprehensive analysis of over 200 scientific articles reveals the fundamental importance of scavengers and carrion in wetlands, benefiting soil, plants, birds, and mammals. The study highlights five different functions performed by scavengers during carrion consumption, including nutrient recycling and pathogen control.
A new study found that low-intensity grazing systems offer benefits for local biodiversity protection, but struggle due to inflexible regulations and a lack of workforce. Land users face economic constraints and restrictive policies, leading to declining participation in sustainable practices.
A study highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address issues impacting nearly 21 million lakes worldwide. Lakes face various ailments, including thermal, circulatory, and metabolic challenges, posing risks to millions of people reliant on their services.
A large multi-model study found global biodiversity declined between 2% and 11% due to land-use change alone. Climate change could overtake land-use change as primary driver of biodiversity loss by mid-century.
A large multi-model study published in Science found global biodiversity declined 2-11% due to land-use change. Climate change could become main driver of biodiversity loss by mid-century, with combined effects leading to decline in all world regions.
Fruit eating birds play a vital role in forest ecosystems by consuming, excreting, and spreading seeds to allow trees to grow and function. The study found that highly fragmented landscapes restrict bird movement, reducing carbon recovery potential by up to 38 percent.
A recent study on orchid bees in the Brazilian Amazon found that deforestation significantly impacted bee populations, with some species dwindling in just 10-17 years. The research, conducted in the 1990s, also revealed new species and highlights the importance of protecting rainforests.
The study revealed three genetically distinct populations of rusty-patched bumblebees, highlighting the need for tailored conservation efforts. The analysis showed low colony abundance and high rates of inbreeding, threatening the long-term viability of the species.
A new study shows that species richness is strongly correlated with forest productivity, while phylogenetic and functional diversity are negatively correlated. This finding suggests that focusing on planting more tree species can be an effective way to restore degraded ecosystems.
A modelling study suggests mass timber can significantly reduce carbon emissions in high-rise US buildings by replacing traditional materials like concrete and steel. The study's findings have significant implications for the construction industry and could pave the way for more sustainable building practices.
A study in São Paulo's central area found that poor wood condition, sidewalk root constriction, and drastic pruning are major predictors of urban tree failure. The researchers propose guidelines for stakeholders to reduce the number of failures, which average 2,000 per year.
A study estimates that global ecosystems provide USD 112-197 trillion to the economy, with forests and wetlands accounting for nearly 80% of this value. Strong synergies are found among oxygen release, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration services, while trade-offs occur between flood regulation and other services.
Researchers propose a new method for calculating biodiversity conservation costs, which considers the increase in monetary value of nature over time. This approach aims to make biodiversity loss and nature conservation more visible in political decision-making, potentially increasing the likelihood of projects passing a cost-benefit test.
Researchers developed a multi-step process to quantify the dependency of international trade on Nature's Contributions to People (NCPs), including spatial mapping and tracing international trade flows. The study aims to improve knowledge about the complex relationship between nature and international trade, supporting implementing Targ...
Nearly 90 participants from various sectors attended the workshop to collaborate on ecosystem service assessment results for private and public decision-making. The event highlighted key updates and challenges of the SELINA Demonstration Projects, showcasing progress toward supporting informed decision-making.
A study found that crop diversification in the Cerrado biome leads to increased numbers of native mammals and a decrease in invasive species such as wild boars. Diversified crops helped control invasive species that cause damage to farmers.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
New research reveals how human activities affect the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, leading to changes in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study identifies an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' that reduces phosphate levels, limiting algae growth, and enhances the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus.
A recent study reveals that solar energy facilities planted with native grasses and wildflowers can rapidly support thriving insect populations. Total insect abundance tripled at the studied sites, providing additional pollination services to adjacent agricultural fields.
Researchers found that mixed tree species in coastal forests can withstand tsunami impacts with less damage than monoculture forests made of black pine. The study analyzed satellite images and aerial photographs before and after the Great East Japan Earthquake tsunami on 11 March 2011.
A study published in Nature predicts that climate change will lead to a 9% loss of ecosystem services by 2100, with the poorest 50% of countries expected to bear 90% of the damages. The study's findings highlight the importance of accounting for natural systems and human well-being within economic frameworks.
A study by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that economic solutions like cost-sharing and carbon payments can benefit landholders if the right tree species are planted on infertile soils. Annual carbon payments, in particular, made forests growing back after trees were removed financially viable.
The National DigiFoundry aims to establish global standards for digital asset use and exchange through blockchain technologies. The consortium will develop a resilient framework to address cybersecurity challenges in digital asset management.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change is a training opportunity for graduate students and researchers to co-produce knowledge for global sustainability. The school will focus on transdisciplinarity in social-environmental sciences, offering state-of-the-art science and research results.
A new study found that urban waterfowl, including mallards and Canada geese, play a crucial role in spreading native and alien plants through seed dispersal. The birds disperse seeds for both aquatic and terrestrial plants, with mallards focusing on aquatic plants and geese on terrestrial ones.
Photovoltaic fields can mitigate climate change faster than afforestation by 50 times in semiarid land, while still offering benefits in humid lands. Forests provide additional ecosystem and social services beyond climate regulation.
Researchers urge concerted action to mitigate global warming's impact on polar ecosystems, which are both the most-threatened and least-understood areas. The study aims to map all biodiversity in these regions to sustainably manage unique habitats and their ecosystem services.
Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.
The second SELINA thematic workshop brought together over 100 participants from 27 EU member states and beyond to discuss project progress, policy needs, and potential solutions. Keynote speakers shared insights on ecosystem service accounts and corporate sustainability reporting.