Articles tagged with Ecosystem Services
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Researchers argue that nature-based solutions like restoring forests and ecosystems are necessary for achieving global climate goals. High-tech CDR methods can complement, not compete with, these natural approaches. A balanced approach is key to meeting the Paris Agreement's temperature goal in a sustainable manner.
A new study finds that 75% of forest-dwelling birds are well-represented by ecosystem service priority areas, including the Appalachian Mountains and Sierra mountain ranges. The research highlights areas where protecting nature can have co-benefits for biodiversity, climate, and human health.
Viruses that infect and kill toxic algal blooms can cause the release of high levels of toxin microcystin-LR into water, posing a significant risk to human health and ecosystems. The finding highlights the need for better understanding of these interactions to inform forecasting and mitigation strategies for harmful algal blooms.
Scientists have discovered a Triassic-era fossil with an elongated jaw structure, similar to modern-day pike and needlefish. The findings suggest that different species independently evolved similar jaws hundreds of millions of years apart, highlighting the universal problem-solving strategies in nature.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.
Researchers develop mathematical modeling to predict aflatoxin outbreaks in Texas using remote sensing satellites and soil properties. The model has the potential to save farmers billions of dollars in losses by providing early risk prediction and targeted prevention strategies.
Switchgrass, a perennial species, has been found to produce great quantities of biomass and perform important ecosystem services. Studies from the University of Illinois have identified economic and environmental considerations that make switchgrass suitable for sustainable aviation fuel production.
The Colombian government is implementing a new agenda including climate- and biodiversity-related programs to compensate landowners for restoring forests or following management practices that maintain nature's benefits. A natural capital account has been developed to quantify natural assets, benefits, and changes over time, providing ...
A study found 3,196 poisoning events in European raptors, with scavenging birds disproportionately affected by carbofuran and aldicarb. The most commonly poisoned species was the Eurasian Buzzard, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts.
A systematic review of platform supply chain logistics service strategies reveals the importance of service cost and level in choosing between self-built and third-party logistics. Shared logistics sharing also offers an innovative resource-sharing model with multiple companies.
A new study reveals China's NTEs were significant sources of CH₄ and N₂O emissions between 1980 and 2020, with an accumulated GWP of 5.55 Pg CO₂-equivalent. The net warming effect is primarily driven by N₂O emissions.
Researchers mapped China's wetlands from 1980 to 2020, revealing a net loss of ~60.9 × 10^3 km^2 due to climate change and human impacts. Meanwhile, the study highlights the importance of sustainable management and conservation strategies to mitigate these losses.
A study led by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research found that tree diversity significantly enhances forest temperature buffering, particularly during heat peaks. Species-rich forests showed a greater cooling effect, up to 4.4°C stronger than single-species forests.
A new computer simulation model can help understand how extreme weather affects ecosystems and human benefits. The model suggests that a windstorm in Minnesota could lose up to 50% of its timber revenue, while recreational opportunities would also decline.
A new study from Colorado State University found that fortified corrals can reduce livestock losses due to predator attacks on nearby carnivores. The study demonstrated a beneficial spillover effect where households neighboring those with chain-link corrals also reported fewer attacks on their livestock.
A new book by Komla Dzigbede explores the ability of local governments to learn, adapt, and innovate in the face of major crises. The book analyzes disaster preparedness, response, and economic development post-disaster, offering practical lessons for local leaders.
The AGRI4POL project aims to transform agriculture into a positive force for biodiversity and crop pollination services. It will deliver an integrated analysis of the crop-farming system-pollinator interplay across biological organisation levels.
The VALOR project aims to understand the cascading impacts of pollinator shifts on ecosystems, farm businesses, and local communities. It will develop a comprehensive approach to gaining insights into the effects of pollinator changes on human well-being.
A new study from the University of Surrey, Accor, and Booking.com has identified four key ways to engage guests in sustainable travel. The report highlights the importance of clear sustainability messaging, balancing appeals to pleasure and comfort, empowering guests, and helping them act responsibly while away.
A new study estimates it would cost $15.6 billion per year for 30 years to prevent extinction for 99 of Australia's priority species, due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. The Australian Government has committed to reversing the decline of 110 priority species, but experts warn that urgent action is needed t...
A recent Hungarian study found that garden pond features such as age, area, aquatic vegetation, and shoreline vegetation influence the occurrence of animals like amphibians, odonates, and birds. The study highlights the importance of pond management practices to support biodiversity in urban areas.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.