Articles tagged with Ecosystem Services
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that sanitation systems can recover resources such as nutrients, water, and organic material, which can be used to improve ecosystem services. These services include water purification, nutrient cycling, food provisioning, and climate regulation, among others.
Researchers are calling for a shift in river management to prioritize long-term risk assessment and adaptive management. The current tools are no longer effective due to increasing climatic uncertainty, and new models must be able to anticipate future shocks and manage biodiversity.
Biodiversity expert Dr. Díaz emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living organisms, stressing that land use changes pose the greatest threat to biodiversity. She advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and praises her team's efforts in developing a comprehensive understanding of ecosystems.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that older forests are less vulnerable to climate change, particularly for carbon storage, timber production, and biodiversity. The research analyzed 18,500 forest plots across the eastern US and Canada, identifying priority regions for forest climate adaptation efforts.
The ESMERALDA project has generated research insights and practical solutions on ecosystem service mapping and assessment. The open science collection shares tested methods, collected datasets, and case study experience directly applicable to practical situations.
Researchers argue that preserving rare species can have a direct positive impact on human life, from restoring food sources like bluefin tuna to storing airborne carbon in giant sequoias. This new understanding is crucial for conservation decisions under climate change, shifting focus to future benefits rather than current conditions.
In April 2016, a mass mortality event occurred in two bat species in Cambodia due to extreme heat. The investigation suggests that the heat stress hypothesis is consistent with clinical signs and gross pathology findings.
Researchers found that rural-specific resources are not widely used in introducing innovation, but migrants who use pre-existing contacts and build on previous life experiences are most innovative. Policies should support diversification and acknowledge differences within rural communities.
Researchers found that eliminating digital waste, such as avoiding sending images to users who only listen to audio, could reduce YouTube's carbon footprint by 100-500Kt CO2e. The study suggests that Sustainable Interaction Design has potential to offer more carbon savings than current strategies.
Invasive alien tree Prosopis juliflora has had devastating effects on the Afar Region of north eastern Ethiopia, causing losses in ecosystem service values estimated at US $602 million. The study found that the weed spread rapidly, leading to a decline in grassland and bush-shrub-woodland areas.
A new study from Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab found that providing low-income immigrants with free access to application assistance boosts naturalization rates. The gentlest kind of nudge—simple, well-placed information—most effectively targets those who are less educated and have lower incomes.
A new study found that small-scale land use can significantly improve biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, even with minimal non-crop habitat.
Thousands of migrant agricultural workers have died in Italy due to exploitation, with many facing poor working conditions, low pay, and lack of access to basic services. The doctors' call for action aims to address these issues and promote fair treatment for these vulnerable workers.
Professor Sandra Myrna Díaz, a renowned expert in biodiversity and ecosystem ecology, has been awarded the 2019 Gunnerus Award in Sustainability Science. Her groundbreaking research emphasizes the importance of understanding biodiversity's role in shaping ecosystems and human development.
The program allows existing property owners to buy up to two vacant residential lots on their blocks for $1 each. Residents report increased feelings of investment and pride in their community, as well as reduced crime and improved social interaction.
Researchers discovered that growing littoral zone species like arrow arum, blue-eyed grass, golden club, and lemon bacopa using standard containers, substrates, and controlled-release fertilizer can provide high-quality plants with good growth. These methods can benefit large-scale plant production and bolster ecosystem improvements.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that men and women value ecosystem services differently, with implications for sustainable development goals. The research, led by Professor Katrina Brown, identified how cultural and traditional gender roles influence resource use and management.
A new book review clarifies the rewilding concept as an adaptive approach to regaining wildness in degraded ecosystems. The authors highlight similarities and differences between methods and discuss how they work in practice.
A decade-long analysis of bee activity in New York apple orchards reveals decreased pollination services with agricultural activity; Phylogenetic diversity is a better gauge of pollinator services than standard approaches.
A recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists evaluated the economic viability of PES programs in the PCW, finding that reforestation efforts have a significant impact on ship transits and dry-season water flow. The researchers also identified market clearing equilibriums for such programs, highlighting their pot...
A study reveals that introducing a parasitic wasp to control the cassava mealybug can reduce crop losses, restore farm profitability, and slow deforestation. The approach provides a sustainable solution for tackling invasive species, promoting biodiversity conservation and profitable farming.
A recent study by University of Wyoming researchers analyzed the feasibility of eco-friendly land management practices to improve Panama Canal water flow and reduce erosion. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that offering contracts to private farmers could increase dry-season water flow, but market supply and scalability are li...
University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yu Zhang has earned a $515,565 grant from NOAA to develop a method that combines inputs from the joint polar satellite system with the National Water Model. The goal is to enhance snow product accuracy and predict spring melt and runoff more effectively.
A new study finds that the Boston Harbor cleanup was economically justifiable, with an estimated value of restored ecosystem services between $30 and $100 billion. The analysis highlights the importance of considering the environmental value of an area post-cleanup rather than pre-cleanup.
A study by an international research group found that diverse and old forests are best able to perform multiple ecosystem services, including regulating climate and storing carbon. Foresters should focus on specific forest attributes to promote desired services, as no single 'perfect forest' exists.
Demand for bioenergy to reduce CO2 emissions could lead to a 10-30 fold increase in green energy-related land use, putting pressure on habitats and species diversity. Safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity is key to mitigating climate change, with reforestation being four times more effective than bioenergy crops.
A new Stanford-led study supports a conservation approach that focuses broadly on ecoregions, providing evidence that these regions meaningfully divide plant and animal communities. This opens a path to more affordable and effective protection of little-known species and valuable natural services.
Researchers aim to combat white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungus affecting bat populations, by exploring the use of ultra-violet light to clean cave environments. The study, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, could potentially enhance bat survival rates, supporting critical ecosystem services.
A new study found that primary tropical forests contain more biodiversity and carbon than even mature regenerating forests. Secondary forests, on the other hand, can still play a vital role in biodiversity conservation and carbon storage, with some areas recovering to over 80% of levels found in undisturbed primary forests.
UTIA Chancellor Tim Cross has been recognized for his exceptional service as an Extension educator and leader. He received the 2018 Distinguished Service Ruby Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, honoring his contributions to Extension and outreach work.
The ESMERALDA MAES Explorer is an online tool that helps EU member states map and assess ecosystems and their services. The platform provides practical guidance to policymakers, scientists, and businesses on implementing ecosystem services mapping.
The Francis Crick Institute will run a new accelerator programme called KQ Labs to support data-driven biomedical start-ups, providing £40,000 each to ten companies to validate their proposals. The programme is part of a growing ecosystem around King's Cross, Euston and Bloomsbury.
Climate change could lead to sweeping global landscape changes, threatening biodiversity and vital services like water security and carbon storage. The study used fossil records of vegetation change to project future ecosystem transformations under various greenhouse gas emissions scenarios.
A study using paleoecological records suggests that Earth's terrestrial ecosystems are at risk of major transformation under most aggressive climate scenarios. The analysis reveals that a post-glacial warming of 4-7° Celsius was sufficient to drive changes in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide.
A study by the University of Liverpool identified 31 ecosystem services provided by marine biodiversity, including seafood, raw materials, and natural flood defences. The research highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity to maintain these essential services.
A study in Honduras found that combining conditional payments with investment in schools and clinics leads to better educational and labor market outcomes. The research suggests that this approach can have a transformative impact on individuals' lives.
The University of Texas at Arlington's TMAC has been awarded $6.6 million to help small and mid-sized manufacturing firms develop or improve products, processes, and human capital. Over the last decade, TMAC has served over 2,100 customers, saving them more than $1.2 billion in costs and retaining or generating over 35,000 jobs.
A new study reveals that Indigenous Peoples have ownership, use and management rights over at least 38 million square kilometers of land. This land is spread across 87 countries and overlaps with about 40% of all terrestrial protected areas.
A Penn State economist is leading a three-year study on innovation in rural communities, focusing on how to support rural entrepreneurs. The researchers aim to capture data on overlooked innovations and explore connections between innovation and export capacity.
A recent study reveals that giant panda conservation has a substantial economic value, with estimates suggesting the reserves provide $2.6-6.9 billion per year in ecosystem services. The research suggests that expanding these reserves and investments in natural capital could be a worthwhile strategy for conservation.
A recent study reveals that giant panda conservation provides significant ecosystem services, including provisioning, regulation, and cultural benefits, worth ~ $2.6-6.9 billion annually. The cost-benefit ratio is approximately 10-27 times the conservation investment, highlighting the value of investing in panda conservation.
A new study from the University at Buffalo reveals that households in Nairobi's slums receive inferior household services and pay higher rent compared to formal settlements. The double-jeopardy situation highlights the need for significant public financing or combined public-private investments to address housing and infrastructure gaps.
Regions with sharp declines in flying insects also experience high levels of light pollution, suggesting a link between artificial light and insect population declines. Light pollution can disrupt natural behavior, cause genetic exchange limitations, and impact ecosystem services like pollination.
University of Queensland researchers recommend diverse, ambitious and area-specific conservation targets to support critical services that nature provides. The current 17% target is insufficient to protect all species and provide benefits to humanity.
Researchers argue that current conservation targets are insufficient to support critical ecosystem services. They propose area-specific targets for retaining important natural systems to safeguard humanity.
Researchers found that agricultural intensification rarely leads to positive results for ecosystem services and human wellbeing. The study suggests that only a minority of existing studies present evidence for 'win-win' cases, and even these lack impact on key regulating services.
The ESA Annual Meeting explores how extreme events challenge populations, communities, and ecosystems, as well as human health and living conditions. The meeting delves into topics such as pastoralism in the 21st century, drought resilience and recovery, and coastal ecological resilience and climate change adaptation.
Researchers found that a shade-tree cover of approximately 30% has a predominantly positive effect on cocoa plants, maintaining maximum soil moisture and keeping pests and diseases in check. This amount of shade also increases animal and plant species, carbon sequestration, and cooling effects on temperature.
A global temperature increase of 2°C would double risks for plants, animals, and insects, leading to widespread biodiversity loss. If left unchecked, warming could trigger systemic ecological simplification, threatening ecosystem services crucial for human well-being.
Seong-Hoon Cho, a UTIA researcher, will spend six months in South Korea designing the country's framework for forest carbon sequestration payments. The project aims to optimize risk/reward trade-offs and encourage forest carbon sequestration through innovative economics and finance modeling.
A new system called MAPHEX can remove almost all phosphorus from stored livestock manure, addressing a major environmental issue in the US. The technology could have a huge impact on water quality problems if made more affordable to operate.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found that members of the public are more willing to pay for improved water quality than other ecosystem services. Participants in a nationwide survey consistently preferred higher monthly payments for water quality improvements over flood control and habitat protection.
Rare amphibian species on rocky plateaux in western India are threatened by erosion and disease. The research highlights the need for greater protection of these habitats to preserve the species.
A new Michigan State University study reveals that participants in payments for ecosystem services programs may become conservation martyrs due to oversimplified payment models. The research highlights the importance of considering opportunity costs at the beginning and monitoring benefits over time to ensure participant well-being.
The US has seen significant improvements in air and water quality since the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts were enacted in the 1970s. Long-term monitoring programs have tracked declines in pollutants like sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and lead, leading to benefits for human health, economies, and environments.
750 world experts will finalize landmark reports on biodiversity, nature's contributions, and land degradation, providing unprecedented insights into the status of global biodiversity and land quality. The reports will inform better decisions about nature and set biodiversity targets for the period after 2020.
A USDA Forest Service study projects that urban land will more than double between 2010 and 2060, affecting forest and agricultural lands. Urban forests are expected to provide billions of dollars in benefits through improved air quality, climate change mitigation, and reduced energy use.
A study by Carly Ziter found that urban green spaces provide significant ecosystem services such as carbon storage, water quality regulation, and flood mitigation. These services can be fostered through small interactions like gardening or walking in nature, promoting physical health and mental well-being.
Researchers found that attracting birds and other vertebrates to agricultural areas reduces pest damage and increases crop yields. Studies show that these natural pest control methods can be effective in reducing pesticide use and improving the environment.
Researchers have developed a new method that can accurately estimate biodiversity at a global scale, up to 10 orders of magnitude. The study used the 1999 Great Britain Countryside Survey dataset and tested over a dozen methods, with one model providing estimates within 10% of the true value.