biodiversity
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Bird flu's leap across species raises alarms about future pandemics
The H5N1 bird flu virus, now infecting dozens of mammal species and killing humans, signals an urgent need to address cross-species pandemics fueled by biodiversity loss and industrial farming.
In short:
- H5N1, labeled a “panzootic,” has spread to over 48 mammal species, killing wildlife like sea lions and elephant seal pups, and recently claimed its first U.S. human fatality.
- Shrinking habitats, intensified farming and climate change create conditions for infectious diseases to jump species, raising fears of future pandemics.
- Experts warn biodiversity loss and land-use changes are the biggest drivers of emerging diseases, with three-quarters of new diseases transmissible between animals and humans.
Key quote:
“It is really hard for infectious diseases to effectively stop being specialists and move over into a new species. So when that happens, it is striking and concerning.”
— Ed Hutchinson, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research
Why this matters:
The science is clear: Three-quarters of emerging diseases jump between animals and humans. Preserving habitats, rethinking agriculture and addressing climate change could all lower the risk. But without those changes, we’re flirting with disaster on a global scale.
Read more: Cutting forests and disturbing natural habitats increases our risk of wildlife diseases.
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Credit: Ira Gorelick/Pixabay
Los Angeles wildfires intensified by effects of climate pollution, study finds
A UCLA analysis suggests Los Angeles’ recent wildfires burned hotter and spread faster due to fossil fuel-driven climate change, which contributed to drier conditions and more fuel for the flames.
In short:
- The study attributes 25% of available fire fuel to climate change, though it notes the fires likely would have happened regardless.
- Southern California saw two unusually wet winters followed by a dry summer and fall, creating abundant vegetation that dried out and became fuel.
- The fires were also fueled by a rare, strong Santa Ana wind event, though researchers say these winds are not clearly linked to global warming.
Why this matters:
As climate change fuels more severe weather patterns, extreme wildfires may become harder to control, posing risks to homes and communities across fire-prone regions.
Related:
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Los Angeles communities face tough decisions as wildfires reshape the landscape
With fires continuing to devastate Los Angeles, residents face hard questions about rebuilding amid rising wildfire risks and mounting housing challenges.
In short:
- The Palisades Fire destroyed over 12,000 structures and displaced many residents, prompting discussions on wildfire-resistant rebuilding.
- Experts recommend measures like fire-resistant materials, improved landscaping and stricter building codes to prevent future fire spread.
- Some residents question rebuilding in high-risk areas, while others emphasize community resilience and new construction standards.
Key quote:
"I just thought we were safe. We’re humans, we think we’re safe, but we’re not safe. "
— Steve Yusi, former homeowner and retired teacher
Why this matters:
As climate-driven wildfires intensify, rebuilding strategies could either reduce future losses or perpetuate cycles of destruction. Strengthening fire safety measures and regulating where homes are rebuilt may help communities adapt, but tough policy decisions lie ahead.
Read more:
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Credit: Sven Lachmann/Pixabay
Severe drought in Suriname disrupts river life and worsens food and health crises
A historic drought in Suriname’s interior has dried up rivers, slowed transport and triggered food and water shortages, leaving thousands in remote villages without essential services.
In short:
- River levels in Upper Suriname have dropped so low that boat trips now take an entire day instead of hours, affecting travel, trade and emergency aid.
- Communities dependent on subsistence farming face food insecurity as crops fail and clean water sources run dry, spreading waterborne diseases.
- Experts attribute the worsening drought to climate change, deforestation and illegal gold mining, urging immediate government intervention to manage water resources.
Key quote:
“Human activities will continue to be scaled up, and forests will continue to disappear. When you add all this up, I don’t expect things to get better.”
— Prof. Sieuwnath Naipal, hydrologist
Why this matters:
The prolonged drought threatens the survival of communities that rely on river transport, clean water and agriculture. Without adequate government response, the crisis could deepen, exacerbating health, education and food insecurity in vulnerable regions.
Learn more: Climate change worsens global water cycle, driving extreme droughts and floods
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Fire retardant blankets Los Angeles neighborhoods as crews battle wildfires
Aerial tankers have coated Los Angeles-area homes, vehicles and landscapes in pink fire retardant to slow wildfire spread, though questions about environmental impact persist.
In short:
- Firefighters are using Phos-Chek, a chemical fire retardant, to control wildfires across southern California.
- The product, consisting mostly of water, fertilizer salts and coloring agents, is sprayed to slow fires by coating vegetation and depriving flames of oxygen.
- Environmental concerns have led to lawsuits, with critics citing potential harm to aquatic life and wildlife habitats.
Key quote:
“The longer the retardant dries, the more difficult it is to remove completely.”
— Perimeter, the maker of Phos-Chek
Why this matters:
The increasing use of fire retardants raises concerns about balancing wildfire containment with environmental protection. As wildfires intensify due to climate change, communities and policymakers must consider potential trade-offs between safety and ecological impacts.
Read more: We’re dumping loads of retardant chemicals to fight wildfires. What does it mean for wildlife?
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Credit: MaxSafaniuk/Big Stock Photo
Wildfires threaten drinking water as ash and chemicals pollute watersheds
Wildfires are increasingly compromising U.S. water systems, introducing toxins from burned forests and damaged infrastructure into reservoirs and household supplies.
Daniel Wolfe and Aaron Steckelberg report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Over 60% of the U.S. drinking water supply comes from forested areas vulnerable to wildfire contamination.
- Post-fire runoff containing ash, debris and dissolved organic matter can overwhelm reservoirs, increasing toxic algae blooms and water treatment challenges.
- Damaged water systems, including melted plastic pipes, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contaminating residential water supplies long after fires are extinguished.
Key quote:
“We’re destabilizing [water] systems and we don’t even know in what way and how.”
— Newsha Ajami, chief strategic development officer for research in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Labs
Why this matters:
Megafires are burning larger areas and releasing more harmful materials, straining water treatment systems and exposing millions to potential toxins. Communities must adapt by investing in fire-resilient infrastructure and proactive water safety measures to address worsening fire seasons fueled by climate change.
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Credit: Canada's World/Flickr
Gitanyow's fight for land sovereignty aims to protect salmon and glaciers
The Gitanyow First Nation in British Columbia is asserting its sovereignty through a groundbreaking court case, hoping to gain full title over its territory to combat climate change and protect salmon habitats.
In short:
- The Gitanyow First Nation is seeking Aboriginal title to its 6,200-square-kilometer territory, a legal precedent that could strengthen Indigenous governance over land and natural resources.
- Climate change has disrupted salmon spawning patterns, with warming waters causing some habitats to dwindle while others temporarily thrive.
- The nation’s Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area declaration emphasizes blending traditional knowledge with modern science to safeguard ecosystems.
Key quote:
“We hope that British Columbia and Canada will come to their senses and agree we can’t blow this another time. Let’s protect it now.”
— Joel Starlund, Gitanyow executive director
Why this matters:
Salmon are more than fish here — they’re cultural keystones, food sources and symbols of resilience. But warming waters are disrupting their lifecycles, jeopardizing both biodiversity and the Gitanyow’s way of life. By reclaiming their territory, the Gitanyow aim to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability, setting a powerful example of Indigenous-led climate action. Read more: Protecting Indigenous children means protecting water.
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