biodiversity threats
Newsletter
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Wildlife struggles to survive amid rising global temperatures
As global heatwaves intensify, animals are increasingly unable to cope, leading to widespread deaths and altered behaviors.
In short:
- Extreme heatwaves are causing mass die-offs in various animal species worldwide, from howler monkeys in Mexico to Magellanic penguins in Argentina.
- Animals, such as koalas and bears, are adapting their behaviors to cope with the heat, but it is unclear if these changes are sustainable long-term.
- Birds are particularly vulnerable due to their poor cooling mechanisms, leading to significant population declines in areas like the Mojave Desert.
Key quote:
"This effect that climate change and extreme heat has on the living world really gets worse the less of the living world that we have left."
— Andreas Nord, ecologist at Lund University.
Why this matters:
The ripple effects of extreme heat extend far beyond the immediate loss of animal life. Ecosystems are being thrown out of balance, with predator-prey dynamics shifting and plant life also suffering. The same heat waves that are devastating wildlife are also a direct threat to human populations. Read more: Solving the climate crisis will help both ‘sacrifice zones’ and ‘cute’ puffins.
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Credit: Photo by Ryan Woo/CIFOR-ICRAF/Flickr
Palm oil plantations increase flood risks and water contamination in Papua
The expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesian Papua has led to increased flooding and water contamination, affecting Indigenous communities downstream.
In short:
- Oil palm plantations have replaced forests, causing a 21% increase in surface water runoff and nearly fivefold increase in flooding probability.
- Agrochemicals used in plantations have raised nitrogen and phosphorous levels in water, exceeding safe standards for human consumption.
- Indigenous communities face higher environmental and health risks due to lack of transparency and effective mitigation measures by plantation operators.
Key quote:
“The downstream Indigenous people who rely on the rivers and the streams in the watershed are highly vulnerable."
— Timothy Randhir, professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Why this matters:
The health of downstream communities is jeopardized by contaminated water and increased flooding, indicating a pressing need for stricter regulations and better management practices to protect both the environment and public health. Read more: Balancing palm oil and protected forests to conserve orangutans.
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Credit: Ross Tsai/Flickr
Bird populations in the Amazon are declining without clear cause
Bird populations in the Amazon's Yasuní Biosphere Reserve have mysteriously dropped by half over 23 years, with climate change being a potential culprit.
In short:
- The number of birds in Ecuador's Yasuní Biosphere Reserve has halved, according to a recent study.
- Researchers suspect climate change as the primary cause, despite the area being largely undisturbed by human activity.
- Similar declines have been observed in other tropical regions, indicating a broader environmental issue.
Key quote:
“There’s something called the dawn chorus, which is typical in tropical forests where lots of birds sing just before dawn. And over the last 10 years, that has just been going quieter and quieter with very few birds singing in the morning.”
— John Blake, University of Florida professor
Why this matters:
This decline in bird populations, even in pristine habitats, is indicative of the far-reaching impacts of climate change, raising alarms about the future of biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. For more, read our series, Winged Warnings: What birds are telling us about our planet's health.
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Credit: Patrick Feller/Flickr
Barge collision collapses Galveston bridge, triggers oil spill
A barge collision caused a partial collapse of a Galveston bridge, leading to an oil spill and the closure of the only road to Pelican Island.
Juan Lozano and Lekan Oyekanmi report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- A barge hit the Pelican Island Causeway Bridge, causing partial collapse and oil spillage into nearby waters.
- The accident halted access to Pelican Island and led to a cleanup effort but is not expected to cause major economic disruptions.
- The bridge, built in 1960 and rated in poor condition, was scheduled for replacement in 2025.
Key quote:
"The current was very bad, and the tide was high. He lost it."
— David Flores, bridge superintendent, Galveston County Navigation District
Why this matters:
The incident shows the risks associated with aging infrastructure and the potential environmental impact of oil spills, emphasizing the need for timely maintenance and upgrades to prevent similar occurrences. Read more: Source of pride and pollution: Balancing energy needs and community health.
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Credit: Ars Electronica/Flickr
Astronomers join the battle against climate change
Astronomers are increasingly applying their skills to address climate issues, demonstrating the versatility of their scientific expertise.
Katrina Miller and Delger Erdenesanaa report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Astronomers have observed the impact of climate change on their field, prompting some to shift their focus towards Earth-based issues.
- Initiatives like Astronomers for Planet Earth and various educational efforts highlight the community's proactive stance on environmental activism.
- Notable figures in astronomy, including former Australian chief scientist Penny Sackett, have become prominent advocates for addressing climate change.
Key quote:
“I’m still kind of angry that, because of policymakers not doing enough to stop global heating, I felt compelled to leave astrophysics and become the climate scientist.”
— Peter Kalmus, climate scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Why this matters:
The involvement of astronomers in climate science is indicative of the urgent need for diverse scientific perspectives in combating global environmental challenges. Their unique insights help illuminate the broader implications of climate change, impacting policy and public awareness on a global scale. Read more: Unconventional pathways to science, with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe.
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Credit: Klaus Stiefel/Flickr
Reevaluating the role of parasites in ecosystems
Research shows that parasites can indicate overall ecosystem health and biodiversity.
In short:
- Chelsea Wood, a parasite ecologist, highlights the often misunderstood benefits of parasites in ecosystems, using their complex interactions to argue their importance.
- Wood compares parasite roles to historical predator roles in ecosystems, noting significant parallels in their necessity for environmental balance.
- Recent studies by Wood's team show a decline in complex parasites due to climate change, raising concerns about the broader ecological impacts.
Key quote:
“In some populations, 100 percent of them are infected, and 50 percent of their biomass is parasite."— Chelsea Wood, University of Washington
Why this matters:
This research challenges our traditional view of parasites as mere pests and instead reveals their integral role in maintaining ecological balance and how their loss could signify broader environmental issues. Read more: The planet’s largest ecosystems could collapse faster than we thought.
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Credit: Wendy Miller/Flickr
New studies reveal genetic adaptations in California birds
Two studies reveal how genetic changes in bird populations in California respond to environmental threats, highlighting the potential for adaptation and the risks of genetic dilution.
In short:
- The southwestern willow flycatcher has developed genetic traits for heat tolerance in response to changing climate conditions, although its population is still declining.
- Savannah sparrows face the dilution of their salt-tolerant adaptations due to gene flow from inland birds, threatening their ability to survive in saltmarsh environments.
- Both studies underline the importance of natural history collections in understanding and addressing these environmental challenges.
Key quote:
“These genetic changes are imperceptible to the human eye ... [but] we were able to identify several genes that are likely involved in heat tolerance and the birds’ ability to effectively dissipate heat in humid environments.”
— Sheela Turbek, postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University
Why this matters:
Understanding genetic adaptations to environmental changes helps inform conservation efforts, enabling scientists to safeguard species facing increasingly rapid shifts due to climate change. Read more: Climate change creates camouflage confusion in winter-adapted wildlife.
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