ecosystem
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Farmers' revolt in Europe questions future of agriculture and politics
As Europe's farmers grapple with the dual pressures of stringent environmental regulations and economic hardship, their protests signal a deeper crisis in the continent's agricultural heartlands and political arenas alike.
In short:
- European farmers, burdened by regulations and rising costs, are leaving agriculture, leading to a significant cultural and economic shift.
- Protests against environmental regulations are reshaping the political landscape, with the far-right capitalizing on farmer grievances.
- The debate highlights the challenge of balancing sustainability with the economic realities of farming, amid concerns over competition and subsidy reductions.
Key quote:
“There’s no point talking about farm practices that help save the environment, if farmers cannot make a living. Ecology without an economy makes no sense.”
— Arnaud Rousseau, head of the FNSEA, France’s largest farmers’ union
Why this matters:
European farmers have been voicing their discontent through widespread protests across the continent, responding to a variety of regulations and economic pressures that they argue threaten their livelihoods and the agricultural sector's stability.
Be sure to read this EHN piece as legendary scientists weigh in on converging crises threatening future food security
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Maui's battle against post-wildfire exploitation and the rise of a land trust
In the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Maui, a community land trust aims to prevent predatory land grabs and preserve Lahaina's character.
In short:
- Following the Maui wildfires, speculators targeted survivors with offers for their destroyed properties, threatening the historic town of Lahaina's future.
- The Lahaina Community Land Trust (LCLT) was established to counteract these efforts, aiming to keep lands within the community and support affordable housing.
- Despite challenges, the trust seeks to protect Lahaina's cultural heritage and prevent displacement of its residents.
Key quote:
"We're in this to stop our people being further displaced, and change the trajectory of our town and community."
— Carolyn Auweloa, Vice-President and Secretary of the LCLT
Why this matters:
In Maui, the fires not only consumed vast stretches of vegetation but also disrupted wildlife habitats, leading to a loss of biodiversity. The human toll of wildfires is equally catastrophic. The displacement of residents and the destruction of infrastructure can also have lasting psychological effects on survivors.
One of the most overlooked consequences of climate change? Our mental health.
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Arctic wildlife faces dire challenges amid record heat and ecosystem changes
The Arctic's rapid warming is causing significant shifts in ecosystems, posing severe threats to the region's wildlife.
In short:
- Arctic species are struggling to adapt to the dramatic changes in their habitats due to climate change.
- The loss of sea ice is affecting a wide range of species, from walruses to migratory birds.
- The rapid pace of these environmental changes is outstripping the ability of many species to adapt.
Key quote:
“Species can adapt over time, but they don’t have time, and ecosystems are really complicated. I’m not clear which species will prevail and where.”
— Joel Clement, Arctic climate and policy expert
Why this matters:
This situation in the Arctic is a reminder of the broader impacts of climate change on global biodiversity. It highlights the urgent need for effective climate action to mitigate these changes and protect vulnerable species.
Read: Shorebird egg theft is becoming a big problem in the Arctic. And climate change is behind it.
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Plants teach their offspring how to adapt to climate change, scientists find
Plants help their offspring adapt to climate change by passing down traits, scientists have claimed.
‘Even bankers need clean air’: Natural England chief warns Truss over threat to green rules
Liz Truss has been issued a veiled warning over new government policies by the head of Natural England, who says “even bankers need to eat, drink and inhale clean air”.
Learning more about the ocean's problems can inspire solutions
New technologies and research are helping solve problems such as plastic pollution, bycatch and ocean acidification.
Pandemic, war and climate change tug on different corners of Pittsburgh region's energy ecosystem
In year two of the pandemic, natural gas proponents were pitching LNG as a climate solution, while renewable energy companies tried to seize momentum in federal infrastructure talks. Then Russia invaded Ukraine and the energy world turned upside down.
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