Tropical forests account for more than 50 per cent of the earth's global carbon sink but are threatened by climate change. Photo: Peter Prokosch Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Heat and drought drive carbon loss in tropical forests

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A warmer and drier climate will impact the carbon balance of forests in the future, says a US study. The phenomenon will accelerate the loss of the oldest element and reduce the supply of the new one
Soil bacteria and microbes work together to thrive in different soil pH levels. Photo: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - PNNL Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPacific Northwest National Laboratory - PNNL Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Soil bacteria survive by cooperating with each other

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With gene sequencing, researchers at Ohio State University have shown how bacteria cooperate to thrive in environments characterised by different pH levels
In California the rate of erosion after post-fire floods increased between 3.5 and 4.6 times. Photo: Tomwsulcer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedTomwsulcer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

In California, fires and subsequent floods accelerate erosion

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According to a study by the US Geological Survey, erosion on California coasts is closely linked to extreme weather events enhanced by progressive climate change
Despite being responsible for less than 4% of global carbon emissions, Africa is highly exposed to climate change. Photo: Viktor Pinčuk Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedViktor Pinčuk Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

The price of climate change is getting higher for Africa

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Climate change impacts Africa's agriculture and food security. High costs and insufficient investment remain the biggest problems, latest report by the UN Development Programme has found
In addition to combating pathogens and promoting biodiversity, rice cultivation reduce land subsidence. Photo: Damien Boilley Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedDamien Boilley Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Rice cultivation helps protect soil health

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Cultivating rice in sugarcane fields protects soil moisture and counteracts pathogens. From Florida, the story of a successful agricultural practice
Absorption of microplastics can reduce the efficiency of photosynthesis in wild service trees by almost a third. Photo: Andrew Dunn Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Andrew Dunn Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Nanoplastics reduce photosynthesis capacity in trees

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A Swiss study clarifies the dynamics of nanoplastic uptake in trees. While quantifying the impact of the phenomenon on the effectiveness of photosynthesis
14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are classified as PFAS, a compound type that poses a danger to the environment and human health. Photo: CGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedCGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Pesticides in the US are still full of PFAS

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The data of the first study on the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in US pesticides. According to two US organisations, 14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are PFAS
New instruments are being developed in Missouri to detect soil nutrients quickly, reliably and inexpensively. Photo: pxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deedpxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

US researchers test a sensor to assess nutrient loss

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A research project at the University of Missouri describes the potential of a new instrument to detect the presence of phosphorous- and nitrogen-based nutrients in the soil. An innovation that would pave the way for a more sustainable use of fertilisers
By applying the most suitable forest restoration system in each location, 31.4 billion tonnes of CO2 could be sequestered globally. Photo: Neb Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPhoto: Neb Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Mixed forest regeneration optimises carbon sequestration

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An American study quantifies the efficiency of different forest regeneration methods. By applying the most cost-effective system for each location, around 10 billion tonnes more CO2 can be sequestered at the same cost
About one third of the desert areas in China where a solar park had been built experienced vegetation recovery. Photo: Planet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPlanet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Are China’s solar parks a viable tool against desertification?

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In China, the expansion of photovoltaic installations is reportedly helping to combat desertification. An interesting hypothesis given the scale of the problem. But the issue is still controversial

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