Strategies such as extending the lifespan of infrastructure and recycling waste with subsequent transformation into inputs enable urban agriculture to largely reduce its climate impact. Credit: ©2015CIAT/GeorginaSmith CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic©2015CIAT/GeorginaSmith CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Urban agriculture generates an excessive carbon footprint. Here’s how to avoid it

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Agriculture developed in urban spaces can have six times the climate impact of traditional agriculture, explains a University of Michigan study. Some tricks, however, make it possible to solve the problem
In tropical forests, lianas tend to suffocate trees by restricting their growth. Photo: Andreas Kay CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericAndreas Kay CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Lianas and climate change limit forest restoration

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In tropical forests, rising temperatures promote the spread of lianas that smother trees by limiting their growth, an Australian study says. With obvious consequences for carbon sequestration
Tropical areas are more at risk in terms of the impact of agricultural deforestation on bird biodiversity. Photo: Alyssa Crouse Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain DedicationAlyssa Crouse Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication

The impact of agricultural deforestation on biodiversity is not the same everywhere

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Some features promote the resilience of certain species to the effects of deforestation, a Peking University study has found. But biodiversity conservation is also affected by local agricultural history
The Tibetan Plateau regulates summer rainfall in southern China in part because of soil moisture. Photo: Tenace10 CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalTenace10 CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Here’s how Tibetan Plateau influences summer rainfall in northeast China

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Tibetan Plateau heat source strengthens water vapor transport leading to excessive rainfall in northeastern China
Mulching films are a potential source of microplastic pollution. Photo: François Molle/IRD CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericFrançois Molle/IRD CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Microplastics affect soil fungi according to drought conditions

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The impact of microplastics on the soil fungal community is affected by soil moisture content, a German study has found
Caribbean islands are particularly prone to flash drought. Photo: Connie Ma CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericConnie Ma CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generi

A new method for measuring flash drought in the Caribbean

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Drought is increasingly threatening Caribbean islands. If we want to measure, anticipate and mitigate its effects, a U.S. study notes, we need to rely on a new index
During flood events, cover crops reduce the release of nitrate and phosphorus from the soil. SSGT Paul Griffin Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic FilesPaul Griffin Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Cover crops are a barrier against agriculture-based pollution

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According to a U.S. study, the application of cover crops on a share of cultivated land reduces the maximum concentration of ammonia and phosphorus by more than 30 percent. Whose accumulation is favored by floods
The study analyzed changes in forest cover in the Emerald Network protected areas located in the Luhansk region, which has been under partial Russian control for the past ten years. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalState Emergency Service of Ukraine CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Forests in Ukraine are collateral victims of Russian invasion

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In Ukraine's territories under partial Russian control since 2014, the area of forests has shrunk by 25 percent. This is shown by an American research involving two institutes in Kiev
Biocrusts widely found on the Great Wall of China can slow the erosion process, thus contributing to the preservation of the structure. Photo: Peter Dowley CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericPeter Dowley CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Biocrusts protect The Great Wall of China from erosion

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Typical of arid or semi-arid expanses, soil bio-crusts are an important and undervalued natural resource. An international study has highlighted their ability to counter erosion
Irrigation absorbs 88 percent of all fresh water consumed on a global scale. Photo: USDA PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalUSDA PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal

Optimizing crop combinations can alleviate water shortages

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A study highlights how water scarcity can be solved in the U.S. six major river basins. Shifting to less water-intensive crops that still provide adequate incomes for farmers is crucial

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