Forest integrity is increasingly threatened by natural events exacerbated by climate change in addition to anthropogenic pressures. Photo: Bobulix Flickr Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedPhoto: Bobulix Flickr Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Crisis of forests may double climate mitigation costs

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This is the hypothesis of researchers at the Potsdam Institute. Current models overestimate the mitigation potential of forests. In this scenario, a delay in response could make the climate goals unattainable
Rocky outcrops are common in mountain ecosystems and exert a significant impact on ecosystem functions. Photo: Copyright Chris Gunns and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How rock outcrops impact soil in the mountains

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A Chinese study describes and measures the effect of outcrops on the soil. These create specific localized “hotspots” where soil functions are enhanced. Rock size amplifies effect
Three years after the Russian invasion, in addition to the inestimable human costs, the war in Ukraine continues to produce significant environmental damage. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedMinistry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How war is contributing to environmental degradation in Ukraine

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EU Commission's snapshot: conflict in Ukraine has contributed to the devastation of the land by releasing toxic elements that can cause serious health consequences
An experiment in Wales revealed how bioplastic mulches do not negatively impact soil organic matter content and have minimal effects on the bacterial community. Photo: F. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE DeedF. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE Deed

Biodegradable mulch sheets don’t reduce soil organic content

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According to a British study, the use of bioplastic biodegradable mulch sheets in agricultural soils increases yields and has no side effects in terms of carbon balance
Since they are particularly exposed to pollutants, hedgehogs provide an environmental footprint of an area's ecosystem. Photo: Charlie Marshall Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedCharlie Marshall Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Many dangerous contaminants in urban green spaces, according to hedgehogs

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Analyzing the remains of hedgehogs, researchers at Lund University found a significant presence of contaminants such as phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) as well as heavy metals and pesticides

Troubled waters: The multiple impact of the devastating floods in Europe

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Floods account for 44% of all natural disasters and cause half of deaths. 1.8 billion people are exposed to the risk. Over 30 years, the cost to the EU amounts to 170 billion euros. A unique journalistic data research has created the first pan-European database on floods over the last 10 years
Among microbes in urban spaces, there is increasing similarity among bacteria, while fungi are more resistant to homogenization. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredpxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Soil microbes react in different ways to urbanization

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An international study describes the impact on various microbial communities. Although with different responses, bacteria and fungi maintain their basic functions thus ensuring ecosystem services
In Antanarivo, Madagascar, soil extraction has been accompanied by the spread of terrace farming and resilient crops according to a study. Photo: Visiting Madagascar Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedVisiting Madagascar Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

From soil extraction new opportunities for agriculture

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The production of building materials through soil negatively impacts the landscape but also opens up new possibilities for the development of climate and flood resilient agriculture. A lesson from Madagascar
In the fields treated with three-year cropping cycle nitrogen leakage was reduced by 50 percent. Photo: Daniel Schwen Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

A more diversified rotation can halve nitrogen leakage in crops

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Nitrogen leakage can be cut in half by applying a three-year crop rotation while soil health also benefits, an American research has found
In Southeast Asian regions, agroforestry has led to a 1.08% average reduction in deforestation rate. Photo: pxhere Creative Commons CC0pxhere Creative Commons CC0

Agroforestry has reduced deforestation in Southeast Asia

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A study has measured the impact of agroforestry in the area: over 250 thousand hectares per year were saved with nearly 59 million tons of CO2 avoided

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