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Today only 7% of the original surface area of continental peatlands has remained intact, and their climatic boundaries are changing. Photo: SiberianJay Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedSiberianJay Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Climate change puts Europe’s last peatlands at risk

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Currently, a study has found, only 7% of continental peatlands can be considered intact. But climate pressure is increasing, and in the coming years the situation could worsen
Plants and microorganisms are essential for mobilizing phosphorus in the soil, but their effectiveness is influenced by many factors. Photo: pickpik royalty freepickpik royalty free

Plant and microorganism biodiversity increases the availability of phosphorus in the soil

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Uno studio cinese rivela i meccanismi che influenzano la capacità di mobilizzazione del fosforo. La fertilizzazione riduce la presenza di elemento assorbibile, la rigenerazione forestale la fa aumentare
Agricultural areas in 155 countries depend on forests in other countries for up to 40% of their annual rainfall. Photo: Peter Prokosch Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPeter Prokosch Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

“Forests and agriculture are not in competition,” FAO says amid COP30

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At the Climate Conference, FAO promotes integration between sectors: “Food security depends on forests; conservation and restoration are crucial actions for increasing productivity.”
A wooded area in Koli National Park in the Finnish region of North Karelia. Here, as in many other regions of Europe, nature-based solutions reduce the risk of fires and make forests more resilient. Photo: Pentti Rautio Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedPentti Rautio Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Nature-based solutions are the key to preventing wildfires in Europe

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“Nature-based solutions reduce the growing risk of wildfires and make forests more resilient to climate change,” says European Environment Agency. Agroforestry, land moisture restoration and soil regeneration are the three recommended strategies
In wetlands, diversity improves both nitrogen retention and removal processes, but has a more pronounced effect on the latter. Photo: shankar s. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: shankar s. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Plant biodiversity promotes nitrogen removal in wetlands

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Greater plant diversity is positively correlated with the process of transforming nitrites and nitrates into nitrogen gas released into the atmosphere, according to a Chinese study. This discovery could contribute to planning the restoration of wetlands
Climate change is contributing to the loss of species diversity in mountainous areas in Africa. Madagascar is among the most affected areas on the continent. Photo: Heinonlein Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedHeinonlein Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Climate change threatens mountain plant biodiversity in Africa

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Rising temperatures in Africa are driving plant species to spread at higher altitudes, a German study claims. But the process is too fast, and the risk of losing their habitat is growing as a result
The shrub woolly willow is a species that is becoming increasingly common in the barren mountains of Sweden within the Arctic tundra. Photo: Anne Bjorkman, University of Gothenburg press releaseAnne Bjorkman, University of Gothenburg press release

In the Arctic tundra, boreal plants are becoming increasingly widespread due to climate change

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A Swedish study shows the dynamics of this phenomenon. The process doesn't necessarily happen where warming is greatest but, instead, where conditions are favorable for plant growth
Favored by climate change, phenomena such as heat waves, droughts, fires, storms, and the spread of plant diseases are increasing tree mortality globally. Photo: PickPik Royalty-Free photo

Global tree mortality is getting higher. But we don’t know by how much

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Climate change increases tree mortality rates, but figures are incomplete and a global estimate is hard to make. A group of researchers explains how to harmonize data
Riconvertita in una lunga passeggiata verde, la “High Line” di New York, ex storica ferrovia urbana sopraelevata è un esempio originale di ripristino del suolo urbano attraverso il de-sealing. Foto: Dansnguyen CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Freeing up soil is possible. Experts share regeneration experiences trough de-sealing

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Soil sealing is a global problem affecting large urban centers. But new tools, explains the FAO, can now guide sustainable planning
Through microbes, the quality of soils and ecosystems could influence our relational and emotional well-being. Photo: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

How soil microbes influence our emotions

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When they come into contact with us, soil microbes can modulate key hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Australian researchers explain. This is how they influence our emotional states