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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
Nei deserti l’impatto delle azioni antropiche ha interessato soprattutto il carbonio organico particolato nel terriccio e quello di origine microbica e vegetale nel sottosuolo. Foto: Circe Denyer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Human activity causes carbon loss in deserts

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Some human-induced disturbances cause significant carbon loss in the soil of hyper-arid environments, a Chinese study claims. Among the most impactful activities even some practices considered “sustainable” such as seasonal harvesting and irrigation
In the Niger Delta, decades of uncontrolled oil extraction have severely compromised the soil. Photo: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Soil microbes tell the story of oil contamination

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An international study has revealed how microbes can act as markers to distinguish between recent and ancient oil pollution. This overcomes the limitations of traditional chemical analysis
Frost-resistant vegetation such as mosses and lichens in Antarctica is vital for biogeochemical cycles, soil insulation, and the support of biodiversity. Photo: Rob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedRob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Hyperspectral images reveal the health status of vegetation in Antarctica

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An Australian study reveals the importance of aerial survey based on a more advanced technique to assess the health and density of vegetation in an area with limited spectral range such as Antarctica. The highest accuracy exceeds 99%
The Observatory launched by FAO aims to measure, monitor, and protect soil biodiversity on a global scale. Photo: Pixabay, published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication licensePixabay, published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license

FAO Launches the Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory

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The UN agency unveils new project to expand monitoring capacity and provide a scientific foundation for biodiversity protection and sustainable soil use
Scientists have not yet fully understood how roots develop in the soil depth. Image: Konstantinos Kourtidis Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DeedKonstantinos Kourtidis Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 Deed

Plant roots could store more carbon than previously expected at greater depths

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An American study reveals the existence of a second layer of roots developed by several plant species—often overlooked—that enables additional carbon sequestration
In the tropics, previously ignored trees result in an additional cover of nearly 400 million hectares, or 17% of the total Photo: Karina Carvalho CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed Karina Carvalho CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

The trees that weren’t there: a new map reveals previously unseen plants in the tropics

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New research reconsiders the presence of trees in tropical regions. Until now models excluded one in six plants. Thus ignoring the related ecological benefits

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