Articles

Many bird species need human structures like old barns and houses to build their nests. Their populations are declining as villages modernize, but this modernization improves rural quality of life and energy efficiency. Avoiding the unnecessary choice between rural development and wildlife conservation will require innovative approaches.

New research suggests that rising temperatures cause more premature births, especially among Black mothers. To address the impacts of rising heat, policy makers must address the inequalities that put certain groups at higher risk of heat exposure. 

Tropical dry forests are among the most threatened biomes in the world, but are often overlooked while creating conservation plans and protected areas. Conserving these forests can protect thousands of species that are only found in these regions and support the livelihoods of millions of people.

Many coffee-growing regions of the world may become unsuitable as temperatures rise. Cocoa is a viable alternative, but only if farmers improve the resilience of agroforestry systems that support its production.

Justin Farrell, associate professor of sociology at the Yale School of the Environment, spent 5 years studying the increasing wealth, economic disparity, and environmental change in Teton County, Wyoming. In his book Billionaire Wilderness, released March 2020, Farrell shows how the ultra-wealthy use the natural environment to their advantage in this elite corner of his home state.

Land conservation relies heavily on data to determine where protection should occur. But sharing data is not a common practice among land conservation groups. A new study investigates the reasons why some groups choose to share data with others and how this could change our perception of where land conservation occurs in the United States.

Researchers have identified a surprising source of the majority of California’s concentrated methane emissions: landfills. Oil and gas producers and dairy operations are the state’s other two major sources of this powerful greenhouse gas. Identifying the facilities that emit the most methane can help California take action.

As the U.S. water supply system infrastructure approaches the end of its life, drinking water supplies are increasingly at risk from contamination, supply interruptions, and shortages. In the face of population growth and climate change, it is vital to start considering how to approach a system-wide overhaul. 

When there is a bust in the wildlife trade, those animals must be returned home. But in a changing climate, where should that be? A new study examines the impact of rising temperatures in Brazil on habitat suitability for trafficked birds to inform future wildlife management strategies

As climate change worsens, greater tree mortality across the globe will pose an increasing wildfire threat. New mapping approaches could help manage this risk.

A new study sheds light on the relationship between food, water, and trade flows. It highlights the necessity of system-wide changes and adaptations to address climate change impacts.

Research shows a positive link between nature and mental health. A new study expands on this concept by using smartphones to prompt participants to record their interactions with nature and reveals implications for optimizing city planning for urban greenspace.

There is a big chance that the hamburger you ate for lunch – and even the soy-based alternative – is linked to deforestation in the tropics. A recent study tracked carbon emissions in exported food to provide valuable insights on the link between tropical deforestation and the climate impacts of the food we eat.

Species diversity of underwater plants is frequently used as a proxy for water quality. But what can the structural layout of underwater plants tell us about the aquatic system? Scientists investigate the connection between complex underwater plant growth and thriving aquatic organism communities, which has implications for biologists, waterfront landowners, and decision makers.