Forests

A team of scientists from the U.S. and Canada has expanded the conversation about climate change and its effects on the world's ecosystems. In a study they look at a critical consequence of climate change — the potential for entire ecological systems to transition into new systems — and begin a discussion of management strategies, including whether or not we should intervene.

A new technique to improve conservation programs, known as participatory monitoring, involves collaboration between citizens, government, NGOs, and researchers to assess environmental issues. Since researchers alone might not have enough time or funding to collect adequate long term data, educating and training local people may prove to have more long term potential for conservation goals.

Tropical forests are being lost due to timber harvest and cultivation, and ecosystems are being threatened by the spread of exotic and invasive species that outcompetes native ones. A recent study shows how an exotic plant species can be beneficial in connecting forest fragments, which promotes healthy wildlife populations.