Articles for tag: Climate Change

Wetland. Climate change

Can the Restoration of Wetlands Help Mitigate Climate Change Effects?

Annette Uy

Wetlands are unique ecosystems characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, supporting distinctive plant and animal life. They include marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens, found across the globe in various climates. These ecosystems are highly productive, providing crucial habitats for a diverse range of species, maintaining water quality, regulating floods, and supporting ...

Thunderstorm with lightning.

The Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife and What Can Be Done

Jan Otte

Climate change, an accelerating global phenomenon, is profoundly impacting wildlife across the planet. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are radically transforming ecosystems, endangering species, and challenging the survival of countless forms of life. Understanding these impacts and exploring mitigation strategies is vital for preserving biodiversity. Shifting Habitats As ...

wildfire

How Fire Helps Maintain Healthy Ecosystems

Linnea H, BSc Sociology

Fire is often viewed as a destructive force, but in the natural world, it plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. This paradox is at the heart of understanding how fire interacts with various components of the environment. While wildfires can cause devastation to human communities and wildlife, controlled and natural fires can foster ...

Seagrass bed in an aquarium.

How Lab-Grown Habitats Mimic Nature for Research

Jan Otte

Lab-grown habitats are artificially created environments designed to mimic natural ecosystems. These controlled settings are pivotal in scientific research, allowing scientists to study ecosystems and animal behaviors in a stable, environment that is easily replicated. As concerns about biodiversity loss and environmental changes mount, these habitats are increasingly vital for research and conservation efforts. The ...

Tuolumne Meadows female bear and cubs. Credit: Irene Reti

10 Everyday Actions You Can Take to Help Save Wildlife

Wildlife conservation is a collective responsibility that starts with individual action. Protecting the planet’s incredible biodiversity requires us to adopt sustainable habits, support conservation initiatives, and raise awareness about the challenges facing wildlife and their habitats. This article explores practical and impactful ways you can contribute to preserving the natural world, ensuring future generations inherit ...

Bee on dandelion flower

The Role of Bees in Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Health

Jan Otte

Bees, often recognized for their role in pollination, are integral to maintaining the health and resilience of ecosystems worldwide. As climate change poses increasing threats to biodiversity and natural systems, understanding the critical functions bees perform can help us devise strategies to bolster ecological resilience. This article explores the multifaceted roles that bees play in ...

aerial view of plain and road

As the Planet Warms, a Silent Epidemic Is Taking Root in the Fields

Suhail Ahmed

The story begins in the soil, where heat now hangs longer each year and moisture arrives at the wrong time. Farmers are seeing familiar crops look strangely tired, as if a quiet fever has moved through the rows. Scientists call it a surge in plant pathogens and pests reshaped by climate, but on the ground ...

Polar bear on ice

How Animals Are Adapting to Climate Change

Jan Otte

Climate change is transforming ecosystems worldwide, forcing species to adapt in order to survive. Whether due to shifting temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, or changing food supplies, animals are responding to these climate-induced changes in intriguing and sometimes unexpected ways. This article explores the fascinating strategies that different animal species are employing to cope with a ...

Common Vampire Bat

Vampire Bats Are Migrating North Into The USA

The migration of vampire bats towards the north, potentially making the United States their new habitat, is a significant ecological event. This movement, primarily driven by climate change, has been linked to an increase in rabies cases in Latin America, drawing attention to the potential risks and challenges it poses for wildlife management and public ...

people gathered outside buildings holding Climate Justice Now signage

The Challenges of Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing Climate

Annette Uy

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems they form is essential for ecosystem stability, human survival, and cultural heritage. However, it faces unprecedented threats, particularly from climate change. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, ecosystems are being disrupted, endangering countless species. This article explores the challenges ...