biodiversity
Newsletter
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Canada’s 2023 wildfires released more carbon than nearly all countries
Wildfires that burned through Canada’s boreal forests in 2023 emitted more carbon dioxide than most countries, raising concerns about the future of global carbon storage.
In short:
- The 2023 Canadian wildfires emitted more carbon than all but three countries, complicating climate models.
- Boreal forests, vital for carbon storage, may no longer regrow as they used to due to frequent intense fires.
- Extreme weather, driven by climate change, is making catastrophic wildfires like these more common.
Key quote:
“These so-called flash droughts can really change things rapidly. It dried up real quick, real quick, and then you had lightning at the absolute worst time imaginable.”
— Marc-André Parisien, senior researcher, Canadian Forest Service
Why this matters:
As climate change accelerates, forests that once absorbed carbon may now contribute to global warming. This shift could worsen climate predictions, making it harder to limit global temperature rise.
Related EHN coverage:
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Villagers in Zimbabwe dig riverbeds for water as drought worsens
Severe drought in Zimbabwe is forcing residents to dig into dry riverbeds to find water, as nearly 70 million people across southern Africa face food and water shortages.
In short:
- Residents in northern Zimbabwe are digging into dry riverbeds to extract water, with rivers and dams in the region depleted.
- Food scarcity is worsening; hospital admissions for malnourished children have doubled since June.
- A local feeding program for children is struggling due to dwindling food supplies and limited rainfall.
Key quote:
"As you can see, the cattle are drinking from the same pit as us. Their urine is right there... it is not very healthy. I have never seen anything like this."
— Gracious Phiri, a mother of five
Why this matters:
With millions facing hunger and water shortages, the crisis in Zimbabwe highlights the urgent need for international aid and sustainable solutions to combat the effects of climate change in southern Africa.
Be sure to read Peter Dykstra’s piece: Of water and fever.
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Carvalho aims to investigate former head of seabed mining agency
Leticia Reis de Carvalho, soon to lead the U.N. International Seabed Authority, plans to investigate her predecessor, Michael Lodge, for alleged corruption as she takes over the agency overseeing deep-sea mining for EV battery metals.
In short:
- Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer, will become the first woman and scientist to lead the International Seabed Authority in January.
- She intends to investigate Michael Lodge, the outgoing Secretary-General, following allegations of mismanagement and improper relations with mining contractors.
- Carvalho aims to develop a mining code by the end of 2025 while ensuring transparency and neutrality in the agency.
Key quote:
“If I am to be neutral and professional, I need to get to know if there [was] corruption … in the relationship of the secretary-general with contractors.”
— Leticia Reis de Carvalho, incoming ISA Secretary-General
Why this matters:
Deep-sea mining could provide critical minerals for EVs, but concerns over environmental impacts and governance have escalated. Ensuring transparent management is crucial as regulations are developed.
Related: Humans may start mining the deep sea despite limited knowledge
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Wildfires devastate Brazil’s Pantanal, threatening rare species
Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands are being ravaged by record wildfires, endangering countless animals, including vulnerable species like jaguars and giant anteaters.
In short:
- The Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, is burning due to severe droughts and climate change.
- The fires have killed or injured many animals, including rare jaguars and hyacinth macaws.
- Scientists fear the damage to the ecosystem may be irreversible if the fires continue.
Key quote:
“We’re watching the biodiversity of the Pantanal disappear into ash. It’s being burned to a crisp.”
— Gustavo Figueirôa, biologist, SOS Pantanal
Why this matters:
The Pantanal is one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. Its destruction could lead to the extinction of several species and the loss of an irreplaceable natural environment.
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Federal grant requirements overwhelm coastal tribes trying to adapt to climate change
Coastal tribes in the Northwest are struggling to secure federal grants essential for climate adaptation, often bogged down by excessive paperwork and misaligned funding priorities.
In short:
- Northwest coastal tribes must relocate due to rising sea levels but face obstacles in securing federal funding.
- A new report highlights that grant applications are burdensome, diverting critical tribal resources from climate adaptation.
- Tribal leaders emphasize that while funding is available for planning, there’s little for infrastructure needed to implement those plans.
Key quote:
“There’s so many lessons there for other kinds of communities who are going to have to face these same issues in the coming years, and the tribes are doing it first.”
— Meade Krosby, senior scientist at UW
Why this matters:
Coastal tribes are among the first to face the harsh realities of climate change. Their struggle to secure necessary funding not only endangers their communities but also offers vital lessons for future climate adaptation efforts.
Read more:
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Credit: Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr
The world may be losing its tiny pollinators
Insects are disappearing globally, and while data is difficult to parse, the loss threatens ecosystems and food production.
In short:
- Insect populations are declining due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use, raising concerns about pollination and food security.
- Despite the alarming trends, data on insect decline is inconsistent, making it hard to gauge the full extent of the problem.
- Volunteer-led initiatives and studies suggest that the issue is serious, with some insect populations down by over 75% in certain regions.
Key quote:
“We could not feed the global human population without pollinators.”
— Dave Goulson, professor of biology at the University of Sussex
Why this matters:
While we might cheer the absence of mosquitoes on a summer night, the bigger picture is alarming. Without these tiny powerhouses, our food systems, natural environments, and even human health could take a serious hit. Read more: Silent Earth: Averting the insect apocalypse.
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Scientists document the global disappearance of glaciers
The melting of glaciers worldwide is accelerating, with many already gone, prompting scientists to create an inventory of these lost ice masses.
In short:
- Thousands of glaciers have vanished globally, with losses in regions including Venezuela, New Zealand and Switzerland.
- Scientists are now tracking these extinct glaciers, creating inventories to map the extent of the losses.
- Smaller glaciers may be beyond saving, even with drastic climate action, though larger glaciers might still have a chance.
Key quote:
“The end happened so fast.”
— Mauri Pelto, glaciologist at Nichols College
Why this matters:
Glacial loss signals the rapid advance of climate change, threatening water sources and ecosystems. The irreversible disappearance of smaller glaciers highlights the urgency of global climate action.
Read more: People are flocking to see melting glaciers before they're gone—bringing both benefit and harm
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