climate adaptation
A new satellite system could revolutionize wildlife tracking
Scientists are on the brink of launching a satellite-based system to monitor animal migrations, endangered species, and global changes through thousands of tiny tracking devices.
In short:
- The ICARUS project, conceived by ornithologist Martin Wikelski, aims to create an "internet of animals" by attaching solar-powered tracking devices to wildlife and monitoring them via satellites.
- The system will launch in 2025, using low-cost CubeSats, providing data on animal movements and environmental conditions, crucial for understanding global change.
- The initiative promises to democratize ecological research, enabling more scientists to study animal behaviors and migrations with detailed, accessible data.
Key quote:
“These tags are so smart, they can tell us if a female is nesting and if the clutch disappears. Then we can link individuals to populations and understand the drivers of change.”
— Martin Wikelski, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior
Why this matters:
This groundbreaking technology offers a transformative approach to preserving the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. This tech-savvy approach could be our best bet in safeguarding biodiversity and, by extension, our own future. Read more: Winged Warnings: Built for survival, birds in trouble from pole to pole.
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London's Royal Botanical Gardens faces major tree loss due to climate change
Kew Gardens could lose over half of its tree species by 2090 due to climate change, a new study warns.
In short:
- Kew Gardens lost 400 trees during the 2022 drought, prompting a study on future climate risks.
- More than 50% of Kew’s tree species are vulnerable to dying as London’s climate is predicted to resemble Barcelona’s by 2050.
- Kew’s succession plan includes replacing at-risk trees with drought-tolerant species from hotter climates.
Key quote:
“By focusing on resilience and adaptability we hope to show it is possible to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change in both urban spaces and gardens such as Kew.”
— Richard Barley, director of gardens at Kew.
Why this matters:
Imagine the iconic Kew Gardens, a sanctuary of global flora, transforming into a somber reminder of our environmental neglect. The potential loss of these trees isn't just about losing greenery; it's about the ripple effect on biodiversity, air quality and the overall health of our planet. Read more: Respect the elderly: Saving cities’ oldest trees.
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A global push to develop climate-resistant coffee
An international partnership is driving innovative coffee breeding to protect coffee farmers from the impacts of climate change.
In short:
- Arabica coffee, the most consumed coffee species, is highly vulnerable to climate change, risking significant drops in production by 2050.
- Innovea, led by World Coffee Research, is developing climate-resilient coffee varieties through global collaboration, aiming to help farmers like those in Kenya.
- The project combines traditional breeding with genetic technology to create high-yield, disease-resistant coffee plants.
Key quote:
“The idea is to identify the genes we’re looking for and move on with those plants instead of others.”
— Jane Cheserek, lead breeder at Kenya’s government-run Coffee Research Institute
Why this matters:
Innovea is driving a cutting-edge experiment aimed at creating the climate-proof coffee of the future. This isn't just about preserving your daily caffeine fix; it's about safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of farmers worldwide while protecting our environment. Read more: Alexa White on supporting small-scale farmers.
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Newsletter
A new approach to rainwater management: Amsterdam's blue-green roofs
Amsterdam is leading a global trend in smart, climate-adaptive rooftops that capture rainwater to reduce flooding and provide water for residents.
In short:
- Amsterdam has more than 45,000 square meters of blue-green roofs, designed to capture and store rainwater for later use.
- The blue-green roofs have layers that collect water for building residents to use for watering plants and flushing toilets.
- The Resilio project, using specialized software, is modeling the impact of these roofs to help predict and manage flooding.
Key quote:
“Our philosophy in the end is not that on every roof, everything is possible, but that on every roof, something is possible.”
— Kasper Spaan, policy developer for climate adaptation at Waternet
Why this matters:
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms, innovative water management solutions like blue-green roofs can significantly reduce flooding while providing sustainable water resources to urban communities. Read more: Embracing rainwater through green infrastructure.
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New studies reveal genetic adaptations in California birds
Two studies reveal how genetic changes in bird populations in California respond to environmental threats, highlighting the potential for adaptation and the risks of genetic dilution.
In short:
- The southwestern willow flycatcher has developed genetic traits for heat tolerance in response to changing climate conditions, although its population is still declining.
- Savannah sparrows face the dilution of their salt-tolerant adaptations due to gene flow from inland birds, threatening their ability to survive in saltmarsh environments.
- Both studies underline the importance of natural history collections in understanding and addressing these environmental challenges.
Key quote:
“These genetic changes are imperceptible to the human eye ... [but] we were able to identify several genes that are likely involved in heat tolerance and the birds’ ability to effectively dissipate heat in humid environments.”
— Sheela Turbek, postdoctoral fellow at Colorado State University
Why this matters:
Understanding genetic adaptations to environmental changes helps inform conservation efforts, enabling scientists to safeguard species facing increasingly rapid shifts due to climate change. Read more: Climate change creates camouflage confusion in winter-adapted wildlife.
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Top Story
Rising sea levels pose new challenges for southern US coasts
A rapid increase in sea levels across the southern U.S. is compelling coastal communities to adapt to unprecedented environmental changes.
Chris Mooney, Brady Dennis, Kevin Crowe, and John Muyskens report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Tide gauges from Texas to North Carolina show a sea level rise of at least 6 inches since 2010, mirroring the previous half-century's rise.
- The region faces multiple secondary effects, such as failing septic systems and higher insurance rates, alongside increased flooding.
- Local efforts to adapt are underway, including infrastructure enhancements and federal funding initiatives to mitigate future risks.
Key quote:
“Storm water flooding is getting worse and is unsustainable. Almost all our systems are gravity fed, and they were built out a long time ago.”
— Renee Collini, director of the Community Resilience Center at the Water Institute
Why this matters:
Persistent, inexorable sea level rise challenges existing infrastructure and increases risks by, among other things, contaminating water supplies and limiting access to essential services. Read more: Severe flooding increasingly cutting people off from health care.
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Silence of the natural world signals a biodiversity crisis
Studies reveal that natural soundscapes are diminishing due to loss of species and ecosystem degradation.
In short:
- Ecoacoustics research indicates a global reduction in the natural sounds of ecosystems due to declining species diversity and abundance.
- Declines in the diversity and intensity of natural sounds have been documented across North America and Europe over the past 25 years.
- Experts emphasize that sounds like bird calls and insect hums are vanishing, warning of "acoustic fossils" if protective measures are not taken.
Key quote:
"The changes are profound. And they are happening everywhere."
— Bernie Krause, U.S. soundscape recordist
Why this matters:
The disappearance of natural sounds not only signifies a loss of biodiversity but also marks a concerning trend in environmental health, affecting global ecosystems and human wellbeing. Read more: The health of wildlife is inseparable from our own.
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