An astronaut on the International Space Station took this photograph during a rare clear day over Ireland and Great Britain. The wide view captures the contrasting colors of various land cover types present across the two islands. Coastal mountains and rough terrain flank the western edge of Ireland, making the peninsulas there appear browner than the more vegetated (green) … [Read more...] about Great Britain and Ireland Show Their Colors
forests
The Boreal Forest’s Risky Impacts of Climate Change
This summer, there have been frequent heat waves across a large portion of the United States, which has increased the risk of droughts, fires, and general discomfort. The boreal forest, a distinctive ecosystem in the northern hemisphere and one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, has been affected by the heat wave as well. The boreal forest provides many diverse … [Read more...] about The Boreal Forest’s Risky Impacts of Climate Change
Healthy Communities, Healthy Forests
Protecting forests is a crucial climate change mitigation approach because they not only trap carbon but also because healthy forests may contribute to a robust food system. In a study, B. Powell, J. Hall, and T. Johns investigate the connections between Tanzanian food systems and forest ecosystems and how to safeguard both. "Over the past two decades, the field of landscape … [Read more...] about Healthy Communities, Healthy Forests
Are forests a carbon-neutral source of energy?
The time is now for forests. Forests have demonstrated their value throughout ecosystems, from protecting biodiversity to reducing flooding in cities. Some believe that because forests grow and replenish themselves, they constitute a renewable resource. However, just because a harvested forest can regenerate does not guarantee that other connected systems will do the … [Read more...] about Are forests a carbon-neutral source of energy?