Grasslands are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, regulating the Earth’s climate, and supporting local economies. They serve as habitat for many species, store significant amounts of carbon in their soils, and provide grazing land for agriculture and livestock. Grasslands are under threat from overgrazing, agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Protecting grasslands is essential for biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Governments,…
Desert plants have unique adaptations that allow them to survive in the harsh conditions of extreme temperatures, aridity, and high levels of sunlight. They reduce water loss through transpiration, store water in their tissues, and shed leaves quickly during droughts to minimize water loss. They also have a waxy layer on their leaves that reflects sunlight, hair-like structures on their…
Illegal logging is a growing concern that poses a threat to the health of the world’s jungles, damaging the environment as well as the economy and ecology. Illegal logging is conducted for many reasons and is difficult to detect and regulate, and can cause massive deforestation and displacement of local communities. Governments must enforce laws protecting forests and be held…
Conservationists are calling for urgent action to protect endangered species from an unprecedented rate of extinction. Threats include habitat destruction, climate change, pollution and over-harvesting, most of which are driven by human activity. Advocates are calling for measures such as the protection of habitat and new conservation methods, including reducing human-wildlife conflicts, addressing climate change, implementing sustainable practices, and strengthening…
A winter storm with strong winds and heavy snow has hit the north-eastern United States causing power outages and travel disruptions. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and other states in the region were hit hard, with up to a foot of snow and gusting winds over 50mph. The storm caused school closures and many businesses to be impacted by the…
The 2020 hurricane season has been one of the most active and destructive in recent history, with record-breaking numbers of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes causing extensive damage to regions already affected by COVID-19, economic turmoil, and racial injustice. The Gulf Coast, Caribbean, Central America, and Northeast U.S. were among the hardest-hit areas. The season has exposed gaps and…
Experts are predicting record-breaking snowfall for the upcoming winter season in the United States, driven by the La Nina global weather phenomenon. While winter sports enthusiasts may rejoice, heavy snowfall can have disruptive effects on everyday life, including school closures, power outages, and difficulties commuting. Heavy snowfall can also cause infrastructure problems and collapse roofs. Experts advise preparing for potentially…
Experts are warning of dire consequences as the solar minimum, a period of low sunspot activity that could result in cooler global temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events, takes hold. Increased crop failures and food shortages, as well as famines in some locations, could result. The phenomenon has been associated with a decrease in the sun’s magnetic field…
Mosquitoes have evolved various strategies to survive and thrive in urban areas despite the pollution and human activity. Some of the ways they have adapted include daytime biting, using artificial containers found in urban areas for egg laying, and a lowered requirement for bird host immune protection. Mosquito bites can cause serious diseases such as Dengue, Zika virus, West Nile,…
A recent study by the University of Exeter has shown how crucial birds are to our ecosystem. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between birds, insects, and plants from different regions and found that birds play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling insect populations and spreading plant seeds. In addition to their importance for pollination, seed dispersal,…