Forests in Europe have seen big changes over the past 300 years. Many have turned into monocultures, with Scots pine being the top choice. This shift has brought new problems. Windthrows, droughts, fires, and insect attacks are more common. These issues don't just affect the forests. They also harm
The Atlas cedar, a tree species unique to North Africa's mountains, is facing tough times. Climate change and human activities are putting pressure on these trees, especially in the southern part of their range, the Saharan Atlas. While past studies have looked at how these forests have been affecte
Understanding how plants burn is crucial for predicting wildfires. One key factor is how much water is in the plant's leaves, known as live fuel moisture content (LFMC). This isn't just about how wet or dry the plant is. It's about how the plant handles water loss and how that affects its ability to
The Netherlands is known for its efforts in promoting a circular economy. This means the country is working hard to use resources wisely. They are doing this by making laws, offering incentives, and encouraging teamwork between the government and private companies. The goal is to use fewer raw mater
In Southeast Asia, the roar of cities is a constant companion. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) nations share a common challenge: noise pollution. A recent study dug into noise levels and laws in these countries. It compared them with standards in places like Australia, Canada, and
Minamiiwoto Island, part of the Ogasawara Islands in subtropical Japan, is a unique place. It has never been messed up by humans or invaded by foreign animals. This makes it a perfect example of how oceanic islands should work. Seabirds and land crabs play a big role in keeping the island's ecosyste
A young environmental activist from Portsmouth has been making waves in Rhode Island's coastal conservation efforts. This student has been diving deep into the world of sugar kelp, exploring its potential to clean up the ocean and even replace plastic. Her journey began with a simple observation: th
The world is facing a waste problem. Two methods stand out in handling organic waste: aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. They rely on tiny helpers, called microbes, to break down waste. These microbes work in different ways depending on what they ar
In the last decade, China has made big strides in cleaning up its outdoor air. However, there's a sneaky problem hiding right under our noses, or rather, right under our feet. The air in urban metro systems is often filled with tiny, harmful particles, and it's a problem that hasn't gotten much atte
A man in Norway had a shock when he woke up to find a huge cargo ship stuck right next to his house. Johan Helberg was fast asleep when the massive vessel, the NCL Salten, lost its way and ended up on the shore of the Trondheim Fjord. It was only when his neighbor started banging on his door that he
