The hottest Biodiversity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

The Whale Fall Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1870 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Marine Biology Ecosystems Environmental Science Biodiversity Ecology
  1. When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, it becomes a feast for many sea creatures. This event leads to a chaotic but vital ecosystem around the whale carcass.
  2. After larger scavengers eat their fill, bacteria step in to break down the whale's body, turning it into nutrients for other life forms. This process creates a thriving community in a place that usually has little life.
  3. The cycle of life and death in the ocean shows that nothing goes to waste. Even in death, a whale can support new life for decades, reminding us that everything in nature is interconnected.

Pikas Hit the Trail

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 399 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🔬 Science Biology Ecology Evolution Climate Biodiversity
  1. Pikas are cute animals that have traveled a long way from Asia to North America over millions of years. They didn't just hop across in one go; it took many generations to spread out.
  2. Pikas have a unique relationship with their parasites, which helps scientists understand their history better. These tiny creatures help tell the story of the pikas and how they adapted over time.
  3. Climate change is a big threat to pikas today. As their homes warm up, they may struggle to find suitable places to live, especially since they can't go any higher into the mountains.

🐝⚛ Bees 1, Mark Zuckerberg's nuclear plans 0

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Nuclear Energy Biodiversity Regulatory Challenges Energy Policy
  1. A rare bee species stopped Mark Zuckerberg's plan for a nuclear-powered AI data center. The discovery created many environmental and regulatory issues.
  2. This situation is similar to a past case where a tiny fish halted a big dam project. It shows the tension between environmental protections and large infrastructure plans.
  3. There's a growing discussion about the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. as we face challenges in expanding clean energy.

Rising Tides, Falling Freshwater: The Saltwater Intrusion Crisis

Adetokunbo Sees • 312 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Biodiversity Climate change Conservation
  1. Saltwater intrusion is a growing problem worldwide, affecting freshwater supplies in many coastal areas. It's happening due to rising sea levels and climate change.
  2. This issue can harm ecosystems by increasing salinity, leading to the extinction of various plant and animal species. Many species are already at risk, which could worsen climate change further.
  3. To combat saltwater intrusion, countries should protect natural areas like wetlands and mangroves. These can help keep saltwater out of freshwater supplies and support local wildlife.

Deforestation in the Amazon has halved in the last few years

Sustainability by numbers • 266 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Deforestation Sustainability Biodiversity Climate change
  1. Deforestation in the Amazon has significantly decreased, halving over the past few years, thanks to new policies and leadership.
  2. Lula da Silva's administration has made real progress in reducing forest loss, following a troubling period of increased deforestation under the previous president.
  3. While the trend is positive, challenges remain and ongoing efforts are crucial to meet the target of ending deforestation by 2030.
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Aridity, Acidity, and Salinity: How Greenhouse Gases are Choking Our Soil

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. A large portion of the Earth's land is becoming drier, significantly affecting agriculture and ecosystems. This trend could worsen and impact billions of people who may face water shortages.
  2. Many lands are also suffering from high salinity and acidity, which makes it difficult for plants to grow. If these problems continue, we could see a lot of agricultural land damaged.
  3. Climate change is a major driver of these issues, causing higher temperatures and more extreme weather. To combat this, planting trees and using better irrigation can help improve soil health.

Echoes of Extinction: A Funeral March for Species

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate change Ecosystems Conservation
  1. Many animal species are dying off, often due to climate change. This not only affects those specific animals but also the plants and ecosystems that rely on them.
  2. The death of single species, like flying foxes and corals, can disrupt the balance of nature. These losses can lead to problems like reduced food sources for other species and a drop in biodiversity.
  3. To prevent more animal deaths, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create environments that can adapt to changes in the climate.

High Water and Lake Washington

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 279 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Restoration Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Lake Washington's water level is controlled artificially now, which is different from how it used to fluctuate naturally by as much as nine feet each year. This change was mainly due to the building of the Lake Washington Ship Canal in 1916.
  2. The current management of the lake helps local properties but is not good for the environment. Plants that normally thrive with seasonal changes are struggling because they can't grow properly in the constant water level.
  3. Union Bay has seen a lot of restoration work from being a dump to a vibrant natural space. It shows that even after mistakes, communities can come together to create a healthier ecosystem.

Fractured Planet: Glaciers Thawing, Rivers Running Dry, Reefs Vanishing

Adetokunbo Sees • 208 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Global Warming Ecosystems Conservation Biodiversity Climate change
  1. Glaciers are melting at alarming rates, with many disappearing completely. This is a big concern for water supply and ecosystems.
  2. Rivers around the world are drying up, with thousands vanishing completely in recent decades. This can affect agriculture, drinking water, and wildlife.
  3. Coral reefs are facing serious threats, with significant losses in the past few decades. If we don't act now, most coral reefs could be gone by the end of the century.

Taking Off, but Leaving a Lasting Mark: Airport Construction's Environmental Legacy

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Policy Biodiversity Pollution Sustainable Development Ecology
  1. Airport construction can harm the environment, leading to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitats. Many airports, like Heathrow and Istanbul, have caused significant damage to local ecosystems.
  2. Building or expanding airports increases greenhouse gas emissions. The aviation industry is responsible for a notable share of global carbon pollution, which could increase significantly without changes.
  3. It's important for airport authorities to engage with local communities and consider environmental impacts. Using cleaner fuels and adding green designs can help lessen the negative effects.

The Birding Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1266 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Birding
  1. Birdwatching can be a rewarding hobby that connects us with nature and can lead to deep emotional connections with birds.
  2. Ecological grief is a real and intense response to environmental losses, including bird deaths caused by human-driven changes.
  3. Efforts like building natural bridges and enacting bird-friendly legislation demonstrate steps we can take to protect wild animals amidst ongoing environmental challenges.

Tides of Trouble: Fish Populations face Challenges in Numerous Basins

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Ecosystems Sustainability
  1. Fish populations in the Amazon, Gulf of Guinea, and Mediterranean Sea are declining dramatically. This decline is alarming as it threatens the species and the ecosystems they support.
  2. These bodies of water also play a vital role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. As fish populations decrease, their ability to help combat climate change through carbon sequestration is reduced.
  3. To tackle these challenges, we need to protect fish habitats, reduce overfishing, and take action against climate change. It's important for the health of our oceans and the planet.

Spills, Pipes, Deforestation’s Rhyme: Rainforests Carbon Crime

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Deforestation Oil Spills Carbon Emissions Biodiversity Environmental Policy
  1. Oil spills are a big problem in rainforests like the Amazon and Niger Delta, damaging the environment and hurting local wildlife.
  2. These rainforests help absorb carbon dioxide, which is important for fighting climate change, but oil extraction is making this harder.
  3. Without cutting back on oil drilling and protecting these forests, we risk releasing a lot of carbon back into the atmosphere, making climate change even worse.

Rhapsody in Ruin: Climate Change's Devastating Impacts on Animal Habitats

Adetokunbo Sees • 104 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Biodiversity Conservation Environmental Impact
  1. Frog habitats are drying up due to climate change, with many facing drought conditions that could make them unlivable by the end of the century.
  2. Elephants are struggling with rising temperatures and food shortages, forcing them to travel far for water and forage, which can lead to conflicts with humans.
  3. Koala populations are declining as their habitats experience extreme heat and bushfires, putting them at risk of losing large areas of their home by 2070.

A few seconds of video

The Crucial Years • 1574 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Natural Disasters Environmental Policy Biodiversity Conservation
  1. The video illustrates the impact of climate change through unprecedented floods in Greece.
  2. The urgency to take action against climate change is emphasized, as we witness extreme weather events becoming more common.
  3. Global efforts to meet climate targets, such as the Paris Agreement, are falling short and require more substantial commitments.

Whether the Storm

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Conservation Environmental justice Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. In the Anthropocene era, humans must protect and restore the Earth given our excessive impact on its ecosystems.
  2. We need to become rational and compassionate managers of the planet to address climate change and ecological disruptions.
  3. Storms, while disruptive and dangerous, also serve as a reminder of our place in nature and the need to prepare for managing the impacts of extreme weather.

Over the Cliff

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 373 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Politics Biodiversity Climate action
  1. Environmental consequences of another Trump administration could be dire due to dismantling regulations and environmental protections.
  2. The Project 2025 plan outlines radical changes including anti-science bias, climate denial, and drastic rollbacks on environmental regulations.
  3. The plan not only threatens environmental protection but also could have serious impacts on climate, air and water quality, wildlife, and even government structure.

Endangered Promises

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 393 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Legislation Biodiversity Climate change Environmental Impact
  1. The Endangered Species Act has had successes in saving various species from extinction over the years.
  2. There is a growing resistance against the Endangered Species Act, largely driven by political and industry interests.
  3. Challenges facing the ESA include legislative and judicial attacks, as well as the broader threat of climate change and biodiversity loss.

A Right to Be in this World

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 334 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🔬 Science Environment Biodiversity Conservation Climate Technology
  1. All living things have a right to exist in this world according to the Endangered Species Act.
  2. Conservation efforts need more support to combat political and industry threats to environmental protections.
  3. Future of the ESA requires broader landscape-scale conservation, increased funding, and alignment with modern conservation strategies.

The Anthropocene: What's In A Name?

Surfing the Future • 139 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Climate change Sustainability Biodiversity Evolution
  1. Naming periods of significant change is crucial for understanding history and its impact on the present and future.
  2. The concept of Anthropocene, denoting the era where human activities have significant geological impacts, sparks debates among scientists about its start date and implications.
  3. Embracing new paradigms like sustainability and circularity is essential for addressing climate and biodiversity emergencies, even if the recognition like the Anthropocene remains a point of contention.

Rainshadows and other Ephemeralities

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 499 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Urban Nature Environmental awareness
  1. Rainshadows, or ghost leaves, show us signs of plant life, reminding us of the interactions in nature. They are a fascinating way to notice how the environment communicates with us.
  2. Flight maps are shadows left by birds flying above, which can help us spot them better. They add excitement to our walks as we try to find the birds that made those marks.
  3. Crows exhibit interesting behaviors like mobbing to protect themselves from predators. Observing such actions gives us insight into how animals interact and learn from each other.

Planetization

The Joyous Struggle • 395 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate Crisis
  1. We live on a planet in outer space, which can be an amusing and perspective-shifting realization.
  2. There is a growing sense of 'planetization' where we are increasingly interconnected globally and feel a sense of responsibility towards the world as a whole.
  3. The current societal shift includes integrating a planetary perspective into our understanding and actions, making issue-based thinking within global contexts crucial.

Consciousness is Organic - redux

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 196 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🔬 Science Consciousness Climate Evolution Biodiversity Ecology
  1. Consciousness is organic - a reminder that our minds are intertwined with the natural world, emphasizing the need to live in harmony with the environment.
  2. The concept of planetary intelligence explores the collective knowledge and responsibility of civilizations on a global scale, urging a shift towards more mindful and balanced technological growth.
  3. The human mind is identified as a key threat in the Anthropocene era, highlighting the necessity for self-improvement to address the planet's pressing issues.

Communing with nature

City Quitters • 199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity Conservation Sustainability Urbanism
  1. We need to pay more attention to nature and the non-human world around us. Being in nature can help us feel better and remind us of our connection to everything else.
  2. Humans have thought too highly of themselves and this has hurt the planet. It's important to recognize that all living things have value and we should treat them with respect.
  3. It's possible to learn from nature even in urban areas. By being mindful and observing our surroundings, we can develop a deeper connection and appreciation for the world around us.

Why We Need More Ivy

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Sustainability Ecology
  1. Ivy can help cover bare concrete walls along freeways, making them look nicer and reduce graffiti. It's a low-maintenance plant that grows easily and creates a green layer.
  2. Covering walls with ivy can reduce noise pollution and make driving more pleasant. The leaves help absorb sound and create a quieter environment for people nearby.
  3. Ivy also helps improve air quality by capturing pollutants from the air. It acts like a natural filter, making the city environment healthier for everyone.

Managing the Landscape of Fear

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 235 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Nature Conservation Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. The Anthropocene presents a landscape of fear due to human impact on ecosystems and biodiversity.
  2. The IPCC report emphasizes the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment to ensure a sustainable future.
  3. Rewilding initiatives, like the 30x30 conservation plan, aim to reduce fear in the landscape by restoring natural habitats and biodiversity.

Planting Trees Is a Great Plan B

Climateer • 755 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Carbon Sequestration Biodiversity Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  1. Planting trees is a good way to help mitigate climate change, but it's not a substitute for reducing emissions and protecting existing forests.
  2. Reforestation projects should aim to recreate natural forests using native species to avoid negative impacts like habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
  3. While aggressive tree planting could remove significant amounts of carbon, realistic forestation efforts need to consider costs, competing land uses like agriculture, and the challenges of maintaining forest areas.

Web of water

Climate Water Project • 216 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Biodiversity
  1. The interconnectedness of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms impact the climate through the water cycle
  2. Understanding self-regulation patterns of ecology and atmosphere can aid in climate and ecosystem restoration
  3. Exploring the concept of a 'water web' can help illuminate the interactions and interdependencies in ecosystems and climate systems

The Story in the Lake

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 176 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🔬 Science Geology Climate Environmental Conservation Human Impact Biodiversity
  1. A small lake in Ontario has been chosen to represent the Anthropocene epoch in Earth's history due to human activity.
  2. Humans have significantly transformed Earth's systems, leading to a new epoch where human history is now Earth's history.
  3. Geologists have selected Crawford Lake in Ontario as a witness and representative site for the Anthropocene, with its layers of sediment telling the story of human impact.