The hottest Biodiversity Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Urban birdwatchers, conservation, and bending the biodiversity curve

This Week in Birding • 137 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Biodiversity Urban wildlife Nature connection Environmental Activism
  1. Biodiversity loss is a significant threat and changing our ways is crucial for restoration.
  2. Landscaping yards with native plants can greatly support bird populations and wildlife.
  3. Engaging urban residents in observing nature can lead to more interest in conservation and restoration efforts.

Grow Tall, San Pedro: The Resilient Cactus' Fight for Survival 🌵

Tripsitter • 119 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🔬 Science Psychedelics Conservation Biodiversity
  1. San Pedro cactus has been used for centuries by indigenous groups as medicine and sacrament, but faces challenges due to over-harvesting and loss of cultural traditions. Efforts are being made to conserve and restore the plant through initiatives like planting 1 million San Pedro cacti with Andean communities.
  2. Growing San Pedro at home is an effective way to support sustainability and preserve the plant's lineage. Propagating from cuttings or seeds are common methods, and the plant is relatively easy to grow in cooler climates.
  3. The use of synthetic mescaline as an alternative to wild-harvested San Pedro is suggested. Ensuring the source of San Pedro and supporting organizations dedicated to conservation are key actions individuals can take to protect this cactus and its traditions.

Problems Posing as Solutions, Part 3

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 117 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Mining Conservation Biodiversity Sustainability
  1. Personal, economic, and ecological problems are often presented as solutions with unforeseen negative consequences.
  2. SUVs are becoming an increasing burden on the planet, posing threats to the environment and public safety.
  3. Seafloor mining, especially in the absence of thorough scientific understanding, risks irreversible damage to deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.
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Good Grief

Field Guide to the Anthropocene • 98 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Emissions Biodiversity
  1. The Anthropocene is a period of irreversible ecological disruptions caused by humans, requiring acceptance of losses and a commitment to stabilizing the environment.
  2. In the face of global-scale grief and loss in the Anthropocene, finding small but vital lights of hope is crucial.
  3. Individuals making dedicated efforts to protect and heal ecosystems and species offer paths forward in the challenging Anthropocene era.

Not So Silent Spring

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Conservation Ecology Sustainability Wildlife
  1. The sounds of spring are important, with creatures like Pacific chorus frogs and Steller's Jays making their presence known through their calls. These sounds are not just pleasant but also play crucial roles in their behaviors and interactions.
  2. Sound has a long history on Earth, with many natural noises existing for billions of years. Most modern sounds from animals, however, are relatively recent developments in Earth’s timeline.
  3. There's a growing concern about a 'sonic crisis,' where humans are losing touch with the sounds of nature. It's important for us to listen to these sounds to appreciate and protect our environment.

Meaning and the firefly

Banana Peel Pirouette • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🔬 Science Animal Behavior Communication Biodiversity
  1. Animals like songbirds and insects communicate through sounds and movements that hold specific meanings for them, unlike the fixed characteristics of their appearances.
  2. Fireflies communicate with light patterns, where their visual signals guide them in finding mates and coordinating activities; their world of light holds deep communication that contrasts human mediums like language.
  3. The impact of human actions, like light pollution, can disrupt the meaningful communication patterns of fireflies, leading to potential disturbances in their mating behaviors and survival.

EU's critical minerals, nickel labor, and EVs may not cut it for auto sector

Green Rocks • 78 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Mining Renewables Energy transition Sustainability Biodiversity
  1. Climate technologies require huge amounts of metal, impacting mining and emissions reduction efforts.
  2. Concerns rise over labor conditions in Indonesia's booming nickel industry with reports of worker mistreatment.
  3. The auto sector faces challenges in meeting climate goals, requiring carbon standard agreements and increased renewable energy use.

A requiem for Bell Bowl Prairie

This Week in Birding • 78 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Ecosystems Biodiversity Activism Legislation
  1. A group gathered at Bell Bowl Prairie to mourn its destruction by a bulldozer.
  2. Efforts to stop the destruction were unsuccessful due to legal system failures and lack of political action.
  3. Advocates call for updating endangered species laws and increasing funding for conservation to prevent similar devastation in the future.

An Ode to Our Front Yard

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 179 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Biodiversity Urban wildlife Sustainable Practices
  1. Having a wild yard filled with native plants can support local wildlife and create a thriving ecosystem. It's great to see more people choosing this over traditional grass lawns.
  2. Neighbors might not always appreciate these wild gardens, but they bring more life and diverse plants and animals. A messy yard to some can mean a home for many creatures.
  3. Don't call grass lawns 'green deserts.' Even if they don’t have much diversity, they still support some life. We should think about how we use water and resources in our yards.

Twelve Miles

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 219 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecosystems Conservation Biodiversity Environmental Science
  1. There are two very different ecosystems just twelve miles apart. One is a lush, shady forest filled with giant trees, while the other is a bright, hot area with colorful wildflowers.
  2. The old growth forest has survived for centuries, showcasing the beauty of tall Douglas firs and a variety of wildlife. It's a tranquil place that makes you feel connected to nature.
  3. In contrast, the Pumice Plain shows how life can quickly return after a volcanic eruption. It's full of new plant life and animals, reminding us that renewal and rebirth are always possible.

Fifty Coyotes in Seattle

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 139 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Urban Nature Ecology Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Coyotes have adapted well to urban environments like Seattle, showing that they can thrive despite human efforts to control their population. They are survivors and often even increase their numbers when faced with threats.
  2. Many myths exist about coyotes, including the idea that they are dangerous to pets and people. In reality, coyotes are not aggressive and usually avoid confrontation with humans and their pets.
  3. Coyotes play an important role in urban ecosystems, helping to remind us that nature is all around us, even in the city. Their presence can bring joy and a connection to the natural world.

Boundaries

Natural Selections • 6 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Environmental Policy Conservation Biodiversity
  1. Nature often defies clear boundaries. Things like rivers and lakes change over time, making it hard to say exactly where one starts and another ends.
  2. Humans try to impose strict borders on nature, like property lines, but those boundaries can fail. Nature is fluid and doesn't always fit into our definitions.
  3. The idea of what makes an individual can be fuzzy too. Our actions and connections blend with those of others, showing that we are part of a larger network.

The Resilience of Life: Ancient Worm Revived After 46,000 Years 🐛

Stemble - for the love of STEM! • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🔬 Science Microbiology Genetics Conservation Evolution Biodiversity
  1. A worm was revived after being frozen for 46,000 years, showing the incredible resilience of life.
  2. Cryptobiosis allows organisms to survive extreme conditions by entering a state of suspended animation.
  3. Studying ancient organisms like the revived worm can offer insights for conservation biology and preserving biodiversity.

Little Red Fish of Lake Sammamish

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Wildlife Conservation Ecosystems Sustainability Biodiversity
  1. Kokanee salmon, also known as little red fish, have returned to Lake Sammamish after facing serious population declines. It's exciting to see them swimming up streams where they have been going for thousands of years.
  2. Their comeback is thanks to local efforts to restore their habitat and educate the community. People have worked hard on projects like removing barriers for fish passage and building small hatcheries.
  3. A recent discovery shows that there may still be native kokanee salmon in Lake Washington, which scientists thought were gone. This opens up new possibilities for their conservation and health.

Of Leaves and Drains

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Environmental Issues Nature Conservation Urban Ecology Biodiversity
  1. Autumn brings beautiful colors, which show the changing leaves and a hidden world of nests. It’s like nature’s surprise when the trees lose their leaves.
  2. Leaf blowers are noisy and create confusion about where to put leaves. Instead, using a rake is a better way to clean up and be nice to neighbors.
  3. You can help keep drains clean by adopting a drain in your area. It's a fun way to reduce litter and can even be a community project.

Potentially Attractive Amenity

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 39 implied HN points • 07 Oct 21
🌞 Climate & Environment Urban Nature Biodiversity Sustainability Wildlife
  1. Nature quickly takes back space when humans leave, as seen in a Seattle block filled with trees and shrubs after a building was demolished. It shows how resilient nature can be.
  2. Instead of building more structures, letting nature thrive in urban areas could create beneficial environments for both plants and animals. Less management of these spaces could lead to more biodiversity.
  3. Urban green spaces should allow nature to grow and decompose naturally. Places that embrace the natural cycle can improve the quality of life for all city residents.

Terror of the Docks

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 19 implied HN points • 15 Jul 21
🔬 Science Marine Biology Ecology Environmental Science Natural History Biodiversity
  1. Teredo clams, often called shipworms, are actually bivalve clams that eat wood. They can cause significant damage to wooden structures, like piers, making them a big problem for dock builders.
  2. These clams have been around for thousands of years, munching through wood in many parts of the world. Their destructive nature has been noted by writers and maritime workers throughout history.
  3. Modern efforts to control shipworm damage include using less wood in construction. Despite past challenges, these clams are still here and likely will be part of our marine ecosystem for a long time.

Biodiversity: The Core of Earth's Beauty

Save Our Happy Place • 4 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Biodiversity Climate change Sustainability Conservation Ecosystems
  1. Maintaining and restoring biodiversity is crucial for fighting climate change.
  2. Key causes of biodiversity loss include climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and overexploitation.
  3. Individual actions to help biodiversity include mindful consumption, investing in biodiversity projects, and reducing waste.

🌳 Ecosia

Good Business, Better World • 1 HN point • 17 Feb 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Conservation Biodiversity Deforestation Renewable Energy Climate action
  1. Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with over 168 million trees planted so far.
  2. Ecosia generates revenue through ads to fund tree planting and operates based on an impact model where clicks on ads support planting trees.
  3. Founder Christian Kroll started Ecosia after failed attempts at other internet ventures and the company focuses on environmental features in search results to promote climate-conscious decisions.

From Noosphere to the Technosphere

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Earth Science Sustainability Geology Biodiversity Environmental Policy
  1. Earth used to be seen as unchanging, but scientists like James Hutton showed that it is always evolving, leading to our modern understanding of geology.
  2. Vladimir Vernadsky introduced the idea of the noosphere, which connects human thought and technology, suggesting we can work together to tackle global problems like climate change.
  3. The technosphere, created by humans, is shaping our planet and needs to be managed better, especially because it struggles with recycling waste and relies heavily on energy.

Mangroves Over Carbon Capture Technologies:

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Ecosystems Carbon Sequestration Biodiversity Sustainable Development
  1. Mangroves are amazing at absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, doing a better job than many technical solutions like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). They absorb millions of tons of carbon each year, which is like taking millions of cars off the road.
  2. While CCS tries to use technology to solve carbon emissions issues, it can be very costly and often doesn't deliver on promises. It's complex and needs a lot of energy, which can sometimes create more pollution instead of reducing it.
  3. Protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems is a natural and effective approach to combat climate change. They not only help store carbon but also support wildlife and protect coastal communities from storms and erosion.

The Arctic and its Resources

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Resource Management Sustainable Development Climate change Biodiversity Geopolitical Issues
  1. The Arctic is warming much faster than other parts of the world, leading to the loss of sea ice, which can cause more global warming and rising sea levels.
  2. Despite the Arctic being rich in resources like oil, gas, and minerals, the environmental risks from extracting these resources are significant, affecting both the ecosystem and local communities.
  3. As new shipping routes open up due to melting ice, there's potential for economic growth, but this must be balanced with the need to protect the fragile Arctic environment and support indigenous populations.

The Warming Arctic

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Biodiversity Weather Patterns
  1. The Arctic is warming quickly, which affects global weather patterns and can lead to more extreme weather events, like heatwaves and heavy rains.
  2. As Arctic ice melts, it raises sea levels, posing a threat to coastal communities around the world, including in the UK.
  3. The loss of Arctic ice disrupts ocean currents and can harm wildlife, forcing animals to seek refuge in human areas, which leads to challenges for both wildlife and people.

2023 Marks Record Sea Surface Temperatures

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Oceanography Weather Patterns Biodiversity Environmental Science
  1. In 2023, sea surface temperatures reached a record high, which means our oceans are getting hotter. This is important because the ocean helps regulate the Earth's climate.
  2. As ocean temperatures rise, they disrupt weather patterns, leading to extreme events like heavy rain and strong winds. This change can harm both people and nature.
  3. Global temperatures are increasing at an alarming rate, risking serious environmental consequences. We're close to surpassing a critical temperature threshold that could lead to severe climate problems.

Headlines from a Warming World no.8

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Energy transition Biodiversity
  1. The world's carbon budget is running out fast. If we keep polluting at the same rate, we might use up our chance to limit warming to 1.5°C in just six years.
  2. Nepal's glaciers are melting rapidly, losing nearly one-third of their ice in thirty years. This affects water supplies for millions and threatens the region's climate and agriculture.
  3. Shell is cutting jobs in its low-carbon division and focusing more on oil and gas, which goes against the goal of reducing global heating. This indicates a significant shift in priorities away from clean energy.

"Unfortunately, time is up.”

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Sustainability Human Impact Biodiversity
  1. Climate change is happening fast and causing severe problems. We've seen many climate records broken this year, which worries scientists.
  2. By the end of this century, many people might struggle to live due to extreme heat and lack of food. This could affect a significant part of the world's population.
  3. We can't just wait for new technologies to fix climate change. It's essential to take immediate action now instead of relying on uncertain future solutions.

The Invisible Killer

The Climate Historian • 0 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Impact Health Effects Food security Biodiversity
  1. Heat is a serious issue right now, not just in the future. It harms people and the planet, leading to health problems and environmental damage.
  2. Extreme heat affects food production by damaging crops and livestock. This can cause food shortages and increased prices, making it harder for many to access food.
  3. Rising sea levels from climate change threaten coastal areas and can force many people to leave their homes. It's crucial to reduce carbon emissions to help tackle these problems.

Why it sucks to be an alien

It Could Be Different • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🔬 Science Aliens Research Civilization Biodiversity Technology
  1. Aliens visiting Earth could be like alien grad students researching and dealing with unexpected challenges caused by humans.
  2. Humans may unknowingly impact alien researchers, like accelerating their technological advancements and environmental destruction.
  3. Alien observer Marvin learns about Earth's complexities, challenges with interacting with humans, and unintended consequences of their presence.