Article
Environmental Sciences
Sebastian Luckeneder, Stefan Giljum, Anke Schaffartzik, Victor Maus, Michael Tost
Summary: This study examines the impacts of global metal ore extraction and their distribution in specific regions, revealing a significant increase in mining volumes in tropical moist forest ecosystems and a high percentage of mining sites located near protected areas. Most mining sites have low water availability, with copper and gold mining frequently occurring in areas with water scarcity.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yadvinder Malhi, Cecile Girardin, Daniel B. Metcalfe, Christopher E. Doughty, Luiz E. O. C. Aragao, Sami W. Rifai, Immaculada Oliveras, Alexander Shenkin, Jesus Aguirre-Gutierrez, Cecilia A. L. Dahlsj, Terhi Riutta, Erika Berenguer, Sam Moore, Walter Huaraca Huasco, Norma Salinas, Antonio Carlos Lola da Costa, Lisa Patrick Bentley, Stephen Adu-Bredu, Toby R. Marthews, Patrick Meir, Oliver L. Phillips
Summary: An in-depth understanding of terrestrial ecosystems' productivity, carbon and nutrient cycling is crucial for comprehending and managing the biosphere's response to global change. Recent focus has been on tropical ecosystems due to their high terrestrial productivity, biodiversity, and anthropogenic pressures. The Global Ecosystems Monitoring network has been collecting data on the carbon cycle, productivity, and plant traits in these ecosystems, providing valuable insights and linking field-based ecology with Earth system science. The research is now expanding to connect carbon cycling with nutrient cycling and plant traits, as well as integrating airborne remote sensing.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zhao Liang Chen, Shing Yip Lee
Summary: Tidal flats are widely distributed and provide various ecosystem services. The global average carbon accumulation rate in tidal flats is 129.8 g C m(-2) yr(-1), with an average carbon content of 86.3 Mg C ha(-1). If tidal flats continue to be lost and disturbed sediment carbon continues to be remineralized, a significant amount of carbon will be lost annually, leading to CO2 emissions in the water column and atmosphere.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
T. K. Westberry, M. J. Behrenfeld, Y. R. Shi, H. Yu, L. A. Remer, H. Bian
Summary: By using global satellite ocean color products, this study demonstrates that atmospheric dust deposition plays a significant role in providing vital nutrients for phytoplankton growth in the surface layer of the ocean. The responses to dust deposition vary regionally, with some areas experiencing substantial changes in phytoplankton biomass, while in other areas, the response is reflected in a change in physiological status or health. Climate-driven changes in atmospheric aerosols will alter the relative importance of this nutrient source.
Article
Ecology
Yao Zhang, Trevor F. Keenan, Sha Zhou
Summary: Vegetation dynamics are influenced by both current and past climate, potentially leading to structural overshoot and increased drought impacts. Research shows that around 11% of drought events globally can be attributed to structural overshoot, which is associated with extreme drought and heat, causing more severe impacts on vegetation and drought.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sarah Hulsen, Robert Mcdonald, Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, David N. Bresch, Richard Sharp, Thomas Worthington, Chahan M. Kropf
Summary: Coastal ecosystems have the potential to contribute to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, but changes in the ecosystem can lead to a decrease in protection. For future coastal protection and adaptation policies, the impact of climate change on coastal protection services should be taken into consideration.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhaoqi Wang, Hong Wang, Tongfang Wang, Lina Wang, Xiaotao Huang, Kai Zheng, Xiang Liu
Summary: Global warming has had widespread impacts on the terrestrial ecosystem, particularly on vegetation's net primary productivity (NPP). However, the effect of climate variation on the spatial pattern of NPP has remained unclear. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns and trends of MODIS NPP and environmental factors, revealing that NPP increases with elevation in approximately 60% of the global area. Soil moisture exhibits the largest uncertainty, while temperature has the smallest uncertainty among the environmental factors. The dominance of temperature in shaping the elevation distribution of NPP is highlighted.
Article
Business
Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos Gomes, Matheus Graciani dos Santos, Ana Lucia Figueiredo Facin
Summary: This study examines how firms create and manage global innovation ecosystems to address uncertainty. By studying four focal firms and their ecosystems, the authors propose a framework for global uncertainty management in GIEs, providing theoretical insights into how firms effectively manage local and global uncertainties, as well as the strategies they employ in ecosystem management.
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Robert Costanza, Ida Kubiszewski, Natalie Stoeckl, Tom Kompas
Summary: Discounting the future is important for long-term decision-making, but using the same discount rate for all capital types may jeopardize humanity's future. Different capital assets have distinct characteristics and contributions, requiring varying discount rates and approaches.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Elizah Z. Stephens, Peter M. Homyak
Summary: Wildfires can increase soil emissions of trace nitrogen gases, with different ecosystems responding uniquely to fire. Future studies should consider factors like burn severity and microbial community succession in understanding the implications of increased nitrogen emissions.
Article
Ecology
Eugene J. Murphy, Nadine M. Johnston, Eileen E. Hofmann, Richard A. Phillips, Jennifer A. Jackson, Andrew J. Constable, Sian F. Henley, Jessica Melbourne-Thomas, Rowan Trebilco, Rachel D. Cavanagh, Geraint A. Tarling, Ryan A. Saunders, David K. A. Barnes, Daniel P. Costa, Stuart P. Corney, Ceridwen I. Fraser, Juan Hofer, Kevin A. Hughes, Chester J. Sands, Sally E. Thorpe, Philip N. Trathan, Jose C. Xavier
Summary: Southern Ocean ecosystems play a crucial role in global atmospheric and oceanic systems, with a significant impact on global biogeochemistry. Despite the perception of ocean ecological processes as separate, there is gradual ecological connectivity due to oceanographic processes and organism movement. The extensive connectivity of Southern Ocean ecosystems has implications for the broader Earth system and necessitates integrated strategies for conservation and management.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. B. Bosson, M. Huss, S. Cauvy-Fraunie, J. C. Clement, G. Costes, M. Fischer, J. Poulenard, F. Arthaud
Summary: The shrinkage of glaciers and the development of post-glacial ecosystems due to anthropogenic climate change are rapidly occurring ecosystem shifts with significant ecological and societal consequences. However, there is no comprehensive spatial analysis to quantify or predict this important change. A study found that by 2100, the decline of glaciers outside of Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets could result in the emergence of new terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems spanning an area similar to that of Nepal or Finland. The future of glacierized areas highlights the importance of glaciers and emerging post-glacial ecosystems in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and freshwater scarcity.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
E. J. Milner-Gulland, Prue Addison, William N. S. Arlidge, Julia Baker, Hollie Booth, Thomas Brooks, Joseph W. Bull, Michael J. Burgass, Jon Ekstrom, Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen, L. Vincent Fleming, Henry M. J. Grub, Amrei von Hase, Michael Hoffmann, Jonathan Hutton, Diego Juffe-Bignoli, Kerry ten Kate, Joseph Kiesecker, Noelle F. Kumpel, Martine Maron, Helen S. Newing, Katrina Ole-Moiyoi, Cheli Sinclair, Sam Sinclair, Malcolm Starkey, Simon N. Stuart, Cath Tayleur, James E. M. Watson
Summary: The upcoming CBD meeting and adoption of the new Global Biodiversity Framework present an opportunity to transform humanity's relationship with nature, requiring a bold vision and mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in society. The Mitigation and Conservation Hierarchy framework supports actions to conserve and restore nature, enabling evaluation of their effectiveness across sectors and scales.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tatsuro Tanioka, Catherine A. Garcia, Alyse A. Larkin, Nathan S. Garcia, Adam J. Fagan, Adam C. Martiny
Summary: Oceanic nutrient cycles are coupled, and carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus stoichiometry is variable through space and time. Surface temperature and macronutrient availability are strong predictors of stoichiometry at high latitudes. There is systematic regulation of elemental stoichiometry among ocean ecosystems, but future changes remain uncertain.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Deqiang Ma, Jonathan Rhodes, Martine Maron
Summary: Offsetting the impacts of development-induced marine habitat loss on fishery resources is crucial for ensuring seafood security. However, the potential benefits of marine habitat restoration for fishery resources have not been quantified. In this study, we use a case study of mangrove habitat offsets in Australia to determine the minimum restoration area needed to fully offset fishery losses caused by development projects.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jeremy S. Simmonds, Andres Felipe Suarez-Castro, April E. Reside, James E. M. Watson, James R. Allan, Scott C. Atkinson, Pasquale Borrelli, Nigel Dudley, Stephen Edwards, Richard A. Fuller, Edward T. Game, Simon Linke, Sean L. Maxwell, Panos Panagos, Philippe Puydarrieux, Fabien Quetier, Rebecca K. Runting, Talitha Santini, Laura J. Sonter, Martine Maron
Summary: Global efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals such as reducing carbon emissions and halting biodiversity loss lack integration. To unify these goals, we have derived specific area-based targets for retaining natural and seminatural terrestrial vegetation worldwide. At least 50% of Earth's terrestrial surface needs to be preserved in order to contribute to biodiversity, climate, soil, and freshwater conservation objectives under 4 United Nations' resolutions.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nicole Shumway, Megan Saunders, Sam Nicol, Richard A. Fuller, Noam Ben-Moshe, Takuya Iwamura, Sun W. Kim, Nicholas J. Murray, James E. M. Watson, Martine Maron
Summary: Biodiversity offsets aim to counterbalance the impacts of development on species and ecosystems. The effectiveness of spatially flexible offsets, located further from the impact area, in achieving no net loss or better ecological outcomes compared to local offsets is uncertain. In the case study of migratory shorebirds, there were insufficient data to draw robust conclusions about the effectiveness and equivalence of distant habitat-based offsets. The potential benefits of spatially flexible offsets need to be evaluated against the increased risks to ensure effective offset placement.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Da-Li Lin, Martine Maron, Tatsuya Amano, An-Yu Chang, Richard A. Fuller
Summary: Agricultural expansion poses a threat to biodiversity, and intensification of farming activities can decrease the diversity and abundance of farmland-associated species. This study developed an integrated approach using empirical data analysis and expert opinion to identify farmland-associated bird species in Taiwan. The results showed that the classifications of 104 species based on both methods were consistent, with 72.1% of the species classified consistently. The study highlights the importance of expert opinion in cases where empirical data are insufficient.
Review
Ecology
William J. Sutherland, Craig Bennett, Peter N. M. Brotherton, Holly M. Butterworth, Mick N. Clout, Isabelle M. Cote, Jason Dinsdale, Nafeesa Esmail, Erica Fleishman, Kevin J. Gaston, James E. Herbert-Read, Alice Hughes, Hermanni Kaartokallio, Xavier Le Roux, Fiona A. Lickorish, Wendy Matcham, Noor Noor, James E. Palardy, James W. Pearce-Higgins, Lloyd S. Peck, Nathalie Pettorelli, Jules Pretty, Richard Scobey, Mark D. Spalding, Femke H. Tonneijck, Nicolas Tubbs, James E. M. Watson, Jonathan E. Wentworth, Jeremy D. Wilson, Ann Thornton
Summary: We present the results of our 14th horizon scan, identifying 15 urgent issues for global societies to address in biological conservation. These issues involve novel challenges or significant positive/negative changes at global or regional scales. Submerged artificial light fisheries and accelerating ocean currents have the potential to negatively impact marine ecosystems, while technological advances in energy production and biodegradable materials could benefit biological diversity if effectively managed.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Divya Narain, Laura J. Sonter, Alex Mark Lechner, James E. M. Watson, Jeremy S. Simmonds, Martine Maron
Summary: Infrastructure development drives global biodiversity loss, with the financial sector indirectly contributing to this loss. Biodiversity safeguards by infrastructure financiers can help reduce the damage, but their coverage, harmonization, and alignment with international best practices need to be examined. Our assessment of public development banks and development finance institutions revealed that 42% of them have biodiversity safeguards, with 86% of these harmonized with the International Finance Corporation's Performance Standard 6. Strengthening these safeguards and adopting best practices is crucial in stemming global biodiversity loss.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen, Katie Devenish, B. Alexander Simmons, Ascelin Gordon, Julia P. G. Jones, Martine Maron, Henrike Schulte Buhne, Roshan Sharma, Laura J. Sonter, Niels Strange, Michelle Ward, Joseph W. Bull
Summary: Biodiversity offsetting is a globally influential policy mechanism for balancing development and biodiversity loss, but there is little evidence of its effectiveness. This study evaluated the outcomes of a jurisdictional offsetting policy in Victoria, Australia. The results suggest that achieving a 'net gain' in woody vegetation extent through offsetting seems unlikely due to the majority of increases in vegetation not being additional.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Da-Li Lin, Chih-Yi Tsai, Scott Pursner, Jung Chao, Allen Lyu, Tatsuya Amano, Martine Maron, Ruey-Shing Lin, Kun-Hai Lin, Kung-Kuo Chiang, Yung-Lun Lin, Li-Chung Lu, An-Yu Chang, Wan-Jyun Chen, Richard A. Fuller
Summary: Although some countries along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway have begun reporting population trends and identifying threats to migratory waterbirds, there is still limited systematic waterbird monitoring, hindering our understanding of the overall status of waterbird populations in the flyway. To address this, data from a citizen science project in Taiwan were used to examine recent population trends of 31 migratory waterbird species. The results showed varying trends among regions and identified the impacts of local land use and habitat loss in the Yellow Sea on the decline of migratory waterbirds in Taiwanese wetlands.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Deqiang Ma, Jonathan Rhodes, Martine Maron
Summary: Offsetting the impacts of development-induced marine habitat loss on fishery resources is crucial for ensuring seafood security. However, the potential benefits of marine habitat restoration for fishery resources have not been quantified. In this study, we use a case study of mangrove habitat offsets in Australia to determine the minimum restoration area needed to fully offset fishery losses caused by development projects.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Correction
Ecology
Shawan Chowdhury, Michael D. Jennions, Myron P. Zalucki, Martine Maron, James E. M. Watson, Richard A. Fuller
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Martine Maron, Fabien Quetier, Mariana Sarmiento, Kerry ten Kate, Megan C. Evans, Joseph W. Bull, Julia P. G. Jones, Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Susie Brownlie, Jo Treweek, Amrei von Hase
Summary: In order for the concept of nature positive to be an effective guide for international action on biodiversity conservation, it needs to learn from the lessons of the mitigation hierarchy, or else it runs the risk of being just empty greenwashing.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Katie Devenish, Kathryn Goodenough, Julia. P. G. Jones, Harifidy Rakoto Ratsimba, Simon Willcock
Summary: Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is important for livelihoods in many low- and middle-income countries, but can cause negative impacts on habitats, hunting, pollution, and waterways. This study combines geological and conservation data to evaluate the potential impact of mining on biodiversity in Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot rich in economically important minerals. It suggests the establishment of community-managed zones for licensed ASM in areas where mining does not conflict with conservation, and proposes the mapping approach can be applied in other countries.
EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jonathan R. Rhodes, Yan Liu, Agung Wahyudi, Martine Maron, Md Sayed Iftekhar, Shantala Brisbane
Summary: Biodiversity offsets are a popular policy tool for mitigating the impact of development on biodiversity. However, their success depends on complex interactions among socio-economic, ecological, and policy processes. Habitat surrogates are commonly used in offset policies to determine requirements, but this approach may lead to poor outcomes for species. Agency-led offsets delivered by a public agency are proposed as a potential solution because they can strategically choose offset sites that maximize outcomes for species. The success of this approach depends on patterns of development and offset site availability.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Harriet Ibbett, Julia P. G. Jones, Leejiah Dorward, Edward M. Kohi, Asri A. Dwiyahreni, Karlina Prayitno, Stephen Sankeni, Joseph Kaduma, Jesca Mchomvu, Andie Wijaya Saputra, Humairah Sabiladiyni, Jatna Supriatna, Freya A. V. St John
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ross Crates, Paul G. G. McDonald, Courtney B. B. Melton, Martine Maron, Dean Ingwersen, Emily Mowat, Max Breckenridge, Liam Murphy, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: Addressing the overabundance of noisy miners is an important step in protecting woodland birds. This study found that removing noisy miners significantly reduced their densities and improved the success rate of endangered species. The cost of managing noisy miners can be as low as AUD $10 per hectare.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Deqiang Ma, Jonathan Rhodes, Carissa J. Klein, Martine Maron
Summary: Biodiversity offsetting is a method used to offset the negative impacts of development on biodiversity. However, the redistribution of ecosystem services caused by offsets can affect the distribution of benefits among beneficiaries. This study compared the effects of two offset policy rules on the distribution of fishery economic benefits and losses.
