Filtered by category: The Conversation, tag: biodiversity × Clear
The world’s mangrove forests are bouncing back. That’s good news for our coasts and climate
Matched: climate
Global mangrove forests are recovering after decades of decline, according to a new study. The findings are considered significant because mangrove ecosystems protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges, support marine biodiversity, and store large amounts of carbon. Researchers credited conservation efforts and policy changes in several countries for driving the recovery, though they warned some regions continue to face threats from deforestation and climate change.
Butterflies are on the move as the planet warms: new research
As climate change shifts habitats, butterflies are moving to new areas. Researchers warn that conservation strategies must adapt accordingly, protecting not just where species currently or historically lived, but also the regions they are migrating toward as temperatures rise. Focusing only on existing or past habitats risks leaving future refuges unprotected.
How rewilding could help stop the spread of Britain’s wildfires
Wildfires in Britain are becoming more frequent due to climate change and dry conditions. Rewilding — restoring natural habitats with diverse, moisture-retaining vegetation — could help reduce fire risk. Unlike dry monoculture grasses or dense conifers, rewilded land with mixed plants and restored wetlands creates natural firebreaks and holds more water, making landscapes inherently more resistant to ignition and spread.
East Africa’s iconic snow peaks will soon disappear for good – what will be lost when they melt
Glaciers on East Africa's iconic peaks — Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and the Rwenzori Mountains — are rapidly disappearing due to warming Indian Ocean temperatures driving reduced snowfall. Scientists warn the ice could vanish within years. Beyond their cultural and symbolic significance, the glaciers feed rivers and water supplies that millions of people depend on, making their loss an ecological and humanitarian concern.
Impact of climate change may be equivalent to 3.3 million years of transformations in tropical vegetation
Matched: climate
A new study warns that climate change could compress 3.3 million years of natural vegetation transformation into just decades. Tropical plant communities, which evolved slowly over millennia, may be forced to shift rapidly, disrupting ecosystems. Researchers say this unprecedented pace leaves little time for adaptation, threatening biodiversity, carbon storage, and the stability of tropical regions globally.