Acaena exigua NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S.<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-surface-slicks-create-superhighway-for-fish/"> Fish</a> and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. Acaena exigua is an extinct species of flowering plant in the rose family known by the common name liliwai. It was endemic to Hawaii, where it was known from Kauaʻi and west Maui. It had not been seen or collected since 1957 and was feared extinct until 1997, when one plant was discovered in a remote montane bog on <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=maui&amp;cvid=11f593b142284a109c4b71b63cd85874&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Maui</a>. The plant died in 2000, and the species is now considered extinct.<strong>Acaena exigua</strong> A. Gray var. subtusstrigulosa Bitter: Classification. Click on a scientific name below to expand it in the PLANTS Classification Report. Rank Scientific Name and Common Name; Kingdom: Plantae – Plants Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Acaena exigua

Acaena exigua NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation...

Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-natural-history-museum-introduced-more-than-500-new-species-in-2020/">Natural</a> Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=8a2f1576ab074624862faaf58d14d8c3&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia is only known in the wild from one population near the Mill Creek Summit divide within the <span class="df_rq   " data-entity-tipid="df_rq_tip_Angeles_National_Forest"><a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Angeles+National+Forest&amp;filters=sid%3ab9589a3f-6cd4-82b0-5a5a-7a2a5b4ec1b7&amp;form=ENTLNK">Angeles National Forest</a></span> in the <strong>San Gabriel Mountains</strong>, and is on the <span class="df_rq   " data-entity-tipid="df_rq_tip_California_Native_Plant_Society"><a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=California+Native+Plant+Society&amp;filters=sid%3aa60a5753-4f19-df1d-bd84-327e1d460a26&amp;form=ENTLNK">California Native Plant Society</a></span> Rare and Endangered Plant Inventory.Subspecies include:
• Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. adamsii — Adams' manzanita: endemic to the Transverse Ranges in San Diego County and Baja California.
• Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia — Costa Baja manzanita, Del Mar manzanita: native to the San Diego and Baja coastlines. is native to California and Baja California. California Rare Plant Rank: 1B.1 (rare, threatened, or endangered in CA and elsewhere).

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Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia

Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=animals&amp;cvid=26f70df5dde340b2ad5fb2b0b4e5ef4c&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">animals</a> too.

NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network. and branch dieback due to fungal pathogen. USFWS uses the name A. pungens <strong>var</strong>. <strong>ravenii</strong>. See Madroño 19(6):200 (1968) for original description. To submit rare plant observation data, use the CNDDB field ...

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/perennial-vegetables-to-grow-in-north-america/">North America</a> and the world.Arctostaphylos hookeri is a species of manzanita known by the common name Hooker's manzanita.<strong>Arctostaphylos hookeri</strong> G. Don ssp. <strong>ravenii</strong> P.V. Wells – Presidio manzanita Subordinate Taxa. This plant has no children Legal Status. Threatened and Endangered Information: …

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.About Presidio Manzanita (<strong>Arctostaphylos</strong> montana ssp. <strong>ravenii</strong>) 2 Nurseries Carry This Plant Add to My Plant List; Presidio Manzanita (<strong>Arctostaphylos hookeri</strong> ssp. <strong>ravenii</strong>) is a rare native shrub whose only documented location in the wild is in Presidio Park, San Francisco.It is listed by State and federal agencies as an Endangered Species.

Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii

Arctostaphylos hookeri var. ravenii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Arctostaphylos morroensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/fungi-characteristics-and-function/">fungi</a>, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

There are 18 occurrences of the <i>Arctostaphylos morroensis</i> plant, and it is abundant in some local areas.<sup id="cite_ref-tnc_1-0" class="reference"></sup> It is limited to a specific type of substrate known as "Baywood fine sands", a type of sandy soil which originated in the <a title="Pleistocene" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleistocene">Pleistocene</a> as windblown <a title="Dune" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune">sand dunes</a>. <sup id="cite_ref-fed_2-0" class="reference"></sup>The plant is found on less than 900 acres of <a title="Coastal sage scrub" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastal_sage_scrub">coastal sage scrub</a> and <a title="Chaparral" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaparral">chaparral</a> habitat, sometimes forming monotypic stands on hillsides.<sup id="cite_ref-fed_2-1" class="reference"></sup>

Two thirds of its habitat is privately owned, some of it is slated for development, and its habitat requirements are narrow; these and other problems led to the plant's being listed as a <a title="Endangered species" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species">threatened species</a> in 1994.<sup id="cite_ref-fed_2-2" class="reference"></sup> Some of the plants are protected within <a title="Montaña de Oro State Park" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monta%C3%B1a_de_Oro_State_Park">Montaña de Oro State Park</a>

Arctostaphylos morroensis

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Arctostaphylos myrtifolia NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.<i><b>Arctostaphylos myrtifolia</b></i> is a rare species of <a title="Arctostaphylos" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctostaphylos">manzanita</a> known by the common name <b>Ione manzanita</b>. It is <a title="Endemism" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endemism">endemic</a> to the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Sierra Nevada (U.S.)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sierra_Nevada_(U.S.)">Sierra Nevada foothills</a> of <a title="California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California">California</a>. It grows in the <a title="Chaparral" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaparral">chaparral</a> and woodland <a title="Plant community" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_community">plant community</a> on a distinctive acidic soil series in western <a title="Amador County, California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amador_County,_California">Amador</a> and <a title="Calaveras County, California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calaveras_County,_California">Calaveras Counties</a>. There are only about 17 occurrences, but the plant is abundant in some areas of its limited range. <sup id="cite_ref-tnc_1-0" class="reference"></sup> This is a federally listed <a title="Endangered species" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species">threatened species</a>.Arctostaphylos myrtifolia is a red-barked, bristly <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Shrub%20wikipedia&amp;form=WIKIRE">shrub</a> reaching just over a meter in maximum height. The small bright green leaves are coated in tiny glandular hairs and are shiny but rough in texture. They are less than 2 centimeters long. The <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Inflorescence%20wikipedia&amp;form=WIKIRE">inflorescence</a> is a <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Raceme%20wikipedia&amp;form=WIKIRE">raceme</a> of urn-shaped manzanita flowers on bright red branches. The fruit is a cylindrical <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=Drupe%20wikipedia&amp;form=WIKIRE">drupe</a> only a few millimeters long.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Arctostaphylos myrtifolia

Arctostaphylos myrtifolia NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Arctostaphylos pallida NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Arctostaphylos pallida ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=8a2f1576ab074624862faaf58d14d8c3&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Arctostaphylos pallida, commonly known as Pallid Manzanita, Oakland Hills Manzanita, and Alameda Manzanita, is an upright Manzanita shrub from the Ericaceae, or heath family. It is endemic to the eastern San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. Pallid manzanita (Arctostaphylos pallida) is a California<strong> endangered plant species,</strong> which means that killing or possessing this plant is prohibited by the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). This species is also listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. Therefore still endangered and on the list as it is threatened

Arctostaphylos pallida

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Arenaria cumberlandensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Arenaria cumberlandensis Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.Cumberland sandwort, Arenaria cumberlandensis, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial member of the Pink family that reaches a height of about 6 in (15 cm). Long, narrow leaves form a rosette at the base. Tiny inconspicuous, white flowers appear in late June and early July.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Minuartia cumberlandensis is a rare species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common names Cumberland stitchwort and Cumberland sandwort. It is endemic to the Cumberland Plateau near the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River in Tennessee and Kentucky. This rare plant is found only in cool sandstone rock shelters, on the moist sandy cave floors behind the drip line. There are 27 occurrences in Tennessee and one in Kentucky. The plant is a federally listed endangered species.

Arenaria cumberlandensis

Arenaria cumberlandensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Arenaria paludicola NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Arenaria paludicola ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/fungi-characteristics-and-function/">fungi,</a> and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=a20c3191584d4672b0a45e23da38ef9f&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world. Also is still endangered

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video. <strong>Arenaria paludicolais</strong> a coastal species that was historically known to occur in wetlands and in freshwater marshes. Plants have been documented in areas with or without standing water and in acidic, organic bog soils and sandy substrates with high organic content also coastal species that was historically known to occur in wetlands and in freshwater marshes. Plants have been documented in areas with or without standing water and in acidic, organic bog soils and sandy substrates with high organic content.

Arenaria paludicola

Arenaria paludicola NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Arenaria ursina NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.It is <a title="Endemism" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endemism">endemic</a> to <a title="San Bernardino County, California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Bernardino_County,_California">San Bernardino County, California</a>, where it is known from a few occurrences in the vicinity of <a title="Big Bear Lake" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bear_Lake">Big Bear</a>. It grows on <a title="Quartzite" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartzite">quartzite</a> <a class="new" title="Pebble plain (page does not exist)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pebble_plain&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1">pebble plain</a> habitat in forest openings in the <a title="San Bernardino Mountains" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Bernardino_Mountains">San Bernardino Mountains</a> near the communities of <a title="Fawnskin, California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fawnskin,_California">Fawnskin</a>, <a title="Sugarloaf, California" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarloaf,_California">Sugarloaf</a>, and <a title="Baldwin Lake (San Bernardino County, California)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_Lake_(San_Bernardino_County,_California)">Baldwin Lake</a>. <sup id="cite_ref-fws_1-0" class="reference"></sup>It is an indicator species for the rare pebble plain habitat, which is unique to the area.<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference"></sup> It is a federally listed <a title="Threatened species" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Threatened_species">threatened species</a>.<strong>Arenaria ursina,</strong> Bear Valley sandwort ESA Status. Visit the U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service Species Profile link below for links to listing and other USFWS documents. Listed Threatened 1998 (PDF, 142 KB) Threats

Arenaria ursina

Arenaria ursina NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Argemone pleiacantha ssp. pinnatisecta NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-butterflies-are-set-to-become-widespread-across-canada/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=a89f77701d234b96b3eaee1307656b94&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j69i57j0l4j69i60l3.1415j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> North America</a> and the world. North America is a continent entirely<strong> within the Northern Hemisphere</strong> and almost all within the Western Hemisphere. It can also be described as the northern subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea, and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean. Because it is on the North American Tectonic Plate, Greenland is included as part of North America geographically. North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 16.5% of the Earth's land area and about 4.8% of its total surface. North America is the third-largest continent by area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Argemone pleiacantha ssp. pinnatisecta

Argemone pleiacantha ssp. pinnatisecta NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Argyroxiphium kauense NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

<i><b>Argyroxiphium kauense</b></i>, the <b>Mauna Loa silversword</b> or <b>Kaʻū silversword</b>, is a rare species of <a title="Flowering plant" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowering_plant">flowering plant</a> in the aster family. It is endemic to the eastern and southern slopes of Mauna Loa on the island of <a title="Hawaii (island)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii_(island)">Hawaiʻi</a>. <i>A. kauense</i> occurs in a much broader range of habitats than the closely related and better-known <a class="mw-redirect" title="Haleakala silversword" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haleakala_silversword">Haleakalā silversword</a> (<i>A. sandwicense macrocephalum</i>), and is found in <a title="Hawaiian tropical high shrublands" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_tropical_high_shrublands">montane shrubland</a>, <a title="Hawaiian tropical rainforests" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_tropical_rainforests#Bogs">bogs</a>, and open mesic forest.

Although threatened by damage from <a class="mw-redirect" title="Feral pigs" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feral_pigs">feral pigs</a>, <a title="Goat" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goat">goats</a>, and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Mouflon sheep" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouflon_sheep">mouflon sheep</a>, most of the areas where it currently exists are now protected, and the species is actively managed by the <a title="National Park Service" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Park_Service">National Park Service</a> and Hawaiʻi State Department of Forestry and Wildlife.<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argyroxiphium_kauense#cite_note-2">[2]</a></sup> It is a federally listed <a title="Endangered species" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species">endangered species</a> of the United States. There are three known occurrences remaining, for a total of fewer than 1000 individuals

Argyroxiphium kauense

Argyroxiphium kauense NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. macrocephalum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changing-ocean-soundscapes-impact-animals-worldwide/">animals</a> and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=canada&amp;cvid=4ce31c7c25ca49f2a5a40d7956a26580&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Canada.</a> NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum, the east Maui silversword or Haleakala silversword, is a rare plant, part of the daisy family Asteraceae. The silversword in general is referred to as ʻāhinahina in Hawaiian. (Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. macrocephalum) is a single-stemmed<strong> shrub</strong> of the aster family. Its rosette of narrow, sword-shaped leaves has a dense mat of silky, silvery hairs. The narrow, branched, flowering stalk is elliptic to lanceolate in outline, 9-31 in (22.9-78.7 cm) wide and 2.3-4.9 ft (0.7-1.5 m) long. Argyroxiphium sandwicense, the Hawaiʻi silversword, or hinahina is a species of silversword. It is endemic to Hawaii. The two subspecies are separated by geography. Both subspecies are rare, threatened and federally protected.
• Haleakala silversword (A. sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) is found on the mountain Haleakalā on the island of Maui at elevations above 2,100 m (6,900 ft). It is a federally listed threatened specie

Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. macrocephalum

Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. macrocephalum NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=canada&amp;cvid=4ce31c7c25ca49f2a5a40d7956a26580&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world. Also is on the endangered list still and reports that it may never be off of it.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. sandwicense, the Mauna Kea silversword, is a highly endangered flowering plant endemic to the island of Hawaiʻi of <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/snow-on-hawaiis-tallest-peaks/">Hawaii.</a> It is the "crown jewel" of the volcanic mountain Mauna Kea, from which it derives its English name. The Hawaiian name is ʻahinahina; it applies to silverswords more broadly. The Mauna Kea silversword was once common on the volcano, and extraordinary conservation efforts are being made to preserve the species.

Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense

Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. sandwicense NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe...

Argythamnia blodgettii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/plants-cannot-keep-up-with-rising-co2-levels/">plants</a> and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports --Argythamnia blodgettii  ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants,<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=animals&amp;cvid=26b67657ae9c48c2b2dd1d5b66edce65&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> animals</a>, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Argythamnia is a genus of plants of the family Euphorbiaceae first described as a genus in 1756. They are known commonly as silverbushes. As with many other genera, there have been many changes in classification the past several years. The following list includes species accepted as members of Argythamnia as of September 2014. The species are native to Central America, Mexico, the West Indies, Colombia, and Texas. Therefore this plant will most likely still stay on the endangered list even though it can be seen in a lot of different states.

Argythamnia blodgettii

Argythamnia blodgettii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

Aristida chaseae NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-fall-rhapsody-in-ottawa/">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Aristida chaseae ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=a20c3191584d4672b0a45e23da38ef9f&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.ncate var proctorii, and Vernonia proctorii. 5 Year Review: Summary and Evaluation Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 22 pp. USFWS. 2019. <strong>Aristida chaseae</strong>, <strong>Aristida</strong> portoricensis, Lyonia truncata var proctorii, and Vernonia. Therefore this plant will still remain endangered and on the list.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Aristida chaseae is a rare species of grass known by the common name Chase's threeawn. It is endemic to Puerto Rico, where it is known from two locations in the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the Sierra Bermeja. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. It cannot compete with introduced species of grasses, such as Brachiaria subquadripara, which are invading its habitat.

Aristida chaseae

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Aristida portoricensis NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and<a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=animals&amp;cvid=d1d462d83b22458ebaa253ad7fe79918&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS"> animals</a> too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network. Therefore this plant will be on the endangered list and therefore found only in certain areas.

ITIS Reports -- Aristida portoricensis ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/perennial-vegetables-to-grow-in-north-america/">North America</a> and the world.Source: Poaceae update, database (version Sept. 2010) Acquired: 2010 : Notes: Poaceae update for ITIS, in cooperation with NatureServe, and based on the Catalogue of New World Grasses database and other sources : Reference <strong>Aristida portoricensis</strong> Pilg. Common names pelos del diablo in Spanish pelos del diablo in Spanish Bibliographic References. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1990: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of Endangered Status n endemic perennial grass, may reach 11.8-19.7 in (30-50 cm) in height. These culms occur in large bunches and are slender, erect, or spreading at the base. The blades are involute, somewhat curved, 2-3.9 in (5-10 cm) long, and scarcely

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.

Aristida portoricensis

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Asclepias meadii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=animals&amp;cvid=26b67657ae9c48c2b2dd1d5b66edce65&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">animals</a> too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.Asclepias meadii is a rare species of milkweed known by the common name Mead's milkweed. It is native to the American Midwest, where it was probably once quite widespread in the tallgrass prairie. Today much of the Midwest has been fragmented and claimed for agriculture, and the remaining prairie habitat is degraded.Mead’s milkweed is<strong> a long-lived, tallgrass prairie herb belonging to the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae).</strong> Mead’s milkweed is a federally threatened species. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct.

Asclepias meadii

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Asclepias welshii NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and Canada. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Asclepias welshii ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=north+america&amp;cvid=a20c3191584d4672b0a45e23da38ef9f&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">North America</a> and the world.Asclepias welshii is a rare species of milkweed known by the common name Welsh's milkweed. It is native to southern <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/great-salt-lake-in-northern-utah/">Utah</a> and northern Arizona, where there are four known occurrences remaining. Most of the plants occur in Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, where the habitat has been degraded in many areas by off-road vehicle use. It is a federally listed threatened species of the United States.Therefore this plant will most likely stay on the endangered list. And remain a very rare plant.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.non-GMO varieties in home gardening for over 140 years.. Shop the brand new 2021 seeds and plants as well as the tried and true favorites.

Asclepias welshii

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Asimina tetramera NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is a source for authoritative conservation information on more than 50,000 plants, animals and ecological communtities of the U.S and <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=canada&amp;cvid=782e634f4b81467e829a67081c6760f5&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Canada</a>. NatureServe Explorer provides in-depth information on rare and endangered species, but includes common plants and animals too. NatureServe Explorer is a product of NatureServe in collaboration with the Natural Heritage Network.

ITIS Reports -- Asimina tetramera ITIS (the Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a source for authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.Asimina tetramera, commonly known as the four-petal pawpaw, is a species of flowering plant endemic to the state of Florida. It is a small tree or large perennial shrub with one or more main stems. There is a total population count of about 950 plants, all of which are limited to areas in Martin and Palm Beach Counties in Florida. This is a federally listed endangered species of the United States.

FWS Digital Media Library -- The U.S. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-surface-slicks-create-superhighway-for-fish/">Fish</a> and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library is a searchable collection of selected images, historical artifacts, audio clips, publications, and video.<strong>Asimina tetramerais</strong> an understory plant of sand pine and scrub habitats that is easily outcompeted by species, primarily evergreen oaks and pines, that overgrow and shade it. It relies on infrequent fires approximately every 20 to 80 years to periodically.

Asimina tetramera

Asimina tetramera NatureServe Explorer Species Reports -- NatureServe Explorer is...

<p>The Balanophoraceae family, when stumbled upon in the forest, might be dismissed as mere <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/">fungi</a>, thanks to their peculiar mushroom-like structures. However, these aren't your average mushrooms. They are actually inflorescences, small gatherings of flowers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-parasitism-nbsp">Extreme parasitism&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Rather than simply taking nutrients from host plants using a haustorium, as seen in many parasitic species, Balanophora takes parasitism to another level. It encourages the host plant's vascular system to grow into its tuber.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This results in an unprecedented underground organ formed from both the host and parasite tissue. It's within this chimeric tuber that Balanophora steals nutrients from its host.</p>



<p>Dr. Xiaoli Chen of <a href="https://www.bgi.com/global" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BGI Research</a> and her team set out to explore the evolutionary origins of these subtropical parasites. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-genomes">Shrinking genomes</h2>



<p>In collaboration with Dr. Sean Graham, a botanist from the <a href="https://www.ubc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of British Columbia</a>, Dr. Chen compared the genomes of Balanophora and Sapria, another extreme parasitic plant. While they belong to different families and have varying appearances, their genomic narratives turned out to be surprisingly similar.</p>



<p>According to the study, both Balanophora and Sapria displayed record shrinkages for flowering plants, losing 28 and 38 percent of their genomes, respectively, as they evolved to full-blown parasitism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The extent of similar, but independent gene losses observed in Balanophora and Sapria is striking,” said Dr. Chen. “It points to a very strong convergence in the genetic evolution of holoparasitic lineages, despite their outwardly distinct life histories and appearances, and despite their having evolved from different groups of photosynthetic plants.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-discovery-nbsp">Unexpected discovery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Both plants displayed an almost total loss of genes associated with photosynthesis, which is not surprising given that they give up their photosynthetic ability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, what was unexpected was the discovery of the loss of genes vital for other biological functions such as root development, nitrogen absorption, and flower development regulation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In essence, these parasites seemed to have discarded a significant amount of gene families typically found in green plants, only retaining crucial genes or their copies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-gene-loss">Strategic gene loss</h2>



<p>An astonishing revelation was the parallel loss of genes related to the synthesis of a significant plant hormone - abscisic acid (ABA) - in both plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even in the absence of these genes, ABA hormone accumulation was found in Balanophora's flowering stems, with ABA signaling response genes still intact in both parasites.</p>



<p>"The majority of the lost genes in Balanophora are probably related to functions essential in green plants, which have become functionally unnecessary in the parasites,” said Dr. Graham.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“That said, there are probably instances where the gene loss was actually beneficial, rather than reflecting a simply loss of function. The loss of their entire ABA biosynthesis pathway may be a good example. It may help them to maintain physiological synchronization with the host plants. This needs to be tested in the future."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Highlighting the broader context, Dr. Huan Liu of BGI Research mentioned the 10KP project, which aims to sequence 10,000 plant genomes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The study of parasitic plants deepens our understanding of dramatic genomic alterations and the complex interactions between parasitic plants and their hosts," said Dr. Liu.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The genomic data provides valuable insights into the evolution and genetic mechanisms behind the dependency of parasitic plants on their hosts, and how they manipulate host plants to survive."</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01517-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Plants</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Extreme parasitism: Balanophora convinces a host to grow into its tissue

The Balanophoraceae family, when stumbled upon in the forest, might...

<p>Imagine the sheer magnitude if entire countries like France, Germany, and Spain were fully covered in forests, and then, almost suddenly, all those trees disappeared. This is the scale of global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coordinated-efforts-needed-to-slow-deforestation/">deforestation</a> from 2001 to 2020, with implications that are hard to fathom.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staggering-effects">Staggering effects</h2>



<p>The detrimental effects of deforestation are staggering. First, deforestation significantly drives climate change, contributing anywhere from six to 17 percent of the worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Moreover, since trees act as carbon sinks, they draw CO2 out of the atmosphere, which has a cooling effect on the planet. Finally, forests are also sanctuaries of biodiversity.</p>



<p>“Climate change and biodiversity make this a global problem, not a local problem,” said <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coordinated-efforts-needed-to-slow-deforestation/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) economist Ben Olken and senior author of a recent study describing way of tackling global biodiversity. “Deciding to cut down trees or not has huge implications for the world.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-issue">Monitoring the issue</h2>



<p>However, the economic allure of deforestation is undeniable, leading to its unabated continuation. With technological advancements in the past 25 years, we can now monitor this issue more closely.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Devices like the Landsat satellites have revolutionized our ability to track changes in forests since 2000 with incredible detail.</p>



<p>“Part of this revolution in measurement is accuracy, and the other part is coverage,” explained lead author Clare Balboni, an assistant professor of Economics at the <a href="https://www.lse.ac.uk/">London School of Economics</a> (LSE).&nbsp;</p>



<p>“On-site observation is very expensive and logistically challenging, and you’re talking about case studies. These satellite-based data sets just open up opportunities to see deforestation at scale, systematically, across the globe.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-problem">Understanding the problem</h2>



<p>But how could global deforestation be curbed effectively? According to the experts, a first step in this direction is understanding the problem.</p>



<p>Several intellectual heavyweights from the past, including renowned MIT economist Paul Samuelson in the 1970s, devised models that viewed forests as sustainable resources.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The primary purpose behind these models was to optimize the balance between deforestation and reforestation. However, the current wave of deforestation, especially in tropical regions, exhibits a different trend. Regrowing forests is not the norm anymore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-dilemma">Economic dilemma</h2>



<p>As Balboni and Olken stress, the economic reasons behind deforestation have evolved. The immediate profits now stem not just from lumber but from clearing woods to make way for agriculture.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, in Brazil there is a positive correlation between rising agricultural prices and deforestation rates, while in Indonesia, surging global palm oil prices have pushed companies to convert forests into palm orchards.</p>



<p>This rampant deforestation poses an economic dilemma: The global consequences of climate change due to deforestation are external costs imposed on the masses by a few.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The relevance of global externalities is very important, and the conceptualization of alternate land uses is very important,” Olken said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-solution">What is the solution?</h2>



<p>Various solutions to effectively curb deforestation have been proposed, ranging from levying taxes on those responsible to compensating landowners to preserve forests. The <a href="https://www.un-redd.org/">UN’s REDD+ program</a>, for example, involves Payments for Environmental Services (PES). Yet, its efficacy varies across regions and situations.</p>



<p>“There’s mixed evidence from many of these [studies],” says Balboni, emphasizing the need to evaluate each policy’s real-world impacts.</p>



<p>While paying individuals might seem a straightforward solution, this method faces significant challenges in some parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, while cash subsidies in Indonesia led to a 30 percent reduction in deforestation in certain areas, a similar scheme in Mexico had unintended consequences, inadvertently promoting further deforestation.</p>



<p>The seemingly straightforward method of outrightly banning deforestation also has its complexities. Even with designated protected regions, illegal deforestation often simply shifts to other unprotected areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unconventional-approaches-nbsp">Unconventional approaches&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, some unconventional approaches have been more successful. For instance, in Brazil, the Amazon Soy Moratorium, where grain traders pledged not to source soy from deforested areas, significantly curtailed deforestation without merely shifting it elsewhere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Similarly, a 2008 policy in Brazil tightened the criteria for availing agricultural loans, demanding adherence to environmental norms. This led to a dramatic 60 percent reduction in deforestation over almost ten years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predominant-challenges">Predominant challenges</h2>



<p>When dissecting the root causes of deforestation, Balboni and Olken pinpoint two predominant challenges. Firstly, the ambiguity in forest land ownership often exacerbates deforestation. Secondly, political dynamics play a significant role in forest conservation (or the lack thereof).</p>



<p>Politics and policy intertwine deeply when it comes to deforestation. Analyzing the Amazon between 2001 and 2005, the experts found that conservation policies significantly curbed deforestation in Brazil compared to neighboring regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, a change in political leadership in 2014 saw a resurgence in deforestation. Another example is Brazil’s satellite-based DETER system. A study showcased that municipalities that increased its usage saw a 25 percent reduction in deforestation from 2006 to 2016.</p>



<p>“The research there is aiming to understand what the political economy drivers are, with the idea that if you understand those things, reform in those countries is more likely,” Olken explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolving-research-nbsp">Evolving research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As the world grapples with the deforestation crisis, Balboni and Olken believe that evolving research could be of great help for finding ways to stop massive forest losses. However, the onus now lies on merging accumulated knowledge with actionable policy measures.</p>



<p>“To the extent that there’s ambiguity across different contexts with different findings, part of the point of our review piece is to draw out common themes - the important considerations in determining which policy levers can [work] in different circumstances. That’s a fast-evolving area," said Balboni.</p>



<p>"We don’t have all the answers, but part of the process is bringing together growing evidence about [everything] that affects how successful those choices can be."</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-economics-090622-024705"><em>Annual Review of Economics</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Global deforestation crisis: How can we stop massive forest losses?

Imagine the sheer magnitude if entire countries like France, Germany,...

Rafflesia,,The,Biggest,Flower,In,The,World,,,Sumatra,,Indonesia

<p>The Rafflesia, colloquially known as the "corpse flower" for its pungent aroma, is the world's largest and smelliest flower -- and it is in imminent danger of extinction. </p>



<p>A recent paper published in the journal <a href="https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ppp3.10431" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plants, People, Planet</a> has sounded the alarm, revealing that current conservation efforts are far from sufficient to protect these unique botanical wonders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-of-the-rafflesia-study">Key findings of the Rafflesia study</h2>



<p>The study constitutes the first comprehensive evaluation of the threats facing Rafflesia species globally. Researchers found that out of the 42 known species, 25 are categorized as critically endangered, 15 as endangered, and two as vulnerable. </p>



<p>Strikingly, the <a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a> (IUCN) has recognized only one species, Rafflesia magnifica, as critically endangered.</p>



<p>One of the most startling revelations of the study was that "60% of Rafflesia species face a severe risk of extinction and at least 67% of known habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability," according to the report.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-neglected-plant-kingdom">A neglected plant kingdom</h2>



<p>Dr. Chris Thorogood, from the <a href="https://www.obga.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford Botanic Garden</a> and a co-author of the study, emphasized the disparity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/all-plants-on-earth-could-be-saved-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation efforts</a> between plant and animal species. </p>



<p>Thorogood stated, "We urgently need a joined-up, cross-regional approach to save some of the world’s most remarkable flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ephemeral-nature-of-rafflesia">The ephemeral nature of Rafflesia</h2>



<p>Adding to the sense of urgency is the elusive life cycle of corpse flower plants. Many Rafflesia species remain mostly hidden, subsisting within jungle vines that they parasitize for nutrients. </p>



<p>Their populations are often critically small, with some estimated to consist of only a few hundred members. Alarmingly, researchers warn that "taxa are still being eradicated before they are even known to science."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-communities-and-ecotourism">Local communities and ecotourism</h2>



<p>The paper also highlights the potential for local communities, particularly indigenous peoples, to play an instrumental role in conservation efforts. </p>



<p>Adriane Tobias, a Filipino forester and co-author of the study, stressed that, "Rafflesia conservation programs are far more likely to be successful if they engage local communities. Rafflesia has the potential to be a new icon for conservation in the Asian tropics."</p>



<p>The study suggests that ecotourism could serve as an added incentive for local communities to engage in conservation work. This creates a win-win situation for both the flower and the people living in proximity to its natural habitats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-immediate-action">Call for immediate action</h2>



<p>The researchers urged immediate steps to improve the understanding of existing species, enhance protection of their natural habitats, and develop new techniques for their propagation. The paper calls for a unified, global effort to save this awe-inspiring yet highly vulnerable genus from the brink of extinction.</p>



<p>In summary, the study paints a grim picture for the Rafflesia. Its endangered status can only be changed through swift, coordinated, and comprehensive conservation actions. The world stands to lose not just a biological marvel, but also a potential symbol of ecological preservation if efforts are not escalated immediately.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-rafflesia">More about Rafflesia</h2>



<p>Rafflesia, often dubbed the "corpse flower", captures the attention of botanists and enthusiasts alike. This plant is not just impressive for its size, but also for its peculiar characteristics. Found primarily in the rainforests of Southeast Asia, this unique flower showcases nature's eccentricities in full bloom.</p>



<p>At first glance, Rafflesia's sheer size astounds most observers. Some species, like the Rafflesia arnoldii, boast flowers that can reach up to a meter in diameter. But what truly sets it apart is its lifestyle. Lacking conventional plant structures such as leaves, stems, and roots, Rafflesia leads a parasitic life. Instead of synthesizing its own food through photosynthesis, it draws nutrients from the Tetrastigma vines.</p>



<p>Yet, it's the flower's peculiar odor that has earned it the nickname "corpse flower". Emitting a strong scent reminiscent of decaying flesh, Rafflesia attracts carrion flies for pollination. These insects, lured by the smell, enter the flower in search of a meal, inadvertently aiding in the plant's reproduction.</p>



<p>However, as mentioned above, Rafflesia now faces significant challenges. Deforestation and habitat destruction threaten its existence. Recent studies have shown that many species remain unprotected and at risk of extinction. Local communities, recognizing the flower's potential as an ecotourism draw, play an essential role in its conservation.</p>



<p>Rafflesia stands as a testament to nature's ability to surprise and fascinate. As efforts to conserve this botanical marvel intensify, it serves as a vivid reminder of the wonders the natural world holds and our responsibility to protect them.</p>



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The corpse flower, smelliest flower on Earth, is at grave risk of extinction

The Rafflesia, colloquially known as the "corpse flower" for its...

<p>Our world is in a state of change, and as global temperatures rise, they cause ripple effects throughout our natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/">ecosystems</a>. Some of these effects - like animals shifting northward to seek ideal temperatures - are easy to observe, but others are much less obvious.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-plant-decomposition">Plant decomposition</h2>



<p>One important ecosystem process that is often overlooked is plant litter decomposition. Dead plant material is broken down by animals, fungi, and microbes, which in turn releases essential nutrients back into the ecosystem for the next generation of plants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The speed of plant decomposition plays a crucial role in determining the carbon storage capacity of an ecosystem. Furthermore, the storage capacity of ecosystems directly affects the levels of carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas responsible for current warming trends.</p>



<p>Just as different plant species possess distinct nutrient profiles, the decomposition products vary depending on the plant species. But it's not just about the plants. Microbes in the soil, responsible for most of the decomposition, are also influenced by warming temperatures.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a study led by <a href="https://holdenfg.org/">Holden Arboretum</a> ecologists, researchers set out to investigate the interactions between plants, microbes, and increasing temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Our study is exciting because scientists haven’t extensively explored how changes in the plant and decomposer communities will interact under climate warming,” said study lead author Emma Dawson-Glass.</p>



<p>“Studying how decomposition is impacted by warming can help us better understand how the function of our environment is being altered by climate change. By improving our understanding of the changes caused by climate warming, we can also help to better inform climate intervention strategies.”</p>



<h2 id="h-evolving-microbial-communities">Evolving microbial communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Building on prior research, the team recognized that while warming temperatures expedited microbial decomposition, they also shifted plant communities in ways that slowed the process. The team conducted lab experiments to take a closer look at these responses.</p>



<p>The researchers found that the presence of Indian grass, a slower-decomposing grass, generally hampered decomposition. However, the delay was nullified when soil microbes were accustomed to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This indicated that microbial communities had evolved under warmer conditions, becoming more efficient at decomposing Indian grass, which also proliferates in such conditions.</p>



<h2 id="h-simultaneous-shifts">Simultaneous shifts&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings suggest that adjustments in microbial and plant communities might actually balance out the changes in decomposition due to global warming. This realization emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach when assessing global warming's impact on ecosystems.</p>



<p>“The impacts of global warming are pervasive, but so incredibly nuanced,” said study senior author Katie Stuble. “The response of one element of the environment to warming is almost certainly influenced by simultaneous shifts in other elements. Sometimes these confounding changes may exacerbate the impacts of warming, but they may also mitigate the impacts.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Unpacking the intricate ways in which warming will modify various aspects of the environment, but also how these changes will interact with one another, will be a critical step in understanding how climate change is reshaping the world now, as well as into the future."</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.14404"><em>Functional Ecology</em></a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-more-about-plant-decomposition">More about plant decomposition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Plant decomposition refers to the breakdown of dead plant materials, such as leaves, stems, and roots, into simpler organic and inorganic compounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This process is primarily driven by physical factors (like temperature and moisture), chemical factors (like the material's composition), and biological agents, notably microbes (bacteria and fungi), as well as larger decomposers like insects and earthworms.</p>



<h3 id="h-why-is-plant-decomposition-important">Why is plant decomposition important?&nbsp;</h3>



<h4 id="h-nutrients">Nutrients</h4>



<p>Decomposition releases nutrients that were previously locked up in plant tissues. This provides essential nutrients for other plants and organisms in the ecosystem.</p>



<h4 id="h-soil-structure">Soil structure</h4>



<p>As plant materials decompose, they enrich the soil and help in forming humus. This improves soil's water retention, aeration, and overall health.</p>



<h4 id="h-carbon-cycle">Carbon cycle</h4>



<p>Decomposition plays a significant role in the carbon cycle. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis and store it as carbon. When plants die, this carbon is returned to the environment as CO2 through decomposition.</p>



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Balancing act: Microbes speed up plant decomposition in a warming world

Our world is in a state of change, and as...

Aerial,View,Of,A,Log,Storage,Yard,From,Authorized,Logging

<p>Satellite data from Borneo has given conservationists and scientists a glimmer of hope in the battle against deforestation. A monumental ecological experiment initiated over two decades ago by Professor Andy Hector and his team from the<a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Oxford</a> has shown that logged forests can be regenerated faster with a diverse mixture of seedlings.</p>



<h2>Forest restoration results</h2>



<p>Published in <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adf0938" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>, the study was part of the <a href="https://www.searrp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SE Asia Rainforest Research Partnership</a> (SEARRP). It scrutinized the regeneration process of 125 plots in a logged tropical forest, each planted with varying tree species combinations.</p>



<p>Unsurprisingly, plots enriched with a mix of 16 native tree species witnessed quicker canopy and biomass recovery than those with only 1 or 4 species. However, it’s noteworthy that even those replanted with just a single species fared better than forests left to rejuvenate on their own.</p>



<p>The main scientist spearheading the study, <a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/professor-andrew-hector" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Andy Hector</a>, opined, "Replanting logged tropical forests with diverse native tree species leads to accelerated tree cover restoration, increased biodiversity, and enhanced carbon sequestration."</p>



<h2 id="h-the-science-behind-the-success">The science behind the success</h2>



<p>The team believes the success behind diverse replanting in forest restoration projects is the distinct ‘niches’ different species fill within an ecosystem. This encompasses both their adaptation to environmental conditions and their interaction with other species.</p>



<p>Such diversity fosters overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-have-disrupted-66-million-years-of-ecosystem-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem stability</a> and functionality. For example, certain tree species that are drought-resistant because of their chemical constitution can lend resilience to the forest during low rainfall phases.</p>



<p>Comparing the benefits of ecological diversity to financial diversification, Professor Hector mentioned, "A diversified tropical forest can be equated to having an insurance effect, akin to possessing a diverse investment portfolio."</p>



<p>Further, this diverse tree mixture could also promote richer animal diversity. For instance, hornbills need large mature trees for nesting.</p>



<h2>The global importance of tropical forests</h2>



<p>With only 6% of the Earth's land mass covered by tropical forests, they astonishingly host around 80% of the world’s documented species, <a href="https://wwf.panda.org/discover/our_focus/forests_practice/importance_forests/tropical_rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to WWF</a>. They are also crucial for carbon storage. </p>



<p>But the clock is ticking for these vital ecosystems, with logging for timber and palm oil plantations causing unprecedented destruction. Between 2004 and 2017 alone, tropical forests spanning an area the size of Morocco were lost.</p>



<p>This Borneo experiment underscores the importance of active intervention in forest restoration, challenging the previously held notion of allowing natural recovery.</p>



<h2>Sabah Biodiversity Experiment</h2>



<p>The <a href="http://www.sabahbiodiversityexperiment.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabah Biodiversity Experiment</a>, conducted on 500 hectares in the Malaysian state of Sabah, consisted of plots planted with different tree species mixtures, including the world's tallest tropical tree, Shorea faguetiana. Satellite images and statistical models were employed to gauge the regeneration, revealing plots with 16 species as the most successful.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/people/ryan-veryard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Veryard</a>, the lead author, pointed out the importance of maintaining biodiversity in untouched forests. He emphasized that while logged forests can recuperate, the real threat lies in their conversion into agricultural land.</p>



<p>The Sabah Biodiversity Experiment team isn’t stopping here. They're embarking on a comprehensive three-year project, funded by the <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/nerc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK Natural Environmental Research Council</a>, to survey all the trees in the study, pairing this data with advanced remote sensing methods.</p>



<p>With the increasing threats of climate change and habitat destruction, this research brings hope and crucial insights into preserving and restoring the world's invaluable tropical forests.</p>



<h2>More about deforestation</h2>



<p>Deforestation, the act of clearing large areas of forests, dramatically reshapes our planet in numerous ways. As mentioned above, research into proper forest restoration procedures has never been more important. By understanding the consequences of deforestation, we can better appreciate the importance of sustainable practices and conservation. </p>



<h3>Loss of biodiversity</h3>



<p>Forests house around 80% of the world’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-slow-down-biodiversity-loss-but-they-cant-reverse-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial biodiversity</a>. When we cut down these trees, we destroy the habitats of countless animal and plant species. Many of them, unable to adapt to new environments, face extinction. Each species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and their loss disrupts the delicate balance of life.</p>



<h3>Climate change</h3>



<p>Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them essential players in regulating our planet's atmosphere. As we fell trees, we release the carbon they store into the atmosphere, significantly increasing the levels of greenhouse gases. This exacerbates global warming, leading to more severe weather patterns and rising sea levels.</p>



<h3>Soil erosion from deforestation</h3>



<p>Forests act as barriers that prevent soil erosion by both water and wind. Trees hold the soil together with their roots, while fallen leaves create a protective layer on the forest floor. Remove the trees, and the soil becomes vulnerable, leading to loss of fertile land and sedimentation in rivers and lakes.</p>



<h3>Disruption of the water cycle</h3>



<p>Trees play a vital role in the water cycle. They absorb rainwater, then release it back into the atmosphere through transpiration. Without forests, lands become drier, and the amount of water in the soil and atmosphere decreases, often leading to drought.</p>



<h3>Loss of livelihood for Indigenous people</h3>



<p>Forests provide shelter, food, and livelihood for millions of indigenous people. Deforestation robs them of their homes and means of subsistence, forcing them to relocate or adapt to a completely different way of life, often without adequate resources.</p>



<h3>Deforestation decreases oxygen production</h3>



<p>Forests act as the lungs of our planet. They consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Cut down large swaths of trees, and we reduce the amount of oxygen being released into the atmosphere, impacting air quality and overall planetary health.</p>



<h3>Spread of diseases</h3>



<p>Forests act as natural barriers, limiting the movement of disease vectors like mosquitoes. With the removal of these barriers, we see an increase in the spread of diseases such as malaria and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-viruses-make-people-smell-more-enticing-to-mosquitos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zika virus</a>.</p>



<h3>Economic impact of deforestation</h3>



<p>Forests play a significant role in the global economy. They provide timber, food, and medicine. However, unsustainable logging practices and clear-cutting for agriculture reduce the long-term availability of these resources, leading to economic instability for industries and regions dependent on them.</p>



<h3>Loss of aesthetic and recreational value</h3>



<p>Forests offer scenic beauty, peace, and recreational activities to millions of people worldwide. Their destruction not only impacts tourism industries but also denies future generations the chance to experience the wonder and serenity of untouched nature.</p>



<h3>Increased greenhouse effect</h3>



<p>Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon dioxide than they release. When we destroy them, we disturb this balance, leading to an increased greenhouse effect which heats our planet.</p>



<p>In summary, the act of deforestation has far-reaching consequences that affect all aspects of life on Earth. From the air we breathe to the health of our economies, forests play a pivotal role in ensuring a balanced, thriving planet. As global citizens, recognizing these impacts empowers us to advocate for sustainable practices and conservation efforts.</p>



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Important discovery in forest restoration and the battle against deforestation

Satellite data from Borneo has given conservationists and scientists a...

Coral,Reef,And,Tropical,Fish,In,The,Red,Sea,,Egypt

<p>The United Nations has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to safeguard the world's high seas with a new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/historic-treaty-adopted-to-protect-biodiversity-in-the-high-seas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treaty</a>. This initiative, scheduled to be open for signatures on September 20 at the annual UN General Assembly, heralds the beginning of its ratification process.</p>



<h2 id="h-why-is-this-treaty-vital">Why is this treaty vital?</h2>



<p>The high seas, covering approximately 50% of the Earth's surface, play host to a rich array of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>. However, activities like deep-sea mining, overfishing, pollution, shipping, and the impacts of climate change have placed these vital waters and their ecosystems at risk.</p>



<p>Rebecca Hubbard, the director of the <a href="https://highseasalliance.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Seas Alliance</a>, emphasized the criticality of this venture. "The high seas constitute two-thirds of the world's ocean. It's pivotal that we commence with the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) therein," she asserted.</p>



<p>This vast expanse, beyond national boundary waters and officially termed the <a href="https://press.un.org/en/highlights/BBNJ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction</a> (BBNJ), has so far been devoid of legal protection. This UN High Seas Treaty is set to alter this status quo.</p>



<h2>The process of ratification</h2>



<p>Countries signing the treaty are indicating their intention to ratify it. However, it's essential to understand that a signature is not equivalent to domestic legal approval. To truly adopt the treaty, national legislative measures are necessary for each participating country. The treaty will assume a legally binding nature once 60 nations ratify it.</p>



<h2>Current challenges on the high seas</h2>



<p>Environmental groups and conservationists worldwide are keenly observing the treaty's rollout. According to statistics provided by the <a href="https://globalfishingwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Fishing Watch</a> and assessed by Greenpeace, the hours dedicated to fishing activities on the high seas saw an upward trend, increasing by 8.5% from 2018 to 2022.</p>



<h2>The High Seas Alliance's crucial role</h2>



<p>Comprising 52 non-governmental organizations and the <a href="https://www.iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Union for the Conservation of Nature</a>, the High Seas Alliance has been instrumental in championing this cause. Their dedication and efforts during treaty negotiations have been pivotal in reaching this "historic" agreement.</p>



<p>Furthermore, they have pinpointed several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-disrupts-the-distribution-of-marine-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> hubs on the high seas that necessitate immediate protection. Notable among these are the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-perfect-pathogen-storm-sargassum-and-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sargasso Sea</a>, white shark cafe, Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, Costa Rica Thermal Dome, and the Lost City hydrothermal field.</p>



<p>Alexander Killion, Managing Director of the <a href="https://bgc.yale.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Biodiversity and Global Change</a> at Yale University, commented on the significance of the protected areas. He noted the importance of prioritizing these zones, especially to shield species most vulnerable to threats.</p>



<h2>A unified approach to conservation</h2>



<p>In March, unity prevailed among UN member nations, leading to a unanimous agreement dedicated to the world's oceans' protection.</p>



<p>Rena Lee, the conference president, jubilantly declared from the UN Headquarters in New York, "The ship has reached the shore." Her announcement marked the culmination of nearly two decades of rigorous dialogue, with the formal adoption of the treaty following in June.</p>



<p>The treaty's inception showcases the international community's commitment to preserving the planet's vital marine ecosystems. With continued collaboration and adherence, the high seas' future may finally be on a course towards regeneration and sustainability.</p>



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UN High Seas Treaty to protect the oceans nears ratification

The United Nations has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to...

<p>In a significant push against the rising impacts of climate change, the U.S. federal government has announced an allocation of over $1 billion for tree planting projects across the nation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This initiative is expected to not only benefit hundreds of communities by mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-threatens-solitary-bees-and-global-food-security/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat</a>, but also expand their access to nature.</p>



<h2 id="h-tree-planting-projects">Tree planting projects&nbsp;</h2>



<p>U.S. Department of Agriculture's Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the $1.13 billion funding will support 385 tree planting projects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These projects span all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and even some tribal nations.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-resilient-communities">More resilient communities&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A noteworthy aspect of this initiative is its special emphasis on marginalized areas, a move indicative of the government's inclusive approach to combating climate issues.</p>



<p>Speaking to reporters ahead of the announcement, Vilsack highlighted the program's potential impact:&nbsp; “We believe we can create more resilient communities in terms of the impacts of climate. We think we can mitigate extreme heat incidents and events in many of the cities.”</p>



<h2 id="h-releaf-cedar-rapids">ReLeaf Cedar Rapids</h2>



<p>Vilsack announced the ambitious plans in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where thousands of trees were lost during the fierce derecho windstorm of summer 2020.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The winds peaked at about 140 miles per hour and persisted for more than 45 minutes. The city estimates that up to 100,000 trees were damaged or destroyed.</p>



<p>In 2021, a $37 million urban reforestation plan was launched called ReLeaf Cedar Rapids. The goal is to plant more than 40,000 trees along streets, in parks, and on private residences.</p>



<p>Recognizing the urgency of restoring the city's tree canopy, Cedar Rapids is now set to receive a grant of $6 million from the new federal program.</p>



<p>“We’re allocating a $6 million award to the ReLeaf program so that Cedar Rapids can continue its efforts to restore and rebuild its forest and tree population,” Vilsack said in a call with reporters.</p>



<h2 id="h-access-to-nature">Access to nature&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While some of the country's metropolitan areas like New York, Houston, and Los Angeles are on the list of beneficiaries, the grant also extends to smaller communities such as Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Hutchinson, Kansas.</p>



<p>Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, Brenda Mallory, the chair of the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/internship-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">White House Council on Environmental Quality</a>, shared her insights. She pointed out the glaring disparity where many communities remain devoid of adequate access to nature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With these tree grants, the government aims to ensure that marginalized and underrepresented communities are not left behind.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Everyone should have access to nature,” Mallory said. “Urban forests can really play a key role in ensuring both that access but also increasing the climate resilience of communities, helping reduce extreme heat and making communities more livable.”</p>



<h2 id="h-a-greener-future-from-tree-planting">A greener future from tree planting</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.usda.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USDA</a> Forest Service grant program will increase the overall tree canopy of cities. It has the potential to reduce temperatures in urban areas, which will lower energy costs. The projects will also promote better air quality by reducing air pollution.</p>



<p>As the country faces the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, such initiatives are a testament to the government's commitment to promoting a greener, healthier future.</p>



<p>The source of funding for the federal grant program is the Inflation Reduction Act. </p>



<h2>More about planting trees to fight climate change</h2>



<p>Trees, nature's powerful carbon scrubbers, have always stood as guardians of our environment. As the climate crisis deepens, we are increasingly recognizing the role they play in mitigating global warming. </p>



<p>Planting trees is not just an environmental nicety -- it's a necessity. This article delves deep into the benefits of tree planting in our battle against climate change.</p>



<h3>Trees act as carbon sinks</h3>



<p>Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis. By doing so, they reduce the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Over its lifetime, a single tree can absorb as much as one ton of CO2. As forests grow, they continue to consume increasing amounts of CO2, making them invaluable as natural carbon sinks.</p>



<h3>Trees cool their surroundings</h3>



<p>Beyond absorbing CO2, trees cool the environment in two primary ways:</p>



<ul>
<li>Shade provision: Trees block sunlight, creating shaded areas. This shading reduces the need for air conditioning, thereby lowering electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.<br></li>



<li>Transpiration: Trees release water vapor through their leaves, a process known as transpiration. This not only cools the surrounding air but also introduces moisture, helping to regulate local climates.</li>
</ul>



<h3>Trees foster biodiversity</h3>



<p>Trees serve as homes, feeding grounds, and protective shelters for countless species. As we plant more trees, we bolster habitats and support biodiversity. A diverse ecosystem is more resilient to the stresses induced by climate change.</p>



<h3>Tree planting prevents soil erosion</h3>



<p>Root systems hold soil together, preventing it from being washed away during heavy rains. This not only preserves fertile topsoil, but it also reduces runoff. Less runoff means fewer landslides and reduced sedimentation in rivers and streams, ensuring cleaner water systems.</p>



<h3>Trees boost water conservation</h3>



<p>Trees act like natural sponges. They capture rainwater, helping to recharge groundwater supplies. This storage and slow release of water are crucial in drought-prone areas, where it can be a lifeline for local communities.</p>



<h3>Trees reduce urban heat islands</h3>



<p>Urban areas often experience higher temperatures due to human-made surfaces absorbing and re-emitting the sun's heat. Trees counteract this effect. By planting more trees in urban areas, we can lower temperatures, making cities more livable while reducing energy demands.</p>



<h3>Trees enhance mental well-being</h3>



<p>While not directly a climate change combatant, the mental health benefits of trees are noteworthy. Studies show that green spaces can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. As climate change intensifies, fostering a connection with nature becomes increasingly vital for our collective well-being.</p>



<h3>Tree planting supports livelihoods</h3>



<p>Across the world, many communities rely on forests for their livelihoods. By planting trees, we not only fight climate change but also provide resources like timber, fruits, and medicines. This creates economic incentives for communities to preserve and expand their forests.</p>



<p>In summary, the act of planting trees offers a multi-pronged approach to tackling climate change. From carbon sequestration to urban temperature regulation, trees stand as one of our most formidable allies in this fight. </p>



<p>As we continue to face mounting environmental challenges, we have the responsibility to recognize, advocate for, and engage in tree-planting initiatives on a global scale. It's not just about adding greenery to our landscapes -- it's about securing a sustainable future.</p>



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US cities are about to get a lot greener with $1 billion for tree planting

In a significant push against the rising impacts of climate...

Young,Spruce,Tree,Picea,Abies,Growing,In,The,Moss.,Also

<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.unl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Nebraska-Lincoln</a> are working to transform plant wastes, lignin in particular, into antimicrobial materials. The team, led by Shudipto Dishari,&nbsp;and Ross McCollum, associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, explored the use of lignin, an abundant organic material and an important element in plant cell walls, in making sustainable antimicrobial substances.</p>



<p>They refined lignin from Norway spruce trees with quaternary ammonium, a cationic functional group typically used to destroy molds, bacteria, and viruses. The lignin-derived antimicrobial known as QAL was tested on wild-type and antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Thanks to the positive elements in the QAL, the lignin could combat the negatively charged outer bacterial skin.</p>



<p>The treatment lasted an hour and was promising. It delivered about 90% dead cells and between 90 to 100% growth inhibition.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-scientists-learned">What the scientists learned</h2>



<p>Results published in American Chemical Society’s <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01414" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering</a> journal showed the QAL prevented bacterial growth without posing threat to the human embryonic kidney cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>‘’While antibiotic-resistant bacteria are smart enough to save themselves from the action of conventional drugs, they cannot protect themselves from the non-specific effects that QAL makes,’’ Dishari said.</p>



<p>She believes we can ‘’get the best of both worlds if we can design low-cost, highly effective antimicrobials using green and eco-friendly materials.’’</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.un.org">United Nations</a>, drug-resistant illnesses may cause 10 million deaths by 2050. While researchers have successfully used synthetic materials to develop antimicrobials, it has come at a cost and with environmental implications.</p>



<p>This highlights the importance of the new study by Dishari and her team. ‘’By converting an untapped agricultural/process waste like lignin into value-added antimicrobials, we can significantly lower the expense of antimicrobial treatments and coatings in large-scale applications,’’ she noted.</p>



<h2>Lignin is an untapped resource</h2>



<p>The world produces over 100 million tons of lignin in a year, but the full potential of this natural resource is yet to be tapped. ‘’From a broader perspective, sustainable, scalable production of low-cost, efficient antimicrobials from waste lignin can help to sustain pulp and paper industries, biorefineries and agricultural farms and support the bioeconomy,’’ the lead researcher said.</p>



<p>Using lignin from Norway spruce trees for this study isn’t restrictive. In fact, it has offered opportunities to tackle <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sloths-may-hold-a-secret-weapon-against-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drug-resistant</a> cells with biorenewable agents.</p>



<p>According to Dishari, ‘’the chemical structure of lignin can vary depending on the plant source, but we are up to embracing this challenge as an exciting opportunity to play with lignin chemistry and design a wide range of antimicrobials with high efficacy.’’</p>



<p>This isn't the first promising trial aimed at tackling antibiotic resistance. Scientists at the <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology</a> (RMIT) and the <a href="https://www.unisa.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Australia</a> (UniSA) tested black phosphorus-based nanotechnology against drug-resistant bacteria, including superbugs.</p>



<p>The findings published in Advanced Therapeutics revealed that the invention killed over 99% of bacteria without endangering other cells in biological models. It closed wounds by 80% within seven days.</p>



<p>"The beauty of our innovation is that it's not simply a coating--it can actually be integrated into common materials that devices are made of, as well as plastic and gels, to make them antimicrobial," said the co-lead researcher from RMIT, Professor Sumeet Walia.</p>



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Researchers create antimicrobial substances using lignin and plant wastes

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln are working to transform...

<p>Many of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-bacteria-can-help-farmers-control-crop-diseases/">bacteria</a> that compromise crops and jeopardize our food sources deploy a common strategy to cause disease: they release a blend of detrimental proteins straight into the plant cells.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For over two decades, a team of researchers from <a href="https://duke.edu/">Duke University</a> has been studying this set of molecules that plant pathogens use to cause diseases in a variety of crops worldwide, ranging from rice to apple trees.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, a collective initiative from three collaborating research teams may have found the answer to how these molecules induce illness in plants, while providing a possible method to neutralize them.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers examined key elements of this deadly blend, focusing on a group of injected proteins named AvrE/DspE. These proteins are accountable for diseases like brown spot in beans, bacterial speck in tomatoes, and fire blight in fruit trees.</p>



<p>Since its discovery in the early 1990s, this protein group has grabbed the attention of many experts in plant disease. Because these proteins are a vital tool for bacteria, deactivating them in controlled settings renders the bacteria harmless.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, despite decades of research, the exact mechanisms through which they infect plant cells have remained elusive.</p>



<h2 id="h-weird-proteins">Weird proteins&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Now, the scientists managed to identify several proteins in the AvrE/DspE group that suppressed the plants’ defense mechanisms, often leading to distinct, waterlogged spots on their leaves, which is a telltale sign of disease.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the sequence of amino acids that linked to form the proteins was already understood, the three-dimensional folding of these sequences remained a mystery.</p>



<p>A notable challenge was the sheer size of the proteins: while a typical bacterial protein might contain around 300 amino acids, the proteins from the AvrE/DspE family boast a staggering 2000. Moreover, efforts to find proteins with similar sequences proved fruitless. “They’re weird proteins,” said senior author Sheng Yang He, a biologist at Duke.</p>



<h2 id="h-artificial-intelligence">Artificial intelligence</h2>



<p>To address this problem, the researchers used a 2021 computer program named AlphaFold2, which employs artificial intelligence to predict the 3D formation of a particular amino acid sequence.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the experts already knew that some members of this family help the bacteria evade the plants’ immune systems, a first look into the proteins’ 3D design suggested they have an additional role.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When we first saw the model, it was nothing like what we had thought,” confessed Pei Zhou, a professor of Biochemistry at Duke who collaborated with the study authors.</p>



<p>AI predictions for bacterial proteins impacting crops like pears, apples, tomatoes, and corn, all hinted at a consistent 3D design, resembling a tiny mushroom with a tubular stem. This predicted shape matched up with images of a protein responsible for fire blight disease in fruit trees, which were captured via a cryo-electron microscope.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-intriguing-new-theory">Intriguing new theory&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Seen from above, the protein was highly similar to an empty hollow tube. This led researchers to an intriguing hypothesis: perhaps bacteria employ these proteins to puncture the plant cell membrane, or, as He argued, to “force the host for a drink” during infection.</p>



<p>Once they enter the leaves, the bacteria first encounter an intercellular area called the apoplast. Plants typically maintain this space in a dry state, facilitating gas exchanges that are crucial for photosynthesis. However, during bacterial invasion, the inside of the leaves becomes waterlogged, making it ripe for bacterial sustenance and proliferation.</p>



<p>Further probing into the predicted 3D model for the fire blight-causing protein revealed that while the exterior of this tubular form repelled water, its inner core had an increased affinity for water.</p>



<h2 id="h-testing-the-hypothesis">Testing the hypothesis</h2>



<p>To test this “water channel hypothesis,” the researchers collaborated with Duke’s biology experts Ke Dong and Felipe Andreazza, who added the gene readouts for the bacterial proteins AvrE and DspE to frog eggs, converting these eggs into protein factories. Once introduced into a saline environment, the eggs expanded due to excessive water and subsequently ruptured.</p>



<p>In their quest to neutralize the damaging proteins by blocking their channels, the experts focused on a type of minute spherical nanoparticles known as PAMAM dendrimers. These particles have been used for decades in drug delivery and can be designed with precision in the lab.</p>



<p>“We were tinkering with the hypothesis that if we found the right diameter chemical, maybe we could block the pore,” He explained.</p>



<h2 id="h-remarkable-discovery">Remarkable discovery</h2>



<p>After testing different sized particles, they identified one with the right size to obstruct the water channel protein from the fire blight bacterium, <em>Erwinia amylovora</em>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By taking frog eggs designed to synthetize this protein and dousing them with the PAMAM nanoparticles, they managed to successfully stop the water flowing into the eggs.</p>



<p>Similar tests on <em>Arabidopsis </em>plants afflicted with the <em>Pseudomonas syringae</em> bacterium - a known cause of bacterial speck - confirmed the nanoparticles’ efficacy. These particles successfully stopped the bacteria from taking hold, reducing its concentration in plant leaves by a hundredfold.</p>



<p>Tests were extended to pear fruits exposed to fire blight causing bacteria. Remarkably, the fruits remained healthy and symptom-free. “It was a long shot, but it worked,” He said. “We’re excited about this.”</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to the experts, these findings could prove revolutionary in combating numerous plant diseases. While plants contribute to 80 percent of our diet, over 10 percent of global crop yield, including crops such as wheat, rice, maize, potato, and soybean, succumb to pests and pathogens each year, leading to a staggering economic loss of $220 billion.</p>



<p>In future research, the scientists plan to clarify how this protection works by examining more closely how the channel-blocking nanoparticles and the channel proteins interact.</p>



<p>“If we can image those structures, we can have a better understanding and come up with better designs for crop protection,” Zhou concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06531-5"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Crop disease: Experts discover how bacteria hijack plant cells

Many of the bacteria that compromise crops and jeopardize our...

<p>Flowering plants not only survived the mass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lions-are-dangling-precariously-on-the-brink-of-extinction-immediate-action-is-needed/">extinction</a> that killed the dinosaurs, but ultimately benefited from this catastrophic event, according to a new study led by the <a href="https://www.bath.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bath</a>.</p>



<p>The K-Pg extinction event wiped out more than 75 percent of all species on Earth, but its impact on flowering plants has been unclear.</p>



<h2 id="h-major-lineages-of-flowering-plants-survived">Major lineages of flowering plants survived</h2>



<p>The experts have discovered that, despite losing some species, major flowering plant lineages miraculously survived.</p>



<p>"At least five major mass extinction events have punctuated the history of life and have profoundly shaped the diversity and distribution of entire groups of organisms," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-regional-extinctions">Regional extinctions</h2>



<p>"The most recent of these events was the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-ancestors-coexisted-with-dinosaurs-yes-according-to-shocking-new-research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction</a> (K-Pg) that occurred approximately 66 million years ago (Mya) and is associated with the Chicxulub Impact Event. This event led to the demise of non-avian dinosaurs and high extinction rates of vertebrate species."</p>



<p>"High-resolution fossil records suggest that, despite initial regional massive extinction of angiosperm species, most of their major extant lineages (i.e. orders, families) originated during the Cretaceous, survived the K-Pg event, and eventually recovered in diversity during the Paleocene."</p>



<h2 id="h-how-researchers-studied-flowering-plants">How researchers studied flowering plants</h2>



<p>The fossil record is lacking when it comes to plants, as they do not have skeletons like animals. This makes it challenging to trace the timeline of their evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To investigate, Dr. Jamie Thompson of the Milner Centre for Evolution and Dr. Santiago Ramírez-Barahona of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México turned to MEGA phylogenetics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Assessing macroevolutionary dynamics of angiosperms using phylogenetic evidence could provide key insights into the impacts of K-Pg and how this event triggered the restructuring of all terrestrial biomes and the emergence of modern-day ecosystems," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>The team analyzed evolutionary trees constructed from the DNA sequences of up to 73,000 living species of flowering plants. They used statistical models to estimate the rates of extinction throughout geological time.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The phylogenetic evidence revealed that the major flowering plant lineages were resilient to the K-Pg event. While some species disappeared, their larger families survived and eventually became dominant. Flowering plants make up about 300,000 of 400,000 modern plant species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to the study, the vast majority of flowering plant families that we are living today existed before the K-Pg event. These families - including the ancestors of orchids, magnolia, and mint - all shared Earth with the dinosaurs.</p>



<p>“After most of Earth’s species became extinct at K-Pg, angiosperms took the advantage, similar to the way in which mammals took over after the dinosaurs, and now pretty much all life on Earth depends on flowering plants ecologically," said Dr. Thompson.</p>



<h2 id="h-flowering-plants-are-true-survivors">Flowering plants are true survivors&nbsp;</h2>



<p>It is incredible to consider that flowering plants were tough enough to survive such a devastating event despite being immobile and relying on the sun for energy.</p>



<p>“Flowering plants have a remarkable ability to adapt: they use a variety of seed-dispersal and pollination mechanisms, some have duplicated their entire genomes and others have evolved new ways to photosynthesize," said Dr. Ramírez-Barahona. “This ‘flower power’ is what makes them nature’s true survivors.”</p>



<h2>About the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction</h2>



<p>Around 66 million years ago, Earth faced one of the most devastating events in its history -- the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K-Pg) mass extinction. </p>



<p>This catastrophe extinguished nearly 75% of Earth's species, including the iconic non-avian dinosaurs. The extinction marked a pivotal shift in Earth's biological diversity, paving the way for mammals to rise as dominant terrestrial animals.</p>



<h3>What Caused the K-Pg Extinction?</h3>



<p>Researchers point to two primary culprits -- a massive asteroid impact and prolonged volcanic activity.</p>



<h4>The asteroid impact</h4>



<p>Evidence suggests a 10-kilometer-wide asteroid struck what is now the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, creating the Chicxulub crater. This impact unleashed an enormous amount of energy, equivalent to billions of nuclear bombs. It set forests ablaze, triggered tsunamis, and threw tons of debris into the atmosphere. </p>



<p>This debris blocked sunlight, leading to a phenomenon called "impact winter." With reduced sunlight, photosynthesis slowed, disrupting food chains and ecosystems.</p>



<h4>Volcanic activity</h4>



<p>Concurrently, in what is now India, the Deccan Traps underwent extensive volcanic activity. These eruptions spewed vast quantities of lava and also released gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. </p>



<p>These gases, when in the atmosphere, can contribute to both cooling (sulfur dioxide) and warming (carbon dioxide). Such dramatic shifts in temperature and atmospheric composition further stressed global ecosystems.</p>



<h3>The aftermath of the extinction</h3>



<p>The K-Pg event's impact on life was profound. Ocean ecosystems underwent a significant overhaul as many marine reptiles, like plesiosaurs and mosasaurs, vanished. The skies saw the disappearance of pterosaurs. On land, the non-avian dinosaurs, which had ruled for over 150 million years, came to an end.</p>



<p>However, with the demise of these giants, opportunities arose for other creatures. Mammals, which had previously lived in the shadows of the mighty dinosaurs, began to diversify and expand into niches left vacant. Birds, descendants of theropod dinosaurs, took to the skies in a more diverse array.</p>



<p>In summary, the Cretaceous–Paleogene mass extinction serves as a testament to the planet's dynamic nature. It reminds us of the fragility of life and the interconnectedness of all living organisms. </p>



<p>While the event ended the reign of many species, it also provided opportunities for others to flourish. Today, as we look back at this crucial juncture in Earth's history, we gain insights into the ever-evolving story of life on our planet.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0314" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Biology Letters</em></a>.</p>



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Nature's true survivors: Flowering plants lived through the dinosaur extinction

Flowering plants not only survived the mass extinction that killed...

<p>With the surging global concerns over climate change and rapid deforestation, an important new study suggests a potential remedy that lies in our diets. According to recent research published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-40899-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>, swapping half of our meat and milk consumption with plant-based alternatives by 2050 could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31% and stall the degradation of forests and natural terrains.</p>



<p>Going a step further, the research suggests that additional environmental advantages could come from the reforestation of areas previously dedicated to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meat-industry-is-not-threatened-by-plant-based-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock production</a>. This action could amplify the climate benefits, cutting down the prospective degradation of ecosystems by 50% by mid-century. </p>



<p>Impressively, such efforts in reforestation could address up to a quarter of the global land restoration targets set for 2030 under <a href="https://www.cbd.int/gbf/targets/2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Target 2</a> of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.</p>



<h2 id="h-global-study-of-plant-based-foods">Global study of plant-based foods</h2>



<p>This monumental study is the inaugural exploration into the environmental and food security ramifications of large-scale adoption of plant-based meat and milk alternatives. A truly global undertaking, the study was conducted independently by the <a href="https://iiasa.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis</a> (IIASA) in collaboration with the <a href="https://alliancebioversityciat.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT</a>, <a href="https://www.usaid.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USAID</a>. The group also sought insights from <a href="https://impossiblefoods.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Impossible Foods</a>, a pioneering entity in the plant-based meat substitute industry.</p>



<p>It’s pertinent to mention that the research remained autonomous, even with inputs from Impossible Foods. "The data are, however, not specific to Impossible Foods and the science team had complete control over decision making," the release stated.</p>



<p>Marta Kozicka is the study's lead author from IIASA's Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program. She emphasized the significance of the research, stating that “Understanding the impacts of dietary shifts expands our options for reducing GHG emissions. Shifting diets could also yield huge improvements for biodiversity.”</p>



<p>Furthermore, Eva Wollenberg, a study co-author, and researcher from Alliance of Bioversity International, CIAT, and the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/gund" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gund Institute at the University of Vermont</a>, added, “Plant-based meats are not just a novel food product, but a critical opportunity for achieving food security and climate goals while also achieving health and biodiversity objectives worldwide.”</p>



<h2>What the research team learned</h2>



<p>The research paints an optimistic picture. In scenarios where 50% of meat and milk products are replaced with plant-based alternatives, significant environmental benefits could be observed by 2050.</p>



<ul>
<li>A 12% reduction in global agricultural area.<br></li>



<li>A near-total halt in the decline of forest and natural lands.<br></li>



<li>Nitrogen inputs to farmlands could be halved.<br></li>



<li>A 10% drop in water usage.<br></li>



<li>A 31% reduction in GHG emissions (2.1 Gt CO2eq year-1) by 2050.<br></li>



<li>A decline in global undernourishment to 3.6%.</li>
</ul>



<p>Moreover, if lands saved from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cowspiracy-film-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock production</a> were to undergo "biodiversity-minded afforestation", the benefits in terms of reduced emissions could double. In a more ambitious 90% <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/plant-based-food-substitution_infographic_Credit-Kozicka.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substitution scenario</a>, GHG emission reductions could reach a staggering 11.1 Gt CO2eq year-1 by 2050.</p>



<p>Petr Havlík, who directed the study at IIASA, pointed out the essential balance between dietary changes and production side policies. He cautioned, “Otherwise, these benefits will be partly lost due to production extensification and resulting GHG and land-use efficiency losses.”</p>



<h2>Plant-based dietary shifts would vary</h2>



<p>Yet, the study also emphasized that shifts in diets would not uniformly affect all regions. They cited disparities in population, diets, agricultural productivity, and trade.</p>



<p>The most noticeable effects on agricultural input are likely in China, while environmental outcomes would be more pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa and South America. Kozicka added, “A global introduction of all novel alternatives has additional benefits compared to the scenarios with limited product or geographical scope.”</p>



<p>It's essential, however, to recognize the multifaceted role of livestock in diverse cultures and economies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Livestock play a vital role in the livelihoods, nutrition, and culture of many communities.</p>



<p>In conclusion, while plant-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-diets-are-proven-better-for-human-and-environmental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meat alternatives</a> are promising, ensuring a just and sustainable transition for all stakeholders, particularly smallholder farmers facing the brunt of climate change, is of paramount importance. The world's food security hangs in the balance, and the time for decisive action is now.</p>



<h2>More about the impact of livestock production</h2>



<p>Livestock production, one of the fastest-growing sectors in agriculture, leaves an indelible mark on our environment. Here, we delve into the main environmental consequences linked to raising animals for food.</p>



<h3>Greenhouse gas emissions</h3>



<p>Livestock production emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Cattle, for instance, produce methane—a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide—during digestion. In total, livestock account for around 14.5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.</p>



<h3>Deforestation</h3>



<p>Farmers often clear forests to create pasture or grow feed crops for livestock. In places like the Amazon, livestock farming has been a major driver of deforestation, threatening biodiversity and further contributing to climate change.</p>



<h3>Less water usage with plant-based diets</h3>



<p>Producing meat requires vast amounts of water. For example, producing one kilogram of beef consumes approximately 15,000 liters of water. This usage strains already limited freshwater resources, especially in water-scarce regions.</p>



<h3>Land degradation</h3>



<p>Overgrazing by livestock can strip lands of their vegetation, leading to soil erosion and desertification. This not only reduces the productivity of the land but also impacts local ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.</p>



<h3>Water pollution</h3>



<p>Runoff from farms, laden with manure and livestock-produced waste, contaminates rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This pollution can lead to algal blooms that produce toxins harmful to aquatic life and humans.</p>



<h3>Loss of biodiversity</h3>



<p>The expansion of livestock farming disrupts local ecosystems, often pushing out native species. Moreover, the increased use of antibiotics in farming has cascading effects on microorganisms in soils and waters, further disturbing the natural balance.</p>



<h3>Resource inefficiency</h3>



<p>Livestock, especially cattle, consume more protein from plants than they provide in the form of edible meat. This makes livestock an inefficient method of converting plant protein into food for human consumption, especially when considering the environmental costs.</p>



<h3>Less air pollution with plant-based foods</h3>



<p>Livestock farms release ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. These gases not only contribute to global warming but can also harm human health, leading to respiratory problems and other ailments.</p>



<p>In summary, while livestock farming plays a crucial role in the global food system, its environmental consequences are profound. Addressing these impacts requires a multi-pronged approach, including sustainable farming practices, dietary shifts, and policy interventions.</p>



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Increasing plant-based food production would have extremely positive impact

With the surging global concerns over climate change and rapid...

Endangered plants