Studying Challenges to Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
This story is part of a series designed to introduce the perspectives of alumni from the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy’s global youth externship program. Each guest author…
Restoring River Oxbows Benefits Endangered Fish
Mark Twain once wrote that, in a period of 176 years, the lower Mississippi River was shortened by 242 miles. While the famous author used this in service to his…
A New Future for Mine Lands in the Central Appalachians
Chris Barton is reeling through the creatures documented on the study sites: six species of bats, a long list of birds including rarities like cerulean warbler, a variety of salamanders,…
Coral Atolls are Not a Lost Cause
An international team of scientists, conservationists, and indigenous leaders argues that strategic ecological restoration could save coral atoll islands from the rising seas of climate change. The Gist Published in…
Restoring Old Growth Forests in the Pacific Northwest
As calls to restore the Pacific Northwest’s old-growth forests gain momentum, TNC scientists and partners are evaluating the results of 15 years of forest management practices at TNC’s Ellsworth Creek…
Overlooked ‘Albedo’ Effect Should Be Factored into Tree Cover Restoration Decisions for Climate
Albedo changes can cause large reductions to the climate benefit of tree planting. New research helps identify areas around the world with the greatest climate-cooling potential. The Gist Planting trees…
Tracking Nature Inequity and COVID-19 Case Rates
Many people turned to nature to alleviate stress and participate in outdoor recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, nature is less available in low-income and communities of color – the…
Tropical Deforestation May Reduce Safe Work for Millions
New research finds that local temperature increases associated with just 15 years of deforestation reduced safe work hours for more than 4.9 million people across the tropics. Exposing outdoor workers…
Science for Evaluating Flood Risk + Improving Community Resilience
Using novel applications of satellite radar imagery and a specialized computer algorithm, a new study examining flooding caused by Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Florence (2018) shows that current flood hazard…
Heat Exposure From Deforestation Decreases Cognitive Performance of Rural Workers
Deforestation causes dramatic increases in local temperature. New research shows that the associated heat exposure is harming the cognitive performance of rural subsistence workers. The Gist The study, published in…