Knowing where fire retardant lands once it’s dropped from a plane is hard to pin down. A new remote sensing approach offers clues.
forests
Posted inNews
Climate Change, Megafires Crush Forest Regeneration
High-intensity fires in western states kill mature trees and their seeds while warmer, drier conditions stress seedlings. But forest managers can still intervene to change this trajectory.
Posted inNews
Cities Are Rethinking What Kinds of Trees They’re Planting
U.S. cities are losing some 36 million trees every year, but hardier species can restore their canopies.
Posted inEditors' Vox
What We Know and Don’t Know About Climate Tipping Elements
As climate change continues, parts of the Earth system such as ice sheets, frozen soils, or the Amazon rainforest could shift—some quickly, some slowly—after crossing key thresholds or tipping points.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Munching Moose Cool Forest Floors
By making clear-cut forests patchier, moose create a reflective surface that bounces back sunlight and keeps temperatures down.
Posted inNews
The Limits to Tree Planting in the Indian Himalayas
The Indian government has an ambitious forestry goal. New research shows it may be out of sync with environmental and social constraints.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Why Tropical Forests Are Important for Our Well-Being
Tropical forests play a critical role in supporting human well-being, food security, and the maintenance of biodiversity.
Posted inNews
Boreal Trees May Grow Faster Due to Climate Change
Enhanced tree growth could significantly offset carbon emissions, but some researchers say it’s not enough to compete with forest disturbances.
Posted inNews
Ants Aren’t Adapting to Warmer Temperatures
Foraging in hotter-than-desired temperatures could negatively affect ants’ biology and the forest ecosystems that they support.