The US is losing wetlands at an accelerating rate − here’s how the private sector can help protect these valuable resources

The Supreme Court drastically reduced federal protection for wetlands in 2023. Two environmental lawyers explain how private businesses and nongovernment organizations can help fill the gap.

Michael Vandenbergh, Professor of Law and Co-Director, Energy, Environment and Land Use Program, Vanderbilt University • conversation
June 13, 2024 • ~8 min

D-day’s secret weapon: how wetland science stopped the Normandy landings from getting bogged down

Scientists with expertise in mud and peat were a key part of planning the Normandy landings in 1944.

Christian Dunn, Professor in Natural Sciences, Bangor University • conversation
June 5, 2024 • ~6 min

Saltmarshes do store carbon, but their climate impact may have been overestimated

Climate policy has been based on a global average for salt marshes’ ability to capture carbon, but outside the tropics marshes accumulate less carbon.

Ed Garrett, Lecturer, Physical Geography, University of York • conversation
May 23, 2024 • ~5 min

Migratory birds are on the move and nature-friendly farms can help them on their way

As climate change threatens their food supply, migratory birds may find help in an unlikely place.

Yali Si, Assistant Professor of Ecology, Leiden University • conversation
April 17, 2024 • ~5 min

Coastal wetlands can’t keep pace with sea-level rise, and infrastructure is leaving them nowhere to go

A coastal scientist explains why marshes, mangroves and other wetlands can’t keep up with the effects of climate change, and how human infrastructure is making it harder for them to survive.

Randall W. Parkinson, Research Associate Professor in Coastal Geology, Florida International University • conversation
April 8, 2024 • ~8 min

Can grasslands and wetlands coexist with more agriculture?

A new study explores the direct and spillover effects of boosting agriculture production on nearby grasslands and wetlands and the functions those ecosystems provide.

Lourdes Mederos-U. Florida • futurity
Feb. 7, 2024 • ~7 min

What Arizona and other drought-ridden states can learn from Israel's pioneering water strategy

Arizona is considering a multibillion-dollar desalination project to address its urgent water needs. Three water experts call for a go-slow approach and point to Israel as a role model.

Sharon B. Megdal, Professor of Environmental Science and Director, Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona • conversation
Sept. 12, 2023 • ~9 min

Rising methane could be a sign that Earth's climate is part-way through a 'termination-level transition'

The last time methane in the air rose so fast, Greenland warmed by 10°C within decades.

Euan Nisbet, Professor of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London • conversation
Aug. 14, 2023 • ~9 min

The Supreme Court just shriveled federal protection for wetlands, leaving many of these valuable ecosystems at risk

In Sackett v. EPA, a suit filed by two homeowners who filled in wetlands on their property, the Supreme Court has drastically narrowed the definition of which wetlands qualify for federal protection.

Albert C. Lin, Professor of Law, University of California, Davis • conversation
May 26, 2023 • ~11 min

Earth has lost one-fifth of its wetlands since 1700 – but most could still be saved

The swamp has not yet been drained everywhere.

Christian Dunn, Senior Lecturer in Natural Sciences, Bangor University • conversation
Feb. 9, 2023 • ~7 min

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