Zero-deforestation commitments ‘fundamentally limited’ in tackling deforestation, study argues

Abstract: "Researchers found that while 90-99% of tropical deforestation in 2011-2015 was driven by agricultural industries, only 45-65% of the cleared land was actually used to grow crops or raise cattle. The rest of the cleared land was the result of activities such as speculative clearing and out-of-control agricultural fires, the study says. The researchers also concluded that because three-quarters of tropical deforestation is driven by domestic demand, corporate zero-deforestation pledges geared toward expert markets are limited in their ability to reduce this forest loss."

Read More: https://news.mongabay.com/2022/09/zero-deforestation-commitments-fundamentally-limited-in-tackling-deforestation-study-argues/

‘Mind-blowing’ marine heat waves put Mediterranean ecosystems at grave risk

Abstract: "A recent study reveals the widespread effects of climate change-driven marine heat waves on the ecological communities of the Mediterranean Sea. Rises in sea surface temperatures as high as 5° Celsius (9° Fahrenheit) above normal have caused die-offs in 50 different taxonomic groups of animals from around the Mediterranean Basin. These far-reaching impacts of the warming sea could devastate the fisheries on which many of the Mediterranean region’s 400 million people rely. Researchers advocate bolstering and expanding marine protected areas. Although they can’t hold back the warmer waters that have proven deadly to the sea’s rich biodiversity, these sanctuaries can help ensure that these species don’t have to cope simultaneously with other pressures, such as overfishing or pollution."

Read More: https://news.mongabay.com/2022/09/mind-blowing-marine-heat-waves-put-mediterranean-ecosystems-at-grave-risk/

Future reefs: A manifesto to save the world’s coral gardens

Abstract: "Coral reefs cover less than 3% of the ocean but contain a quarter of all marine life. Next to tropical rainforests, they are the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Fifty of the world’s leading scientists recently laid out a roadmap to save the world’s coral reefs. With urgent climate action and by following this roadmap, these oases of beauty may retain critical marine biodiversity and provide a lifeline for coastal communities into the next century and beyond, a new op-ed argues."

Read More: https://news.mongabay.com/2022/09/future-reefs-a-manifesto-to-save-the-worlds-coral-gardens-commentary/

A Climate Risk Index for Marine Life

Abstract: "Climate change is impacting virtually all marine life. Adaptation strategies will require a robust understanding of the risks to species and ecosystems and how those propagate to human societies. We develop a unified and spatially explicit index to comprehensively evaluate the climate risks to marine life. Under high emissions (SSP5-8.5), almost 90% of ~25,000 species are at high or critical risk, with species at risk across 85% of their native distributions. One tenth of the ocean contains ecosystems where the aggregated climate risk, endemism and extinction threat of their constituent species are high. Climate change poses the greatest risk for exploited species in low-income countries with a high dependence on fisheries. Mitigating emissions (SSP1-2.6) reduces the risk for virtually all species (98.2%), enhances ecosystem stability and disproportionately benefits food-insecure populations in low-income countries. Our climate risk assessment can help prioritize vulnerable species and ecosystems for climate-adapted marine conservation and fisheries management efforts."

Read More: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-022-01437-y