Spanish and Peruvian researchers analyzed the soil four years after a major wildfire in Arequipa, finding severe organic carbon loss, soil compaction, and erosion. These changes threaten water retention and increase risks for nearby endangered ecosystems, such as Polylepis forests.

This Valentine’s Day, millions of pounds worth of chocolate will be exchanged as gifts, but climate change and biodiversity loss imperil future global supplies of this treat. A new research study led by the University of Oxford and published today (14 February) demonstrates that sustainable agricultural practices that both protect pollinator populations and mitigate climate risks could help secure- and even improve - global cocoa yields.

In a paper published in National Science Review, an international team of scientists discovered a universal N₂O emission baseline that could guide the sustainable management of riverine N₂O. The discovery of EF-lines emphasized the importance of targeting hotspots and managing baseline emissions sustainably to balance social and environmental benefits. The priority control of organic and NH₄⁺ pollution could rapidly eliminate global riverine N₂O hotspots and reduce emissions by half. However, the further restoration of baseline emissions on nitrate removal is a long-term challenge.

Porous organic crystals with superior properties as CO₂ adsorbents were created by researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo. Owing to the novel 2.5-dimensional skeleton, the materials feature ultrahigh-density amines. The covalently-bonded microporous skeleton and high crystallinity realize fast CO₂ adsorption and high thermal stability. Their low adsorption heat, only one-fourth of the current amine scrubbing method, and their light-elemental nature can reduce the cost for CO₂ separation from flue gases.