What Happened
A recent study published in Nature Water found that the destruction of wetlands in the United States has increased flood insurance claims by $10 billion over the past 40 years. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Environmental Defense Fund, used federal flood insurance claims data to calculate the dollar value of wetlands in reducing river flooding.
Meanwhile, in Florida, the importation of sloths has been temporarily banned after dozens of the wild-born mammals died at an Orlando business. The two-month ban, ordered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has national implications and highlights the need for stricter regulations on the wildlife trade.
Why It Matters
The climate crisis is exacerbating the destruction of wetlands, leading to increased flooding and damage to human societies. The loss of wetlands not only harms the environment but also has significant economic consequences. As the study's lead author noted, "The dollar value of wetlands in reducing river flooding is substantial, and the loss of these ecosystems will only worsen the impacts of climate change."
The demise of sloths in Florida also raises concerns about the impact of human activities on wildlife populations. The sloth trade is a lucrative business, but it comes at a significant cost to the animals themselves. As conservationists point out, the stress and illness caused by captivity can be devastating for sloths, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and more humane treatment of animals.
What Experts Say
Scientists are working to improve the resilience of crops, such as apples, to the stresses of climate change. Terence Robinson, a horticulture professor at Cornell University, notes that "stressors like wild temperature swings and drought" are becoming more frequent and intense, and that "we need to develop new rootstocks that can tolerate these conditions."
Researchers at Dartmouth College and the Université du Québec à Montréal have also discovered a new driver of aridification, which could reshape our understanding of drought globally. Their study found that surges of concentrated precipitation can lead to dryer landscapes, even when total precipitation hasn't changed.
Key Facts
- What: A study on the economic value of wetlands in reducing river flooding.
- Impact: The study found that the destruction of wetlands has increased flood insurance claims by $10 billion over the past 40 years.
What Comes Next
As the climate crisis intensifies, it is essential that policymakers and individuals take action to mitigate its impacts. This includes protecting and restoring wetlands, regulating the wildlife trade, and developing more resilient crops. As experts note, "we need to develop new strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change, and we need to do it now."
What Happened
A recent study published in Nature Water found that the destruction of wetlands in the United States has increased flood insurance claims by $10 billion over the past 40 years. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Environmental Defense Fund, used federal flood insurance claims data to calculate the dollar value of wetlands in reducing river flooding.
Meanwhile, in Florida, the importation of sloths has been temporarily banned after dozens of the wild-born mammals died at an Orlando business. The two-month ban, ordered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has national implications and highlights the need for stricter regulations on the wildlife trade.
Why It Matters
The climate crisis is exacerbating the destruction of wetlands, leading to increased flooding and damage to human societies. The loss of wetlands not only harms the environment but also has significant economic consequences. As the study's lead author noted, "The dollar value of wetlands in reducing river flooding is substantial, and the loss of these ecosystems will only worsen the impacts of climate change."
The demise of sloths in Florida also raises concerns about the impact of human activities on wildlife populations. The sloth trade is a lucrative business, but it comes at a significant cost to the animals themselves. As conservationists point out, the stress and illness caused by captivity can be devastating for sloths, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and more humane treatment of animals.
What Experts Say
Scientists are working to improve the resilience of crops, such as apples, to the stresses of climate change. Terence Robinson, a horticulture professor at Cornell University, notes that "stressors like wild temperature swings and drought" are becoming more frequent and intense, and that "we need to develop new rootstocks that can tolerate these conditions."
Researchers at Dartmouth College and the Université du Québec à Montréal have also discovered a new driver of aridification, which could reshape our understanding of drought globally. Their study found that surges of concentrated precipitation can lead to dryer landscapes, even when total precipitation hasn't changed.
Key Facts
- What: A study on the economic value of wetlands in reducing river flooding.
- Impact: The study found that the destruction of wetlands has increased flood insurance claims by $10 billion over the past 40 years.
What Comes Next
As the climate crisis intensifies, it is essential that policymakers and individuals take action to mitigate its impacts. This includes protecting and restoring wetlands, regulating the wildlife trade, and developing more resilient crops. As experts note, "we need to develop new strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change, and we need to do it now."