Is There a More Climate-Friendly Way to Manage Our Forests?
The logging industry argues that cutting down old-growth trees is good for forest management, but the science says otherwise.
Rainforest
How Termites Help Tropical Forests Withstand Droughts
A new study found that, during drought conditions, increased termite activity led to considerably higher leaf litter decomposition, increased soil moisture, and greater diversity in soil nutrient distribution.
One of the World's Largest Rainforests Could Be Wiped Out by 2100
Satellite data indicates that the Congo Basin lost an area of forest larger than Bangladesh between 2000 and 2014.
The World's Largest Rainforest Is Failing to Adapt Quick Enough for Climate Change
New research suggests that the rate of change in tree composition within the Amazon basin lags by two orders of magnitude behind the change in climate.
An Illegal Mining 'Epidemic' Is Spreading Across the Amazon Rainforest
While illegal mining in the Amazon has been a problem for decades, new data shows levels that are not comparable to any other period of its history.
The Continued Clearing of Rainforests Spells Disaster for Curbing Climate Change
The countries with the richest swaths of rainforest are still cutting them down, undermining one of the best available solutions to staving off climate change impacts.
Longer and More Severe Floods Are Becoming More Common in the Amazon
New research finds that fluctuations in atmospheric circulation systems and climate change are behind the increase in extreme flooding.
Human Beings Have Dramatically Reduced Mammal Populations in the Atlantic Forest
A new study shows that human interactions have hurt the once ecologically "exuberant" and "megadiverse" South American region.
Increasing Frequency of Drought Is Changing the Amazon From Carbon Sink to Source
New research finds just one season of drought can reduce the carbon dioxide absorption ability of the world's biggest rainforest—the Amazon—for years to come.
Measuring the Cost of Conservation
A new study in Madagascar shows that forest conservation projects come at a great price to the local population, many of whom are already struggling economically.
How Will an Increasing Number of Droughts Affect the Amazon's Trees?
A new study sheds light on which trees are the most suited for dealing with changing weather patterns in the region.
One of Southeast Asia's Conservation Areas Is Under Threat
Due to its size and location, the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra in Indonesia is hailed as one of the largest conservation areas in Southeast Asia and the last habitat for many endangered animals.
Why Intensive Farming Is Good for Rainforest Birds
Only if governments take the opportunity to set aside larger swaths of undisturbed forests, of course.
How Big Business Accidentally Helped the Amazon Rainforest
It's much easier for environmentalists to take aim at multinational corporations than at peasant farmers.
How Cattle Could Save the Brazilian Amazon
Boosting cattle density on Brazil's farms means less rainforest needs to be eliminated. Could a tax or a subsidy help achieve that?
Curiouser Podcast: Hanging Around in the Rainforest
Insect biologist Elsa Youngsteadt explains to Curiouser & Curiouser host Jai Ranganathan why tropical ants create gardens up in trees.
Seeing the Rainforest for the Trees
While geographer Alan Grainger has upset conventional wisdom by suggesting the world's tropical forests are not shrinking, he sees his research as a clarion call.