RIVERSIDE, Calif. — August 20, 2025 — Planting trees can help cool the climate and reduce wildfires, but the benefits are greatest in the tropics, according to a new study from the University of California, Riverside (UCR). Published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, the study shows that while tree planting has a net positive effect on the climate worldwide, local temperature impacts vary by region. In higher latitudes, tree planting can sometimes produce a slight warming effect, whereas tropical…

Historically, lakes have been perceived as contributors to carbon dioxide emissions; however, recent research indicates they may function as carbon sinks. Research conducted by Uppsala University indicates that lake shorelines sequester more carbon than previously estimated, underscoring the necessity of including these littoral zones in assessments of the continental carbon balance. The littoral zones of lakes are typically bordered by aquatic plants, which are among the fastest-growing flora globally. They absorb significant quantities of carbon from the atmosphere, while substantial…

According to new research, large ocean species can be protected in large Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for a large portion of their lifecycles. The Chagos Archipelago MPA is a 640,000 km² protected area in the Indian Ocean where the study monitored the migrations of seabirds, manta rays, and sea turtles. Findings revealed that 95% of all recorded tracking locations for these wide-ranging species fell within the MPA boundaries — highlighting its effectiveness in protecting highly mobile marine wildlife. Comparing Large…

Substantial surface waves generated by powerboats are essential for recreational watersports. A recent study from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities indicates that underlying factors, including propeller thrust and various wave types, might affect fragile lakebed ecosystems. Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory expanded on earlier studies to investigate powerboat impacts on lake ecosystems during the 2022 and 2023 field seasons. The lake bottom and the water column are two different places and depths where the…