It’s been years in the making, but Adani’s controversial Queensland coal mine is finally shovel-ready. Yet significant scientific questions remain, such as the impact on the region’s aquifers.
Sawgrass prairie in Everglades National Park.
NPS/G. Gardner
William Nuttle, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Federal and state agencies are carrying out a 35-year, multi-billion-dollar plan to restore Florida’s Everglades, but have not factored sea level rise or other climate change impacts into their plans.
With partnerships between landowners, the government and businesses, South Africa can invest in its wetlands and boost the country’s potable water reserves.
A pair of blacktip reef shark neonates (Carcharhinus melanopterus) gently cruise among the roots in the mangrove forest of Surin Archipelago during high tide in Mu Koh Surin national park, Thailand.
Shin Arunrugstichai
Phragmites australis, an invasive reed, has taken over wetlands across the US. But it also stabilizes shorelines and harbors many fish and birds. Is it time to compromise with this alien?
Carbon storage in Australian mangroves can help mitigate climate change.
Shutterstock
The Trump administration is sharply reducing environmental protection for wetlands and streams across the US. This roundup of stories spotlights the many benefits that such water bodies provide.
Biscuit Brook, a popular fly fishing spot in New York’s Catskill Mountains.
Ellen Wohl
The Trump administration wants to end federal protection under the Clean Water Act for many small streams and wetlands. But as a geoscientist explains, these are critical parts of large river systems.
Conservation doesn’t have to be at odds with agriculture.
Flagstaffotos/Wikimedia Commons
Wetlands in Australia are often dry. They may look unassuming but it’s a vital part of their vibrant lifecycle.
Protecting coastal wetlands, like this slough in Florida’s Everglades National Park, is a cost-effective way to reduce flooding and storm damage.
NPS/C. Rivas
Coastal development is destroying marshes, mangroves and other wetlands that provide valuable protection from hurricanes and storms. Research shows these benefits can be worth millions of dollars.
Freshwater cypress swamp, First Landing State Park, Va.
VA State Parks
Wetlands are some of the world’s most undervalued weapons against climate change. They store huge quantities of carbon – but without better protection, many could soon be drained or paved over.
An abundance of unhealthy food choices in neighbourhoods is called a food swamp. But since swamps are actually wetlands and good for public health, we should choose a new term.
Hurricane Irma passes Cuba and approaches southern Florida on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, with Hurricane Jose at lower right.
NASA
The 2018 hurricane season starts on June 1, with some communities still recovering from 2017 storms. Scholars offer insights about where the risks lie and who is most vulnerable during and after hurricanes.