Colonial legacies in tropical forestry hinder good management
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 21 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41558-025-02288-z
Colonial legacies in tropical forestry hinder good management
Nature Climate Change…
‘Caught off guard’: EPA proposes to fire hundreds of scientists
The mood was grim at a town hall meeting called by the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday. The gathering came one day after The New York Times reported a bombshell — Lee Zeldin, the agency’s administrator, plans to dismantle its Office of Research and Development, eliminating 50 to 75 percent of its 1,500 or so chemists, toxicologists, biologists, and other experts. The department, which conducts essential research to inform federal policies, plays a critical role in the agency’s mission to safeguard public health and the environment. Laying off most of its staff, many of whom are career scientists, would leave the EPA without the independent and rigorous science needed to develop effective regulations. No one consulted the office’s leaders about the plan.
Maureen Gwinn, who leads the Office of Research and Development, or ORD, is not a political appointee, and …
Comment: NSAC Responds to Government Funding Deal
For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Zaks
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
press@sustainableagriculture.net
Comment: NSAC Responds to Government Funding Deal
Washington, DC, March 15, 2025 – Today, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) reacted following Senate approval of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R. 1968) on a vote of 54-46. Earlier this week, the House of Representatives approved the bill – which will fund the government through September 30, 2025 – on a vote of 217-213. The following statement is attributed to Mike Lavender, NSAC Policy Director.
…“Today’s government funding deal locks in and deepens cuts that will have a direct line to farmer livelihoods and the economic well-being of their communities. The continuing resolution escalates cuts from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 by slashing USDA’s conservation and research programs, undermining the real progress needed to bolster
Decreasing dynamic predictability of global agricultural drought with warming climate
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 17 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41558-025-02289-y
Soil moisture droughts can have severe impacts on agriculture, which makes forecasting them crucial. Here the authors show that the dynamic predictability of these agricultural droughts decreases with climate change in many regions.
Nature Climate Change…
A greener Ramadan: How Atlanta-area mosques are cutting food waste during the Muslim holy month
One evening in early March, Nina Ansari frowns as she picks up an untouched plate of rice left on the floor of the masjid she attends near her home in Stone Mountain. “Would anyone like to take this?” she asks a group of women standing nearby. When no one responds, she picks it up. Her hands are already full of the pizza and curry leftovers that her kids didn’t finish. If she doesn’t take the rice home, it will be thrown out. “There’s a lot of waste that happens during Ramadan,” says Nina, 38, who grew up in Georgia.
During the Muslim holy month — a time of spiritual rejuvenation through increased prayer and daylight fasting — masjids may serve hundreds of visitors for iftar, the sunset meal that marks the breaking of the fast. Some also serve a meal …
Release: NSAC Responds to Termination of Critical Local Food Funding, Envisions Future for Popular Program
For Immediate Release
Contact: Laura Zaks
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
press@sustainableagriculture.net
Release: NSAC Responds to Termination of Critical Local Food Funding, Envisions Future for Popular Program
Washington, DC, March 11, 2025 – Today, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) lamented the termination of previously announced funding for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement (LFSCC) and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement program (LFPA). On Friday, March 7, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified States, Territories and Tribes of the termination of previously announced 2025 funding for LFSCC and LFPA, stating that it no longer effectuates the Department’s priorities.
…“USDA’s decision to re-initiate reimbursements on signed LFPA and LFS contracts is a welcome development, yet the termination of the LFPA25 cooperative agreements misses a key opportunity to bolster opportunities for farmers seeking financial
The wildlife all around us is doing fascinating things. Are you noticing?
The vision
“Yes, plants and animals face daunting threats on our warming, crowded planet, particularly in a society that seems increasingly disconnected from the natural world. But unlike most global challenges, this one can be addressed — in part, at least — right on our very doorsteps.”
— Biologist and author Thor Hanson, in Close to Home
The spotlight
I love watching my dog. I could sit and admire him all day — because I love him, and I find him very cute and very funny. Paying attention to him brings me joy, but it also serves a purpose. It helps me notice if he’s acting strangely, if he needs something from me, if he’s about to snarf something he shouldn’t. It makes me a better caregiver.
Seldom do I extend this kind of focus to creatures (or plants for …
The implications of climate gentrification for urban climate action
Nature Climate Change, Published online: 11 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41558-025-02265-6
Urban climate actions have resulted in some progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting human settlements to a warmer planet. However, the long-term implications of climate gentrification threaten the continued efficacy of these actions.
Nature Climate Change…