Conservation

Flagship species like leopards, whales and wolves grace wildlife calendars, bring in big conservation dollars and help regulate their ecosystems. But what about the tiny guys you won't find on your calendar? How important are they to Earth's biodiversity?

By Jessika Toothman

Our planet would be a much different place without its richly diverse ecosystems full of plants, animals and microorganisms. What poses the biggest danger to the millions of species that call Earth home?

By Jonathan Atteberry

Since the Age of Discovery, we've been toting plants and animals to parts of the world where they don't belong. While most transplants die, some become invasive. How can these newcomers lead to breakneck-pace evolution?

By Jessika Toothman

While some endangered species respond well to breeding programs, others, like pandas, aren't as effective. How do we decide which animals to focus on, and what does it mean to be a flagship species?

By Jessika Toothman

If it takes $1 million a year to save the California condor, how much would it take to save every endangered species? Is it possible, and how can we save species we don't even know exist?

By Jessika Toothman

A post-apocalypse trip to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault to retrieve the seeds that will save humanity may seem like good fodder for a movie. But seed banks have important work to do right now.

By Jessika Toothman

A wilderness becomes a grid work of streets, lights and skyscrapers. Every day, we remake the world a little more to our liking. What has that meant for the planet?

By Robert Lamb

In 2008, a food crisis left many people worldwide with empty stomachs. Most places have rebounded since then but, according to the U.N.’s World Food Programme, one out of every eight people is undernourished. Are we all eventually headed toward famine?

By Jessika Toothman

Despite the world's rebound from the 2008 food crisis, high food prices continue to be a problem. What is food security, and why is it so important to our future on Earth?

By Jessika Toothman

As the world's population booms, we'll need more farmland to grow all the food it takes to feed everyone. Where are those farms going to be? Could it be build up instead of out?

By Jessika Toothman

Technology has brought us an unprecedented ability to maximize crop yields, even in drier climates. But we can take too much from the land. What's the worst that could happen?

By Dave Roos

Winning first prize at the school science fair is one thing, but what if your project really made a difference? Could your project really change the world?

Ever wondered where all that rain goes after a storm? Most of it is absorbed by soil and plants, while watersheds carry the rest into nearby lakes and rivers.

By Tiffany Connors

Saving the rainforest used to be about protesting the number of trees that were cut down. But some researchers propose that reforestation could combat habitat loss and animal extinction. Can we really bring a decimated rainforest back to life?

By Jessika Toothman

The waste collectors threw your recyclables into one big bin on their truck. How do you know your recyclables are being recycled? And what happens to them next?

By Josh Clark

The Sierra Club lobbies for environmental preservation and engages members in fun wilderness excursions.

By Sarah Dowdey

Vertical farming is a method of large-scale farming in an urban environment. Learn about the benefits of a vertical farm and vertical farming technology.

By Jacob Silverman

While some of us are stocking up on duct tape and bottled water, the government of Norway is preparing for the event that doomsday leaves some long-term survivors who need to rebuild. The Arctic vault in Svalbard is preparing for the worst case scenario.

By Julia Layton

The Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium. How did they build habitats for all the animals, and what does it take to keep them fed and healthy? Find out about the aquarium and learn about the animals that call it home.

By Tracy V. Wilson

You've probably been spending your summers visiting a barrier island or two and you don't even know it! From Atlantic City to Miami Beach barrier islands are popular vacation spots and amazing ecosystems. Go exploring.

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

The Eden Project is an incredible set of massive greenhouses in Cornwall, England. Check out this amazing place!

By Tom Harris

This article will take you into the tropical rainforest to see what makes it such a bountiful environment for plants and animals. Plus, find out why the rainforests are in danger and look at some of the ways this affects humans.

By Tom Harris

Another series of rolling blackouts are hitting California. Learn why this is happening and how it affects you.

By Kevin Bonsor

A fascinating article that describes the work of The Nature Conservancy and the benefits of its conservation projects to our environment and ecology!