News and Opinion - British Ecological Society

Mangrove forests store more carbon when they’re more diverse

Mangrove forests with greater species diversity can store more carbon, according to new research.

Fish in warming Scottish seas grow faster but reach a smaller size

Researchers have found new evidence that global warming is affecting the size of commercial fish species, documenting for the first time that juvenile fish are getting bigger, as well as confirming that adult fish are getting smaller as sea temperatures rise.

Changes in ecosystem properties after postfire management strategies in wildfire affected Mediterranean forests

New research into Mediterranean forest fires finds that postfire management treatments can be effective in promoting multifunctionality and plant diversity.

New research reveals the resilience of Scots pine trees to drought

The effect of extreme drought on Scots pine trees has been examined, which could have implications for climate change efforts across the world.

Micro-climate moulds northern insect communities, herbivory and predation

New research explores how micro-climate shapes each level of the ecosystem to reveal how climate change may drastically reshape northern ecosystems.

Climate warming linked to tree leaf unfolding and flowering growing apart

Climate warming is linked to a widening interval between leaf unfolding and flowering in European trees.

How scientists are using declassified military intelligence photographs to analyse historical ecological change

Researchers are using Cold War spy satellite images to explore changes in the environmental change.

More frequent and extreme marine heatwaves likely to threaten starfish

Common starfish cannot survive amplified marine heatwaves projected at the end of the century and experience lasting negative effects from current heatwaves, according to new research.

Better health – for people and the planet – grows on trees

Tropical fruit trees can improve health, reduce hunger, boost incomes and fight climate change. So why don’t we grow and eat more?

Provide shady spots to protect butterflies from climate change, say scientists

Butterfly species that mostly rely on finding shade to keep cool are at a greater risk of population decline due to climate change and habitat loss.

BES response to the UN’s Global Biodiversity Outlook report

How fish stocks will change in warming seas

New research out today highlights the future effects of climate change on important fish stocks for south-west UK fisheries.

Childhood connection to nature has many benefits but is not universally positive, finds review

Children are happier and more likely to protect the natural world when they have a greater connection to it, but this connection is complex and can also generate negative emotions linked to issues like climate change.

Learning about penguin’s diet may save marine life, study finds

Researchers at Monash University and Phillip Island Nature Parks develop a novel index to determine the prey availability of little penguins which can help inform the sustainable future of their food supply.

Adapting to climate change: how do we know if it’s working?