While necessary to support human settlements, the development of infrastructure in coastal areas is often harmful to surrounding natural ecosystems. That's because most of this construction is made of concrete — a material whose chemical composition and flat surface fails to act … [Read more...] about This sustainable concrete alternative helps coastal ecosystems thrive
Ecosystems
Researchers create first-ever aerial map of Hawaii’s coral reefs
Earlier this month, we wrote a piece about Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay and how its incredible coral reefs are teeming with life thanks to the lockdown. Today, we bring your more good news from Hawaii as a team of scientists have created the first-ever aerial map of the island's precious … [Read more...] about Researchers create first-ever aerial map of Hawaii’s coral reefs
Mobile game lets you build ecosystems to help solve real ecological issues
As climate change, deforestation, pollution, and other human activities threaten our natural world, scientists often turn to mathematical models to see what actions need to be taken to ensure that ecosystems are kept in balance. Now, anyone can try their hand at keeping an … [Read more...] about Mobile game lets you build ecosystems to help solve real ecological issues
We finally see mushrooms for what they really are: guardians of our ecosystems
Benefitting both the body and mind, mushrooms are one of the most under-appreciated things on Earth—so much so that we’ve dedicated the week to them. Sunday’s Optimist View covered how psychedelic mushrooms can be used to resolve mental health issues, but we also want to let you … [Read more...] about We finally see mushrooms for what they really are: guardians of our ecosystems
Breathing life back into the New York Harbor with one billion oysters
Once one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and home to a copious amount of oysters, the New York Harbor is now all but bereft of the amazing biodiversity it hosted 200 years ago. The Billion Oyster Project (BOP) wants to change that by reintroducing life into the … [Read more...] about Breathing life back into the New York Harbor with one billion oysters