#Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

[indizombie]

A report by 86 biodiversity experts reviewed thousands of studies looking at the ecological and economic damage caused. Co-author of the report, Prof Helen Roy of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, said climate change will make the situation even worse. "The future threat from invasive alien species is a major concern. 37% of the 37,000 alien species known today have been reported since 1970 - largely caused by rising levels of global trade and human travel."

Helen Briggs, ‘UK bees in danger as Asian hornet sightings rise’, BBC

[mariacallous]

Urban ducks and crows might offer us a connection to nature, but scientists have found wild birds that live near humans are more likely to harbor bacteria resistant to important antibiotics.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is largely caused by the overuse of drugs such as antibiotics among humans and livestock.

The issue is of serious concern: According to data for 2019, about 4.95 million deaths globally were associated with bacterial AMR, including 1.27 million directly caused by such resistance.

Researchers say species of wild birds that tend to turn up in urban settings are reservoirs for bacteria with the hallmarks of resistance to a host of drugs.

“Basically what we’re seeing are genes that confer resistance to antimicrobials that would be used to treat human infections,” said Samuel Sheppard, coauthor of the research from the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research.

The team say their findings are important as wild birds have the capacity to travel over considerable distances. Sheppard said a key concern was that these birds could pass antimicrobial-resistant bacteria to captive birds destined to be eaten by humans—such as those kept in poultry farms.

Writing in the journal Current Biology, Sheppard and colleagues report how they analyzed the genomes of bacteria found in 700 samples of bird poo from 30 wild bird species in Canada, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Japan, Sweden, the UK, and the US.

The team looked specifically at the presence of different strains of Campylobacter jejuni—a type of bacteria that are ubiquitous in birds as a natural part of their gut microbiome. Such bacteria are a leading cause of human gastroenteritis, although antibiotics are generally only used in severe cases.

Sheppard added that, in general, each wild bird would be expected to harbor a single strain of C. jejuni, specific to that species.

However, the team found wild birds that turn up in urban settings contain many more strains of C. jejuni than those that live away from humans.

What’s more, the strains found in urban-dwelling species contained about three times as many genes known to result in antimicrobial resistance, with these genes also associated with resistance to a broader range of antimicrobials.

The authors suggest that wild birds may pick up antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in a number of ways: Gulls and crows, for example, are known to lurk at landfill sites, while ducks and geese may pick them up in rivers and lakes that are contaminated with human wastewater.

Thomas Van Boeckel, an expert in antimicrobial resistance at ETH Zurich who was not involved in the work, said the research was unusual as it focused on the impact of antimicrobial use by humans on animals.

“What are the consequences of that for the birds? We don’t really know but it seems like we humans are responsible for this change,” he said.

Danna Gifford from the University of Manchester added the findings could have implications for human health.

“While alarming, the risk of direct transmission of resistance from urban birds to humans is unclear. Poultry-to-human transmission, however, is well documented,” she said. “With urban development encroaching on agricultural land, increasing contact between urban birds and poultry raises significant concerns about indirect transmission through the food chain.”

Andrew Singer, of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said more samples were needed to ensure the results stood up, but that precautions could be taken.

“The most obvious place to start is to ensure birds do not congregate in our landfills, wastewater treatment plants, and animal muck piles, where both pathogens and AMR are abundant,” he said. “Moreover, we must also eliminate the discharge of untreated sewage into our rivers, which exposes all river-using wildlife—and humans—to human-associated pathogens and AMR.”

[jessica-marie-baumgartner]

YOU are the carbon they want to reduce

If you're worried, just plant more trees!

[scientificinquirer-blog]

Invertebrate biodiversity is improving in England’s rivers, long-term trends show.

Rivers across England have seen a significant improvement in river invertebrate biodiversity since 1989, shows a study led by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) researchers. The study, which involved one of the largest and most wide-ranging analyses of long-term monitoring data in the world – spanning over 30 years, found improvements in invertebrate biodiversity across all regions and…

[timesofinnovation]

In an important step toward safeguarding the UK's vulnerable communities from the adverse impacts of extreme weather, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced an innovative project that leverages advanced technology and real-time data. The newly launched Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure aims to enhance the country's ability to forecast where flooding and droughts are likely to occur, thereby mitigating their potential damage. With an estimated cost of £740 million annually to the UK economy due to such weather events, this initiative represents a critical investment in the nation's resilience. The project will establish the first comprehensive UK-wide network focused on understanding the ramifications of extreme weather patterns. It plans to identify vulnerable locations and develop strategic responses to avert significant damage. As climate variability increases globally, the necessity for such a predictive tool has never been more urgent. By employing real-time monitoring technologies—including sensors and extensive data analysis—the initiative aims to provide a clearer view of where and when extreme events may arise. The implications of floods and droughts are severe. Flooding can obliterate infrastructure, damage homes, and disrupt farming, affecting the economy and community well-being. Conversely, droughts pose substantial threats to water supplies and ecosystems, jeopardizing wildlife and the fragile balance of nature. "Flooding and droughts can devastate UK communities, from leaving people stranded to destroying homes, gardens, roads, and businesses, and even claiming lives," said Secretary Kyle. The announcement emphasizes the crucial role that advanced technology and robust data analysis will play in enhancing public safety. Researchers from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology will lead this groundbreaking initiative, collaborating with institutions such as the British Geological Survey, University of Bristol, and Imperial College London. This interdisciplinary approach aims to pool expertise and resources, creating a powerful network that not only identifies risks but also evaluates the potential impacts of weather-induced disasters. Local authorities and key organizations—including the Environment Agency—will be integral to implementing findings from the project. By sharing extensive data and predictions with these stakeholders, the initiative seeks to guide the UK's collective response to future flooding and drought events. Ultimately, this collaboration is not only beneficial for immediate disaster response but also positions the UK as a leader in innovative research and technology for extreme weather modeling. One of the key components of the research will involve analyzing various interconnected factors including river profiles, ground saturation, and atmospheric conditions. By feeding real-time data from sensor networks into predictive models, researchers can create a holistic understanding of environmental shifts. This robust data framework will be pivotal in generating accurate forecasts, allowing communities to prepare well in advance. Flood Minister Emma Hardy noted, “In the case of extreme flooding and drought, preparation and prediction are everything.” The establishment of this institute signals a proactive stance in addressing the unpredictable nature of climate change. By harnessing the power of scientific innovation, the project aims to protect not only residential neighborhoods but also agricultural sectors—key to the UK’s economy. The initiative has broad potential implications. Improved prediction systems could save countless lives and protect vital infrastructure, enabling communities to respond effectively when severe weather looms. Furthermore, by fostering an environment conducive to research and innovation, this institute could attract international partnerships, thereby promoting the UK as a focal point for cutting-edge studies in climate resilience. In

conclusion, the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure represents a pivotal step in equipping the UK with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges posed by extreme weather events. By integrating the latest technologies with extensive research efforts, this initiative promises to enhance the safety and sustainability of communities across the nation. As the UK moves forward with this ambitious project, the hope is that it will pave the way for innovative solutions and stronger defenses against the challenges of climate change, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Nation of Change:

Canada’s record-shattering 2023 wildfires produced nearly as much greenhouse gas emissions in a single season as would typically be expected over an entire decade of wildfires. As the climate crisis continues to intensify, these unprecedented fires are a stark warning of the environmental and health impacts that lie ahead if global emissions are not dramatically reduced.

The 2023 fire season in Canada was unlike any other in recorded history. The area burned was six times greater than the average year, with nearly 12 million hectares—an area roughly the size of Nicaragua—devastated by flames. These fires released approximately 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, accounting for about a quarter of the total global emissions from wildfires that year. To put this in perspective, the emissions from Canada’s wildfires alone were nearly half of the United States’ total annual emissions from all sources, which stood at 4.8 billion tonnes.

The sheer scale of these emissions underscores the growing threat posed by wildfires as the planet warms. According to a study co-led by the University of East Anglia (UEA), the United Kingdom’s Met Office, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), the extreme wildfires in Canada and parts of the Amazon were made at least three times more likely by human-driven climate change. The report’s findings are part of the State of Wildfires 2023-2024, which draws on global satellite observations, computer models, and research from regional experts.

“Last year, we saw wildfires killing people, destroying properties and infrastructure, causing mass evacuations, threatening livelihoods, and damaging vital ecosystems,” said Dr. Matthew Jones, a research fellow with UEA’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and lead author of the report. “Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms, and both society and the environment are suffering from the consequences.”

Wildfires are a natural occurrence in many of the world’s hot regions, but the climate crisis is making them more frequent and severe. The report highlights how changing weather patterns, driven by rising global temperatures, have shifted fire regimes away from their natural state. In Canada, for example, the fires of 2023 were fueled by an unprecedented combination of hot, dry conditions and abundant dry vegetation, creating the perfect conditions for the fires to spread rapidly and burn with intensity.

[evoldir]

Fwd: Postdoc: UAberdeen.EvolutionaryEcol

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Postdoc: UAberdeen.EvolutionaryEcol > Date: 26 June 2024 at 05:11:47 BST > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > > Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Evolutionary Ecology > > School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK > > Fully funded for 3.5 years, closing date for applications July 15th 2024 > > The primary project objectives are to quantify selection and genetic > variation underlying expression of diverse forms of seasonal migration > versus residence, and to predict the implications for eco-evolutionary > dynamics in seasonally mobile systems. This will be achieved using > advanced statistical analyses of multi-year field data from a system of > partially migratory birds in Scotland. > > The successful applicant will lead the development and application of > statistical models to quantify spatio-temporal variation in selection > acting on non-breeding season location, and hence on the form of seasonal > migration versus residence.  The post will suit an applicant with wide > interests in utilising field data to address conceptual questions in > ecology and/or evolutionary biology. > > The ideal candidate will have demonstrated interests in understanding > population, behavioural and/or evolutionary ecology in wild populations, > and in working at the interface between statistical and empirical > advances. They will have strong quantitative skills, including advanced > statistical analyses (which could include generalized linear mixed models, > capture-mark-recapture analyses and/or Bayesian analyses, although further > training will be provided). They will ideally have some experience of > working on relevant topics, for example involving demography, evolutionary > ecology, seasonal migration or other forms of movement or life-history > variation in wild populations. They will have demonstrated abilities to > work effectively as part of a collaborative research team, including > excellent written and verbal communication skills. They will also be > self-motivated and able to work independently on a day-to-day basis. > > The post is part of a UK NERC Pushing the Frontiers research project, > aiming to understand eco-evolutionary dynamics involving partial seasonal > migration. It provides an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral > researcher to contribute to major new attempts to predict such > eco-evolutionary dynamics in nature. > > The researcher will be based primarily in the School of Biological > Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK. There will be close working > collaborations with researchers at Norwegian University of Science > and Technology (NTNU, Norway) and UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology > (Edinburgh, UK, Professor Francis Daunt), with opportunities for extended > visits to these groups. > > Apply at www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs > > Enquiries to Professor Jane Reid (jane.reid@abdn.ac.uk) are welcome. > > The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. > Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas cl�raichte ann an Alba, �ir. SC013683. > > "Reid, Dr Jane M."

[crristinaa-level6]

MJ: research lakes

Plastic pollution is higher in some lakes than in oceans

Water samples were collected from 38 lakes and reservoirs in 23 countries spanning six continents, representing diverse environmental conditions.

The samples were analyzed at the University of Milan-Bicocca for the presence of plastic particles larger than 0.25mm.

The study engaged 79 researchers from the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), marking the first instance where plastic concentrations in freshwater environments surpassed those in oceanic 'garbage patches'.

Lakes with the highest plastic contamination included vital sources of drinking water for communities and played significant roles in local economies, such as Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, Lake Maggiore in Italy, Lugano on the Switzerland/Italy border, and Lake Tahoe in the USA.

Samples collected from Windermere by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) exhibited minimal plastic concentrations in surface water.

UKCEH freshwater ecologist Heidrun Feuchtmayr, a co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of this standardized global survey, underscoring the extent of freshwater plastic pollution worldwide.

Lead author Veronica Nava from the University of Milan-Bicocca noted that plastic accumulation on aquatic surfaces could contribute to the release of methane and other greenhouse gases.

Concerns persist regarding the impact of plastic debris on aquatic species and ecosystem functioning, necessitating further data to assess its effects on environmental organisms.

Scientists involved in the study aspire for their findings to guide reviews of pollution reduction strategies and waste management practices.

[vegansforfuture]

Ein neuer UN-Bericht beschäftigt sich mit der Stickstoffbelastung (Überdüngung) von Böden, Luft und Gewässern und kommt zu dem Ergebnis, dass 80% des ausgebrachten Stickstoffs in die Umwelt entweicht und wir unseren Tierproduktekonsum dringend drastisch reduzieren müssen! 👍😎🌱

Vegconomist dazu: "Die UNO hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, die Stickstoffabfälle bis 2030 um 50 % zu reduzieren und eine Gruppe von Forschern ist der Ansicht, dass dies am besten erreicht werden kann, wenn alle Gruppen gemeinsam maßvolle Maßnahmen ergreifen (...).

Eine Reduzierung des Fleisch- und Milchkonsums auf etwa 500 Gramm Fleisch pro Woche oder eine Änderung der landwirtschaftlichen Praktiken und der Einsatz neuer Technologien, die alle von der Regierung unterstützt werden, sind nach Ansicht der Forscher der beste Weg, um die Verschmutzung der Flüsse und der Luft zu bremsen.

Zu den weiteren Maßnahmen zählen auch der effizientere Einsatz von Düngemitteln und die effizientere Lagerung von Dung durch die Landwirte, die Verringerung der Lebensmittelverschwendung durch Einzelhändler und Verbraucher, die Rückgewinnung von Stickstoff in Kläranlagen durch die Wasserwirtschaft und die Schaffung von Anreizen für eine nachhaltigere Lebensmittelauswahl durch die Regierungen.

Professor Mark Sutton, Mitherausgeber des Berichts und Umweltphysiker am UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), erklärt: „Seien wir ehrlich, das Ziel für 2030 ist extrem ehrgeizig. Wenn wir es erreichen wollen, welche Möglichkeiten gibt es dann? Es sind nicht nur technische Maßnahmen – wir alle müssen über unsere Ernährungsgewohnheiten nachdenken. Unsere Ernährungsgewohnheiten haben Einfluss auf die Wasserverschmutzung und den Klimawandel. Wir müssen also alle einen Beitrag leisten.“" 👍😊🌱

Quellen: ➡ LINK 1 ➡ LINK 2 ➡ LINK 3

CHANGE IS COMING! 😊💚

[orville-j-clutchpopper]

I'm telling you-- STOP this ride! I want off!

[whitepolaris]

Oh bother.

[indianflash123]

Humans, Most Deadliest predators In Earth

Humans have emerged as the planet’s most extraordinary predator, doing things that other predators do not, killing or capturing for reasons other than feeding themselves, according to study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and the University of Victoria in Canada. The research indicates that over one third of all vertebrate species on Earth are utilized by humans, leading to…

[indianflashnews]

Humans, Most Deadliest predators In Earth

Humans have emerged as the planet’s most extraordinary predator, doing things that other predators do not, killing or capturing for reasons other than feeding themselves, according to study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and the University of Victoria in Canada. The research indicates that over one third of all vertebrate species on Earth are utilized by humans, leading to…

[atlanticcanada]

Humans as predators impacting thousands of species: Global study co-authored by N.S. researcher

With more than eight-billion humans on the planet, a team of international researchers have now quantified the population’s significant impact on other species.

The study, published in in the journal Communications Biology, examines the effects of humans as global predators, rather than just inhabitants, on other living things.

“We're just so out there in terms of our use of wildlife,” says Boris Worm, Dalhousie University marine ecologist and one of the co-authors of the study.

After crunching the numbers, the team found humans use far more species for their own purposes than any other animal on earth.

“Assessed over equivalent ranges,” the study says, “humans exploit up to 300 times more species than comparable non-human predators.”

“About one in three species, 15,000 vertebrates (species with a backbone) are affected by human use,” says Worm. “And in 40 per cent of those, that human use is considered a threat.”

Humans, he explains, are unique in their development of culture and trade, which results in the use of animals for everything from pharmaceuticals to fashion.

“We have culture, we have very elaborate social behavior,” he says, “(and) we have trade, we have commercial goods, and (that) drives the exploitation of a lot of species.”

While most of nature’s predators hunt primarily for sustenance, the study found humans do not.

“About 74 per cent of species, almost three in four, that are used by people on land, are used also or exclusively for non-food uses,” Worm explains.

From pangolins driven towards extinction for their scales to exotic birds hunted down for their feathers, Worm says predation for personal pleasure is also singular to humans.

The study also found the capture of wildlife as pets is surprisingly significant.

“On land, there was twice as many species were used for pets, compared to (those) used for food,” says Rob Cooke, study co-author and ecological modeler at the U.K. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

“There's the caged bird industry, fish in aquariums, and reptiles and amphibians, there's huge demand,” he explains.

Cooke says there have been cases in which people have recognized the negative effects of overconsumption on a species, developing regulations in response.

“Often with fishing you have quotas,” he says. “And (when) you fish below the quota, the population can continue reproducing and keep sustaining itself.”

Cooke says using community-based, sustainable methods, in a “decentralization of our interaction with nature”, makes a difference.

“We need to think more about the longevity of these industries, if we're going to have sustainable use of animals, and maybe there's species of animals where we don't need to use them,” he says.

“Our interest in a species can actually wipe them out from the face of the earth for no good reason,” says Worm. “And I think we are smarter than that.”

Worm says when a species becomes extinct, it has a proven ripple effect on entire ecosystems. He and the other authors consider their work both a warning and a call to action, to take a hard look at how humans use animals, to prevent “profound consequences.” 

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/qAv1kRr

[myfeeds]

How tidal range electricity generation could meet future demand and storage problems

Research by Lancaster University’s School of Engineering and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology combined a tidal range power generation model with its cost model to demonstrate the viability of tidal power. Professor George Aggidis, Head of Energy Engineering at Lancaster University, said: “The obvious question for the UK, with one of the best tidal resources globally, is why haven’t we already got a tidal barrage scheme?” The research published in Energy demonstrates the benefits of tidal energy, which does not suffer from unpredictable intermittency as power is generated both day and night. The creation of a tidal barrage could operate for 120 years or more to meet future demand and storage problems. Professor Aggidis said: “There is an urgent need to kick-start the selection and development of schemes around Britain. Tidal range generation is predictable renewable energy driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. The environmental and economic benefits are huge as barrages can protect coastal areas from flooding and sea level rise. With two-way generation and pumping, the full range of existing tides can be maintained within impoundments to protect and support low-lying intertidal areas such as saltmarshes and mudflats. Our studies show that with modern technology and operating procedures, estuarine barrages are the only practical way to protect these vital habitats. Coastal lagoons have also been proposed for several locations around Britain’s coast. Schemes will provide jobs in construction and manufacturing for generations to come as well as opportunities for transport, communication, conservation, and recreation. In the long-term they will provide reliable power with reduced costs.” The UK has the second highest tidal range in the world and offers the UK a level of independence from global prices and in the long-term cheap clean power. Currently the Tidal Range projects under commercial consideration offer an achievable 10 GW installed capacity, delivering over 20TWh/y, about 5% of UK energy use. Based on the UK relevant resource availability there is the potential to further increase this installed capacity over 4 to 5 times with other tidal range project sites around the UK. Such developments are essential to assist the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuel power stations. The current UK total generating capacity is around 42.8 GW that includes fossil fuels (19.2GW 44.9%), renewables (16.5GW, 38.5%), and low carbon (7.1GW — 16.6%). The La Rance Tidal Range plant in France today generates the cheapest electricity in the EDF fleet — cheaper than nuclear.