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Planetary scientist wins ‘Nobel for the environment’
A pioneer in the field of sustainability has earned a major honor. Johan Rockström is this year’s winner of the Tyler Prize, recognized for his work developing the planetary boundaries framework, which gauges Earth’s ability to sustain humanity.
February 29, 2024
Study: How nature can fight climate change — and how it can't
Not long ago, the idea that nature could be humanity's ally against climate change was not widely known. In recent years that idea has increasingly moved into the mainstream. Perhaps unsurprisingly, that recognition has led to some confusion.
January 23, 2024
Study: Shark-finning bans fall short, but bright spots offer hope
Despite evidence that efforts to ban shark finning in recent years isn't reducing shark mortality, new research shows there is reason to have hope.
January 12, 2024
Why understanding people is key to protecting nature
Humans have altered the planet so dramatically that scientists say we may have entered a new geologic epoch — the Anthropocene. And yet human behavior is often overlooked when it comes to developing conservation solutions. A new book aims to change that.
April 25, 2023
News spotlight: A climate hero emerges — beavers
Increasing drought and urban expansion have contributed to the destruction and degradation of 35 percent of the world’s wetlands. How might we stymie this decline? Introducing beavers back into their natural habitats is a good start.
February 13, 2023
5 life lessons from women in science
The gender gap in science is no secret. And while the number of women pursuing careers in science is steadily rising, the lack of representation can be a tough hurdle to overcome.
February 10, 2023
News spotlight: New satellite offers view into nearly all of Earth’s waters
In case you missed it: As climate change drives sea level rise, and more extreme droughts and floods, understanding the world’s water patterns is increasingly important. Luckily, scientists are coming up with new ways to adapt. The latest: satellites.
January 3, 2023
New science: Protecting even a small area can reap big benefits for people
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
December 15, 2022
New report: Without nature, there is no path to a climate-safe future
A first-of-its-kind report lays out how humanity must change its relationship with nature to avert a climate crisis.
September 19, 2022
News spotlight: Desert bacteria could unlock more powerful antibiotics
In case you missed it: Species living in extreme conditions could advance antibiotic production.
July 26, 2022
New study dives into what's killing the world’s largest fish — and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent research published by Conservation International experts.
June 30, 2022
News spotlight: New hope for Mekong ‘megafish’
In case you missed it: A giant stingray hooked (and released) by a fisherman in Cambodia’s Mekong River earlier this month has taken the title of world’s largest freshwater fish.
June 27, 2022
In warming world, viral spillovers are expected to increase: 3 stories you may have missed
In case you missed it: Climate breakdown may increase viral spillovers between animals, two baby mountain gorillas were born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a new species of frog was discovered in Australia.
May 9, 2022
New science: Removing ‘climber’ plants doubles tree growth — and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
May 5, 2022
Study: More than a fifth of reptile species face extinction
A new study, published today in Nature, assesses more than 10,000 reptiles around the world — from turtles, snakes and lizards to crocodiles — and warns that we must conserve them to prevent dramatic changes to Earth’s critical ecosystems.
April 27, 2022
This Earth Day, 10 Conservation International experts share reasons for hope
To provide a boost of climate optimism, 10 Conservation International experts are sharing why they have hope for the planet — and why you should, too.
April 22, 2022
That UN climate report wasn’t all bad news
The recent IPCC climate report was bleak, but there are silver linings. Our expert weighs in.
April 7, 2022
IPCC report: Countries miss the mark on climate action, but nature could help get us back on track
A new UN report highlights a powerful and largely untapped solution to stem the climate crisis: nature.
April 4, 2022
Expert: Amplify voices of women in science to inspire the next generation
We spoke to Conservation International's climate lead Shyla Raghav about her passion for protecting the planet, how she stays optimistic about Earth’s future and her advice for the next generation of women scientists.
March 8, 2022
Notes from the field: fish-waste fertilizer, fire-resistant trees and more
Here are three recent conservation success stories you should know about.
February 25, 2022
New science: Satellite data preventing climate-fueled floods — and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
February 17, 2022
Meet a scientist: the freshwater defender
Growing up in Kenya on the edge of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, Leonard Akwany always felt most at home in nature. Long days fishing and birding with friends forged a special connection to the lake, eventually leading to a career focused on protecting it.
February 10, 2022
Protecting nature to prevent pandemics costs just 1% of fighting them
Experts say the yearly cost of future pandemics will be a staggering US$ 2 trillion. For just 1 percent of that cost, the world could prevent pandemics at their source by protecting nature, according to a new study published today in Science Advances.
February 4, 2022
New science: deep-sea hotspot, Indigenous ocean conservation and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent research published by Conservation International experts.
December 2, 2021
These ecosystems could determine our climate future: study
Nature’s stashes of climate-warming carbon is packed into a small percentage of Earth’s lands, finds a new study that pinpoints the ecosystems humanity must protect to avert a climate disaster.
November 18, 2021
New map pinpoints where people depend on nature the most
A new study is the first to quantify people’s dependence on nature, and underscores the extent of the threat that climate change and the destruction of nature pose to human life.
October 4, 2021
Meet a scientist: To adapt to climate change, this expert looks to nature
Conservation News spoke with Conservation international's Giacomo Fedele about the ways in which communities are adapting to rising temperatures on their own terms and how he manages to stay optimistic despite an uncertain climate future.
September 29, 2021
Study: Nature has saved us from worst climate impacts — for now
A new study finds that without Earth’s complex web of terrestrial and marine ecosystems we would already be seeing far more severe climate impacts than we are now.
September 16, 2021
Study: How years of wildfires have devastated the Amazon
For the first time, scientists have quantified the impact these fires have had on animals and plants in the Amazon over the past two decades. And according to their new study published today in Nature, these species are suffering — but there is still time to protect them.
September 1, 2021
New science: Protecting the planet’s biodiversity — from soil to coral
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
August 5, 2021
Shifting tuna populations could trigger ‘climate justice issue’: study
Ocean warming will alter the habitats of tuna, which could have catastrophic economic consequences for Pacific Island nations and territories, according to a new study.
July 29, 2021
Meet a scientist: the fisheries aficionado
Ana Gloria Guzmán-Mora is the executive director of Conservation International’s Costa Rica program, where she works with local communities and governments to help them meet their goals for protecting the planet.
July 22, 2021
A simple idea to ease conservation costs: transferring funds
A growing phenomenon called “ecological fiscal transfers” is helping ease the burden on local governments — and is proving a simple and powerful way to channel funding to conservation.
June 24, 2021
New science: a path for protecting chimps and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
June 3, 2021
Protect nature or risk future pandemics, expert warns
Conservation International's new pandemic prevention fellow recently discussed how his experience chasing infectious diseases and leading NYC's COVID contact tracing program has shown him why human health depends on the health of the planet.
May 27, 2021
New tool could help bring threatened species back from the brink
A new tool provides a clear picture of where species are at the greatest risk of extinction — and helps guide conservation actions to protect them.
May 13, 2021
Study: Could the Amazon become ground zero for the world’s next pandemic?
If deforestation continues to accelerate, the Amazon could be at risk of becoming ground zero for the world’s next pandemic, according to a study published today.
March 24, 2021
New NASA maps will help Liberia chart course for a sustainable future
In partnership with Conservation International and NASA, the government of Liberia recently mapped the country’s diverse ecosystems — from lush forests to coastal mangroves — and analyzed how they have changed over time.
March 17, 2021
Study: Too often, COVID recovery comes at nature’s expense
A new study found that more countries undermined rather than supported nature in decisions made after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as their national pandemic recovery policies.
March 11, 2021
New science: protecting high seas hotspots, wildlife and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
February 25, 2021
New science: restoring forests, coastal protection and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
January 14, 2021
Trove of new species discovered in hidden Bolivian valley
On an expedition to Bolivia's Zongo Valley, a team of researchers recently discovered 20 species completely new to science, and rediscovered several species that had not been seen for decades.
December 14, 2020
Meet a scientist: the community connector
Patricia Dunne is the director of applied social science at Conservation International, where she works to amplify the voices of some of conservation’s most critical allies: local communities.
December 3, 2020
New science: Saving freshwater species, lessons from China and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
November 12, 2020
Meet a scientist: the scuba specialist
Conservation News spoke to Conservation International's marine and diving safety officer, Edgardo Ochoa, about his shark encounters, the dangers of decompression sickness and his passion to prevent a plastic-filled future for the world’s oceans.
October 7, 2020
Study maps climate potential of letting forests be
Restoring tropical forest cover might offer an even bigger climate opportunity than previously thought, a new study finds.
September 23, 2020
In high seas, scientists see a lifeline for coral reefs
Coral reefs on the high seas could offer a lifeline for the world's dying reefs, a new study finds.
September 14, 2020
New science: detrimental dams, fishery fears, protection rollbacks
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
September 10, 2020
3 ways to prevent the next pandemic with nature, according to science
A new study published today in Science outlines a groundbreaking plan to decrease the risk of future pandemics by 27 percent or more — with a 10-year investment that is 50 times less than the cost of coronavirus response efforts to date.
July 23, 2020
New science: mangrove protection, Caribbean coral loss, dam development and more
Protecting nature starts with science. Here’s a roundup of recent scientific research published by Conservation International experts.
July 15, 2020
Protect the economy by protecting nature, study urges
A new report revealed the benefits of protecting 30 percent of the world’s land and sea outweigh the costs by a ratio of 5 to 1.
July 9, 2020
For billions without clean water, ‘wash your hands’ is complicated
Conservation News spoke with Conservation International’s Colleen Sorto about how when it comes to water and human health, where your water comes from can be just as important as how you use it.
June 17, 2020
A ‘first aid kit’ for the world’s coral reefs?
In new article for CNN, one of Conservation International's ocean experts offers a survival guide for the world's remaining coral reefs.
June 8, 2020
Study: COVID-19 jeopardizing world’s protected areas
The COVID-19 pandemic is jeopardizing areas set aside to conserve nature, according to a study published yesterday.
June 3, 2020
Meet a scientist: the island-hopping adventurer
Conservation News spoke to Conservation International scientist Mael Imirizaldu about his work helping countries and communities conserve the ocean that they depend on.
May 14, 2020
Conservationist: Protecting nature an ‘investment’ in our health
Conservation International's CEO explains the link between infectious diseases and the destruction of nature.
April 21, 2020
New science: saving life on land, record-breaking rays, freshwater action plan
Here’s a roundup of recent science published by Conservation International experts.
April 16, 2020
Study: Protect these places — or face climate doom
To stop climate catastrophe, there are certain places on Earth that we simply cannot afford to destroy, according to new research by Conservation International scientists.
March 31, 2020
Expert: To prevent pandemics like COVID-19, ‘take care of nature’
Conservation News spoke to renowned ecologist and Conservation International scientist Lee Hannah about how giving nature space could help curb future disease outbreaks.
March 27, 2020
To stop climate catastrophe, look to soil: study
Conservation News spoke to the co-author of a groundbreaking new study reports that the secret to sustainable agriculture lies in the soil — or more specifically, in the carbon stored in the soil.
March 18, 2020
Study: Protecting tropics could save half of species on brink
Conservation News spoke to the lead author of a groundbreaking new study that offers a solution to save more than half of the world's species that are at risk of extinction, while slowing climate change.
February 26, 2020
Time for a tropical carbon tax, experts say
In a recent article, Conservation International's executive vice president explained how a tax on carbon could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while protecting nature.
February 13, 2020
To avert climate disaster, look to land: study
New research will help tropical countries protect and restore their lands — while averting climate disaster.
January 27, 2020
Protected areas are not forever
A new analysis reveals gaps in the protected area system, which covers 14.9 percent of land and 7.3 percent of oceans.
November 29, 2018
In photos: Documenting Suriname’s unexplored wilderness
Photographer Randy Olson joins a species discovery expedition in one of the world’s most remote forests.
March 23, 2016
Discovery afoot: New study cracks mystery of how ‘walking’ sharks split
Conservation News spoke with one of the authors of a new study on walking sharks to find out how he and his team uncovered the evolutionary origin of these peculiar creatures — and how this information could help us adapt to climate change.
January 22, 2020
When it comes to food production, sustainability pays. Here’s how
Students are finding ways for sustainable fishers and farmers to make more money.
June 5, 2018
In a career full of fish discoveries, these 5 species stand out
Dr. Mark Erdmann has described 100 fish species that are new to science. Here are his favorites.
February 24, 2017
To feed itself, Hawai‘i must make sea change, study finds
To feed its growing population, Hawai‘i is looking to produce more locally sourced seafood, which has a smaller environmental footprint.
May 31, 2018
Nature meets culture: fashion’s footprint, a reef’s revival and more
In an occasional series, we review shows, podcasts and more that bring nature to life for you.
January 16, 2020
Where reefs are restaurants, challenge is keeping them stocked
Scientists develop research to curb overfishing in Hawaiian Islands.
December 11, 2017
New science: rare plants, climate consequences, marine movement
Here’s a roundup of recent science published by Conservation International experts.
December 5, 2019
Nature meets culture: An elephant film, a ‘climate-friendly’ cookbook and more
In an occasional series, we review shows, podcasts and more that bring nature to life for you.
December 3, 2019
The trees that could make or break Mexico City’s future
CI’s Jürgen Hoth talks air pollution, the illegal drug trade and why planting trees isn’t always the answer.
December 15, 2016
Key to protecting the ocean? Money and manpower, study finds
There are two keys to protecting our oceans: funding and staff. Without these elements, we’re putting our oceans at risk.
March 22, 2017
Meet a scientist: To study conservation, she studies people
A social scientist at Conservation International explains the complex link between humans and nature in a Q&A with Conservation News.
November 21, 2019
Study: Climate breakdown is moving the farming frontier
A new study finds that as climate change forces agriculture to higher latitude areas such as Russia and Canada, there is potential to release 177 gigatons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere — the equivalent of over a century of U.S. carbon emissions.
February 12, 2020
Letter calls on corporate CEOs for climate lobbying
Conservation International and coalition organizations publish a call to action, urging businesses to use their influence to lobby governments for science-based policy.
October 16, 2019
To a country on the edge of development, what is nature worth?
Conflict, poverty and disease prevented the collection of data on the state of Liberia’s ecosystems for decades — until now.
March 21, 2017
For better, faster ocean science, researchers look to the cloud
OHI scientists — including several from Conservation International, the index’s co-developer — are using open science to do “better science in less time.”
June 12, 2017
New tech could transform science of wildlife ‘selfies’
A new research database called "Wildlife Insights" will help researchers share data and guide wildlife conservation.
December 17, 2019
Climate breakdown is here. It’s time to adapt. But how?
Fundamental shifts may be necessary to adapt to climate breakdown.
September 12, 2019
To weather a changing climate, coffee needs bees, trees: study
Climate change is threatening coffee supplies just as global demand for it is at an all-time high. New research highlights how bees and forests factor into the equation.
September 11, 2017
Deep dive: New findings from our whale shark watchers
On International Whale Shark Day, we sat down with two Conservation International scientists to learn more about their work tagging the world's largest fish.
August 30, 2019
New tool could map out how countries adapt to a changing world
The latest edition of CI’s podcast series, “Inside Science,” explores the groundbreaking possibilities of the Resilience Atlas.
November 9, 2016
Meet a scientist: An optimist in the face of climate change
Conservation International’s climate change lead talks about how she remains optimistic.
February 6, 2018
Update: What we’re learning about the world’s largest fish
Two years into a whale shark tracking program, scientists are learning new facts about the world’s largest fish.
August 1, 2017
Study clears the waters on a dirty threat to Hawai‘i’s reefs
Of all the threats facing Hawai’i’s coasts and coral reefs, one of the trickiest to stop is mud.
January 20, 2016
Primates face greater extinction threat than any other large mammal group
Tropical forest destruction threatens 63 percent of the world’s primate species with extinction. But experts say there’s hope of reversing this trend.
February 3, 2017
In a long-lost city, scientists find an ‘exuberance’ of life
A team of researchers led by Conservation International explored the biological treasures that exist in an inaccessible corner of Central America.
May 23, 2018
Snakes on mysterious island live in trees, impregnate themselves
A recent species survey in Timor-Leste has revealed unique life on a little-studied island.
July 18, 2016
With eye to hungry planet, new tech watches soil health
An estimated 10 billion people will walk the Earth by 2050 — how will humanity grow enough food on land that is increasingly tapped out?
February 15, 2018
To save Hawaiian fisheries, scientists look to locals for answers
Two new studies reveal that when it comes to managing fish populations, traditional knowledge can be as important as science.
February 22, 2017
Study spawns new method to curb overfishing
A new study offers a clearer picture of whether the ocean’s fisheries can continue to feed humanity into the future.
April 12, 2017
Why ‘walking’ sharks are at greater risk of extinction than we thought
Although the habitats of many walking sharks are at least partially protected, new research reveals their survival may be in doubt.
November 30, 2016
Expert: Conservation, indigenous rights at a crossroads
A recently published paper has added to a body of evidence showing that indigenous peoples can be powerful allies for protecting nature.
August 8, 2018
Study: To make conservation go ‘viral,’ keep it simple, social
Funny YouTube videos, the newest smartphones … and conservation? A new study looks at ways we can make conservation go “viral.”
February 28, 2018
Protected areas DO save wildlife: Just ask these 5 species
New data collected by more than 1,000 camera traps reveals good news for many tropical species.
January 19, 2016
In camera-trap snaps, scientists tackle big data challenge
CI’s Jorge Ahumada gives a behind-the-scenes look at how technology is revolutionizing conservation biology.
January 21, 2016
New partnership combines best of nature and technology to fight climate change
In a new collaboration, CI and MIT will explore climate change solutions that blend hard engineering with the protection of crucial ecosystems.
January 27, 2017