Implications For Biodiversity Research Articles

Mean landscape‐scale incidence of species in discrete habitats is patch size dependent

AbstractAimA pervasive negative relationship between the species richness of an assemblage and the mean global range size of the species it contains has recently been identified. Here, we test for an effect of habitat patch size on the mean landscape‐scale incidence (estimating local range size) of constituent species independent of variation in richness.LocationGlobal.Time PeriodContemporary.Major Taxa StudiedVarious.MethodsWe devised a new standardized patch‐scale metric, Mean Species Landscape‐scale Incidences per Patch (MSLIP). Positive values indicate a patch contains more widespread (high‐incidence) species than expected relative to their frequency in the landscape; negative values indicate the presence of more narrow‐range (low‐incidence) species. For 202 metacommunity datasets (archipelagos, habitat islands and fragments) we regressed MSLIP on patch size, testing four hypotheses: (i) no effect (zero slope), (ii) more widespread species in smaller patches (negative slope), (iii) more narrow‐range species in smaller patches (positive slope), (iv) a composite effect (curvilinear/unimodal).ResultsThere was a generally negative curvilinear relationship between MSLIP and patch size, consistent with smaller and larger patches respectively containing more high‐ and low‐incidence species than expected. At intermediate patch sizes, mean species incidence approximates that of the overall landscape. Relative richness mediated this relationship; species‐rich sites of any size increasingly favoured low‐incidence species, species‐poor sites high‐incidence species. Results were consistent for taxonomic groups, and metacommunity types, except aquatic habitat islands.Main ConclusionsThe dependence of mean species incidence on both patch size and relative richness has implications for biodiversity and community assembly theory, or when seeking to understand ecological processes sensitive to species composition (e.g., ecosystem functioning, trophic web structures). We propose the ‘patch size where the MSLIP regression intersects zero’ as a benchmark distinguishing smaller from larger patches, with the expectation small patches preferentially support more high‐incidence and large patches more low‐incidence species.

Use of toxicants baiting for reduction of wild boar populations in African swine fever disease management – implications for biodiversity and legislation

Wild animals appear to be a key factor in the occurrence, transmission and prevalence of a myriad of contagious animal diseases, being natural reservoirs, vectors or both. This role is played by wild boars in the African swine fever (ASF) transmission to domestic pigs. ASF entered the European Union in 2014 and since then lots of measures have been implemented to bring the disease under control. Bulgaria also tried to introduce new measures for reduction of wild boar populations, regarding ASF through legislative amendments. Proposals in the Bulgarian Law on hunting and game protection from 2020 tried to make legitimate wild boar culling with some unselective approaches like the use of baits with chemical poisonous or intoxicating substances. This provoked the authors to study the experience of other countries on particular toxicants used for baiting for control of wild boar populations. We investigated the available scientific literature on the selective character of chemical baiting and the effect on non-target species. Moreover, the participation of different stakeholders in the pro­cess of development and implementation of the mentioned measures was discussed. Thus, proposals were made for better preparatory, scientific and efficiency investigation at the preliminary stage of animal disease control measures development.

The changing agricultural landscape in Canada’s Mixedwood Plains Ecozone (2011–2022) and the implications for biodiversity

The changing agricultural landscape in Canada’s Mixedwood Plains Ecozone (2011–2022) and the implications for biodiversity

Modeling Singapore’s First African Swine Fever Outbreak in Wild Boar Populations

African swine fever (ASF) is a virulent and lethal disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars, with serious implications for biodiversity, food security, and the economy. Since its reemergence in Europe, ASF has become widespread, and Singapore reported its first ASF outbreak in its wild boar population. To understand the transmission dynamics in Singapore’s urban landscape, an agent‐based spatiotemporal model was designed to mechanistically model the wild boar dispersal and their interactions for ASF transmission. We investigated the impacts of wild boar dispersal capacity and carcass removal actions on the spatiotemporal dynamics of disease transmission. The model predictions were validated using observed wild boar mortality reports in Singapore and suggested multiple disease entry points into our wild boar population. Our simulations estimated that the ASF outbreak in Singapore would peak within 3 weeks and lasts for less than 70 days. Carcass‐mediated transmission was evident with epidemic reoccurrence through infectious carcasses accounting for 18%–75% of the iterations. Increasing wild boar dispersal capacity expanded the geographic extent of ASF infection, potentially spreading further inland. Simulated carcass removal and decontamination measures slightly reduced the epidemic duration by up to 13.5 days and reoccurrence through infectious carcass by 10.8%. Carcass removal and decontamination efforts, along with identifying and blocking high‐risk areas (e.g., dispersal corridors), are important in controlling the transmission of ASF through contaminated fomites and limiting the dispersal of infected animals. Establishing surveillance programmes and enhancing detection capabilities are also crucial for the successful management and control of infectious diseases.

Projected effects of climate change on the potential distribution range of Manihot species endemic to Northeast Brazil.

Climate change is a global concern, with far-reaching implications for biodiversity and ecosystems. Understanding impact on species distribution is crucial for effective conservation strategies. The aims of this study were to evaluate the projected effects of climate change on the potential distribution of Manihot species endemic to Northeast Brazil and estimate the presence of climate suitability within protected areas in the future. We used ecological niche models to assess the potential distribution of 11 endemic species, providing predictions of current and future scenarios using an optimistic and pessimistic climate change scenario. The results revealed that in the optimistic scenario, 45% of the species may experience a partial reduction in their potential distribution range by 2100, and this percentage increases to 54% in the pessimistic scenario. Other species, on the other hand, will increase their potential distribution. The climatically suitable area for most species will be inserted in some protected areas, but species with limited current distribution and decreasing potential range must be prioritized for conservation. This study provides valuable information about the future potential distribution of endemic species of Manihot.

Thermophilisation of Afromontane forest stands demonstrated in an elevation gradient experiment

Abstract. The response of tropical trees and tree communities to climate change is crucial for the carbon storage and biodiversity of the terrestrial biosphere. Trees in tropical montane rain forests (TMFs) are considered particularly vulnerable to climate change, but this hypothesis remains poorly evaluated due to data scarcity. To reduce the knowledge gap in the response of TMF trees to warming, we established a field experiment along a 1300–2400 m elevation gradient as a proxy for warming in Rwanda. Seedling-size trees of 20 species native to montane forests in eastern and central Africa were planted in multi-species plots at three sites along the gradient. They have overlapping distributions but primarily occur in either transitional rain forests (∼ 1600–2000 ma.s.l.) or mid-elevation TMFs (∼ 2000–3000 ma.s.l.), with both early- (ES) and late-successional (LS) species represented in each elevation origin group. Tree growth (diameter and height) and survival were monitored regularly over 2 years. We found that ES species, especially from lower elevations, grew faster at warmer sites, while several of the LS species, especially from higher elevations, did not respond or grew slower. Moreover, a warmer climate increased tree mortality in LS species, but not much in ES species. ES species with transitional rain forest origin strongly increased proportional to stand basal area at warmer sites, while TMF species declined, suggesting that lower-elevation ES species will have an advantage over higher-elevation species in a warming climate. The risk of higher-elevation and LS species of becoming outcompeted by lower-elevation and ES species due to a thermophilisation response in a warmer climate has important implications for biodiversity and carbon storage of Afromontane forests.

If you build it, will they come? Insect community responses to habitat establishment at solar energy facilities in Minnesota, USA

Global declines in insect populations have important implications for biodiversity and food security. To offset these declines, habitat restoration and enhancement in agricultural landscapes could mutually safeguard insect populations and their pollination services for crop production. The expansion of utility-scale solar energy development in agricultural landscapes presents an opportunity for the dual use of the land for energy production and biodiversity conservation through the establishment of grasses and forbs planted among and between the photovoltaic solar arrays (‘solar-pollinator habitat’). We conducted a longitudinal field study across 5 years (2018–2022) to understand how insect communities responded to newly established habitat on solar energy facilities in agricultural landscapes by evaluating (1) temporal changes in flowering plant abundance and diversity; (2) temporal changes in insect abundance and diversity; and (3) the pollination services of solar-pollinator habitat by comparing pollinator visitation to agricultural fields near solar-pollinator habitat with other agricultural field locations. We found increases over time for all habitat and biodiversity metrics: floral rank, flowering plant species richness, insect group diversity, native bee abundance, and total insect abundance, with the most noticeable temporal increases in native bee abundance. We also found positive effects of proximity to solar-pollinator habitat on bee visitation to nearby soybean (Glycine max) fields. Bee visitation to soybean flowers adjacent to solar-pollinator habitat were comparable to bee visitation to soybeans adjacent to grassland areas enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, and greater than bee visitation to soybean field interior and roadside soybean flowers. Our observations highlight the relatively rapid (<4 year) insect community responses to grassland restoration activities and provide support for solar-pollinator habitat as a feasible conservation practice to safeguard biodiversity and increase food security in agricultural landscapes.

Potential implications of shortened rotation length for forest birds, bryophytes, lichens and vascular plants: An example from southern Swedish production forests

The rotation lengths of intensively managed production forests may be altered to achieve a variety of goals, with correspondingly implications for biodiversity. Here we consider the potential implications of shortened rotation times for biodiversity in planted monocultures of the two most common production tree species in Sweden, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). To do so we surveyed bird, bryophyte, epiphytic lichen and vascular plant diversity in 80 and 55-year-old stands; stand ages which approximate present-day and potential future rotation lengths in this region respectively. We found clear differences in the species communities of the 55 compared to the 80-year-old stands for both understory species and epiphytes, but not for birds. Nevertheless, bird species richness was still highest in the 80-year-old Norway spruce dominated stands. Dead wood amount was also highest the 80-year-old Norway spruce stands. Highest species richness of epiphytic lichens was found in 80-year-old Scots pine stands. However, 55-year-old Scots pine stands had a higher understory species richness and diversity than the older Scots pine stands, including a larger number of open land species. The 80-year-old forest stands examined may be considered old with respect to production forest rotation lengths in Sweden but are relatively young when comparing stand ages of unmanaged natural forest stands. Nevertheless, our results indicate that shortening the rotation time of Scots pine and Norway spruce, in this part of Sweden from 80 to 55 years, could have important consequences for forest biodiversity. These consequences are primarily inferred from the likely implications from shortened rotations for lichens community composition and diversity in both Norway spruce and Scots pine stands, as well as impacts on understory plant species in Norway spruce stands.

Light and temperature controls of aquatic plant photosynthesis downstream of a hydropower plant and the effect of plant removal

Many rivers worldwide are regulated, and the altered hydrology can lead to mass development of aquatic plants. Plant invasions are often seen as a nuisance for human activities leading to costly remedial actions with uncertain implications for aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Mechanical harvesting is often used to remove aquatic plants and knowledge of plant growth rate could improve management decisions. Here, we used a simple light-temperature theoretical model to make a priori prediction of aquatic plant photosynthesis. These predictions were assessed through an open-channel diel change in O2 mass balance approach. A Michaelis-Menten type model was fitted to observed gross primary production (GPP) standardised at 10 °C using a temperature dependence from thermodynamic theory of enzyme kinetics. The model explained 87 % of the variability in GPP of a submerged aquatic plant (Juncus bulbosus L.) throughout an annual cycle in the River Otra, Norway. The annual net plant production was about 2.4 (1.0–3.8) times the standing biomass of J. bulbosus. This suggests a high continuous mass loss due to hydraulic stress and natural mechanical breakage of stems, as the biomass of J. bulbosus remained relatively constant throughout the year. J. bulbosus was predicted to be resilient to mechanical harvesting with photosynthetic capacity recovered within two years following 50–85 % plant removal. The predicted recovery was confirmed through a field experiment where 72 % of J. bulbosus biomass was mechanically removed. We emphasise the value of using a theoretical approach, like metabolic theory, over statistical models where a posteriori results are not always easy to interpret. Finally, the ability to predict ecosystem resilience of aquatic photosynthesis in response to varying management scenarios offers a valuable tool for estimating aquatic ecosystem services, such as carbon regulation. This tool can benefit the EU Biodiversity Strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Using multilayer perceptron and similarity-weighted machine learning algorithms to reconstruct the past: A case study of the agricultural expansion on grasslands in the Uruguayan savannas.

Changes in land use and land cover (LULC) have significant implications for biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and deforestation. Modeling LULC changes is crucial to understanding anthropogenic impacts on environmental conservation and ecosystem services. Although previous studies have focused on predicting future changes, there is a growing need to determine past scenarios using new assessment tools. This study proposes a methodology for LULC past scenario generation based on transition analysis. Aiming to hindcast LULC scenario in 1970 based on the transition analysis of the past 35 years (from 1985 to 2020), two machine learning algorithms, multilayer perceptron (MLP) and similarity weighted (SimWeight), were employed to determine the driver variables most related to conversions in LULC and to simulate the past. The study focused on the Aristida spp. grasslands in the Uruguayan savannas, where native grasslands have been extensively converted to agricultural areas. Land use and land cover data from the MapBiomas project were integrated with spatial variables such as altimetry, slope, pedology, and linear distances from rivers, roads, urban areas, agriculture, forest, forestry, and native grasslands. The accuracy of the predicted maps was assessed through stratified random sampling of reference images from the Multispectral Scanner (MSS) sensor. The results demonstrate a reduction of approximately 659 934 ha of native grasslands in the study area between 1985 and 2020, directly proportional to the increase in cultivable areas. The MLP algorithm exhibited moderate performance, with notable errors in classifying agriculture and grassland areas. In contrast, the SimWeight algorithm displayed better accuracy, particularly in distinguishing grassland and agriculture classes. The modeled map using SimWeight accurately represented the transitions between grassland and agriculture with a high level of agreement. By modeling the 1970s scenario using the SimWeight model, it was estimated that the Aristida spp. grasslands experienced a substantial reduction in grassland coverage, ranging from 9982.31 to 10 022.32 km2 between 1970 and 2020. This represents a range of 60.8%-61.07% of the total grassland area in 1970. These findings provide valuable insights into the driving factors behind land use change in the Aristida spp. grasslands and offer useful information for land management, conservation, and sustainable development in the region. The study's main contribution lies in the hindcasting of past LULC scenarios, utilizing a tool used primarily for forecasting future scenarios. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1140-1155. © 2023 SETAC.

Spatiotemporal variability in population demography and morphology of the habitat-forming macroalga Saccorhiza polyschides in the Western English Channel.

Large brown macroalgae serve as foundation organisms along temperate and polar coastlines, providing a range of ecosystem services. Saccorhiza polyschides is a warm-temperate kelp-like species found in the northeast Atlantic, which is suggested to have proliferated in recent decades across the southern UK, possibly in response to increasing temperatures, physical disturbance and reduced competition. However, little is known about S. polyschides with regard to ecological functioning and population dynamics across its geographical range. Here we examined the population demography of S. polyschides populations in southwest UK, located within the species' range centre, to address a regional knowledge gap and to provide a baseline against which to detect future changes. Intertidal surveys were conducted during spring low tides at three sites along a gradient of wave exposure in Plymouth Sound (Western English Channel) over a period of 15 months. Density, cover, age, biomass and morphology of S. polyschides were quantified. Additionally, less frequent sampling of shallow subtidal reefs was conducted to compare intertidal and subtidal populations. We recorded pronounced seasonality, with fairly consistent demographic patterns across sites and depths. By late summer, S. polyschides was a dominant habitat-former on both intertidal and subtidal reefs, with maximum standing stock exceeding 13 000 g wet weight m-2. Saccorhiza polyschides is a conspicuous and abundant member of rocky reef assemblages in the region, providing complex and abundant biogenic habitat for associated organisms and high rates of primary productivity. However, its short-lived pseudo-annual life strategy is in stark contrast to dominant long-lived perennial laminarian kelps. As such, any replacement or reconfiguration of habitat-forming macroalgae due to ocean warming will probably have implications for local biodiversity and community composition. More broadly, our study demonstrates the importance of high-resolution cross-habitat surveys to generate robust baselines of kelp population demography, against which the ecological impacts of climate change and other stressors can be reliably detected.

Delayed postglacial colonization of Betula in Iceland and the circum North Atlantic

As the Arctic continues to warm, woody shrubs are expected to expand northward. This process, known as ‘shrubification,’ has important implications for regional biodiversity, food web structure, and high-latitude temperature amplification. While the future rate of shrubification remains poorly constrained, past records of plant immigration to newly deglaciated landscapes in the Arctic may serve as useful analogs. We provide one new postglacial Holocene sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) record of vascular plants from Iceland and place a second Iceland postglacial sedaDNA record on an improved geochronology; both show Salicaceae present shortly after deglaciation, whereas Betulaceae first appears more than 1000 y later. We find a similar pattern of delayed Betulaceae colonization in eight previously published postglacial sedaDNA records from across the glaciated circum North Atlantic. In nearly all cases, we find that Salicaceae colonizes earlier than Betulaceae and that Betulaceae colonization is increasingly delayed for locations farther from glacial-age woody plant refugia. These trends in Salicaceae and Betulaceae colonization are consistent with the plant families’ environmental tolerances, species diversity, reproductive strategies, seed sizes, and soil preferences. As these reconstructions capture the efficiency of postglacial vascular plant migration during a past period of high-latitude warming, a similarly slow response of some woody shrubs to current warming in glaciated regions, and possibly non-glaciated tundra, may delay Arctic shrubification and future changes in the structure of tundra ecosystems and temperature amplification.

Delayed postglacial colonization of Betula in Iceland and the circum North Atlantic.

As the Arctic continues to warm, woody shrubs are expected to expand northward. This process, known as 'shrubification,' has important implications for regional biodiversity, food web structure, and high-latitude temperature amplification. While the future rate of shrubification remains poorly constrained, past records of plant immigration to newly deglaciated landscapes in the Arctic may serve as useful analogs. We provide one new postglacial Holocene sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) record of vascular plants from Iceland and place a second Iceland postglacial sedaDNA record on an improved geochronology; both show Salicaceae present shortly after deglaciation, whereas Betulaceae first appears more than 1000 y later. We find a similar pattern of delayed Betulaceae colonization in eight previously published postglacial sedaDNA records from across the glaciated circum North Atlantic. In nearly all cases, we find that Salicaceae colonizes earlier than Betulaceae and that Betulaceae colonization is increasingly delayed for locations farther from glacial-age woody plant refugia. These trends in Salicaceae and Betulaceae colonization are consistent with the plant families' environmental tolerances, species diversity, reproductive strategies, seed sizes, and soil preferences. As these reconstructions capture the efficiency of postglacial vascular plant migration during a past period of high-latitude warming, a similarly slow response of some woody shrubs to current warming in glaciated regions, and possibly non-glaciated tundra, may delay Arctic shrubification and future changes in the structure of tundra ecosystems and temperature amplification.

Synergistic Impact of Complex Topography and Climate Variability on the Loss of Microclimate Heterogeneity in Southeast Asia

AbstractMicroclimate heterogeneity in Southeast Asia and its implications for biodiversity remain understudied. We investigated microclimate changes between 1982 and 2017 using high‐resolution data and a patch‐mosaic model. Our findings reveal a decline in microclimate heterogeneity (as indicated by Shannon's diversity index) and a significant increase in elevation. Topographical factors (∼50.6%) and climatic factors (∼21.5%) primarily influenced the decline. Spatial heterogeneity weakened with larger moving windows and coarser grid‐scale data sets. Our study suggests that shifting mountainous microclimates play a crucial role in mediating biodiversity in Southeast Asia.

Soil Carbon Sequestration in the Age of Climate Change: A Review

Soil carbon sequestration has garnered attention as a pivotal strategy in mitigating climate change. Its relevance is accentuated by the soil's dual role in both storing carbon and supporting agriculture, thereby contributing to both environmental and food security. The purpose of this review is to analyze the various facets of soil carbon sequestration in the Indian context, specifically focusing on case studies that highlight both successes and failures in this realm. Key findings indicate that multifaceted approaches, such as agroforestry models in Tamil Nadu and community-led natural farming in Andhra Pradesh, have been effective in enhancing soil carbon stocks. These approaches are not only beneficial for carbon sequestration but also demonstrate positive implications for farm yield and biodiversity. However, the study also uncovers shortcomings in soil management practices, evident in the decline of soil carbon levels in regions such as Punjab due to monoculture and excessive fertilizer use. The consequences of such practices manifest in reduced soil fertility, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable agricultural methods. In fragile ecosystems like the Himalayan region, soil erosion has further reduced the soil's ability to act as a carbon sink, indicating the necessity for immediate conservation efforts. These findings imply that an integrated approach, coupling agricultural innovation with policy support, can substantially improve the effectiveness of soil as a carbon sequester. Moreover, it is essential for policies to be adaptive and region-specific, accounting for the diverse geographical and climatic conditions across India. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for policymakers, researchers, and agricultural practitioners, emphasizing that soil carbon sequestration is not an isolated goal but must be integrated into broader environmental and agricultural objectives.

FINDeM: A CRISPR‐based, molecular method for rapid, inexpensive and field‐deployable organism detection

Abstract The field of ecology has undergone a molecular revolution, with researchers increasingly relying on DNA‐based methods for organism detection. Unfortunately, these techniques often require expensive equipment, dedicated laboratory spaces and specialized training in molecular and computational techniques; limitations that may exclude field researchers, underfunded programmes and citizen scientists from contributing to cutting‐edge science. It is for these reasons that we have designed a simplified, inexpensive method for field‐based molecular organism detection—FINDeM (Field‐deployable Isothermal Nucleotide‐based Detection Method). In this approach, DNA is extracted using chemical cell lysis and a cellulose filter disc, followed by two body‐heat inducible reactions—recombinase polymerase amplification and a CRISPR‐Cas12a fluorescent reporter assay—to amplify and detect target DNA, respectively. Here, we introduce and validate FINDeM in detecting Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the causative agent of amphibian chytridiomycosis, and show that this approach can identify single‐digit DNA copies from epidermal swabs in under 1 h using low‐cost supplies and field‐friendly equipment. This research signifies a breakthrough in ecology, as we demonstrate a field‐deployable platform that requires only basic supplies (i.e. micropipettes, plastic consumables and a UV flashlight), inexpensive reagents (~$1.29 USD/sample) and emanated body heat for highly sensitive, DNA‐based organism detection. By presenting FINDeM in an ecological system with pressing, global biodiversity implications, we aim to not only highlight how CRISPR‐based applications promise to revolutionize organism detection but also how the continued development of such techniques will allow for additional, more diversely trained researchers to answer the most pressing questions in ecology.

Climate and Biodiversity Credentials for Australian Grass-Fed Beef: A Review of Standards, Certification and Assurance Schemes

Extensive livestock production occupies 25% of the ice-free terrestrial surface of the Earth, and Australian beef production contributes about 10% of this total land footprint. Therefore, the management of cattle has major implications for natural vegetation, soils, biodiversity, and atmospheric greenhouse gases in Australia and globally. To meet global sustainability targets and consumer expectations, a variety of environmental Standards, Certification and Assurance (SCA) schemes are being developed and implemented to enable producers to verify claims relating to their products. Improved standardization and coordination are now needed to address the rapid proliferation of credentialing systems that use different frameworks, methods and levels of scientific verification. Using the Australian grass-fed beef industry as a case study, we identified the measures, metrics and methods that are currently used by SCA schemes for climate and biodiversity credentialing. From here, a co-design process with industry representatives was applied to develop recommendations for credentialing in extensive beef production, feedlots and meat processing. It was clear that the successful adoption of credentialing by beef producers will require flexible and user-friendly support tools that use scalable data sources such as existing producer records, agtech databases and remote sensing information. Substantive rewards and incentives will be required to support producer engagement with the SCA schemes. Overall, ’more needs to be done to ensure the transparency of schemes and to meet benchmarks for integrity such as determining uncertainty and support though peer-reviewed science.

Constructing scale, eroding responsibility: The politics of project boundaries in Canadian pipeline reviews

Decisions about whether to approve fossil fuel projects have major implications for climate change, biodiversity, and Indigenous rights. In Canada, cumulative effects tend to be only weakly assessed, with each project reviewed on its own terms. This paper investigates how fossil fuel companies strategically define project boundaries to facilitate resource extraction. Drawing on a preliminary scan of applications to Canadian federal review bodies from 2010 to 2022, complemented by detailed document analysis of three selected cases, we ask: in what ways have oil and gas proponents actively constructed scale through their project plans – with what consequences for regulatory scrutiny? Through careful reading of project applications, hearing documents, and company websites, we identify three strategies: (1) splitting work on the same infrastructure into multiple applications; (2) incrementally expanding a network; and (3) portraying interdependent facilities as stand-alone projects. These tactics are within the law, yet they narrow the scope of issues that regulators assess and make it more onerous for affected communities to participate in multiple reviews. Case studies of the Line 9 pipeline, BC Pipeline network, and Gazoduq/Énergie Saguenay facilities show how regulators exempted smaller projects from more rigorous assessment, deemed cumulative effects assessment unnecessary, and excluded broader issues such as climate change and successive encroachment on Indigenous lands. Our findings contribute to work on the material consequences of relational scale, decolonial critiques of Canada's environmental governance regime, and efforts to advance climate justice by articulating how the legal geographies of energy projects shape responsibility for climate action.

Assessing the environmental destruction in forest ecosystems using landscape metrics and spatial analysis

Forest degradation is a serious environmental issue that has significant implications for ecological stability, biodiversity, and human well-being. Identifying the extent and severity of forest degradation is crucial for effective management and conservation of forest ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the ecological vulnerability of the forest in the Dadabad region using spatial analysis and landscape metrics. The land cover map of the area was divided into 13 sub-basins to quantify landscape metrics, and the severity of human activities, degradation level, and ecological vulnerability were calculated for each sub-basin. Each sub-basin was evaluated as a single landscape to determine the extent of degradation, and landscape zoning was performed based on the degradation coefficients. The study found that sub-basins 2 and 4 had the highest levels of degradation, while sub-basins 3, 7, 8, 11, and 12 were the least degraded. Over half of the Dadabad region, 37.8% for protection and 32.25% for rehabilitation, was recommended for conservation planning. The research highlights the importance of using spatial analysis of landscape metrics to assist managers and planners in protecting and conserving natural areas.

Demand-driven climate change mitigation and trade-offs from wood product substitution: The case of Swedish multi-family housing construction

Multi-family housing construction (MFHC) with wood instead of concrete as frame material results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, substituting wood for concrete in MFHC in Sweden until 2030, and onwards to 2070, could be a promising climate change mitigation option. But to what extent, and how would it impact Sweden's forests? Here we assess climate and biodiversity implications - in terms of the area of old forest - of a completely wood-based future MFHC in Sweden. The wood required is assumed to be exclusively sourced as additional fellings in Swedish forests, thus carbon leakage from wood imports as well as displacement of other wood uses can be disregarded. Different types of timber frame systems and the role of varying future dwelling sizes are considered. We find that the wood needed for a complete substitution of concrete would result in very minor increases in harvests. We further register slight net additional climate change mitigation, irrespective of the wood construction system. There is a small tradeoff between climate change mitigation and biodiversity, as the area of old forest reduces slightly. The largest climate benefit, and lowest impact on Swedish forests, is provided when using timber-light frame combined with reduced dwelling size.