Over the next few decades, the Earth’s urban population is set to explode, with the large majority of growth happening in cities across the Global South. A team of researchers at the Universities of Kassel and Göttingen, led by Prof. Andreas Bürkert and Prof. Nikolaus Schareika, predicts that these changes will be widely characterized by a merging of rural and urban features: a concept defined as ‘rurbanity’ in a recent landmark publication authored by Dr. Ellen Hoffmann and colleagues. By studying this phenomenon closely, the team aims to support cities in the Global South in their efforts to better prepare for the challenges to come. The concept is comprehensive enough to allow researchers to also understand ongoing processes of change in more mature cities of the North, such as climate-smart and socially inclusive adaptations, through the lens of rurbanity.

Forests are more than just a collection of trees; they are dynamic ecosystems that depend on a variety of factors to thrive. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked components of these ecosystems is the soil. Far from being just a passive foundation, soil is an active, living system that plays a vital role in determining the health and productivity of forests. A recent study by emeritus Professor James Moore of the University of Idaho and his colleagues offers a deep dive into how the geological origins of soil influence its chemical properties, shedding light on the intricate relationships between soil, vegetation, and forest management in the Inland Northwest region of the United States.

The Arctic is warming at a rate of three to four times faster than the global average; a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This is, in large part, a result of warming atmospheric temperatures causing a decline in snow and ice cover at high latitudes. This, in turn, increases the amount of solar energy absorbed by marine and terrestrial surfaces. As a result, near surface temperatures continue to increase, resulting in a further reduction of snow and ice. This represents a positive feedback where increased temperatures are coupled with a decline in snow and ice cover.

Coral reefs are often admired for their breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity, but their significance goes far beyond what meets the eye. These vibrant underwater ecosystems are a vital source of food and nutrition for over 500 million people worldwide, particularly in tropical coastal regions where they serve as the backbone of local fisheries. However, coral reefs are under severe threat from the combined forces of climate change and overfishing, posing significant risks to global food security. In a recent Perspective article, Dr Camille Mellin of the University of Adelaide and her colleagues explored how these changes are impacting the nutritional value of fish that live on coral reefs, revealing important insights into the future of food and nutrition security.

In the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Indigenous First Australians are partnering with researchers and together they are pioneering a revolutionary approach to environmental planning and management, called ‘Caring for the River Country’. By blending ancient wisdom, Indigenous First Law and science with Western science, they’re reimagining our relationship with nature and offering a blueprint for global climate action. Professor Anne Poelina at the University of Notre Dame Australia argues that the key to our planet’s future may lie in Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and ways of conceiving of our natural environment as kin.

The full extent of the labour and resources which go into creating a modern house is hidden deeply within the buildings we call home. Professor Mark Jarzombek of MIT and Professor Vikramaditya Prakash of the University of Washington are co-founders of the Office of Uncertainty Research, a research collaboration that is dedicated to rethinking architecture in a modern context. Through their research, Jarzombek and Prakash investigate these hidden stories by exploring the history of a recently built modern house in Seattle. Their findings reveal that the presumed transparency of modern architecture conceals deep ethical and environmental challenges, inspiring a call for a critical reassessment of how our current construction practices should be understood and approached.

Pressing environmental challenges, such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, can negatively affect agriculture, while also being driven by common agricultural practices. To tackle this predicament and ensure food security while promoting environmental sustainability, innovative agricultural practices are essential. Permaculture, a holistic approach to farming that mimics the stability and resilience of natural ecosystems, offers a promising solution. A recent study conducted by Julius Reiff of the Institute for Environmental Science, RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Germany, and colleagues, provides compelling evidence of the benefits of permaculture in enhancing carbon stocks, improving soil quality, and boosting biodiversity.

We are facing a climate crisis that threatens our entire world and life as we know it. Despite this, scientists have found it difficult to engage people on the issue and inspire effective action. Dr Alan Cottey at the University of East Anglia explores the history of scientists’ climate warnings and suggests a four-register model of communication that he believes has the potential to reach people with varying degrees of scientific literacy and different lifestyles.

With a history as rich as its flavour, chocolate in its various forms has been loved by people for over 5000 years. Currently, however, chocolate is facing a serious threat. The improper disposal of cocoa waste products is spreading devastating diseases through cocoa crops across the world. To address this serious problem, Dr Piergiorgio Gentile from Newcastle University and Dr Joel Girón-Hernández from Northumbria University with their collaborators have been exploring new uses for cocoa waste products, to increase sustainability and prevent the spread of crop diseases.

Shallow coastal waters are home to a unique and important plant – the seagrasses. Seagrasses, defined as underwater flowering plants, form vast meadows within shallow coastal waters across almost all continents. Seagrass meadows are one of the most significant ecosystems on the planet, and our future depends on them. Seagrass is vital for biodiversity, supports global fisheries, and is indispensable for tackling climate change. Despite the value of seagrass meadows, efforts to conserve them are falling short. Through their research, Riccardo Losciale and his team from James Cook University in Australia aim to identify and overcome the barriers to seagrass conservation.