Bumblebees might be at home in town and country but now researchers have found at least one species that is even more adaptable: it can survive underwater.
Scientists have revealed queens of the common eastern bumblebee, a species widespread in eastern North America, can withstand submersion for up to a week when hibernating.
With bumblebee queens known to burrow into soil to hibernate, the researchers say the phenomenon could help them survive flooding in the wild.
The team said its next priority was to explore whether the results hold for other species of bumblebee.
“We know that about a third of all bumblebee species are in decline currently [but] it’s not the case with [the common eastern bumblebee],” said Dr Sabrina Rondeau of the University of Guelph in Canada, adding the team was keen to learn whether flood tolerance could play a role in their resilience.
Rondeau and her co-author, Prof Nigel Raine, first made their discovery when a mishap in the laboratory led to water getting into containers in which hibernating queen bees were kept.
“After that, of course, curiosity led the way to conducting a full experiment with a lot of repetitions,” said Rondeau.
Writing in the journal Biology Letters, the scientists describe how they took 143 unmated, hibernating queens of the common eastern bumblebee and placed each in its own plastic tube containing damp topsoil. The tubes were then fitted with perforated lids and kept in a dark refrigerated unit for a week.
After checking the bees were still alive, the researchers kept 17 tubes as controls and added cold water to the remaining 126. While the queen was allowed to float on top of the water in half of these tubes, it was pushed under the water by a plunger in the others.
For both conditions, a third of the tubes were each left for eight hours, a third for 24 hours and a third for seven days, simulating different flooding conditions. The team subsequently transferred the bees to new tubes and monitored their survival.
The results reveal survival rates were similar regardless of the duration and conditions the queens had been subjected to – indeed 88% of the controls, and 81% of the queens that were submerged for a week, were still alive at eight weeks. However, queens with a higher weight had a greater chance of survival.
The researchers say the findings are unusual given most insects overwintering as adults – including many ground beetles – cannot cope with being submerged in water and must leave floodplains to survive.
While Rondeau said it was likely queens of other bumblebee species were also flood tolerant, ground nesting bees – which include some species of bumblebee – could still be affected by flooding as their larvae may not survive.
Among future areas of research, the team said it would be interesting to explore the mechanisms that underpin the queens’ resilience to flooding – with their low oxygen requirements during hibernation among possible important factors.
Prof Dave Goulson, a bee expert from the University of Sussex who was not involved in the work, said bee enthusiasts had long speculated that increased winter rain amid the climate crisis could drown many queen bumblebees as they hibernate underground.
“Amazingly, this new research shows that hibernating queen bumblebees are entirely unaffected by being held under water for up to one week,” he said. “This seems to be one small aspect of climate change that we need not worry about.”
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the environment and your everyday life? The benefits of going green are numerous and can make a significant difference in the world around us. From reducing your carbon footprint to saving money on energy bills, making eco-friendly choices can lead to a more sustainable future for all.
One of the key benefits of going green is the positive impact it can have on the environment. By reducing waste, conserving energy, and using renewable resources, we can help protect our planet for future generations. According to environmentalist David Suzuki, “Every bit of effort to help the environment counts. Small changes in our everyday lives can add up to make a big difference.”
In addition to helping the environment, going green can also benefit your health. By using natural cleaning products, eating organic foods, and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, you can improve your overall well-being. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, “Making eco-friendly choices can lead to a healthier lifestyle and a happier you.”
Another important benefit of going green is the financial savings it can provide. By reducing energy consumption, recycling materials, and using public transportation, you can save money on utility bills and transportation costs. As sustainability expert Al Gore says, “Going green is not only good for the planet, but it’s also good for your wallet.”
So, how can you start incorporating green practices into your everyday life? Consider using reusable bags when shopping, carpooling or biking to work, and reducing water usage at home. By making small changes, you can make a big difference in the world around you.
For more information on sustainable living and how you can make a positive impact, visit Planetary Citizens at https://planetarycitizens.org/. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for all.
It was a relatively cool spring day in Phoenix, Arizona, as a tree-planting crew dug large holes in one of the desert cityâs hottest and least shaded neighborhoods.
Still, it was sweaty backbreaking work as they carefully positioned, watered and staked a 10ft tall Blue palo verde and Chilean mesquite in opposite corners of resident Ana Cordobaâs dusty unshaded backyard.
âIf I ever retire, Iâd like to be able to spend more time outside. The weather is changing, so I am really happy to get these trees. We need more shade,â said Cordoba, 75, a legal secretary, whose family has lived in Grant Park for more than a century.
Over the course of three days in early April, arborists planted 40 or so desert adapted trees in Grant Park, as part of the cityâs equity-driven heat mitigation plan to create a shadier, more livable environment amid rising temperatures and hundreds of heat-related deaths.
Phoenix is Americaâs fifth largest and hottest city, a sprawling urban heat island which has expanded without adequate consideration to climate and environmental factors like water scarcity and extreme heat. âMultiple heat records were broken last year including 133 days over 100F (37.7C), and 55 days topping 110F (43C).
Only around 9% of Phoenix is protected by tree canopies, yet this citywide figure masks vast inequities between wealthy, majority-white neighborhoods like Willo (13% coverage) just two miles north of Grant Park (4%). One census tract in the north-west of the city, Camelback East, has 23% tree cover.
âThis is one of the cityâs oldest neighborhoods â and one of the most neglected,â said Silverio Ontiveros, a retired police chief turned community organizer who drummed up interest for the tree planting by knocking on doors and putting flyers through every neighborâs letterbox.
âOur goal is to change the inequity and create enough shade to provide residents and passersby reprieve from the heat. For that we need many more trees, but we also need to take care of them,â added Ontiveros, as he walked through the neighborhood making sure the right families got the right trees.
Grant Park is a majority Latino community in south Phoenix situated next to a sprawling electrical substation â a hot and dusty neighborhood with ââ200 or so homes, but no stores and plenty of empty lots and boarded-up houses. It was once a thriving neighborhood â one of the few places where people of color could live due to discriminatory housing policies that lasted most of the 20th century.
Redlined neighborhoods like Grant Park still have higher pollution levels, less vegetation, more noise pollution and higher temperatures. In recent years, the local outdoor pool was shuttered and scores of trees cut down by a previous administration to prevent homeless people from gathering in the shade.
âThis is one of the hottest parts of the city because the people here donât have political power,â said Leo Hernandez, 78, the master gardener at the thriving community garden where he created a butterfly sanctuary for migrating monarchs. âWe need shade, but trees also suck up carbon dioxide, create places to socialize and healthier, happier neighborhoods.â
Trees have multiple benefits in urban areas which include cleaner air, improved physical and mental health, water conservation, increasing wildlife habitat, CO2 storage and sequestration and lower temperatures through shade.
The city is mostly concerned with reducing the urban heat island effect and improving public health, and its 2010 shade masterplan set out a goal of achieving 25% citywide canopy cover by 2030. Amid little progress and rising heat mortality and morbidity, in 2021 Phoenix established the countryâs first office of heat response and mitigation. Its community tree planting program is now being rolled out to public schools, churches and homes in qualifying census tracts â low-income neighborhoods with little shade.
Residents can choose from a list of 19 native and desert-adapted trees including the Texas olive, Chinese red pistache and Chilean mesquites. The trees, which are a couple of years old and pretty heavy, are planted by contracted arborists. For insurance reasons, they must be within the property â not the sidewalk â and not too close to walls or power lines. Each household also gets a tree kit â a 100ft hose, irrigation timer and instrument to measure the soil pH and moisture, as well as written care instructions.
This is the fourth tree-planting initiative in Grant Park, but the other schemes involved donations of smaller, younger trees which residents themselves had to plant in the dry, rocky earth. Several didnât survive last summerâs heatwave when temperatures hit 100F (37.7C) on 31 consecutive days, while others died from overwatering or a lack of attention.
Tree planting has become increasingly popular among corporations, governments and environmental groups alike in recent years, with mixed results. In Turkey, 90% of the governmentâs 11m new trees died within months, while polluting industries including mining and fossil fuel companies have been accused of trying to greenwash environmental and climate harms.
âIt is very hard to grow trees here, our environment is very extreme, so weâre doing everything we can to help them survive, which includes giving people the choice so they have species they love and feel excited about,â said Kayla Killoren, the heat office tree equity project coordinator. âThereâs been a lot of greenwashing, and some people are weary and think itâs a scam at first, until they see their neighbors get trees planted.â
In Phoenix, a 75 to 80% survival rate would be considered a success, according to Killoren.
So far, 700 trees have been planted with scores more events planned throughout April and May, and will resume again in the fall after the summer heat. The project is mostly funded through non-profits, local and federal government grants including millions of dollars from the Covid stimulus package â the 2021 American Rescue Plan â and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Thereâs a long way to go and limited funds. According to American Forests, more than 800,000 more trees are needed to achieve 15% canopy cover for every residential block in the city.
The slow progress in improving tree coverage has frustrated many Phoenix residents, and in May, the heat team will present a new master shade plan to the city council, setting out more nuanced data-driven goals for homes, sidewalks and parks to replace the 25% citywide one. At the heart of the plan will be tackling shade inequalities that make rising temperatures increasingly deadly for the cityâs most vulnerable communities, according to David Hondula, who leads the office of heat response and mitigation.
âThe core concepts driving the masterplan are improving public health and livability by creating more shade in the places people spend most time,â said Hondula.
In Grant Park, the community celebrates every single tree but it will probably take years to create adequate shade to provide residents â including unsheltered neighbors and passersby â adequate protection from the worsening heat.
âWeâve always had to fight for everything here, weâre neglected but I love my neighborhood,â said Evangeline Muller, 75, who loads up her golf buggy with buckets to water the trees when it gets really hot. âTrees mean health, they give life, and Iâm not going to stop fighting for my community.â
When it comes to sustainable living, Japan is truly leading the way in environmental conservation. The country has long been known for its dedication to preserving the natural world and implementing eco-friendly practices in everyday life. From recycling initiatives to energy-efficient technology, Japan has set a high standard for other nations to follow.
One key aspect of sustainable living in Japan is the focus on reducing waste and promoting recycling. According to a report by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan has one of the highest recycling rates in the world, with over 80% of its waste being recycled. This dedication to waste reduction has helped Japan significantly reduce its carbon footprint and protect its natural resources.
In addition to recycling, Japan has also made great strides in promoting energy-efficient technology and practices. The country is a leader in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, and has set ambitious goals for reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. This commitment to clean energy has not only helped Japan reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, but has also created new opportunities for sustainable development.
One expert on sustainable living in Japan, Hiroaki Takiguchi, a professor of environmental studies at Kyoto University, notes that “Japan’s approach to environmental conservation is truly inspiring. The country has shown that it is possible to achieve economic growth while also protecting the environment.” Takiguchi believes that other nations can learn from Japan’s example and adopt similar practices to create a more sustainable future for all.
Overall, Japan’s dedication to sustainable living is a shining example of how countries can work towards a greener, more environmentally-friendly future. By implementing recycling programs, promoting energy-efficient technology, and investing in renewable energy sources, Japan has set a high standard for environmental conservation that other nations can strive to emulate.
For more information on sustainable living and environmental conservation, visit Planetary Citizens at sustainable living. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future for all.
Are you passionate about protecting the environment and creating a sustainable future? If so, you may want to consider pursuing a career in one of The Top 10 Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future. These jobs not only offer a chance to make a positive impact on the planet but also provide opportunities for growth and innovation in the rapidly expanding green economy.
According to experts in the field, green jobs are becoming increasingly important as we strive to combat climate change and promote sustainable living. As stated by environmental advocate Jane Goodall, “We have a responsibility to take care of our planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
So what are The Top 10 Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future? Let’s take a look:
1. Solar Panel Installer – With the demand for renewable energy on the rise, solar panel installers play a crucial role in expanding access to clean energy sources.
2. Environmental Engineer – Environmental engineers work to develop solutions to environmental issues and ensure that construction projects are carried out in an eco-friendly manner.
3. Sustainable Architect – Sustainable architects design buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment.
4. Wind Turbine Technician – As wind energy continues to grow as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, wind turbine technicians are in high demand to maintain and repair wind turbines.
5. Environmental Scientist – Environmental scientists study the impact of human activity on the environment and develop strategies for conservation and sustainability.
6. Green Building Consultant – Green building consultants advise on sustainable building practices and help developers and architects achieve LEED certification for their projects.
7. Urban Planner – Urban planners work to create sustainable and livable cities by designing efficient transportation systems, green spaces, and energy-efficient buildings.
8. Recycling Coordinator – Recycling coordinators oversee recycling programs in communities and businesses, helping to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
9. Water Resource Specialist – Water resource specialists work to protect and manage water resources, ensuring access to clean water for all while preserving aquatic ecosystems.
10. Sustainable Agriculture Specialist – Sustainable agriculture specialists promote eco-friendly farming practices that protect soil health, conserve water, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
These are just a few of The Top 10 Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future, with many more opportunities emerging as the green economy continues to grow. If you’re interested in pursuing a career that combines passion for the environment with the potential for meaningful impact, consider exploring these exciting career paths.
For more information on sustainable living and green jobs, visit sustainable living and join the movement towards a more sustainable future.
Average incomes will fall by almost a fifth within the next 26 years as a result of the climate crisis, according to a study that predicts the costs of damage will be six times higher than the price of limiting global heating to 2C.
Rising temperatures, heavier rainfall and more frequent and intense extreme weather are projected to cause $38tn (£30tn) of destruction each year by mid-century, according to the research, which is the most comprehensive analysis of its type ever undertaken, and whose findings are published in the journal Nature.
The hefty toll – which is far higher than previous estimates – is already locked into the world economy over the coming decades as a result of the enormous emissions that have been pumped into the atmosphere through the burning of gas, oil, coal and trees.
This will inflict crippling losses on almost every country, with a disproportionately severe impact on those least responsible for climate disruption, further worsening inequality.
The paper says the permanent average loss of income worldwide will be 19% by 2049. In the United States and Europe the reduction will be about 11%, while in Africa and south Asia it will be 22%, with some individual countries much higher than this.
“It’s devastating,” said Leonie Wenz, a scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and one of the authors of the study. “I am used to my work not having a nice societal outcome, but I was surprised by how big the damages were. The inequality dimension was really shocking.”
The study also looked at the second half of this century, where human actions now can still make a big difference. If business as usual continues, the authors projected average income losses of more than 60% by 2100. But if emissions fall to net zero by mid century, income declines will stabilise by mid century at about 20%.
The economic hit predicted by the paper is more than twice as high as any previous analysis.
Behind that difference is a more sophisticated methodology. While most previous studies considered only damages related to rising temperatures at a national level, the new paper also incorporated rainfall and extreme weather impacts using 40 years of data from 1,600 subnational regions. This is important because weather is a local rather than national phenomenon. The study also considered how impacts tend to persist over months and years, rather than being only a short-term hit.
Previous projections were optimistic that most northern hemisphere economies would continue to grow. By contrast, the new paper says countries such as Germany (-11%), France (-13%), the US (-11%) and UK (-7%) will lose out even by mid century. Worst affected will be countries in already hot regions including Botswana (-25%), Mali (-25%), Iraq (-30%), Qatar (-31%), Pakistan (-26%) and Brazil (-21%).
Maximilian Kotz, an author of the study, said: “Strong income reductions are projected for the majority of regions, including North America and Europe, with south Asia and Africa being most strongly affected. These are caused by the impact of climate change on various aspects that are relevant for economic growth such as agricultural yields, labour productivity or infrastructure.”
Although the newly painted scenario is far worse than anything that came before, the authors acknowledge it is still conservative and incomplete. There are many major climate impacts that have not yet been incorporated into the analysis, including heatwaves, sea level rise, tropical cyclones, tipping points, and damage to natural ecosystems and human health. The authors said these factors would be added to future models.
“We are providing a more comprehensive picture but this is not the final picture,” Wenz said. “It is likely a lower bound.”
The authors said the study showed the need for stronger adaptation strategies, particularly in poorer, worst-affected countries, to cope with the changes up to 2050 that are already locked into the climate system.
It also found that reducing emissions was far cheaper than doing nothing and accepting more severe impacts. By 2050, it calculated mitigation costs – for example, from phasing out fossils and replacing them with renewable energy – to be $6tn dollars, which is less than a sixth of the median damage costs for that year of $38tn.
Anders Levermann, the head of complexity science at the Potsdam Institute, said: “It is on us to decide: structural change towards a renewable energy system is needed for our security and will save us money. Staying on the path we are currently on will lead to catastrophic consequences. The temperature of the planet can only be stabilised if we stop burning oil, gas and coal.”
Are you curious about the benefits of adopting a sustainable living lifestyle? Well, you’re in the right place! Sustainable living is a way of life that prioritizes reducing one’s environmental impact by making conscious choices about consumption, waste, and energy use. By incorporating sustainable practices into your daily routine, you can not only help protect the planet but also improve your own well-being. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of embracing sustainable living.
One of the most significant benefits of adopting a sustainable living lifestyle is the positive impact it has on the environment. According to experts, our current consumption patterns are putting a strain on the earth’s resources and contributing to climate change. By reducing waste, conserving energy, and choosing eco-friendly products, individuals can help minimize their carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations.
“Choosing to live sustainably is not only good for the environment, but it can also lead to a healthier and happier life,” says Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and environmental activist. “When we make mindful choices about what we eat, how we travel, and where we shop, we are not only helping the planet but also improving our own well-being.”
In addition to helping the environment, adopting a sustainable living lifestyle can also benefit your finances. By reducing energy consumption, cutting down on waste, and opting for eco-friendly alternatives, individuals can save money in the long run. For example, investing in energy-efficient appliances can lower utility bills, while choosing to repair and reuse items instead of buying new ones can help cut down on expenses.
But the benefits of sustainable living go beyond just environmental and financial gains. Research has shown that living a sustainable lifestyle can also lead to improved physical and mental health. By eating a plant-based diet, exercising regularly, and spending time in nature, individuals can boost their immune system, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.
So, are you ready to start reaping the benefits of sustainable living? Visit [Planetary Citizens](https://planetarycitizens.org/) to learn more about how you can make a positive impact on the planet and your own life. Embrace a sustainable lifestyle today and enjoy a healthier, happier future for yourself and the world around you!
Are you looking for some inspiration to make positive changes in your life and the world around you? Look no further than sustainable living podcasts. These podcasts are a great way to learn about sustainable practices and hear from experts and key figures in the sustainability movement.
How Sustainable Living Podcasts Can Inspire Positive Change
Sustainable living podcasts are a fantastic resource for anyone looking to live a more environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle. They cover a wide range of topics, from simple tips for reducing waste and conserving energy to in-depth discussions on the latest innovations in sustainable living.
One of the great things about sustainable living podcasts is that they can inspire positive change in people’s lives. By listening to the stories and experiences of others who are living sustainably, you can gain valuable insights and ideas for how to make your own lifestyle more eco-friendly.
According to sustainability expert Jane Goodall, “Podcasts are a wonderful way to learn about sustainable living and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the planet.”
Listening to sustainable living podcasts can also help you stay motivated and focused on your sustainability goals. By hearing about the successes and challenges of others in the sustainability movement, you can feel inspired to keep pushing forward and making a difference in your own life.
If you’re looking for some recommendations to get started, be sure to check out podcasts like “The Minimalists Podcast,” “Sustainable Jungle,” and “The Sustainable Business Podcast.” These podcasts cover a wide range of topics related to sustainable living and are sure to inspire you to make positive changes in your own life.
For more information on sustainable living and how you can make a positive impact on the planet, be sure to visit Planetary Citizens. Sustainable living is not only good for the environment, but it can also inspire positive change in your own life and the lives of others around you. So why not start listening to some sustainable living podcasts today and see how they can inspire you to make a difference?
Cars submerged in raging flood waters, planes on flooded runways and ankle-deep water at a metro station â this is what the United Arab Emirates and its desert city of Dubai look after a deluge. Dubai received about as much rain in 24 hours as it usually does in a year
Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community by starting a sustainable living project? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will discuss how to get started on this exciting journey and make a difference in the world around you.
To begin, it’s important to define what exactly we mean by “sustainable living.” According to the experts at the Environmental Protection Agency, sustainable living is “a lifestyle that aims to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources and personal resources.” In other words, it’s about living in a way that minimizes harm to the environment and promotes a healthy, thriving planet for future generations.
So, how can you start a sustainable living project in your community? Here are some steps to get you started:
1. **Identify a Need**: Take a look around your community and identify areas where there is room for improvement in terms of sustainability. This could be anything from reducing waste to promoting renewable energy sources.
2. **Gather Support**: Reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors to see if they share your passion for sustainable living. You may be surprised at how many people are eager to get involved in making a positive change.
3. **Educate Yourself**: Before diving into a sustainable living project, it’s important to educate yourself on the best practices and resources available. Check out websites like Planetary Citizens for valuable information and tips on how to live sustainably.
4. **Take Action**: Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to take action! Whether it’s starting a community garden, organizing a recycling program, or hosting educational events, there are plenty of ways to make a difference in your community.
5. **Monitor and Evaluate**: Keep track of your progress and make adjustments as needed. Sustainable living is an ongoing process, so it’s important to stay committed and continue to look for ways to improve.
By following these steps, you can start a sustainable living project in your community and make a positive impact on the world around you. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The future depends on what you do today.” So why not start today and create a more sustainable future for all?
For more information on sustainable living and how you can get involved, be sure to check out Planetary Citizens. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable world for future generations.