Umwelt

An international team of scientists has documented nearly 800 species, many previously unknown, living nearly 4,000 meters below the Pacific Ocean's surface. Their five-year study in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone also tested the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, finding significant local reductions in animal numbers and diversity. The findings, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, provide crucial data for regulating future extraction of critical metals.

2. Februar 2026 Von KI berichtet

A new study reveals that SAR11, the most abundant bacteria in the world's oceans, may be hindered by their own adaptations to nutrient-poor environments. Under stress, these microbes experience cellular failures that limit their growth, potentially affecting ocean ecosystems amid climate change. Researchers from the University of Southern California highlight this as a key weakness in these dominant lifeforms.

Common air pollutants like ozone alter the chemical scents that ants use to identify colony members, causing them to attack their own nest-mates as intruders. Researchers in Germany exposed ants to realistic levels of ozone and observed aggressive responses upon their return to the colony. This discovery highlights hidden ecological costs of pollution beyond human health.

2. Februar 2026 Von KI berichtet

Eine dubiose Rekultivierungsmaßnahme im alten Grootvlei-Goldbergwerk gefährdet das ökologisch lebenswichtige Blesbokspruit-Sumpfland in Gauteng. Nach Anfragen von Journalisten untersuchte das Department of Water and Sanitation den Fall und stellte fest, dass das Unternehmen keine notwendige Wasserbewilligung besaß. Durchsetzungsmaßnahmen sind nun im Gange, um diesen Ramsar-Standort zu schützen.

Lawmakers in Oregon are set to debate a bill that would impose a 1.25 percent tax on hotel and lodging stays to fund wildlife conservation. The measure, known as the 1% for Wildlife bill, aims to generate nearly $30 million annually for habitat protection amid growing threats to species. Sponsored by bipartisan representatives, it passed the House last session but stalled in the Senate.

1. Februar 2026 Von KI berichtet

Ägyptens Minister für Wasserressourcen und Bewässerung Hani Sewilam nahm an Ruandas monatlichem Gemeindediensttag „Umuganda“ während seines offiziellen Besuchs im Land teil, teilte das ägyptische Wasserministerium mit. Er nahm auf Einladung der ruandischen Umweltministerin Bernadette Arakwu teil, begleitet von Mitgliedern des gemeinsamen Lenkungsausschusses für das bilaterale Projekt Wasserressourcenmanagement und Bewässerung.