How E-Waste Affects People and Ecosystems
Electronic waste, or e-waste, contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and flame retardants that, when improperly disposed of or informally recycled, contaminate air,…
Evidence library
Joaquimma Anna
Research, explainers and solution analysis for understanding change across a living planet.
201 resources
Genetic Diversity vs Functional Diversity: Key Differences and Why They Matter
Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species, enabling adaptation, while functional diversity refers to the range of biological traits that influence…
Keystone Species vs Indicator Species: Ecological Roles and Conservation Significance
Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their ecosystem relative to their abundance, while indicator species signal the health or condition of an…
What Is a Material Footprint? A Comprehensive Guide
A material footprint measures the total amount of raw materials extracted globally to satisfy a country's final consumption, including materials used in producing imported…
Why Chemical Pollution Is Difficult to Measure
Chemical pollution is difficult to measure because of the vast number of chemicals in use, their complex environmental behavior, and limitations in analytical technology.…
Why Pollinators Matter to Food Security
Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, birds, and bats, are essential for the reproduction of many flowering plants, including a significant portion of global food crops.…
What Is the Earth System?
The Earth System is the complex, interconnected set of physical, chemical, and biological processes that link the planet's atmosphere, oceans, land, ice, and life…
Climate Mitigation vs Climate Adaptation: Understanding the Two Pillars of Climate Action
Climate mitigation and climate adaptation are two complementary strategies for addressing climate change. Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow global warming,…
What Is an Ecosystem Service?
Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being. They include provisioning services like food and water, regulating services such…
Microplastics vs Nanoplastics: Key Differences and Why They Matter
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, while nanoplastics are even tinier, measuring less than 1 micrometer. Both originate from the breakdown of…