'The Circulatory System of the Planet'

The vast majority of humans only notice fungi, when they see their fruiting bodies (mushrooms, toadstools and brackets). Most folk are supremely unaware of the existence of vast networks of fungi underneath their feet. The subterranean elements are tube-like mycorrhiza. These mycorrhizal complexes connect with plant roots, forming what has been termed, a 'wood-wide web'. The connections are used by some fungi to 'trade' essential nutrients (like phosphates) needed by plants for some of the latter's photosynthesized carbohydrates. This means that mycorrhizal networks help store carbon in the soil. A new project, termed the 'Society for the Protection of Underground Networks' (SPUN) is being set up (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/nov/30/worlds-vast-networks-of-underground-fungi-to-be-mapped-for-first-time). SPUN aims to map this 'circulatory system of the planet' for the very first time. The project will use artificial intelligence to identify mycorrhizal 'hotspots' around the world. Some 10,000 samples will be taken from these locations for later analysis. It is hoped that the information can be used to protect the mycorrhizal networks from damage. Major current threats appear to be intensive agriculture, urbanisation, pollution, water scarcity and climate change. It may also be possible to improve the ability of fungal networks to absorb and store carbon. This might actually help reduce levels of 'greenhouse gases' and limit climate change. Some fungi are even proving to have potentials for breaking down plastics and other contaminants. SPUN seems to be a very timely development!

My Favourite Pictures of Birds From Sikkim (NE India)

Cooler Buildings?

The World Green Building Council has estimated that buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. 28% is from generating the energy needed to heat, cool and power the buildings. The other 11% is linked to materials and construction. Emissions are starting to become an issue in some planning debates (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/nov/28/developers-challenged-over-carbon-footprint-of-new-buildings-in-uk). For example, in London's Oxford Street, Marks and Spencer want to replace their 90 year-old flagship store. M&S argue that their old building is inefficient and its replacement will be more energy-efficient. Opponents of the scheme alternatively counter, that 2.4 million trees will have to be planted to offset the development. In the City of London, there are plans to construct new Criminal Courts and offices, after demolishing an entire block off Fleet Street. Opponents of this scheme calculate the demolition/new build will generate 19,000 more tonnes of carbon dioxide, than simply refurbishing and extending the existing buildings. Some experts argue that modification/adaptation of existing properties, should become the default position for all such projects. It's certainly good that emissions (rather than arguments about the obstruction of views) are becoming live issues in planning debates.

Oodles of Nurdles?

The world is all to familiar with the devastating effects of marine disasters, releasing oil, acids, bases etc into fragile ecosystems. It is less familiar, however, with the dangers of 'non-toxic' nurdles. Nurdles are pre-production plastic pellets. They are lentil-sized beads of polyethylene; polypropylene; polystyrene; polyvinyl chloride and other plastics. Depending on their density and whether they are in salty or fresh water, nurdles either sink or float. They can also often be mistaken for food by fish; seabirds and other marine organisms (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/29/nurdles-plastic-pellets-environmental-ocean-spills-toxic-waste-not-classified-hazardous). In May 2021, a container ship, the X-Press Pearl, caught fire and sank off the coast of Sri Lanka. The sinking released circa 1680 tonnes of nurdles into the Indian Ocean. This was, to that date, the largest ever spill of these plastic pellets. Nurdles have been washing up in their billions on the coastline of Sri Lanka. They are also coming ashore in Indonesia, Malaysia and Somalia. The pellets have been found locally in the bodies of dead dolphins, the mouths of fishes etc. The UN have now classified the X-Press Pearl nurdle release, as Sri Lanka's worst ever marine disaster. Nurdles are not even classed as hazardous! This is plastic pollution on a massive and immediate scale!

Economic Theory to Rescue Reefs?

The prognosis for coral reefs is dire. A study at the University of Queensland (Australia) suggests that Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) can be helpful, in selecting conservation projects that will optimise coral survival in this time of climate change (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/28/stock-markets-modern-portfolio-theory-mpt-used-to-pick-coral-reefs-arks-conservation-survive-climate-crisis). Economic theory has certainly had applications in other areas of Biology. For example, 'Game Theory' in Animal Behaviour and Costs versus Benefits analysis in Behavioural Ecology. MPT's originator received a Nobel Prize in the 1950's, for devising rules to help risk-averse investors maximise their economic returns. The University of Queensland study explored using these same rules to identify 50 reefs, best able to survive climate change. The hope is, that these 'ark reefs', would survive the climate crisis and be able to provide material for repopulating corals damaged in other parts of the globe. The approach, if adopted, would target limited investment in reef conservation projects with the strongest potential to succeed. In addition to ecological considerations, there would be a focus on social, economic, health and nutritional benefits for communities living in the reef's locality. Rather obviously, reefs appreciated by their communities are most likely to be effectively protected. The communities would have a vested interest. MPT, if used, seems likely to be mainly employed to curtail investment in 'doomed' locations. The argument would be that it reduced the 'wasting' of limited finance.

Some of My Favourite Butterfly Pictures From Sikkim (NE India)