Environment

This study examines the effect of the Burmese python in the Everglades National Park. Burmese pythons are native to Asia but have proliferated in Florida's Everglades due to the release of pythons kept as pets. Researchers find that they have depleted and almost eradicated species of rabbits, foxes, bobcats and opossums in sections of the park.

Since 1945 the US government has surveyed how public and private land in the US is being used. This is the most recent report, which is published every five years, detailing land use as of 2007. Of particular relevance to animal advocates is the amount of land reserved for wildlife as well as pasture- and range-land for farmed animals.

This study examined the effects of intensive farming methods on the biodiversity in eight European countries: Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden. Researchers focused on the biodiversity of plants, beetles, and birds and measured the influence of agricultural intensification (AI). AI was estimated using fertilizer and pesticide use as well as the presence of various weeding and tilling operations. Researchers found that biodiversity was most impacted on individual fields, but not at a regional level.

Researchers were concerned with determining the environmental load of various food sources. To do this, they measured levels of phosphorus and nitrogen in the Baltic Sea and identified beef production as the largest contributor to excessive nitrogen and phosphorus loads.

This report, commissioned by Australian Egg Corporation Limited, examines the environmental impact of egg production in Australia. The study measures water use, energy use, and contributions to global warming. Compared to European countries, this report finds Australia generates lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and that emissions are lower for caged hens than free range hens.

This short article summarizes and highlights the research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other studies that address the link between environmental factors and meat eating.

This study finds that three major factors threaten the future of frogs: killer fungus, climate change, and shrinking habitat. Researchers predict that in the next 70 years there is not a single place in the world where frogs won't be negatively impacted by one of these factors.

This report addresses the issue of a growing population and food scarcity. It suggests changes that can be made to have enough food for the projected 9 billion people who will be living on this planet by 2050. Specifically it suggests halting agricultural expansion, closing ‘yield gaps’ on under-performing lands, increasing cropping efficiency, shifting diets and reducing waste.

The American Bullfrog is an invasive species in South America. The presence of this species can have important consequences on biodiversity in the region. Researchers have predicted the growth and spread of the species in the area for the year 2050 and 2080. They find that future climate conditions will allow for a "bullfrog invasion" and suggest some possible solutions.

This study focuses on the role that forage fish -- fish that contribute significantly to the diets of other fish, birds, mammals, and other animals -- have in a healthy marine ecosystem. Specifically, the study examines the California Current Marine ecosystem and the threat to forage species in that area.