National lists of threatened species contribute to the monitoring of biodiversity, but new research has discovered a lack of these lists in certain countries, such as Pacific Island states, and for certain groups of wildlife, such as invertebrates. Targeted financial support, better knowledge sharing and standard systems of data collection could help bridge these gaps.

The public can help assess the human impact on wild birds through amateur 'citizen science' networks, according to new research. Scientists evaluated the suitability of data collected by amateur bird-watchers for long-term monitoring of European bird populations. Their findings suggest that citizen data may significantly improve the accuracy of existing official survey methods, as well as help increase public awareness of wild bird conservation.

Over the next 30 years, there is a vital need for planners to shape urban expansion to minimise the impact on biodiversity and carbon losses from land-use change, according to a recent study.

Carbon storage in the Mediterranean Sea could be worth up to 1722 million Euros a year, a new study has found. The researchers performed a combined ecological-economic assessment, finding that the sea takes up an estimated 17.8 million tonnes of CO2 every year, providing important climate change mitigation.

Isolating specific reasons for involvement in agri-environment schemes (AES) is a key step in the formulation of schemes that are more appealing to Europe’s farming community. Through a comprehensive exploration of the literature on AES across the EU, this study contributes to a better understanding of what drives farmers’ participation in such initiatives, revealing important factors, such as previous experience with schemes and flexibility in management.

A new study assessing the levels, and potential health risk, of toxic heavy metals in market-bought fish and shellfish in Spain has found that they are generally below European Commission regulatory limits, and that these products are therefore safe to eat for the average consumer in Spain. However, for high level consumers of specific fish species, toxic element levels could pose a risk to health.

A new report suggests that underground carbon storage projects in Europe could lead to positive and negative effects on air pollution, depending on the pollutant in question. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is considered in European legislation as a ‘bridging technology’ – a medium-term solution to climate change. Although the overall air quality impact of CCS is expected to be positive, the legislation notes that the technology should not be seen as a replacement for commitments to developing a greener and more energy-efficient economy.

Biogas production from waste and manure has the potential to make a contribution to environmental, energy and climate policy objectives. However, farmer engagement has remained persistently low. A new study, involving 461 Danish farmers, has investigated their willingness to participate in collective biogas investment (where two or more farmers collectively own a biogas plant). The study suggests that the majority of farmers are willing to participate in partnership-based biogas investment (PBI) and identifies the main factors driving willingness to participate and the intensity of participation. These findings are relevant to policymaking aimed at increasing biogas production and stakeholder engagement.

A recent Gartner study offers some useful guidelines on how to choose an enterprise-level cloud storage provider. But don’t forget that providers need to work together effectively too.

LYNCHBURG —(4 pm) Road conditions have improved across the Lynchburg District this weekend; however, approximately 140 roads remain closed from the effects of Tropical Storm Michael late last week. Motorists, particularly those in Halifax and Pittsylvania counties, should prepare now for their morning commute. Several detours are in place and can be expected to add time to travel. In addition, caution is urged as some may be unfamiliar with the routes being used.

SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation encourages race fans driving to and from Martinsville Speedway for the race on Saturday, September 29, to follow recommended traffic patterns as posted on signs and message boards. VDOT will place signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Watch for the speed limit to be reduced from 65 mph to 45 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway. From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville: Race fans traveling south on Route 220 can take the exit onto Route 58 to Martinsville to reach the track or they can continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass to the speedway interchange. From Danville and areas east of Martinsville: Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track. From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville: Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic. Through traffic should use the left lane. From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville: Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track. Those attending the race should closely follow directional information.

SALEM – The Virginia Department of Transportation encourages race fans driving to and from Martinsville Speedway for the race on Sunday, October 28, to follow recommended traffic patterns as posted on signs and message boards. Drivers travelling from Roanoke to the Martinsville Speedway for the race events this weekend should plan for possible delays due to a left lane closure on Route 220 southbound approaching the Boones Mill area. VDOT will place many signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to assist travelers. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Traffic is being routed to the speedway in certain patterns to minimize overall congestion as much as possible. Watch for the speed limit to reduce gradually from 65 mph to 35 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway. From Roanoke and areas north of Martinsville: Race fans traveling south on Route 220 are encouraged to allow for extra travel time. A left lane closure is in place for a pipe failure in the median about eight miles south of Roanoke and 1.7 miles north of Boones Mill. Drivers can take the exit onto Route 58 to Martinsville to reach the track or they can continue on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass past the speedway interchange and turn right onto the access road that leads into the speedway. The entrance is located one mile east of the Route 220 interchange and may provide easier access. Signs are in place designating the entrance to the speedway.  From Danville and areas east of Martinsville: Motorists on the Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate. This entrance is located off the bypass, east of the track. From Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville: Route 220 northbound traffic will split into three lanes shortly before reaching the speedway.  Motorists should watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic. Through traffic should use the left lane. From Stuart and areas west of Martinsville: Motorists should stay on Route 58 east and follow signs and message boards to the track.  ADA Parking: Race fans needing ADA Parking are encouraged to enter the Speedway via Old Sand Roa Those attending the race should closely follow directional information and plan to arrive early and expect heavy traffic and delays. Martinsville Speedway has shared the attached graphics for drivers entering and exiting from the race.

In its Week in Review video, a USDA rep says it’s OK to eat that dry pasta several months past its sell-by date.

Visit Steve Sauer's Seattle apartment, a 182-square-foot storage unit transformed into a cozy dwelling.

A design firm best known for its repurposed cardboard creations tries its hand at small-scale adaptive reuse with absolutely gorgeous results.

Explaining this his car 'doesn't need its own little home,' a homeowner converts his garage into a cottage and rents out his main house.

Learn how to eat for a healthy brain with these 10 foods and beverages that boost brainpower.

Director Josh Fox's follow-up to his 2010 documentary on the natural gas industry sparks drama at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Dig into MNN's recipe archives for eco-friendly and healthy food and drinks to enjoy while critiquing gowns and arguing about who should win this year's Academy

The Finns love to forage, treating the outdoors in Finland like a wild supermarket. Here's how to start this habit where you live.

Danielle Fong was only 19 years old when she founded a technology company with the goal of perfecting green energy storage and utilization.

Renewable energy is already growing rapidly. But these recent developments in energy storage could prove to be a game changer.

Swale, a barge repurposed into a 'floating food forest,' lets people pick and eat produce for free.

Honeysuckle and lemon balm foraged from the backyard or your farmers market flavor this vodka cocktail.

For the media, exonerated climate scientists aren't nearly as interesting as evil, manipulative ones.

Spongy water harvester prototype that uses only sunlight was tested successfully in the Arizona desert.

Get rid of fungus and stop it from coming back by using effective natural methods.

This month, scientists and tree lovers celebrate the 2nd birthday of a hybrid chestnut tree that may be a force in reducing the impacts of climate change.

Little by little the Obama administration is clearing the way for CCS.

Just when you thought energy-efficient light bulb uprisings were a thing of the past, the DOE is now powerless when it comes to enforcing efficiency standards.

Find what you need, avoid tangled necklaces, and enjoy your jewelry again with these fun storage ideas.

Trophy Bicycle Holders offer a smart, space-saving storage solution in the form of two 'iconic silhouettes.'

Wyland Foundation's National Art Contest helps kids think about how they can protect the oceans.

Get organized with storage containers BEFORE the holidays. From basic plastic to woven grasses to vintage trunks, we've got the bases covered on where to stash

In addition to keeping green by hitting up the bulk food bins this week, outfit your kitchen with attractive receptacles to store all those garbanzo beans.

A compilation of the best original stories from Mother Nature Network for the week, including Bear Grylls' eating habits, a webcam of Mount Everest and much mor

Beautiful beaches and clear, blue waters are a part of the Big Island's geography, but so are volcanic mountains, lava fields, caves, and impossibly high waterf

A new study done in Boston eases concerns about contamination from the city environment that could be in foraged foods.

Carrageenan is in everything from dairy products to toothpaste. Here's what you need to know about the natural but controversial additive.

Those food storage beeswax cloths and bags you've been noticing? They work.

With cases of the flu reaching epidemic levels, it is critical businesses maintain a healthy work environment.

An American Airlines catering cart at Chicago's O'Hare Airport goes wild.

Parents may feel the need to protect and schedule, but experts say our kids learn more when we get out of the way as they play.

Troubles on the set and suspicious deaths helped to cultivate a nasty reputation for these cursed movies and famous legends.

After the Heartland Institute compared global warming to the Unabomber, two climate activism groups decided to strike back.

Tokyo, April 1, 2020 - This morning Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) Group President and CEO Seiji Izumisawa released a video message of welcome and encouragement to the company's newly joining employees. The video format was chosen after the traditional welcoming ceremony was canceled this year to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus. Mr. Izumisawa called on the new employees to prepare themselves fully as members of MHI Group, and he expressed robust hopes and expectations for their active participation and contributions.

For a time, this cow was the sole inhabitant of her own private island in Poland. She swam there to avoid slaughter.

Rob Greenfield is a hands-on activist who has participated in many high-profile environmental feats to raise awareness about people's impact on the planet.