Ecoclimax

Caribou is a species of deer with a circumpolar distribution, native to the Arctic, sub-Arctic, tundra, boreal, and mountainous regions of northern Europe, Siberia, and North America. Caribou, known as reindeer in Europe, are a majestic species of deer that are iconic in the northern regions of Canada. They are well-adapted to cold environments and can be found across various habitats, including boreal forests, tundra, and mountainous regions. Caribou are distinguished by their large, palmate antlers, which are present in both males and females, although males' antlers are generally larger. Their thick fur provides insulation against the frigid temperatures of their habitats. The North American caribou range extends from Alaska through the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut into the boreal forest and south through the Canadian Rockies and the Columbia and Selkirk Mountains. The map below created by  Chris Brackley  is a snapshot of the status of Canada’s caribo...

As we approach 2050, the climate of the United States is set to undergo substantial changes. Rising temperatures will redefine what we consider typical weather patterns, affecting annual, summer, and winter temperatures nationwide. This post explores the projected climate shifts, supported by insightful maps that illustrate these changes. Rising Temperatures Across the Board By 2050, every city in the U.S. will experience warmer winters and summers. These increases are not just minor fluctuations but significant changes that will reshape the climate landscape. Overall, annual temperatures are expected to rise across the country. Summer highs will see the most dramatic increases, with many regions experiencing hotter and longer summers. Winter temperatures will also climb, leading to milder winters in areas that currently experience harsh cold. This map, created by Vox highlights the projected changes in both summer and winter temperatures across the U.S. by 2050. Noticeable increases...

In an age where human footprints can be found in the most remote corners of the Earth, discovering regions that remain untouched by anthropogenic activities is both fascinating and essential for understanding our impact on the planet. At the dawn of the 21st century, there were still numerous uncontacted peoples scattered across the globe. These groups inhabit some of the most remote and inaccessible regions on Earth, where human influence remains minimal. The map below shows uncontacted peoples worldwide at the start of the 21st century .     Human activities have drastically altered the Earth's landscape and oceans. According to a study by the Nature team, 77% of the land (excluding Antarctica) and 87% of the ocean have been modified by human actions. This leaves a mere 23% of land and 13% of the ocean relatively untouched. The map of human Impact on land and ocean by the nature team illustrates these statistics, revealing the stark contrast between modified and unmodifi...

In the age of rapid urbanization and technological advancement, the human footprint on Earth has never been more pronounced. Our cities expand, our infrastructures grow, and our natural landscapes transform, often leaving a significant mark on the environment. This post explores the concept of the human footprint and ways to mitigate our impact. What is the Human Footprint? The human footprint refers to the combined impact of human activities on the Earth's ecosystems. It encompasses various aspects , such as land use, resource consumption, pollution, and waste generation. The human footprint can be visualized as the sum of all the ways humans alter the natural world, from the construction of cities and roads to the extraction of resources and the emission of greenhouse gases. Measuring the Human Footprint The human footprint is often measured using various indicators, including: Land Use: The extent of land converted for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure. Resour...

Butterflies are not just beautiful creatures that flutter through our gardens and meadows; they are also vital indicators of a healthy environment. In the United States alone, there are approximately 750 species of butterflies, each contributing to the rich mosaic of our natural world. Let's delve into the fascinating diversity of butterflies in North America, compare it to other continents, explore some of the most interesting species, and understand the challenges they face and the efforts being made to conserve them. Butterfly Diversity Across Continents When it comes to butterfly diversity, North America holds a special place. While it has around 750 species , South America, known for its lush rainforests, boasts the highest butterfly diversity with over 7,000 species. Africa and Asia also have rich butterfly fauna, with Africa home to around 3,000 species and Asia hosting approximately 4,500 species. Europe's diversity is lower, with about 500 species, primarily due to its...

In an age of urban sprawl and constant connectivity, it's easy to forget that vast swathes of the United States remain virtually untouched by human activity. These pristine areas, often referred to as having a low or no human footprint , serve as sanctuaries for wildlife, preserve ecological balance, and offer a glimpse into the raw beauty of nature untamed by human influence. The Concept of Human Footprint Before we dive into specific regions, let's understand what we mean by "human footprint." This term refers to the impact of human presence and activity on the environment. Areas with a low human footprint have minimal infrastructure, little to no permanent human habitation, and ecosystems that function largely without human interference. The map of the U.S. below shows areas with no or low human footprint. America's Wilderness Havens Alaska: The Last Frontier Alaska, aptly nicknamed "The Last Frontier," boasts the largest expanse of wilderness in the...

As the world grapples with the urgent challenge of addressing climate change, the latest data on per capita carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions paints a complex and, at times, troubling picture. While some nations have made encouraging strides in reducing their carbon footprint, others continue to struggle with the environmental impact of their economic activities. At the high end of the emissions spectrum, we find countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. These oil-rich nations have seen their per capita CO2 outputs soar in recent decades, driven largely by energy-intensive industries, transportation, and energy-guzzling lifestyles. In Qatar, for instance, per capita emissions exceed 40 metric tons - more than 10 times the global average. This underscores the outsized environmental impact that can stem from a reliance on fossil fuels and an energy-intensive economic model. On the other end of the spectrum, countries like Burundi, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of the...

As we look out over the vast expanse of our world's oceans, it's hard to imagine that their very level is changing. Yet, since 1880, our seas have been on a slow but steady ascent, reshaping coastlines and posing significant challenges for coastal communities worldwide. Why Are Ocean Levels Rising? The primary drivers of sea level rise are the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms and the melting of land-based ice, particularly glaciers and ice sheets. As global temperatures increase due to climate change, both of these factors are accelerating . Here is the visualization of sea level rise since 1880 created by Reddit user kevpluck The Rate of Rise According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global sea level has risen about 8-9 inches (21-24 centimeters) since 1880. However, the rate of rise has been accelerating in recent decades. While the 20th century saw an average rise of about 1.4 mm per year, satellite data shows that since 1993, the ...