Sustainability

The Dangerous Brew of Politics and Water

Often political decisions, not scientific reasoning, determines the fate of natural resources, the environment or other key resources., Veronica Herrera says.

Morgan Tingley, assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology

Ticking Biological Clock: Migratory Birds Arriving Late to Breeding Grounds

A growing shift in the onset of spring has left nine of 48 species of songbirds studied unable to reach their northern breeding grounds at the calendar marks critical for producing the next generation of fledglings, according to a new paper in Nature Scientific Reports.

Climate Change series image, with type. (Yesenia Carrero/UConn Image)

Series: Understanding and Responding to Climate Change

Across disciplines, UConn’s researchers are amassing a wealth of knowledge about climate change that will lead to greater understanding of its impact.

A Great One-horned Indian Rhinoceros crosses the road at Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India. (Arunsundar/Getty Images)

To Conserve Tropical Forests and Wildlife, Protect Rights of People Who Rely on Them

A UConn global environment expert argues that when countries protect the rights of local people and support their participation in the political process, they are better able to handle conflicts over the environment.

Researchers Ross Turner, Adam Wilson, Cory Merow (l to r) conducting field work at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Stuart Hall also pictured.

The New Game of Russian Roulette for Fire-Prone Ecosystems

The findings of a new study are a concern for fire-prone ecosystems, including those in the United States, Australia, and South Africa.

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) with new leaves, flower buds, and berries. (Getty Images)

Invasive Japanese Barberry to Gain Ground with Climate Change

One of New England’s invasive species, Japanese barberry, will remain and flourish in new areas under predicted temperature increases, while the other, garlic mustard, will head north, says a new study.

A black bear eats paper torn out of a residential garbage bag in summertime. (AwakenedEye via Getty Images)

Where the Bears Are

A new UConn study shows that Connecticut bears – and likely bears throughout the more heavily populated Northeast – are different than those in other parts of the nation.

Undergraduate Hannah Casey spent summer 2016 doing environmental science research in Long Island Sound. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

UConn Partners with Mystic Aquarium on Undergraduate Research

The two institutions will establish a Research Experience for Undergraduates site to encourage students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in marine sciences or other STEM fields.

The photo shows a replica of Thoreau’s best-known boat, Musketaquid, named for the Algonquian word for 'grassy plain,' used to describe the area that became the town of Concord. (Photo by Juliet Wheeler)

Thoreau: Out of the Woods and Onto the River

UConn professor Robert Thorson says Henry David Thoreau, best known for writing about life in the woods, was also a boatman and scientific expert.

A man boards a bus on a flooded street as a powerful storm moves across Southern California on Feb. 17, 2017 near Sun Valley, Calif. After years of severe drought, heavy winter rains came to the state, and with them, the issuance of flash flood watches in three counties, and the evacuation of hundreds of residents from Duarte, Calif. for fear of flash flooding from areas denuded by a wildfire last year. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Accounting for Extreme Rainfall

A UConn climate scientist says more intense and frequent rainfall is coming, with no drop-off.