Global change

New forests grow faster but are more sensitive to climate change

A study led by CREAF has found that new forests growing on abandoned rural land are able to capture more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than long-established forests. This effect could be temporary, however, as the wood of their trees is less dense, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events.

Climate change Ecosystem services Forests Global change Josep maria espelta @en Land uses change Mediterranean Raquel alfaro @en Reservoir Tree

Life-Polyfarming proposes a completely sustainable agri-food model change

Polyfarming is a regenerative agriculture project that combines forest resources, livestock and crops to recover a fertile soil in Mediterranean mountain areas. The project, co-financed by the European Commission's LIFE program, is led by the CREAF and the Planeses farm, where it is carried out on a real scale.

Agro-silvo-pastoral Crops Fields Girona @en Global change Life @en Planeses Polyfarming Regenerative agriculture Sustainability Sustainable development

From the Arctic to the tropics: researchers present a unique database on Earth’s vegetation

Which plant species grow where, alongside which others - and why? In a new study, an international research team presents the world's first global vegetation database which contains over 1.1 million complete lists of plant species for all terrestrial ecosystems.

Climate change Comunities Data Data base Functional traits Geu @en Global change Josep peñuelas @en Nature ecology & evolution @en Plants

The forests that store the most carbon are also the richest in biodiversity

A study led by CREAF researcher Judit Lecina Díaz has mapped Spain's carbon and biodiversity hotspots, which are located in the Pyrenees and their foothills, Madrid, Cuenca, La Rioja and Andalusia, and along the coast of the Cantabrian Sea.

Biodiversity Birds Carbon stocks Climate change Forests Functional ecology Global change Hotspots @en Judit lecina @en Reservoirs

First detection of Aedes japonicus in Spain thanks to citizen scientists

Aedes japonicus is an invasive insect capable of transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus. The mosquito was found in Asturias (North Spain) when a person sent a photo of the insect with the Mosquito Alert app in june.

Aitana oltra @en Biological invasions Frederic bartumeus @en Global change Global mosquito alert @en Health Invasions @en Invasive species Marina torres @en Mosquito @en Mosquito alert @en

CREAF presents the Network for European Mountain Research (NEMOR)

Coordinated by CREAF and comprising more than 50 European organizations, NEMOR has produced a document seeking the European Commission's recognition of mountains as a unique setting for activities such as testing related to the effects of climate change, reversing depopulation and promoting new circular economy projects.

Apple Bernat claramunt @en Circular economy Climate change European union Forests Global change High mountain Mountainlab @en Mountains Mtnlab @en Nemor @en Research Reservoirs Sustainability Sustainable development Water Wildfires

The BeWater publishes a guide about participatory management of river basins

The manual, in which the CREAF researchers Anabel Sánchez and Annelies Broekman have participated, summarizes the stages of the BeWater project and the lessons learned in the creation of adaptation plans between scientists and local society.

Anabel sánchez @en Annelies broekman @en Climate change Global change Guide River River basin Society Water management