Trends of US surface water body area over three decades

Date:

March 26, 2018

Source:

University of Oklahoma

Summary:

A new research study reveals the divergent trends of open surface water bodies in the contiguous United States from 1984 to 2016, specifically, a decreasing trend in the water-poor states and an increasing trend in the water-rich states. Surface water resources are critical for public water supply, industry, agriculture, biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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This is the Lake Thunderbird reservoir in Norman, Oklahoma.

Credit: University of Oklahoma

Cash payments prompt tropical forest users to harvest less

Study shows people cut 48 percent fewer trees when paid to conserve

Date:

March 14, 2018

Source:

University of Colorado at Boulder

Summary:

An experiment conducted with 1,200 villagers in five developing countries found that when people are given cash to conserve, they cut down fewer trees both while they are being paid and after payments cease.

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Residents of a village in Indonesia participate in a debriefing after participating in a study on cash-payments for conservation.

Credit: Krister Par Andersson/CU Boulder