Soil

Industrial farming has been a disaster for the Earth’s soil, according to a new book. But fixing the problem is possible if we return to farming practices that keep the soil healthy. This simple change could offset climate change and lead to healthier crops — and people.

Climate change is going to throw a host of new problems at agriculture. Now some researchers say one of the solutions to these problems is microbes. In particular, fungi.Climate change is going to throw a host of new problems at agriculture. Now some researchers say one of the solutions to these problems is microbes. In particular, fungi.

This year has seen many more landslides in the Pacific Northwest than is typical — in fact this recent winter was among the worst for mudslides in and around the Puget Sound region. Experts say this could be more common as climate change leads to more rain, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

The Bullitt Foundation, a Seattle-based nonprofit focused on improving the environment in the Pacific Northwest, has taken on a new endeavor. It’s opened a building for its headquarters, and house other companies, that will be a demonstrator of sustainable technologies.

New research out of Sweden, published recently in the Science magazine, changes the way scientists view trees’ contribution to carbon sequestration. Ecologist Karina Clemmensen learned that trees continue to store carbon in the environment for its entire life because of fungus growing on the tree roots.