Showing papers in "Trends in Ecology and Evolution in 2020"
TL;DR: The combination of traditional culturing with maturing culture-free approaches and phylogenomics should accelerate the process of completing and resolving the eukaryote Tree of Life at its deepest levels.
Abstract: For 15 years, the eukaryote Tree of Life (eToL) has been divided into five to eight major groupings, known as ‘supergroups’. However, the tree has been profoundly rearranged during this time. The new eToL results from the widespread application of phylogenomics and numerous discoveries of major lineages of eukaryotes, mostly free-living heterotrophic protists. The evidence that supports the tree has transitioned from a synthesis of molecular phylogenetics and biological characters to purely molecular phylogenetics. Most current supergroups lack defining morphological or cell-biological characteristics, making the supergroup label even more arbitrary than before. Going forward, the combination of traditional culturing with maturing culture-free approaches and phylogenomics should accelerate the process of completing and resolving the eToL at its deepest levels.
433 citations
TL;DR: A flexible approach to data integration using point process models, which provide a convenient way to translate across ecological currencies, are described.
Abstract: With the expansion in the quantity and types of biodiversity data being collected, there is a need to find ways to combine these different sources to provide cohesive summaries of species' potential and realized distributions in space and time. Recently, model-based data integration has emerged as a means to achieve this by combining datasets in ways that retain the strengths of each. We describe a flexible approach to data integration using point process models, which provide a convenient way to translate across ecological currencies. We highlight recent examples of large-scale ecological models based on data integration and outline the conceptual and technical challenges and opportunities that arise.
182 citations
TL;DR: How different types of SVs affect ecological and evolutionary processes are reviewed; unifying definitions and recommendations for future studies are suggested; and a roadmap for the integration of SV's in ecoevolutionary studies is provided.
Abstract: Structural genomic variants (SVs) are ubiquitous and play a major role in adaptation and speciation. Yet, comparative and population genomics have focused predominantly on gene duplications and large-effect inversions. The lack of a common framework for studying all SVs is hampering progress towards a more systematic assessment of their evolutionary significance. Here we (i) review how different types of SVs affect ecological and evolutionary processes; (ii) suggest unifying definitions and recommendations for future studies; and (iii) provide a roadmap for the integration of SVs in ecoevolutionary studies. In doing so, we lay the foundation for population genomics, theoretical, and experimental approaches to understand how the full spectrum of SVs impacts ecological and evolutionary processes.
154 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that individual heterogeneity provides a key intermediary mechanism with broad consequences for sociality, ecology, and evolution and is presented in a common framework to quantify individual heterogeneity and synthesise the literature to systematically explain and predict its role in collective behaviour across species, contexts, and traits.
Abstract: Social grouping is omnipresent in the animal kingdom. Considerable research has focused on understanding how animal groups form and function, including how collective behaviour emerges via self-organising mechanisms and how phenotypic variation drives the behaviour and functioning of animal groups. However, we still lack a mechanistic understanding of the role of phenotypic variation in collective animal behaviour. Here we present a common framework to quantify individual heterogeneity and synthesise the literature to systematically explain and predict its role in collective behaviour across species, contexts, and traits. We show that individual heterogeneity provides a key intermediary mechanism with broad consequences for sociality (e.g., group structure, functioning), ecology (e.g., response to environmental change), and evolution. We also outline a roadmap for future research.
132 citations
TL;DR: Many interactions among above- and below-ground ecosystem components can be parsimoniously explained by the production, distribution, and release of surplus C under conditions that limit plant growth.
Abstract: Plant growth is usually constrained by the availability of nutrients, water, or temperature, rather than photosynthetic carbon (C) fixation. Under these conditions leaf growth is curtailed more than C fixation, and the surplus photosynthates are exported from the leaf. In plants limited by nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P), photosynthates are converted into sugars and secondary metabolites. Some surplus C is translocated to roots and released as root exudates or transferred to root-associated microorganisms. Surplus C is also produced under low moisture availability, low temperature, and high atmospheric CO2 concentrations, with similar below-ground effects. Many interactions among above- and below-ground ecosystem components can be parsimoniously explained by the production, distribution, and release of surplus C under conditions that limit plant growth.
123 citations
TL;DR: The main strands of the literature on the feedbacks between environmental predictability and animal movement are synthesised and how they may react to anthropogenic disruption is discussed, leading to unexpected threats for wildlife and the environment.
Abstract: The impacts of environmental predictability on the ecology and evolution of animal movement have been the subject of vigorous speculation for several decades. Recently, the swell of new biologging technologies has further stimulated their investigation. This advancing research frontier, however, still lacks conceptual unification and has so far focused little on converse effects. Populations of moving animals have ubiquitous effects on processes such as nutrient cycling and seed dispersal and may therefore shape patterns of environmental predictability. Here, we synthesise the main strands of the literature on the feedbacks between environmental predictability and animal movement and discuss how they may react to anthropogenic disruption, leading to unexpected threats for wildlife and the environment.
118 citations
TL;DR: The ability to predict configurational effects will depend on understanding the potential for indirect effects among trophic levels and the relationship between arthropod dispersal capability and the spatial scale of underlying landscape structure.
Abstract: Arthropod predators and parasitoids attack crop pests, providing a valuable ecosystem service. The amount of noncrop habitat surrounding crop fields influences pest suppression, but synthesis of new studies suggests that the spatial configuration of crops and other habitats is similarly important. Natural enemies are often more abundant in fine-grained agricultural landscapes comprising smaller patches and can increase or decrease with the connectivity of crop fields to other habitats. Partitioning organisms by traits has emerged as a promising way to predict the strength and direction of these effects. Furthermore, our ability to predict configurational effects will depend on understanding the potential for indirect effects among trophic levels and the relationship between arthropod dispersal capability and the spatial scale of underlying landscape structure.
114 citations
Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic1, Sewanee: The University of the South2, University of Tasmania3, Université Paris-Saclay4, University of KwaZulu-Natal5, University of Helsinki6, University of Oxford7, University of Exeter8, Leibniz Association9, Federal University of Alagoas10, Instituto Superior de Agronomia11, University of Porto12, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev13
TL;DR: iEcology (i.e., internet ecology), an emerging research approach that uses diverse online data sources and methods to generate insights about species distribution over space and time, interactions and dynamics of organisms and their environment, and anthropogenic impacts is introduced.
Abstract: Digital data are accumulating at unprecedented rates. These contain a lot of information about the natural world, some of which can be used to answer key ecological questions. Here, we introduce iEcology (i.e., internet ecology), an emerging research approach that uses diverse online data sources and methods to generate insights about species distribution over space and time, interactions and dynamics of organisms and their environment, and anthropogenic impacts. We review iEcology data sources and methods, and provide examples of potential research applications. We also outline approaches to reduce potential biases and improve reliability and applicability. As technologies and expertise improve, and costs diminish, iEcology will become an increasingly important means to gain novel insights into the natural world.
112 citations
TL;DR: The origins of Belyaev's foxes in eastern Canada are charted and the appearance of domestication syndrome traits across animal domesticates are critically assessed to suggest that both the conclusions of the Farm-Fox Experiment and the ubiquity of domesticated syndrome have been overstated.
Abstract: The Russian Farm-Fox Experiment is the best known experimental study in animal domestication. By subjecting a population of foxes to selection for tameness alone, Dimitry Belyaev generated foxes that possessed a suite of characteristics that mimicked those found across domesticated species. This ‘domestication syndrome’ has been a central focus of research into the biological pathways modified during domestication. Here, we chart the origins of Belyaev’s foxes in eastern Canada and critically assess the appearance of domestication syndrome traits across animal domesticates. Our results suggest that both the conclusions of the Farm-Fox Experiment and the ubiquity of domestication syndrome have been overstated. To understand the process of domestication requires a more comprehensive approach focused on essential adaptations to human-modified environments.
95 citations
TL;DR: It is found that eDNA methods meet legal standards for being admissible as evidence in most courts, suggesting eDNA method reliability is not the problem, and the interface between results and management needs attention since there are few tools for integrating uncertainty into decision-making.
Abstract: Multiple studies have demonstrated environmental (e)DNA detections of rare and invasive species. However, invasive species managers struggle with using eDNA results because detections might not indicate species presence. We evaluated whether eDNA methods have matured to a point where they can be widely applied to aquatic invasive species management. We have found that eDNA methods meet legal standards for being admissible as evidence in most courts, suggesting eDNA method reliability is not the problem. Rather, we suggest the interface between results and management needs attention since there are few tools for integrating uncertainty into decision-making. Solutions include decision-support trees based on molecular best practices that integrate the temporal and spatial trends in eDNA positives relative to human risk tolerance.
91 citations
TL;DR: A diversity of approaches to quantify intrinsic growth rates of plant populations are described, including experiments beyond range boundaries, density-dependent population models built from long-term demographic data, theoretical models, and methods that leverage widely available monitoring data.
Abstract: Generalizing the effect of traits on performance across species may be achievable if traits explain variation in population fitness. However, testing relationships between traits and vital rates to infer effects on fitness can be misleading. Demographic trade-offs can generate variation in vital rates that yield equal population growth rates, thereby obscuring the net effect of traits on fitness. To address this problem, we describe a diversity of approaches to quantify intrinsic growth rates of plant populations, including experiments beyond range boundaries, density-dependent population models built from long-term demographic data, theoretical models, and methods that leverage widely available monitoring data. Linking plant traits directly to intrinsic growth rates is a fundamental step toward rigorous predictions of population dynamics and community assembly.
TL;DR: A trait-based framework for predicting the responses of interacting plants and animals to climate change is presented and it is proposed that incorporating these traits into predictive models will improve assessments of the responds of interacting species toClimate change.
Abstract: Plant–animal interactions are fundamentally important in ecosystems, but have often been ignored by studies of climate-change impacts on biodiversity. Here, we present a trait-based framework for predicting the responses of interacting plants and animals to climate change. We distinguish three pathways along which climate change can impact interacting species in ecological communities: (i) spatial and temporal mismatches in the occurrence and abundance of species, (ii) the formation of novel interactions and secondary extinctions, and (iii) alterations of the dispersal ability of plants. These pathways are mediated by three kinds of functional traits: response traits, matching traits, and dispersal traits. We propose that incorporating these traits into predictive models will improve assessments of the responses of interacting species to climate change.
TL;DR: Transgenerational plasticity, which occurs when environments experienced by previous generations influence phenotypes of subsequent generations, will likely generate negative fitness outcomes in response to HIREC, though beneficial fitness outcomes may occur in some cases.
Abstract: Our ability to predict how species will respond to human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC) may depend upon our understanding of transgenerational plasticity (TGP), which occurs when environments experienced by previous generations influence phenotypes of subsequent generations. TGP evolved to help organisms cope with environmental stressors when parental environments are highly predictive of offspring environments. HIREC can alter conditions that favored TGP in historical environments by reducing parents’ ability to detect environmental conditions, disrupting previous correlations between parental and offspring environments, and interfering with the transmission of parental cues to offspring. Because of the propensity to produce errors in these processes, TGP will likely generate negative fitness outcomes in response to HIREC, though beneficial fitness outcomes may occur in some cases.
TL;DR: The challenges in determining redundancy empirically are discussed, the use of the C-score metric is demonstrated, and the implicit assumptions of redundancy in quantitative versus population genetic models are contrasted.
Abstract: Genetic redundancy has been defined in many different ways at different levels of biological organization. Here, we briefly review the general concept of redundancy and focus on the evolutionary importance of redundancy in terms of the number of genotypes that give rise to the same phenotype. We discuss the challenges in determining redundancy empirically, with published experimental examples, and demonstrate the use of the C-score metric to quantify redundancy in evolution studies. We contrast the implicit assumptions of redundancy in quantitative versus population genetic models, show how this contributes to signatures of allele frequency shifts, and highlight how the rapid accumulation of genome-wide association data provides an avenue for further understanding the prevalence and role of redundancy in evolution.
TL;DR: Plant trait networks (PTNs) provide improved resolution of the multiple dimensions of plant adaptation across scales and responses to shifting resources, disturbance regimes, and global change.
Abstract: Functional traits are frequently used to evaluate plant adaptation across environments Yet, traits tend to have multiple functions and interactions, which cannot be accounted for in traditional correlation analyses Plant trait networks (PTNs) clarify complex relationships among traits, enable the calculation of metrics for the topology of trait coordination and the importance of given traits in PTNs, and how they shift across communities Recent studies of PTNs provide new insights into some important topics, including trait dimensionality, trait spectra (including the leaf economic spectrum), stoichiometric principles, and the variation of phenotypic integration along gradients of resource availability PTNs provide improved resolution of the multiple dimensions of plant adaptation across scales and responses to shifting resources, disturbance regimes, and global change
TL;DR: The 2019–2020 megafires in Australia brought a tragic loss of human life and the most dramatic loss of habitat for threatened species and devastation of ecological communities in postcolonial history.
Abstract: The 2019–2020 megafires in Australia brought a tragic loss of human life and the most dramatic loss of habitat for threatened species and devastation of ecological communities in postcolonial history. What must be done now to keep impacted species from extinction? What can be done to avoid a repeat of the impacts of such devastating bushfires? Here, we describe hard-won lessons that may also be of global relevance.
TL;DR: Forest dwarfing via the gradual removal of taller trees by cyclones over many generations illustrates that cyclones shape forest structure through the accumulation of short-term effects over longer timescales.
Abstract: Tropical cyclones are increasing in intensity and size and, thus, are poised to increase in importance as disturbance agents. Our understanding of cyclone ecology is biased towards the North Atlantic Basin, because cyclone effects do differ across oceanic basins. Cyclones have both short and long-term effects across the levels of biological organization, but we lack a scale‐perspective of cyclone ecology. Effects on individual trees, such as defoliation or branch stripping and uprooting, are mechanistically linked to effects at the community and ecosystem levels, including forest productivity and stand regeneration time. Forest dwarfing via the gradual removal of taller trees by cyclones over many generations illustrates that cyclones shape forest structure through the accumulation of short-term effects over longer timescales.
TL;DR: This work highlights new developments in each respective field, early examples of how they are being brought together, and ideas for a future synthesis such that conservation decisions can be made with fuller awareness of the biodiversity at stake.
Abstract: We are facing a biodiversity crisis at the same time as we are acquiring an unprecedented view of the world's biodiversity. Vast new datasets (e.g., species distributions, traits, phylogenies, and interaction networks) hold knowledge to better comprehend the depths of biodiversity change, reliably anticipate these changes, and inform conservation actions. To harness this information for conservation, we need to integrate the largely independent fields of biodiversity modeling and conservation. We highlight new developments in each respective field, early examples of how they are being brought together, and ideas for a future synthesis such that conservation decisions can be made with fuller awareness of the biodiversity at stake.
TL;DR: Empirical evidence is reviewed to show that reproductive microbiomes can have significant effects on the reproductive function and performance of males and females and the likely repercussions for evolutionary processes related to sexual selection and sexual conflict.
Abstract: All multicellular organisms host microbial communities in and on their bodies, and these microbiomes can have major influences on host biology. Most research has focussed on the oral, skin, and gut microbiomes, whereas relatively little is known about the reproductive microbiome. Here, we review empirical evidence to show that reproductive microbiomes can have significant effects on the reproductive function and performance of males and females. We then discuss the likely repercussions of these effects for evolutionary processes related to sexual selection and sexual conflict, as well as mating systems and reproductive isolation. We argue that knowledge of the reproductive microbiome is fundamental to our understanding of the evolutionary ecology of reproductive strategies and sexual dynamics of host organisms.
University of Western Australia1, Northwest University (China)2, German Primate Center3, University of Michigan4, Chinese Academy of Sciences5, Central South University Forestry and Technology6, University of Zurich7, University of Göttingen8, Princeton University9, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research10
TL;DR: This work synthesise current literature on the selective pressures underlying the evolution of MLSs and their implications for cognition, intersexual conflict, and sexual selection and proposes a unifying terminology and operational definition of MLS.
Abstract: Multilevel societies (MLSs), stable nuclear social units within a larger collective encompassing multiple nested social levels, occur in several mammalian lineages. Their architectural complexity and size impose specific demands on their members requiring adaptive solutions in multiple domains. The functional significance of MLSs lies in their members being equipped to reap the benefits of multiple group sizes. Here, we propose a unifying terminology and operational definition of MLS. To identify new avenues for integrative research, we synthesise current literature on the selective pressures underlying the evolution of MLSs and their implications for cognition, intersexual conflict, and sexual selection. Mapping the drivers and consequences of MLS provides a reference point for the social evolution of many taxa, including our own species.
TL;DR: In this review, positive and negative effects of transboundary frontiers on biodiversity conservation are distinguished, lessons from existing frameworks are discussed, and scenarios that can maximize opportunities for biodiversity conservation in transboundaries frontiers are identified.
Abstract: The world's biomes and their associated ecosystems are artificially fractured by geopolitical boundaries that define countries. Yet 'transboundary' landscapes often overlap with biodiversity hotspots, contain surprisingly important ecosystems, and provide critical habitats for threatened species. Notwithstanding, biodiversity in these landscapes is increasingly imperiled by infrastructure, including walls and fences along borders and cross-border roads that drive landscape fragmentation and the loss of ecological connectivity. Associated problems due to reduced governance (e.g., illegal wildlife trade) also undermine conservation efforts in these important regions. In this review, we distinguish positive and negative effects of transboundary frontiers on biodiversity conservation, discuss lessons from existing frameworks, and identify scenarios that can maximize opportunities for biodiversity conservation in transboundary frontiers.
TL;DR: The internal number representations determine how animals perceive stimulus magnitude, which, in turn, constrains an animal's spontaneous decisions and is placed in a framework to provide for a more quantitative analysis of the adaptive value and selection pressures of numerical competence.
Abstract: Evolution selects for traits that are of adaptive value and increase the fitness of an individual or population. Numerical competence, the ability to estimate and process the number of objects and events, is a cognitive capacity that also influences an individual's survival and reproduction success. Numerical assessments are ubiquitous in a broad range of ecological contexts. Animals benefit from numerical competence during foraging, navigating, hunting, predation avoidance, social interactions, and reproductive activities. The internal number representations determine how animals perceive stimulus magnitude, which, in turn, constrains an animal's spontaneous decisions. These findings are placed in a framework to provide for a more quantitative analysis of the adaptive value and selection pressures of numerical competence.
TL;DR: Empirical studies on demographic buffering in wild populations found overall support for the hypothesis that natural selection should minimize temporal variation in the vital rates to which the long-run population growth is most sensitive, but also identified issues when testing for demographicbuffering.
Abstract: In (st)age-structured populations, the long-run population growth rate is negatively affected by temporal variation in vital rates. In most cases, natural selection should minimize temporal variation in the vital rates to which the long-run population growth is most sensitive, resulting in demographic buffering. By reviewing empirical studies on demographic buffering in wild populations, we found overall support for this hypothesis. However, we also identified issues when testing for demographic buffering. In particular, solving scaling problems for decomposing, measuring, and comparing stochastic variation in vital rates and accounting for density dependence are required in future tests of demographic buffering. In the current context of climate change, demographic buffering may mitigate the negative impact of environmental variation and help populations to persist in an increasingly variable environment.
TL;DR: The theory predicting that evolutionary trade-offs, genetic costs, and relaxed selection disrupt plant-microbial symbiosis under domestication is synthesized, and the wealth of new data interrogating these predictions in crops is reviewed.
Abstract: Domestication has transformed hundreds of wild plant species into productive cultivars for human utility. However, cultivation practices and intense artificial selection for yield may entail a hidden cost: the disruption of interactions between plants and beneficial microbiota. Here, we synthesize theory predicting that evolutionary trade-offs, genetic costs, and relaxed selection disrupt plant-microbial symbiosis under domestication, and review the wealth of new data interrogating these predictions in crops. We describe the agronomic practices, ecological scenarios, and genomic attributes that can result in the disruption of symbiosis, and highlight new work probing its molecular basis. To improve agricultural output and sustainability, research should develop breeding methods to optimize symbiotic outcomes in crop species.
TL;DR: Three general features of 'non-genetic' inheritance systems are identified that are functionally interdependent with, rather than separate from, DNA sequence; precise mechanisms vary phylogenetically and operationally; and epigenetic elements are probabilistic, interactive regulatory factors and not deterministic 'epialleles' with defined genomic locations and effects.
Abstract: Understanding the evolutionary and ecological roles of 'non-genetic' inheritance (NGI) is daunting due to the complexity and diversity of epigenetic mechanisms. We draw on insights from molecular and evolutionary biology perspectives to identify three general features of 'non-genetic' inheritance systems: (i) they are functionally interdependent with, rather than separate from, DNA sequence; (ii) precise mechanisms vary phylogenetically and operationally; and (iii) epigenetic elements are probabilistic, interactive regulatory factors and not deterministic 'epialleles' with defined genomic locations and effects. We discuss each of these features and offer recommendations for future empirical and theoretical research that implements a unifying inherited gene regulation (IGR) approach to studies of 'non-genetic' inheritance.
United Nations Environment Programme1, Bangor University2, University of Cambridge3, Finnish Environment Institute4, University of Eastern Finland5, University of Florida6, University of Maryland, College Park7, University of São Paulo8, University of Zurich9, University of Florence10, Aberystwyth University11, University of British Columbia12
TL;DR: This work proposes a standardized framework of ecosystem morphological traits - height, cover, and structural complexity - that could enable monitoring of globally consistent EBVs at regional scales, by flexibly integrating different information sources.
Abstract: 3D-imaging technologies provide measurements of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems’ structure, key for biodiversity studies. However, the practical use of these observations globally faces practical challenges. First, available 3D data are geographically biased, with significant gaps in the tropics. Second, no data source provides, by itself, global coverage at a suitable temporal recurrence. Thus, global monitoring initiatives, such as assessment of essential biodiversity variables (EBVs), will necessarily have to involve the combination of disparate data sets. We propose a standardized framework of ecosystem morphological traits – height, cover, and structural complexity – that could enable monitoring of globally consistent EBVs at regional scales, by flexibly integrating different information sources – satellites, aircrafts, drones, or ground data – allowing global biodiversity targets relating to ecosystem structure to be monitored and regularly reported.
TL;DR: An overview of how haplotype information can be used to assess historical demography, gene flow, selection, and the evolutionary outcomes of hybridization across different timescales relevant to conservation issues is provided.
Abstract: The particular combinations of alleles that define haplotypes along individual chromosomes can be determined with increasing ease and accuracy by using current sequencing technologies. Beyond allele frequencies, haplotype data collected in population samples contain information about the history of allelic associations in gene genealogies, and this is of tremendous potential for conservation genomics. We provide an overview of how haplotype information can be used to assess historical demography, gene flow, selection, and the evolutionary outcomes of hybridization across different timescales relevant to conservation issues. We address technical aspects of applying such approaches to nonmodel species. We conclude that there is much to be gained by integrating haplotype-based analyses in future conservation genomics studies.
TL;DR: Bridges between developmental and functional investigatory approaches that help broaden knowledge of mammals' memorable external appearances are outlined, and areas for future interdisciplinary research are pointed out.
Abstract: Mammalian colors and color patterns are some of the most diverse and conspicuous traits found in nature and have been widely studied from genetic/developmental and evolutionary perspectives. In this review we first discuss the proximate causes underlying variation in pigment type (i.e., color) and pigment distribution (i.e., color pattern) and highlight both processes as having a distinct developmental basis. Then, using multiple examples, we discuss ultimate factors that have driven the evolution of coloration differences in mammals, which include background matching, intra- and interspecific signaling, and physiological influences. Throughout, we outline bridges between developmental and functional investigatory approaches that help broaden knowledge of mammals' memorable external appearances, and we point out areas for future interdisciplinary research.
TL;DR: Effective scaling of science-policy efforts, driven by global and national assessments, is a major challenge for turning assessment into action and will require unprecedented commitment by scientists to engage with communities of policy and practice.
Abstract: The first Global Assessment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) found widespread, accelerating declines in Earth's biodiversity and associated benefits to people from nature. Addressing these trends will require science-based policy responses to reduce impacts, especially at national to local scales. Effective scaling of science-policy efforts, driven by global and national assessments, is a major challenge for turning assessment into action and will require unprecedented commitment by scientists to engage with communities of policy and practice. Fulfillment of science's social contract with society, and with nature, will require strong institutional support for scientists' participation in activities that transcend conventional research and publication.
Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden1, Chinese Academy of Sciences2, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus3, Tallinn University4, University of Oxford5, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology6, Macquarie University7, Duke University8, World Wide Fund for Nature9, University of Sheffield10, Tsinghua University11, University of Central Asia12, University of British Columbia13, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China14, International Institute of Minnesota15, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources16, Kunming Institute of Zoology17, University of East Anglia18
TL;DR: This first BRI Horizon Scan identifies 11 frontier issues that may have large environmental and social impacts but are not yet recognised and will increase China's participation in international environmental governance.
Abstract: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents the largest infrastructure and development project in human history, and presents risks and opportunities for ecosystems, economies, and communities. Some risks (habitat fragmentation, roadkill) are obvious, however, many of the BRI's largest challenges for development and conservation are not obvious and require extensive consideration to identify. In this first BRI Horizon Scan, we identify 11 frontier issues that may have large environmental and social impacts but are not yet recognised. More generally, the BRI will increase China's participation in international environmental governance. Thus, new cooperative modes of governance are needed to balance geopolitical, societal, and environmental interests. Upgrading and standardising global environmental standards is essential to safeguard ecological systems and human societies.