Human-driven extinction of large herbivores across Europe has had marked effects on forest structure and dynamics, creating a mismatch between current environmental conditions and those in which plants evolved. Strategies for long-term preservation of plant biodiversity should therefore consider the role of large herbivores in shaping local and regional species assemblages.

2024 witnessed record-high global vegetation greenness, far outpacing the previous high set in 2020. A total of 67.7% of vegetated land surfaces experienced greening, notably in Eurasian and tropical grasslands, and global croplands.

Evidence for a previously overlooked route for microplastics to enter crops and reach plant tissues has implications for ecology and human health.

Recognising cross-ecosystem linkages between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is vital for sustainable management and conservation of freshwater biota. Here, the authors show that land use activities are strongly linked to the reliance of benthic and pelagic consumers on terrestrial energy sources in boreal lake food webs.

The role of soil health in crop productivity and environmental sustainability is often overlooked. Using a 0.5° × 0.5° global dataset, this study shows that soil health accounts for 12% of yield variation and 22% of nitrogen use efficiency variation. Enhancing global soil health could increase yields by 7.8 Mt and cut nitrogen surplus by 8.1 Mt by 2050.

Human-driven extinction of large herbivores across Europe has had marked effects on forest structure and dynamics, creating a mismatch between current environmental conditions and those in which plants evolved. Strategies for long-term preservation of plant biodiversity should therefore consider the role of large herbivores in shaping local and regional species assemblages.

Ecohydrology integrates hydrological and ecological knowledge to promote the use of water ecosystem properties as innovative management tools (nature-based solutions), aiding water management solutions and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Maintaining human well-being in an era of biodiversity loss requires understanding the role of biodiversity in ecosystem function. We argue that absolute abundance can drive ecosystem function and that this measure should be considered alongside traditional measures of biodiversity.

2024 witnessed record-high global vegetation greenness, far outpacing the previous high set in 2020. A total of 67.7% of vegetated land surfaces experienced greening, notably in Eurasian and tropical grasslands, and global croplands.

Traditional, top-down governance approaches alone will not bend the curve of biodiversity loss, and must be combined with small-scale interventions that can spark systemic change. Mobilizing behaviour change towards biodiversity-positive practices is as a promising leverage point, but requires a nuanced understanding of how people perceive and value nature.