Indigenous territory extent in the Amazon biome can reduce the incidence of fire-related and zoonotic/vector-borne diseases, but only in certain contexts, according to an analysis of disease incidence data from the region.

The recent decline in glacier health and reduced runoff generation in the Northwestern Pamirs is primarily driven by substantially lower snowfall and snow depth since 2018, according to land-surface model reconstructions from 1999–2023 combining in-situ observations, climate reanalysis, and remote sensing data.

Microplastic entering forest soil primarily originates from atmospheric deposition and litter fall, suggesting high diffuse input of microplastics in forest ecosystems, according to an analysis of soil samples from four forest sites in Darmstadt, Germany.

Media reports that inaccurately show good air quality reduce individuals’ perception of pollution, leading to more travel that affects air quality, according to an analysis that uses data on media reports, behavior experiments, and agent-based modeling.

A shallow subsurface layer of hydrated minerals in Elysium Planitia may represent fluvial sediments laid down during a warmer, humid Martian climate, according to a joint inversion of seismic and seismoacoustic coupling data from the InSight lander

Natural disconnectivity in paraglacial river networks disrupts downstream trends in channel width and riparian plant richness, as revealed by two catchments with local controls on channel width and species dispersal.

Deeper, narrow-band volcanic tremors at Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania, are related to degassing and the ascent of carbonatitic melt which may alternate with quasi-harmonic tremor in the shallow subsurface, according to observations from a short-term seismic deployment

Mid- to high-latitude developed countries are projected to experience increased migration inflows, and low-latitude countries with low development status are likely to see increasing migration outflows, based on climate indices, migration and socio-economic data, and a statistical approach.

Forest coverage loss from wildfires and deforestation increases flood risk for large-scale river catchments by reducing interception, according to analysis of data from twenty-one watersheds in Australia.

About 55% of the increase in winter Arctic surface temperature over 1959-2015 is explained by changes in sea ice concentration, while energy transport toward the poles and increased carbon dioxide account for about 20% and 25%, respectively, according to a statistical analysis of climate data.

Small lakes in mountain regions hold significant potential to wreak havoc as a result of sudden drainage. This Comment argues that the risks can be managed within existing disaster reduction frameworks, but must be acknowledged and monitored.

Strong governance, accelerated action, and empowered communities are essential to avoid cascading Earth system tipping points and achieve lasting, transformative change.

Harlequin toads are under threat from habitat change, pathogen spread, and climate change. Stefan Lötters and colleagues examined population records of 131 harlequin toad species (Atelopus), from 2004-2022. They interviewed harlequin toad experts and compiled population and threat data, finding that the status of harlequin toads has not improved since 2004. Despite species rediscoveries and increased conservation efforts, the lack of recovery indicates that the amphibian extinction crisis is ongoing. They recommend habitat protection, disease management, and captive breeding programs for the future.

Lockdowns loomed large when Communications Earth & Environment launched 5 years ago. Since restrictions lifted, we have seen a push-back on science as well as an AI revolution. In response, the global community of Earth and environmental researchers must stand together, while remaining open-minded.

Deniz Bozkurt is an associate professor in the Department of Meteorology, Universidad de Valparaíso (Chile), and associate researcher at Center for Climate and Resilience Research (CR)2 and Center for Oceanographic Research COPAS COASTAL, Chile.

Peter Fretwell is a senior scientist in the Mapping and Geographic Information Centre, at the British Antarctic Survey.