How Fungi Are Fighting Climate Change From Below Ground
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📰 The quick summary: Fungi are emerging as crucial allies in mitigating climate change by balancing ecosystems and sequestering carbon while offering innovative solutions for sustainable materials and environmental remediation.
📈 One key stat: Mycorrhizal fungi form relationships with trees in 85% of plant families, making forests more resilient against pathogens, infestations, and climate stressors.
💬 One key quote: “Fungi are showing us new ways to live in allyship with the planet.”
1️⃣ The big picture: Fungi are revealing their potential as powerful climate allies through their ecological functions and innovative applications. These organisms, which primarily exist as underground mycelium networks, play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem balance and keeping carbon out of the atmosphere. Beyond their ecological functions, researchers are discovering how fungi can replace plastics, filter toxins from soil and water, and even create sustainable building materials. From the oyster mushroom that provides food, income, and building materials to mycorrhizal fungi that help forests withstand climate stressors, these organisms demonstrate remarkable versatility in addressing environmental challenges.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Fungi offer multiple solutions to pressing environmental problems through their natural properties and human innovations. Companies like Ecovative are developing mycelium-based materials to replace plastics and other harmful substances, creating sustainable alternatives for industries. Some fungi like the garden giant can naturally filter antibiotic-resistant bacteria from waterways, protecting water supplies for people and wildlife. Mycorrhizal fungi form ancient partnerships with trees, helping forests become more resilient to climate change by providing essential nutrients and water. These fungal relationships strengthen ecosystems against environmental stressors while simultaneously reducing atmospheric carbon through natural sequestration.
3️⃣ What’s next: Researchers continue to explore new applications for fungi in building materials, bioremediation, and climate resilience. The focus will shift toward implementing existing fungal solutions at larger scales across industries. Protection of fungal habitats becomes increasingly important as we recognize their essential role in planetary resilience.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – Fungi are our climate allies | Against All Odds
