Biden administration moves forward with measuring nature's economic impact

Feb 2, 2024
At a recent ocean biodiversity summit, federal officials touted the plan to quantify the country’s natural assets and the services provided by healthy ecosystems, like tree canopies that can cool urban areas or kelp forests that prevent coastline erosion.
Go mountain biking and things like lodging and dining will be counted in GDP, but the fact that a pristine natural setting prompted that spending will not be.
GibsonPictures/Getty Images

Older zoos face decisions around cages built for different times

Feb 6, 2023
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is planning to spend millions to build new habitats next to historic wrought-iron cages.
A black cage that no longer houses animals at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.
Stephanie Hughes/Marketplace

Horseshoe crab blood (and, why conservation pays)

Jun 16, 2014
The race to find a synthetic replacement for the blood of horse shoe crabs.

The price of nature conservation in the U.K.

Jun 25, 2012
In the spirit of environmental conservation, the British government wants to put a price on nature. They've created a group called the Natural Capital Committee, which will put a dollar value on landscapes, river purity, and wildlife.

U.N. warns Australia over Great Barrier Reef

Jun 5, 2012
The United Nations World Heritage Organization says the Great Barrier Reef may soon be on its endangered list if Australia doesn't control its industrial development in the next eight months.

For public good, not for profit.