Nature Signals
Welcome to Nature Signals, my Substack newsletter, where I write about biodiversity and human actions that affect it, such as pollution, climate change, agriculture, etc.
Once a week I’ll also share a compilation of recent news articles that caught my eye on these issues.
You can access a full archive here.
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Recent in-depth articles:
Do eco labels deliver? A look at FSC and its real benefit for forests.
Examining whether a pricier label genuinely supports healthier forests and stronger protections for species.
https://ruththornton.substack.com
When nature scares us: researchers warn of growing “biophobia”
A global review finds rising fear and discomfort toward nature, with major impacts on health and conservation.
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Pesticides weren’t supposed to touch our gut bugs. They do.
The first large-scale study of its kind challenges long-held assumptions about chemical safety.
https://ruththornton.substack.com
AI listens in: New acoustic tool helps researchers monitor mammals
AI-powered survey finds vocal mammals, freeing up resources to find species that stay silent.
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Tainted Tides: The Hidden Threat Facing Canada’s Sea Otters
Sea otters survived hunters and near-extinction. But they can’t hide from “forever chemicals.”
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Hold the Sixth Extinction – For Now
A new study finds biodiversity loss is slowing, but not enough to celebrate yet.
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Sunny Side Up – and Laced with Forever Chemicals?
A California bill that would have banned PFAS in cookware was vetoed by Gov. Newsom. But what are PFAS and should you worry?
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news roundups:
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #8
12/10/2025: Saving habitats, not just charismatic species; brown pelican feeding frenzy delights biologists; Trump order blocking wind energy thrown out; herbicide study retracted and more…
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #7
12/3/2025: Tracking monarch butterflies, tracing birds to Central American forests, ancient wolf remains on remote island, farmers’ use of cover crops, forever chemicals in biosolids and more…
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #6
11/26/2025: Should nature have rights? A looming “insect apocalypse,” connecting the loss of frogs with malaria, climate summit (non-)results, copper mine waste in a Norwegian fjord, and more…
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #5
11/18/2025: Harbor seal escapes attack by orcas, beaver-built ponds attract pollinators, spiders build giant decoys to trick enemies, ocean bacteria break down plastics and more.
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #4
11/15/2025: Orcas hunt great white sharks, golden mussels overrunning the California Delta, more action needed for climate change, Louisiana communities lead pollution monitoring, and more…
https://ruththornton.substack.com
Weekly biodiversity and sustainability news #3
11/4/2025: Six new bat species described, protecting puffins in Maine, microplastic effects on soil health, eco-friendly agricultural practices in Chesapeake Bay, and more.…
https://ruththornton.substack.com
