Short Wave Grasslands: The Unsung Carbon Hero
Sep 28, 2022
In this discussion, journalist Julia Rosen, who wrote about grasslands for The Atlantic, unveils the hidden ecological wonders of these vital ecosystems. Grasslands store about a third of the world's carbon, yet they face rapid decline. Julia highlights how these areas, rich in biodiversity with unique species like prairie dogs and bison, are crucial in the fight against climate change. She also addresses the misconception of valuing trees over grasslands and urges listeners to understand the importance of preserving these unsung landscapes.
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Journey into the Grasslands
- Aaron Scott and Julia Rosen discuss Rosen's visit to a shortgrass prairie in Colorado.
- Rosen describes the experience of being surrounded by miles of grass.
The Importance of Grasslands
- Grasslands, often overlooked due to their size, are crucial ecosystems.
- They support diverse life, including grazing animals and pollinators, and store significant carbon.
Disappearing Grasslands
- Grasslands are disappearing at an alarming rate, exceeding deforestation.
- Certain types, like tallgrass prairies and Texas prairies, have less than 1% remaining.