Fall 2009

There is nothing humans do that transforms the world more than agriculture. The spread of agriculture is the single biggest shock ecosystems have seen since the end of the last ice age. And there’s nothing humans do that is more crucial to the survival of our species. Here’s the dilemma: As the world anticipates a few billion more people in the next few decades, we’ll need to do even more of it. More >>

A New World Map

Biomes are vegetation types that ecologists use to map the planet, yet these biomes exist only at the discretion of nearly 7 billion people. More>>

Into the Wild

There are just two major, intact virgin woodlands that remain today. Both play distinct roles in shaping our global environment. More>>

Global Warnings

To many people, the term “tipping point” suggests The Day After Tomorrow-type ice storms. But there are tipping points in ecosystems, too. More>>

Community: Giant Steps

Cargill has suffered its share of criticism from environmentalists, but this agribusiness giant has responded with strides toward sustainability. More>>

Connections: Branching Out

University of Minnesota professor Peter Reich and his colleagues are working to manage, and reimagine, the future of our northern forests. More>>

Standout: Eco-nomics

Stanford University conservation biologist Gretchen Daily is helping policymakers and the public recognize the economic worth of nature. More>>

Viewpoints:
Yielding Questions

Noted biofuel experts John Sheehan and Joe Fargione debate the issues surrounding greenhouse gas emissions from land use change. More>>

Voices: Environment 2.0

See some shining examples of how Web 2.0 can enhance environmental discourse, from spreading awareness to inspiring action. More>>

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in Momentum are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Institute on the Environment or the University of Minnesota.