Rich’s WebWorld

Biologist Steven Whitfield of Florida International University and his colleagues found a 75% drop in the total amount of amphibians over the past 35 years. It was thought that a vicious fungal infection — chytridiomycosis — had wiped out entire populations.

Many had taken this as a sure sign of global warming and a sign of future ecological problems. Higher temperatures must be creating the perfect environment for the fungus.

In a recent study, Whitfield and his colleagues found no sign of loss of habitat or fungal infection in their study area. “It appears that climate here is getting warmer and more consistently wet,” Whitfield says. “This may impact leaf litter by increasing rates of decomposition or decreasing rates of litter fall.”

Perhaps the best solution to this environmental problem is to raise carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere. After all, carbon dioxide is plant food. Plants combine it with water through photosynthesis to create the structure plants are made of.

For greenhouses, you can buy equipment to increase carbon dioxide levels. This can lead to an increase in plant growth of up to 100%. Instead of cutting CO₂ levels, we should increase it. More carbon dioxide would increase plant growth and therefore add more leaf litter.

Okay, everyone. Breathe harder!

– Rich Pulham