In this issue

	ECOS Issue 183

Features

More or less? Climate change explains ‘the ice conundrum’ Arctic sea ice is disappearing at an unprecedented rate, reaching record lows in September 2012. Yet in Antarctica, the sea ice reached a record high in the same month. Is the expansion of Antarctic sea ice evidence against global warming, as some observers have suggested? Learn more

Can urban farms feed city and soul? Green walls, rooftop vegetable gardens and balcony growing systems are capturing the imagination of city-dwellers everywhere. But is it time for a reality check on the viability of producing food in urban environments? Learn more

Carbon farming could restore Australia's southern coastal wetlands
Australia’s southern coastal wetlands are more diverse than most people realise. In a recent paper, Paul Boon suggests they provide valuable ecological services that exceed those of inland wetland ecosystems. But these wetlands face enormous pressures from urban development and climate change. Fifty per cent of coastal wetlands have been lost from the east coast of Australia.
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Satellite imagery helps track tree-cover and carbon Technology developed by CSIRO that makes use of satellite data to provide the most detailed maps yet of changes to Australia's forest and land-cover is enabling more accurate measurements of the carbon emissions prevented through preserving forest or replanting cleared land. Learn more

Community-powered science to keep Aussie icons standing
Rolling fields dotted with sheep and majestic old gum trees form a quintessential part of the Australian landscape. These paddock trees perform a critical, under-appreciated role in improving farm viability and conserving biodiversity. Through the power of social media, a volunteer army of citizen scientists has been helping in the research effort to preserve these icons.
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