Forget the barren savannas - new research unveils a surprising truth: Southeast Asian forests held their ground during past ice ages, hinting at remarkable resilience against future climate shifts. This discovery, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) , challenges long-held theories and offers hope for the region's natural treasures.
Hidden Diversity, Untapped Potential:
Instead of a uniform green blanket, the study paints a picture of rich biodiversity. Rainforests, seasonally dry forests, and montane forests thrived side-by-side, forming a mosaic of "stepping stones" for adaptation. This ecosystem diversity, researchers argue, is crucial for weathering climatic storms.
Conservation: The Weapon of Choice
"Preserving these diverse forest types is paramount," stresses lead author Rebecca Hamilton. "They hold hidden potential for adapting to climate change." Conservationists echo this sentiment, urging the protection of well-connected forest networks across the region.
A sediment core taken from a lakebed in the Philippines. Image courtesy of Patrick Roberts.
Noel Amano, a co-author of the study, classifies animal bones to provide evidence on what ecosystems were extant in the past. Image courtesy of the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology.
Unlocking the Past, Shaping the Future
This research is more than just rewriting history. It sheds light on human migration patterns and pinpoints crucial genetic diversity hotspots. By understanding the past, we can guide conservation efforts and create a more resilient future for Southeast Asia's irreplaceable forests.
Key Takeaways
Southeast Asian forests adapted to past climate shifts, suggesting greater resilience.
Diverse forest types are crucial for future adaptation.
Conservation of connected forests is essential for combating climate change.
Human activity poses a major threat, but traditional practices offer insights.
Understanding the past is key to shaping a sustainable future for the region's forests.
I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how to
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understand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia.
I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine.
I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan"
I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacy
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