No. 125, March 26, 2020

Hello Revelator readers,

We don't know definitively yet where COVID-19 came from, but a growing body of research by scientists around the world shows that the more we continue to diminish biodiversity and raze wild lands, the bigger the threats will be to human health.

If you're thinking a walk in nature right now might be good for your health, you're not alone. Rural communities near popular parks, however, are urging people to stay home. Can we balance time outside with public safety?

Freshwater species are quickly disappearing, but a new study hopes to change that by proposing a plan that world leaders can help enact this year. Here's how it would work.

Subscriber bonus: The Wild 5

Here are five more stories we're watching this week.

1. Record warm temperatures are causing the worst coral-bleaching event yet in the Great Barrier Reef — the third major bleaching event in just five years.

2. The growing health crisis from COVID-19 hasn't slowed down the Trump administration's efforts to roll back environmental and health regulations.

3. Carbofuran, one of the deadliest pesticides, was pulled from U.S. shelves in 2009, but it's still killing birds and destroying entire food webs.

4. With large gatherings banned, climate activists are switching strategies to keep pressure on world leaders.

5. A new study of deep-sea shrimp has revealed that photophores — which are responsible for bioluminescence — can also detect light and act like rudimentary eyes all over the body.

In case you missed it:

Louisiana-based scientist and artist Brandon Ballengée is a master at turning environmental crises into something beautiful.

What should we cover next?

Our stories rely on insight from experts and readers around the world. Tell us about how the coronavirus is affecting your community and what you're doing to stay connected while keeping your distance. We want to hear from you, so please drop us a line anytime.

Coming up:

We'll have new stories about wolves, salmon and how to sharpen your backyard naturalist skills.

Look for our latest links in next Thursday's newsletter — or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the headlines as they go live.

As always, thank you for reading — and stay safe.