Today’s Current Affairs: Bison Herd in Romania Could Offset CO2 Equal To 2 Million Cars
Researchers studying European bison in Romania have found that these large herbivores may be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. A herd of just 170 bison could store an amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent to taking nearly 2 million cars off the road for a year, according to a new model developed by scientists at the Yale School of the Environment.
1. What is the main finding of the study on European bison in Romania?
– A. They are not native to Europe
– B. Bison herds contribute to storing carbon dioxide
– C. Bison herds increase carbon emissions
– D. Bison reintroduction has no impact on ecosystems
Answer: B. Bison herds contribute to storing carbon dioxide
2. How many bison were studied in the research on European bison in Romania?
– A. 250 bison
– B. 1000 bison
– C. 170 bison
– D. 500 bison
Answer: C. 170 bison
3. Who was the lead author of the study on European bison in Romania?
– A. Alexander Lees
– B. Marine fish
– C. Professor Oswald Schmitz
– D. Sea otters
Answer: C. Professor Oswald Schmitz
4. What is the estimated amount of carbon dioxide that could be captured annually by protecting and restoring nine types of animals?
– A. 3 billion tons
– B. 6.4 billion tons
– C. 10 billion tons
– D. 1 billion tons
Answer: B. 6.4 billion tons
What did researchers find about European bison in Romania?
Researchers found that a herd of just 170 bison could store an amount of carbon dioxide equivalent to taking nearly 2 million cars off the road for a year.
Why are bison considered a powerful tool in the fight against climate change?
Bison help capture and store additional CO2 in the soil through their natural behaviors such as grazing grasslands evenly, recycling nutrients, dispersing seeds, and compacting the soil to prevent carbon release.
What did lead author Professor Oswald Schmitz say about the importance of bison in ecosystems?
Professor Oswald Schmitz stated that bison play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by restoring balance through their interactions with grassland and forest ecosystems.
What did Alexander Lees from Manchester Metropolitan University say about European bison reintroduction?
Alexander Lees mentioned that European bison reintroduction can serve as a nature-based climate solution with significant biodiversity conservation benefits.
What did the recent study estimate about protecting and restoring specific types of animals?
The study estimated that protecting and restoring nine types of animals, including American bison, could result in capturing an additional 6.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the yearly emissions of the United States.
Today's current affairs bring exciting news from Romania, where researchers have discovered that a herd of just 170 bison could have a significant impact on fighting climate change. According to a study from the Yale School of the Environment, these majestic animals could store a staggering amount of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing nearly 2 million cars from the road for a year. The model developed by scientists highlights the crucial role of wildlife conservation in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By grazing grasslands evenly, recycling nutrients, dispersing seeds, and compacting soil, bison play a vital role in capturing and storing CO2. The reintroduction of European bison to the Arcu Mountains in 2014 has already proven successful, with one of the largest free-roaming populations in Europe now thriving in the region. This research underscores the importance of 'rewilded' bison as climate heroes and biodiversity conservation allies.
