Science is for everyone.
Remember that place that eight people got sealed into for two years in the nineties for “research purposes”? Well that place is now a state-of-the-art research center for the University of Arizona. For Biosphere 2’s member newsletter I wrote copy that simplified complex research to better engage their audience (aka: I irritated many already tired scientists with lots of questions).
Overall, the open rate increased 8% over six months, and each email saw an increase in CTR for donations.
Subject: The rainforest research happening in the Sonoran Desert
How do you effectively conduct rainforest research in a desert that gets, on average, just 11 inches of rain per year? This month we're taking you to the world's only tropical rainforest located in the middle of a desert to explore how researchers come together at Biosphere 2 to investigate, protect and celebrate one of life's most essential biomes.
Subject: Watershed Moments: Discover the Landscape Evolution Observatory at Biosphere 2
At first glance, it might not seem like there’s much to observe in Biosphere 2’s Landscape Evolution Observatory. Seeing it, you might wonder what makes three identical hillslopes covered in soil as interesting as some of the other research facilities at Biosphere 2. It turns out—a lot of things! When you’re looking at LEO, you’re looking at the world’s largest earth science project and a bold vision for the future of climate research.
Like a sort of time machine, LEO allows scientists to start an ecosystem from the beginning of time and observe how it changes. This offers a unique opportunity to isolate an entire ecosystem and control the environmental factors, which researchers are hoping will lead to some revelatory research when it comes to our changing climate.
Subject: Why Mangroves Can’t Be Overlooked in Conservation Efforts
Easily overlooked, but never to be underestimated, this month we're spotlighting the beauty and necessity of mangroves. These amazing intertidal trees are like ecological Swiss army knives! They serve as carbon sinks, fresh water stores, buffers against erosion, and nurseries for many animal species during the beginning stages of their life cycle. Many coastal communities and animals rely on these trees, which is why scientists are concerned that approximately 20% of mangrove forests have been destroyed since the 1980s.
Subject: The world’s coral reefs are in hot water
Coral reefs are one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Despite covering only 0.2% of the sea floor, over 25% of all marine life depends on it, and goods and services related to coral generate over $2.7 trillion dollars per year in revenue. The loss of these animals could have massively devastating consequences, and yet, if climate change continues on its current trajectory, they will go extinct by the mid century.
In fact, as much as 50% of the world’s coral have already been lost, and they have currently been assessed as having the most rapid increase of extinction risk by the Global Biodiversity Outlook. As a result, scientists are racing against the clock to do everything they can to mitigate and reverse the loss of coral. And while they’ve made massive strides, they need the help of those who are willing to advocate and take action for their conservation.