Announcements

Mother Earth is sending us an urgent call to action as nature suffers from the devastating impacts of human activity. Our oceans are choked with plastic and acidifying, while extreme heat, wildfires, and floods have disrupted millions of lives. Climate change, deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, illegal wildlife trade, and other human-driven disruptions are accelerating the destruction of ecosystems and biodiversity. As we mark the third Mother Earth Day within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, it is clear that healthy ecosystems are vital for all life on Earth. Restoring damaged ecosystems can help end poverty, fight climate change, and prevent mass extinction, but success depends on everyone playing their part. Together, we must act now to heal our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

On this significant day, we are proud to present a curated collection of articles and initiatives dedicated to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions for protecting and restoring our planet. As we celebrate Mother Earth and reflect on the urgent need for action, these contributions highlight critical efforts to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainability. We invite readers to explore these resources and join us in our shared mission to safeguard the health of our planet for future generations. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure a thriving, resilient Earth for all.

Keynote Speakers

“The Conservation of Biodiverse and Threatened Dry Rainforest Plant Communities Is Vital in a Changing Climate”
by Marion Howard, Hilary Pearl, Bill McDonald, Yoko Shimizu, Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava and Alison Shapcott
Conservation 2024, 4(4), 657-684; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4040040

“Ten Years of Mediterranean Monk Seal Stranding Records in Greece under the Microscope: What Do the Data Suggest?”
by Maria Solanou, Aliki Panou, Irida Maina, Stefanos Kavadas and Marianna Giannoulaki
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091309

“Groundwater Temperature Stripes: A Simple Method to Communicate Groundwater Temperature Variations Due to Climate Change”
by Manuela Lasagna, Elena Egidio and Domenico Antonio De Luca
Water 2024, 16(5), 717; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050717

“Resilience of an Urban Coastal Ecosystem in the Caribbean: A Remote Sensing Approach in Western Puerto Rico”
by Yadiel Noel Bonilla-Roman and Salvador Francisco Acuña-Guzman
Earth 2024, 5(1), 72-89; https://doi.org/10.3390/earth5010004

“Particulate Matter in the American Southwest: Detection and Analysis of Dust Storms Using Surface Measurements and Ground-Based LIDAR”
by Joscelyne Guzman-Gonzalez, Rosa M. Fitzgerald, Nakul N. Karle, Ricardo K. Sakai and William R. Stockwell
Atmosphere 2024, 15(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15010110

“An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa”
by Gilbert Moyen Massa and Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki
Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 672; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020672

“The Effect of Habitat on Insect Movements: Experimental Evidence from Wild-Caught Butterflies”
by Matteo Marcantonio, Raluca Voda, Daniele Da Re, Quentin Igot, Roger L. H. Dennis, Aurélien Vielfaure, Sophie O. Vanwambeke and Caroline M. Nieberding
Insects 2023, 14(9), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14090737

“Artificial Reefs around the World: A Review of the State of the Art and a Meta-Analysis of Its Effectiveness for the Restoration of Marine Ecosystems”
by Carolina Bracho-Villavicencio, Helena Matthews-Cascon and Sergio Rossi
Environments 2023, 10(7), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments10070121

“Topography, Slope and Geomorphology’s Influences on Shoreline Dynamics along Dakar’s Southern Coast, Senegal”
by Ibrahima Pouye, Dieudonné Pessièzoum Adjoussi, Jacques André Ndione and Amadou Sall
Coasts 2023, 3(1), 93-112; https://doi.org/10.3390/coasts3010006

“Potential Use of Industrial Biomass Waste as a Sustainable Energy Source in the Future”
by Tomasz Kalak
Energies 2023, 16(4), 1783; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16041783

In commemoration of International Mother Earth Day, MDPI is organizing a special webinar to bring together researchers and experts to share their thoughts on raising awareness about the importance of environmental protection and addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, ecosystem recovery, and sustainable development.

The theme of the webinar revolves around fostering a deeper understanding of humanity’s role in preserving our planet for future generations, as well as the crucial roles of biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices in preserving our ecosystems for future generations. This webinar will provide a platform for meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange on the importance of climate change and the importance of the recovery of our ecosystems.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the MDPI International Mother Earth Day Webinar 2025. Please find an up-to-date outline of the presenters below.

Any interesting suggestions regarding topics and speakers are welcome.

Date: 22 April 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. CEST | 4:30 p.m. AEST | 2:30 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 878 0932 6864

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will inform you when the recording is available to watch.

Register now for free!

Program:

Webinar Speakers:

• Prof. Károly Németh, ¹ National Program of Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Saudi Geological Survey, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; ² Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, Sopron, Hungary; ³ Geoconservation Trust Aotearoa SW Pacific, Opotiki, New Zealand;
• Prof. Brendan Macke, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.

For more information about this webinar, please visit https://sciforum.net/event/MEDW2025?subscribe.

If you have any questions about this webinar, please contact journal.webinar@mdpi.com.

MDPI International Mother Earth Day Webinar Secretariat

The International Day of Human Space Flight, observed annually on 12 April, commemorates Yuri Gagarin’s historic 1961 spaceflight—the first human journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This milestone marked the dawn of human space exploration, fostering scientific and technological advancements that continue to benefit humanity. Space science and technology play a crucial role in sustainable development, atmospheric research, satellite communications, and global cooperation.

In recognition of the International Day of Human Space Flight, MDPI plans to celebrate the achievements of space exploration and the scientists and engineers who are driving innovation in aerospace and related fields. Through its open access publishing modal, MDPI ensures that cutting-edge research on space technologies, geosciences, and remote sensing is accessible to experts, decision-makers, and global audiences. By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, MDPI supports the continued advancement of space research, ensuring that outer space remains a shared frontier for peaceful and sustainable development.

“Use of Simulation for Pre-Training of Drone Pilots”
by Alexander Somerville, Timothy Lynar, Keith Joiner and Graham Wild
Drones 2024, 8(11), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8110640

“Aircraft Skin Machine Learning-Based Defect Detection and Size Estimation in Visual Inspections”
by Angelos Plastropoulos, Kostas Bardis, George Yazigi, Nicolas P. Avdelidis and Mark Droznika
Technologies 2024, 12(9), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies12090158

“Landsat 9 Thermal Infrared Sensor-2 (TIRS-2) Pre- and Post-Launch Spatial Response Performance”
by Rehman Eon, Brian N. Wenny, Ethan Poole, Sarah Eftekharzadeh Kay, Matthew Montanaro, Aaron Gerace and Kurtis J. Thome
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16061065

“Lineament Domain Analysis to Unravel Tectonic Settings on Planetary Surfaces: Insights from the Claritas Fossae (Mars)”
by Evandro Balbi and Fabrizio Marini
Geosciences 2024, 14(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences14030079

“Simulation of Human Movement in Zero Gravity”
by Adelina Bärligea, Kazunori Hase and Makoto Yoshida
Sensors 2024, 24(6), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24061770

“Enhancing Planetary Exploration through Digital Twins: A Tool for Virtual Prototyping and HUMS Design”
by Lucio Pinello, Lorenzo Brancato, Marco Giglio, Francesco Cadini and Giuseppe Francesco De Luca
Aerospace 2024, 11(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11010073

“Performance Estimate of a Spin-Stabilized Drag Sail for Spacecraft Deorbiting”
by Lorenzo Niccolai and Giovanni Mengali
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020612

“The Design of a Reaction Flywheel Speed Control System Based on ADRC”
by Jiachen Song, Jianguo Guo, Changtao Qin and Wanliang Zhao
Automation 2023, 4(3), 246-262; https://doi.org/10.3390/automation4030015

“Short-Term Prediction of 80–88 km Wind Speed in Near Space Based on VMD–PSO–LSTM”
by Shaoyi Yang, Hua Yang, Na Li and Zonghua Ding
Atmosphere 2023, 14(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14020315

“Enhanced Range and Endurance Evaluation of a Camber Morphing Wing Aircraft”
by Bruce W. Jo and Tuba Majid
Biomimetics 2023, 8(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8010034

MDPI will be attending the 52nd CAA International Conference in Athens, Greece, from 5 to 9 May 2025, at the University of West Attica in Athens, Greece.

CAA is an international organization that brings together archaeologists, mathematicians, and computer scientists. It aims to foster communication between these disciplines, provide an overview of the current developments in the field, and stimulate insightful discussions to drive future progress. For more information about CAA, you can visit the official website here.

CAA organizes an annual international scientific conference covering a wide range of topics, including data acquisition and recording, conceptual modelling, semantic technologies, data analysis, data management, digital 3D object reconstruction, image visualization in archaeology, geophysics, and GIS. The conference format includes thematic paper and poster sessions, as well as round tables and workshops. After the conference, papers presented can be submitted for publication in the peer-reviewed CAA proceedings. Conference proceedings have been published since 1973.

CAA 2025 promises to encourage collaboration and illuminate novel research and methodologies. The conference program will bridge disciplines, advance pioneering techniques, and showcase the latest technologies that are transforming our understanding of history.

We welcome you to visit the MDPI booth #6, where you can have face-to-face exchanges with our representatives, learn more about our open access publishing services, and acquire exciting gifts.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Heritage;
• Remote Sensing;
• Stats;
• Geomatics;
• Drones;
• Data;
• AI;
• Digital;
• Fossil Studies;
• Computers;
• AppliedMath;
• Journal of Cybersecurity and Privacy (JCP).

If you plan to attend this conference, we invite you to visit our booth and converse with our delegates at the conference. We are excited to meet you in person and address any questions you may have. For further details about the conference, please visit the following website: https://2025.caaconference.org/.

MDPI is excited to announce its participation as an exhibitor at the 2025 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS), which will be held in Charlotte, USA, from 14 to 17 May 2025.

ICUAS 2025 will focus on the civil and public domain applications of unmanned aviation and its impact on society. This conference provides opportunities for collaboration and interaction across technical, regulatory, and legal communities.

The conference will focus on the following topics:

• Aerial manipulation;
• Bio-inspired aerial robots;
• Multi-UAV systems;
• Learning-based perception;
• Navigation and control;
• Autonomous operations.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Drones;
• Automation;
• Imaging;
• Actuators;
• Designs;
• Smart Cities;
• Applied Mechanics;
• Sensors;
• Aerospace;
• Standards;
• Biomimetics;
• Signals;
• Electronics;
• Remote Sensing;
• JSAN.

Discover how MDPI can support your research and academic goals. Our team will be at the booth to discuss MDPI’s submission process, editorial support, and the benefits of open access publishing. Plus, enjoy exciting gifts and exclusive resources available only at our booth!

If you are planning to attend the conference, we would love to connect with you! Our delegates are eager to meet you in person and answer any questions you may have. For more details about the conference, please visit the following website: https://uasconferences.com/2025_icuas/. We look forward to seeing you there!

22 March marks World Water Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. The theme for World Water Day 2025, “Glacier Preservation”, underscores the critical role glaciers play in sustaining life on Earth. Glaciers are vital natural reservoirs, providing meltwater that is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production, and the health of ecosystems. However, the rapid melting of glaciers due to climate change is creating uncertainty in water availability, with profound consequences for communities, economies, and the planet.

As glaciers shrink, the world faces increasing risks of water scarcity, disruption to ecosystems, and heightened vulnerability to natural disasters. Protecting these frozen water resources is not just an environmental imperative but a necessity for ensuring a sustainable future.

Echoing the mission of safeguarding glaciers for generations to come, MDPI’s established journals in the Environmental and Earth Sciences field serve as leading platforms for scientific communication. By sharing cutting-edge research and practical solutions, MDPI contributes to global efforts to address the water crisis and protect these invaluable natural assets.

Join us in celebrating World Water Day 2025 and supporting initiatives that prioritize glacier preservation. Together, we can work toward a future where water resources are protected, ecosystems thrive, and communities are resilient in the face of climate challenges.

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

“Physical Vulnerability of The Gambia’s Coastline in the Context of Climate Change”
by Muhammad Leroy Albert Gomez, Kissao Gnandi, Chrétien Ngouanet, Ibrahima Pouye and Joshua Ntajal
World 2025, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6010017

“Segmentation of Glacier Area Using U-Net through Landsat Satellite Imagery for Quantification of Glacier Recession and Its Impact on Marine Systems”
by Edmund Robbins, Robert D. Breininger, Maxwell Jiang, Michelle Madera, Ryan T. White and Nezamoddin N. Kachouie
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(10), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12101788

“Evaluating Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Water Scarcity Mitigation in Small Greek Islands under Climate Change”
by Elissavet Feloni and Panagiotis T. Nastos
Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062592

“Snow Water Equivalent Monitoring—A Review of Large-Scale Remote Sensing Applications”
by Samuel Schilling, Andreas Dietz and Claudia Kuenzer
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16061085

“Ecosystem Services Supply from Peri-Urban Watersheds in Greece: Soil Conservation and Water Retention”
by Stefanos Stefanidis, Nikolaos Proutsos, Vasileios Alexandridis and Giorgos Mallinis
Land 2024, 13(6), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060765

“Comparison of Multiple Methods for Supraglacial Melt-Lake Volume Estimation in Western Greenland During the 2021 Summer Melt Season”
by Nathan Rowley, Wesley Rancher and Christopher Karmosky
Glacies 2024, 1(2), 92-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/glacies1020007

“Microbial Community Abundance and Metabolism Close to the Ice-Water Interface of the Blomstrandbreen Glacier (Kongsfjorden, Svalbard): A Sampling Survey Using an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle”
by Maria Papale, Gabriella Caruso, Giovanna Maimone, Rosabruna La Ferla, Angelina Lo Giudice, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Alessandro Cosenza, Filippo Azzaro, Roberta Ferretti, Rodolfo Paranhos et al.
Water 2023, 15(3), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15030556

“Projected Future Flooding Pattern of Wabash River in Indiana and Fountain Creek in Colorado: An Assessment Utilizing Bias-Corrected CMIP6 Climate Data”
by Swarupa Paudel, Neekita Joshi and Ajay Kalra
Forecasting 2023, 5(2), 405-423; https://doi.org/10.3390/forecast5020022

“Mountain Cryosphere Landscapes in South America: Value and Protection”
by Sebastián Ruiz-Pereira, Voltaire Alvarado Peterson and Darío Trombotto Liaudat
Conservation 2023, 3(1), 232-246; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation3010017

“Diversity and Variability of the Course of Ice Phenomena on the Lakes Located in the Southern and Eastern Part of the Baltic Sea Catchment Area”
by Rajmund Skowron, Pavel Kirvel, Adam Choiński and Ivan Kirvel
Limnol. Rev. 2023, 23(1), 33-49; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev23010003

Every 23 March, the World Meteorological Organization commemorates the coming into force of the convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization on 23 March 1950. This day highlights the critical role of meteorology in understanding and addressing global challenges, particularly the urgent threat of climate change. Climate change is a real and undeniable crisis that poses significant risks to our civilization. Its effects—rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting climate patterns—are already visible and will have catastrophic consequences if immediate action is not taken.

The theme for World Meteorological Day 2025, “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together”, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in strengthening early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities from climate-related disasters. Early warnings save lives, reduce economic losses, and empower societies to adapt to a changing climate. However, significant gaps remain in global coverage, particularly in developing regions.

Inspired by this mission and reflecting in line with Goal 13 of the SDG Publishers Compact: Climate Action, MDPI’s established journals in the environmental and Earth sciences field serve as vital platforms for scientific communication. By sharing cutting-edge research and practical solutions, MDPI contributes to global efforts to close the early warning gap and build a more climate-resilient world.

Join us in celebrating World Meteorological Day 2025 and supporting initiatives that strengthen early warning systems and address the impacts of climate change. Together, we can work toward a future where communities are better prepared, informed, and protected from the growing threats of a changing climate.

Invited speakers:

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

“Establishing an Early Warning System for Dust Storms in Peri-Desert Regions”
by Aishajiang Aili, Abdul Waheed, Xinfeng Zhao and Hailiang Xu
Environments 2024, 11(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11040061

“The Quality Urban Label and the 4Q City Model: Levers for Urban Adaptation and Climate Change Mitigation in Mediterranean Cities”
by Jordi Mazon
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040228

“Forecasting Convective Storms Trajectory and Intensity by Neural Networks”
by Niccolò Borghi, Giorgio Guariso and Matteo Sangiorgio
Forecasting 2024, 6(2), 326-342; https://doi.org/10.3390/forecast6020018

“Decoding the Atmosphere: Optimising Probabilistic Forecasts with Information Gain”
by John R. Lawson, Corey K. Potvin and Kenric Nelson
Meteorology 2024, 3(2), 212-231; https://doi.org/10.3390/meteorology3020010

“Climate-Change-Driven Droughts and Tree Mortality: Assessing the Potential of UAV-Derived Early Warning Metrics”
by Ewane Basil Ewane, Midhun Mohan, Shaurya Bajaj, G. A. Pabodha Galgamuwa, Michael S. Watt, Pavithra Pitumpe Arachchige, Andrew T. Hudak, Gabriella Richardson, Nivedhitha Ajithkumar, Shruthi Srinivasan et al.
Remote Sens. 2023, 15(10), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15102627

“Features of Soil Organic Carbon Transformations in the Southern Area of the East European Plain”
by Fedor N. Lisetskii, Zhanna A. Buryak, Olga A. Marinina, Pavel A. Ukrainskiy and Pavel V. Goleusov
Geosciences 2023, 13(9), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13090278

“Exact Expressions for Lightning Electromagnetic Fields: Application to the Rusck Field-to-Transmission Line Coupling Model”
by Vernon Cooray, Gerald Cooray, Marcos Rubinstein and Farhad Rachidi
Atmosphere 2023, 14(2), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14020350

“Advances in Monitoring of Hydrological and Ecological Processes Under Climate Change” Guest Editor: Dr. Haibo Wang Submission deadline: 20 June 2025	“Integrating Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Process-Based Modelling for Monitoring Environmental and Agricultural Landscapes Under Climate Change” Guest Editors: Dr. Michael Gbenga Ogungbuyi and Dr. Dimitrios D. Alexakis Submission deadline: 28 June 2025
“Enhancing Urban Sustainability and Well-Being in Developing Regions Facing Climate Change Impacts and Economic Constraints” Guest Editor: Dr. Aya Hagishima Submission deadline: 30 June 2025	“Tropical Cyclones and Their Impacts (2nd Edition)” Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Corene Matyas Submission deadline: 30 September 2025
“Early Career Scientists' (ECS) Contributions to Meteorology (2025)” Guest Editor: Dr. Edoardo Bucchignani Submission deadline: 30 November 2025	“Advancements in Artificial Intelligence for Bioaerosol Detection, Characterization, and Modeling” Guest Editors: Dr. Salvatore Romano and Dr. Mattia Fragola Submission deadline: 31 December 2025

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc., 2023, ECAS 2023 The 6th International Electronic Conference on Atmospheric Sciences Online | 15–30 October 2023 Organizer: MDPI Atmosphere Volume Editor: Anthony R. Lupo, University of Missouri, USA Full list of the conference proceedings

The International Day of Forests, observed annually on 21 March, highlights the indispensable role forests play in sustaining life on Earth. Forests are pillars of global food security and nutrition, providing livelihoods for millions of families worldwide. They are a vital source of essential foods for indigenous and rural communities, offering fruits, nuts, and other resources that are integral to their diets and cultures. Beyond food, forests are a cornerstone of sustainable energy, agriculture, and environmental health. They support pollinators, enrich soil, regulate the climate, and conserve biodiversity, making them critical to the balance of our planet's ecosystems. 

However, deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable practices threaten forests and the countless benefits they provide. In alignment with the 2025 theme for International Day of Forests, “Forests and Food” and Goal 13 of the SDG Publishers Compact: Climate Action,  MDPI’s established journals in Section “Environmental and Earth Sciences” serve as vital platforms for scientific communication to recognize the urgent need to protect and restore these natural treasures. 

Join us in celebrating International Day of Forests and supporting initiatives that protect these vital ecosystems. Together, we can work toward a future where forests continue to nourish and sustain life for generations to come. 

Invited speakers: 

  Feel free to register for this webinar here! 

“Forest Fire Prediction: A Spatial Machine Learning and Neural Network Approach”
by Sanjeev Sharma and Puskar Khanal
Fire 2024, 7(6), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire7060205 

“High-Severity Wildfires Alter Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Foraging Assemblage Structure in Montane Coniferous Forests and Grasslands in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, USA”
by Jonathan Knudsen, Robert Parmenter, Theodore Sumnicht and Robin Verble
Conservation 2024, 4(4), 830-846; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4040049 

“Aboveground Biomass and Carbon Storage in Mangrove Forests in Southeastern Mexico”
by Carlos Roberto Ávila-Acosta, Marivel Domínguez-Domínguez, César Jesús Vázquez-Navarrete, Rocío Guadalupe Acosta-Pech and Pablo Martínez-Zurimendi
Resources 2024, 13(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources13030041 

“A Nature-Based Approach Using Felled Burnt Logs to Enhance Forest Recovery Post-Fire and Reduce Erosion Phenomena in the Mediterranean Area”
by Giuseppe Bombino, Daniela D’Agostino, Pasquale A. Marziliano, Pedro Pérez Cutillas, Salvatore Praticò, Andrea R. Proto, Leonardo M. Manti, Giuseppina Lofaro and Santo M. Zimbone
Land 2024, 13(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13020236 

“Effects of Climate Change on Greek Forests: A Review”
by Panagiotis P. Koulelis, Nikolaos Proutsos, Alexandra D. Solomou, Evangelia V. Avramidou, Ermioni Malliarou, Miltiadis Athanasiou, Gavriil Xanthopoulos and Panos V. Petrakis
Atmosphere 2023, 14(7), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14071155 

“Assisted Migration of Sequoiadendron Genotypes for Conservation and Timber: Performance and Morphology in a Warmer Climate Outside of Their Range”
by Christopher M. Valness, William J. Libby and John-Pascal Berrill
Conservation 2023, 3(4), 543-568; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation3040035 

“Analysis of Accelerometer Data Using Random Forest Models to Classify the Behavior of a Wild Nocturnal Primate: Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus)”
by Amanda Hathaway, Marco Campera, Katherine Hedger, Marianna Chimienti, Esther Adinda, Nabil Ahmad, Muhammed Ali Imron and K. A. I. Nekaris
Ecologies 2023, 4(4), 636-653; https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies4040042 

“Pinus contorta Alters Microenvironmental Conditions and Reduces Plant Diversity in Patagonian Ecosystems”
by Rafael A. García, Eduardo Fuentes-Lillo, Lohengrin Cavieres, Ana J. Cóbar-Carranza, Kimberley T. Davis, Matías Naour, Martín A. Núñez, Bruce D. Maxwell, Jonas J. Lembrechts and Aníbal Pauchard
Diversity 2023, 15(3), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15030320 

“Characterizing the Change of Annual Cone Production in Longleaf Pine Forests”
by Xiongwen Chen and John L. Willis
Seeds 2023, 2(2), 220-231; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds2020017 

“Physiological Potential of Seeds of Handroanthus spongiosus (Rizzini) S. Grose (Bignoniaceae) Determined by the Tetrazolium Test”
by Jailton de Jesus Silva, Raquel Araujo Gomes, Maria Aparecida Rodrigues Ferreira, Claudineia Regina Pelacani and Bárbara França Dantas
Seeds 2023, 2(2), 208-219; https://doi.org/10.3390/seeds2020016

Glaciers are essential to the Earth’s ecosystem, playing a vital role as critical freshwater reservoirs and key indicators of the planet’s health. They provide water resources for millions of people, regulate global sea levels, and support unique ecosystems and biodiversity. However, these icy giants are in peril. Increasing global temperatures are driving glaciers to shrink rapidly, resulting in water shortages, higher sea levels, and a greater likelihood of floods and landslides. Recognizing their immense importance, the United Nations has declared 21 March the World Day for Glaciers, alongside the International Year of Glaciers 2025. These initiatives aim to raise global awareness about the urgent need to protect glaciers and address the challenges posed by climate change.

Aligned with the 2025 theme, “Glaciers: Guardians of Earth's Future”, MDPI’s established journals in the fields of environmental and earth sciences will serve as leading platforms for scientific communication. These journals foster collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and communities, promoting innovative solutions for glacier preservation and climate resilience. By sharing cutting-edge research and actionable insights, MDPI contributes to the global effort to safeguard these natural wonders and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Join us in celebrating the World Day for Glaciers and supporting scientific advancements that protect these irreplaceable guardians of our planet. Together, we can work toward a thriving Earth, where glaciers continue to sustain life and inspire awe.

Invited speakers:

	Dr. Abror Gafurov, German Research Centre for Geoscience, Potsdam, Germany Presentation: “Operational Cryosphere and Water Resources Monitoring Using MODSNOW: Examples from Central & South Asia”
	Dr. Danilo Godone, Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection, Perugia, Italy Presentation: “Geo-Hydrological Hazards Monitoring at High Elevation”

Feel free to register for this webinar here!

“Characteristics of Runoff Components in the Mingyong Glacier Basin, Meili Snow Mountains”
by Zichen Zhang, Lihua Wu, Jun Feng, Zhiwen Dong, Xiong Zhao, Yi Sun, Xiping Cheng, Liqin Dong and Tingting Liu
Water 2024, 16(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16070937

“Comparison of Machine Learning Models in Simulating Glacier Mass Balance: Insights from Maritime and Continental Glaciers in High Mountain Asia”
by Weiwei Ren, Zhongzheng Zhu, Yingzheng Wang, Jianbin Su, Ruijie Zeng, Donghai Zheng and Xin Li
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(6), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16060956

“Reconstructing the Relative Ice-Flow Chronology South of Lake Mistassini in Canada from New Ice-Flow Indicator Mapping”
by Mohamed El Amrani, Khadija Diani, Mohamed Hafedh Hamza, Mohamed Elhag, Said Courba, Afaf Amine, Moulay Ahmed Ben Driss, Lahcen Ousaid, Nabil Mdiker, Youssef Hahou et al.
Limnol. Rev. 2024, 24(4), 450-465; https://doi.org/10.3390/limnolrev24040026

“Extremely Cold Climate and Social Vulnerability in Alaska: Problems and Prospects”
by Elena A. Grigorieva, John E. Walsh and Vladimir A. Alexeev
Climate 2024, 12(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12020020

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