🌳 Everything forests do for us

Tuesday 1/6: Sponsored by Wild Alaskan Company - Climate change safehavens, sunset of the day, and why forests are important

January 06, 2026

Tuesday

“This year, let’s do less harm and more good.”

In today’s issue, we’ll take a look at:

  • Natural safe havens could help species survive warming

  • Everything forests do for us

  • A “fresh” seafood myth debunked

  • Sunset of the day in Pittsburgh

True or False?

Cooking more meals at home usually results in less packaging waste.

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

Natural Safe Havens Could Help Species Survive Warming

Even as climate change reshapes ecosystems, researchers are finding something quietly hopeful: not every place is warming in the same way. Scattered across changing landscapes are “climate refuges”: areas that stay cooler, wetter, or more stable, giving plants and animals a better chance to adapt.

The idea took shape in California’s Sierra Nevada, where scientists noticed some mountain meadows held onto moisture longer than others. Those pockets became lifelines for species like Belding’s ground squirrels and foothill yellow-legged frogs, which depend on cool, shaded, water-rich environments. Small differences (tree cover, nearby lakes, or cool air pooling in valleys) made a big impact.

Since then, researchers have mapped similar refuges worldwide. In New England, they’re helping protect vulnerable grassland birds. In British Columbia, cooler forests and wetlands may support moose and caribou as fires and drought increase. In East Africa, water-holding landscapes could help elephants, lions, and giraffes endure longer dry seasons.

By identifying and protecting these places from added stress like development or pollution, scientists say we can buy ecosystems something invaluable: time, while broader climate solutions catch up.

Everything Forests Do for Us

Forests cover nearly a third of the planet, but it’s easy to overlook how much they do every day. They’re not just places for hikes and fall photos. They’re essential systems that keep life running smoothly.

Trees help us breathe by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while also cooling cities and landscapes through shade and temperature regulation. Large forests even influence rainfall, supporting farms and communities far beyond their borders. Underground, roots prevent flooding, filter polluted runoff, and help refill aquifers that supply drinking water.

Forests are also biodiversity hubs. Nearly half of Earth’s known species live in them, creating balanced ecosystems that pollinate crops, control pests, and keep soil healthy. When forests disappear, those systems break down fast.

People rely on forests, too. Hundreds of millions depend on them for food, medicine, jobs, and materials like paper and wood. When managed responsibly, forests can provide these resources for generations.

And then there’s the quieter benefit: forests calm us. They reduce noise, lower stress, and give us space to slow down and reconnect. Protecting forests isn’t just about nature. It’s about protecting the systems that support us all.

The “Fresh” Seafood Myth You’ve Probably Fallen For

A lot of people think frozen seafood is the backup plan — something you buy when you can’t get it fresh. But here’s the truth: when it comes to quality, frozen can actually be fresher than what’s behind the grocery store counter.

Most “fresh” fish has already been frozen for transport, and is then thawed for display (sometimes even thawed and refrozen many times!). By the time you see it on ice at the seafood counter, it may have been sitting there for days. Not exactly what you pictured when you thought “fresh,” right?

For fish that’s truly fresh, “frozen” should be your go-to choice. Wild Alaskan Company freezes wild-caught seafood from Alaska just hours after harvest, locking in peak flavor, texture, and nutrients — perfectly preserved until you’re ready to cook.

It’s not a shortcut. It’s the smart way to enjoy top-quality seafood at its best.

Thank you to Wild Alaskan Company for sponsoring The Canopy.

Sunset of the Day in Pittsburgh

The Canopy reader Leighy caught this glowing sky over a frozen lake in North Park, Pittsburgh, where the late winter sun dipped low behind the hills. Wisps of gold and pale blue stretch across the clouds, adding warmth to the icy stillness below.

Thanks to Leighy for sharing this peaceful Pittsburgh sunset. Have a sunset or snapshot you’d love to share? We’d love to see it! Send it our way for a chance to be featured in The Canopy.

Image courtesy of The Canopy reader, Leighy.

Quick Picks:

From adorable animals to smarter cooking, here are today’s trending eco-finds:

Reflections:

🌎 True or False: True, especially if you shop in bulk or use fewer processed foods.

🌅 Sunset Of The Day: The sun can provide the most beautiful photography. That's why we're eager to see your favorite sunrise or sunset photos. Reply to this email with your best sun-based pictures for a chance to be featured!