Wildlife and the carbon cycle
Forests and wetlands have long been seen as key to storing carbon. But animals, too, can change how ecosystems capture and hold it. Roman Goergen asks if they could be vital climate allies
About Me
I am a journalist, specializing in the fields of science, conservation, environmental issues, ecology, biology, technology, and innovation. After having lived in Southern Africa for more than a combined 13 years, I made the move to London in 2021. Here I continue my coverage of African conservation efforts, while also exploring the scientific research conducted by academic institutions in my new host country.
My Work
Skinned for Profit
Millions of donkeys are slaughtered each year for use in traditional Chinese medicine — a trade that’s devastating many African communities.
Nature without precedent
‘Novel ecosystems’ – where human influence has radically changed the species present – are the new normal, writes Roman Goergen. These transformed landscapes present a new quandary for conservationists: what should we try to save?
Second-chance conservation
Roman Goergen reports on how cloning techniques are among those that have helped bring the black-footed ferret back from the edge of extinction, and asks whether genetic rescue can overcome the plague and politics of the prairie
Rabies at sea
After detecting a rabies outbreak in marine mammals, scientists are trying to determine whether the virus is now established in South Africa’s Cape fur seals – and, if so, how to stop it from spreading further
Podcast: The problem with CITES
We take an in-depth look at CITES, the international convention designed to protect wildlife by monitoring and regulating wildlife trade
This month we revisit an article from the April issue of Geographical magazine. Journalist Roman Goergen speaks to experts and campaigners from both within and outside CITES to find out why the agreement is cracking under the pressure. He discovers a world of bitter disputes between countries and campaigners and a workforce dealing with an impossible workload.
This month we revisit an article from the April issue of Geographical magazine. Journalist Roman Goergen speaks to experts and campaigners from both within and outside CITES to find out why the agreement is cracking under the pressure. He discovers a world of bitter disputes between countries and campaigners and a workforce dealing with an impossible workload.
Cross-border commuters
The increase in the number of sightings of young jaguars in the Southwestern United States is giving conservationists hope that breeding populations could return, but one big obstacle is the US–Mexico border wall, writes Roman Goergen
Owyesiga's Secret
Conservationists and wildlife authorities in Uganda are striving to reconnect an isolated group of chimpanzees with their kin, reports Roman Goergen
Predators and Politics
Conservationists are working with farmers to support rewilding in Portugal.
The future of desalination
The world’s drinking water supply is at risk and desalination plants are set to make more saltwater potable. But to make the process sustainable and affordable, new and improved technologies need to be further developed
It was the end of a fight that lasted for almost a decade. On 12 May 2022, the California Coastal Commission, which has a legal mandate to protect the coastline of the US state, voted to deny the building permit for a large seawater-desalination plant that was proposed to be ere
It was the end of a fight that lasted for almost a decade. On 12 May 2022, the California Coastal Commission, which has a legal mandate to protect the coastline of the US state, voted to deny the building permit for a large seawater-desalination plant that was proposed to be ere
