On June 5, people around the globe came together to mark World Environment Day - the United Nations’ flagship day for encouraging awareness and action to protect our environment. Established in 1972, this annual event has grown into the largest international platform for environmental outreach, engaging millions of people in more than 150 countries. 

Each year, World Environment Day shines a spotlight on a specific environmental theme. In 2025, the focus is on ecosystem restoration and how we can all play a part in healing our planet. Across our Research Communities, researchers are sharing their work on some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Here are a few thought-provoking Behind the Paper posts that explore these topics in depth.

Tracking Lake Changes Through the Seasons

How do seasonal patterns influence our freshwater ecosystems and how closely are they tied to where people live? @Luoqi Li reveals that lake-surface-extent dynamics across the globe are shaped more by seasonal variation than by long-term trends, with a striking alignment to human settlements, as published in Nature. Explore how climate patterns and human presence interact to reshape water landscapes in this Behind the Paper video post . 

When the Ocean Comes In: A New Risk for Coastal Food Systems 

As sea levels continue to rise, a hidden crisis is unfolding for coastal aquaculture. This Behind the Paper post by @Marina Christofidis , @Caitie Kuempel  and @Mitchell Lyons   explores new research that highlights how saltwater intrusion is jeopardizing terrestrial aquaculture systems, putting global food production and coastal economies under pressure. Read the full insights from the researchers here. 

Short-Term Climate Shocks, Long-Term Management Headaches

Even small climate shifts can lead to big problems for fisheries. In this Behind the Paper post, which reflects upon an article in Nature Communications, @Frédéric Cyr reveals how unpredictable environmental changes are stressing both ecosystems and decision-makers, and why more agile management tools are urgently needed. Explore their insights here.

Green Spaces, Healthy Minds: The Power of Urban Biodiversity 

Could a walk in a biodiverse park be just what the mind needs? New research featured in this Behind the Paper post by @Cong Xia reveals that natural spaces rich in biodiversity near cities are linked to better mental health outcomes. It's not just access to green space that matters, but the variety of life within it. Discover how nature’s richness supports human well-being here. 

Celebrating Science for a Healthier Planet

Written by @Alakananda Karthick, this post marks World Environment Day by spotlighting research published in Springer Nature journals and books from researchers tackling the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges - from climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution and ecosystem resilience. Join the conversation and explore the full post here.

For more stories that illuminate how research is shaping a more sustainable future, visit the Behind the Paper channel.  

Curious to explore beyond environmental science? Discover more highlights from across our Communities: 

• Highlights from Mathematics, Physical, and Applied Sciences Communities 

• Highlights from Medicine and Life Sciences Research Communities 

• Highlights from the Humanities and Social Sciences Communities

Let’s celebrate the role of science in driving positive change - for our planet and our future.