Long Overlooked as Crucial to Life, Fungi Start to Get Their Due
Summary
Yale Environment 360 reports that fungi are crucial to life, soil formation, carbon cycling, and the global economy, but remain underappreciated. The piece highlights the ecological role of mycorrhizal networks, the vast biodiversity unknowns (millions of species vs. tens of thousands described), and ongoing efforts (SPUN, Underground Explorers, Fungal Conservation Pledge) to elevate fungi to the same conservation status as other kingdoms. It also notes threats from climate change and development and points to fungi's medical and industrial importance.