Tucson Standard

Earth Day serves as a reminder of the need for environmental conservation and sustainability. The University of Arizona's Biosphere 2 is dedicated to studying climate change and finding solutions for Earth's resilience, according to John Adams, deputy director of Biosphere 2.

The facility spans 3.14 acres and includes five synthetic ecosystems: rainforest, desert, savanna, mangrove, and ocean. Since its acquisition by UArizona in 2011, Biosphere 2 has expanded its research beyond the enclosed environment to include projects integrating agriculture and technology.

"Biosphere 2's mission is to understand natural and humanmade ecosystems through research for the betterment of all," said Joaquin Ruiz, director of Biosphere 2.

The rainforest section hosts over 100 species modeled after the Amazon Basin. In recent years, researchers have introduced coffee and cacao trees to study the impact of warmer temperatures on these crops. Joost Van Haren leads this research effort focusing on how rainforest canopies react to climate change.

In addition to terrestrial ecosystems, Biosphere 2 also houses a one-million-gallon ocean tank used for coral reef restoration studies. Diane Thompson is preparing this ocean environment for coral introduction by removing algae and introducing fish. The team uses Berghia stephanieae sea slugs to control pests like Aiptasia anemones.

Another focus area at Biosphere 2 is the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO), which examines how landscapes evolve from barren states into fertile environments. Aaron Bugaj notes that LEO aims to create simple systems that help understand water movement through landscapes.

Greg Barron-Gafford leads agrivoltaics projects at Biosphere 2 combining solar panels with crop growth to improve efficiency in both areas. This work includes collaborations with NextEra Energy Resources and involves native vegetation research under newly donated solar panels.

Biosphere 2 also collaborates with Freight Farms on vertical farming technology within hydroponic systems aimed at sustainable food production. Jason Deleeuw highlights that while these farms use minimal water, they require significant energy input—prompting efforts toward energy-efficient solutions using photovoltaic fields.

"In order to prosper as an interplanetary species," said Kai Staats from SAM (Space Analog for the Moon and Mars), "we must bring with us complex ingredients for agriculture." SAM simulates extraterrestrial environments facilitating bioregeneration experiments guided by insights from Biosphere 2's Controlled Environment Agriculture Center.

Finally, Trent Tresch directs spaceflight training programs at CHaSE (Center for Human Space Exploration) focusing on sustainable human presence in space through experiential learning initiatives supported by partnerships with NASA among others since its founding in November 2022.