How Do Fungi Keep the Planet Healthy?

Mycorrhizal fungi networks, or the "wood wide web," function as a vital, invisible circulatory system connecting over 80% of terrestrial plant species. Evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers highlights how these fungi facilitate a complex underground economy where plants trade carbon for essential phosphorus, nitrogen, and water. These networks process approximately 13 billion tons of CO2 annually, playing a critical role in climate regulation and soil stability. Lacking a central nervous system, these fungi nonetheless exhibit sophisticated, strategic decision-making to optimize resource exchange, challenging traditional definitions of intelligence and individuality. Because 90% of mycorrhizal biodiversity hotspots currently lack protection, Kiers founded the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks to map these subterranean systems and advocate for their preservation, emphasizing that healthy soil ecosystems are fundamental to addressing global climate and biodiversity challenges.