La instalación de plataformas vegetales en una laguna de aguas residuales permitió disminuir los niveles de nitrógeno y metano. El estudio, realizado por el Instituto Real de Tecnología de Melbourne (Australia) en la isla Phillip (Australia), mostró una reducción del 22 % en los gases de efecto invernadero. El 19 de marzo de 2026, se implementó un sistema de humedales flotantes en una laguna de retención de aguas residuales para comprobar su eficacia en la mejora de la calidad del agua y la reducción de emisiones contaminantes.

Investigadores australianos, en colaboración con organismos asociados, instalaron plataformas prefabricadas cubiertas de especies vegetales autóctonas sobre la superficie de la laguna. El experimento evidenció una disminución de la contaminación y de los gases de efecto invernadero en la zona intervenida.

Los datos obtenidos durante el estudio señalaron que la zona con humedales artificiales presentó niveles de nitrógeno un 12 % más bajos que otras áreas similares expuestas a procesos convencionales de tratamiento. Además, la presencia de plantas como junco articulado y carrizo común contribuyó a un descenso del metano y otros gases asociados a la descomposición de materia orgánica.

Según la revista científica Science, el éxito de la intervención se midió comparando directamente zonas con y sin humedales flotantes; la medición mostró que se logró reducción del 22 % en los gases de efecto invernadero, especialmente por una caída en las emisiones de metano, detectada en solo 4 meses. Los autores aclaran que la extrapolación a otras lagunas requiere cautela, ya que los resultados pueden variar según la composición del agua y las especies utilizadas.

La técnica de humedales flotantes surge como alternativa a la infraestructura tradicional de tratamiento de aguas residuales. De acuerdo con la revista, la descomposición microbiana de nutrientes en aguas residuales genera entre 7 % y 10 % de las emisiones globales de metano y óxido nitroso, gases cuyo potencial para retener calor supera ampliamente al dióxido de carbono. Por esto, el uso de plantas acuáticas para filtrar contaminantes se reconoce como una vía menos costosa que las instalaciones convencionales.

Las plataformas instaladas cubrieron un área equivalente a 2 canchas de tenis y se diseñaron con materiales resistentes para soportar el peso de las plantas y el contacto permanente con el agua. El sistema permitió que las raíces de las especies vegetales absorbieran nutrientes y retuvieran físicamente residuos presentes en el agua, lo que favoreció la disminución de contaminantes y la mejora de la transparencia.

Según el portal, la red radicular de los humedales artificiales creó microhábitats que favorecieron la proliferación de microorganismos capaces de metabolizar gases de efecto invernadero. Este proceso, junto con la acción de las plantas, ralentizó el ascenso de burbujas y disolvió gases antes de que escaparan a la atmósfera. La cobertura vegetal funcionó además como barrera física y bloqueó la liberación directa de emisiones, reforzando la eficacia del sistema.

El estudio, liderado por Lukas Schuster, científico ambiental del Instituto Real de Tecnología de Melbourne (Australia), incluyó mediciones periódicas de calidad del agua y gases en diferentes puntos de la laguna. Los resultados indicaron que, tras 7 meses, las emisiones de dióxido de carbono y óxido nitroso también descendieron, aunque la mayor diferencia se observó en las emisiones de metano.

El costo total del proyecto ascendió a USD 234.010, cifra que comprende la construcción de las plataformas y la plantación de especies autóctonas. La inversión fue menor que la requerida para mejoras convencionales en infraestructura de plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales. Schuster subrayó que este enfoque constituye una “solución basada en la naturaleza”.

La alternativa de humedales flotantes permitió disminuir la carga de nutrientes y las emisiones de gases, además de facilitar la proliferación de plantas nativas en ambientes urbanos. Los expertos consideran que el método podría extenderse a otras regiones para mejorar la gestión de aguas residuales y preservar ecosistemas locales.

A pesar de los resultados obtenidos, especialistas como Jan Vymazal, químico del agua en la Universidad Checa de Ciencias de la Vida de Praga (República Checa), han solicitado más estudios para precisar la composición del agua y los mecanismos que explican la reducción observada en las emisiones. Science recogió su opinión, añadiendo que la duda central radica en identificar qué procesos exactos dentro del humedal flotante originan la disminución específica de metano y otros gases, y si estos pueden replicarse en diferentes contextos ambientales.

El equipo australiano continuará con la monitorización del humedal flotante y evaluará su impacto en el largo plazo. Schuster expresó que las mediciones apuntan a una reducción sostenida de contaminantes y a la promoción de biodiversidad en entornos urbanos. Además del descenso de nutrientes y gases, se prevé que las plataformas ayuden a reducir la presencia de metales tóxicos y otros elementos dañinos.

Según la revista científica, las plantas acuáticas filtran contaminantes mediante la absorción de nutrientes y el atrapamiento de residuos, mientras que el diseño modular de las plataformas permite adaptarlas a distintos tipos de lagunas y cuerpos de agua. Las autoridades locales ya manifestaron interés en expandir el uso de humedales flotantes en otras instalaciones similares.

The United States stood alone at the United Nations in early March after a European-led procedural move blocked a vote on defining gender in biological terms at one of the world’s leading forums on women’s rights.

At the conclusion of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, the U.S. was the only country to oppose the body’s annual «Agreed Conclusions,» citing concerns that the language departs from biological definitions of women and girls. No other member state voted with the United States.

At the center of the dispute is how the United Nations defines «gender.» Current U.N. frameworks, rooted in the 1995 Beijing Declaration, do not provide a fixed definition and instead rely on evolving interpretations tied to broader concepts of gender identity, according to EU officials. 

The U.S. proposal sought to anchor the term explicitly in biological sex.

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The U.S. introduced a resolution titled «Protection of women and girls through appropriate terminology,» which sought to clarify how gender is understood across U.N. policy.

The draft states that the term «gender» should be interpreted «according to its ordinary, generally accepted usage, as referring to men and women.» 

The proposal never reached a vote. Belgium, speaking on behalf of the European Union, introduced a «no action motion,» a procedural tool that blocks debate and prevents a proposal from being considered. 

The motion passed, halting the U.S. resolution before it reached the floor.

That distinction carries practical implications. U.N. language shapes global standards tied to development funding, humanitarian programs, education policy and anti-discrimination frameworks.

Bethany Kozma, director of global affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, told Fox News Digital the move reflects a broader effort to shut down debate at the U.N.

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The Belgian flag is photographed in Antwerp, Belgium, on May 17, 2015. (Photo by Michael Jacobs/Art in All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images)

«While our redlines were ignored, the United States Government will not stand by and watch as malicious forces misuse multilateral organizations to promote their ideologies and social agendas, obstructing nations’ abilities to exercise their national sovereignty,» Kozma said. «We will always protect women and girls from dangerous gender ideology and affirm biological truth.»

She added that the decision to block the vote was driven by political calculation.

«The EU blocked our resolution to define gender to mean men and women at the U.N. because they feared we would win and they would lose,» Kozma said. «We will not give up on doing what is right for women and girls. Even if we stand alone like we did at the U.N. last week, we will always stand to protect women and girls from dangerous radical gender ideology and always affirm biological truth.»

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Delegates attend a United Nations Security Council meeting on Feb. 24, 2026, in New York City. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

A State Department official, speaking on background, described the move as part of a broader coordinated effort led by European countries.

«These are procedural games that these countries are not prepared for,» the official said, referring to smaller delegations that may lack guidance on complex procedural votes.

The official said the maneuver allowed opponents to block a vote despite what the U.S. believed was growing support. These claims could not be independently verified.

The European Union rejected the U.S. criticism, saying the proposal was flawed and rushed.

«The draft resolution presented by the U.S. was factually incorrect,» said David Jordens, spokesperson for Belgium’s foreign ministry, adding that it «misquotes and contradicts» language agreed to in the 1995 Beijing Declaration.

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The United Nations in New York City. (iStock)

«While the EU respects member states’ prerogative to put forward new initiatives for consideration, CSW members should not be forced to rush a decision on an issue of this importance by the unilateral initiative of one member state, without any prior consultations or negotiations,» Jordens said.

He added that «there is no universally agreed definition of the term ‘gender’. As reflected in the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women, the term was understood in accordance with its ordinary and generally accepted usage, without establishing a fixed or exhaustive definition. The United Nations should continue to approach gender equality in an inclusive and forward-looking manner, respectful of diversity. Any effort to revisit or reinterpret internationally agreed language must take place through broad, transparent consultations with the full membership.»

A Democratic candidate in a key Wisconsin battleground is highlighting support from a major environmental group as her Republican opponent warns the endorsement could drive up energy costs and hurt farmers.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., blasted Democratic challenger Rebecca Cooke’s endorsement by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Action Fund, arguing it signals policies that could raise costs for farmers and rural communities.

«Rebecca Cooke is completely out of touch with Wisconsin, touting an endorsement from the radical NRDC,» Van Orden told Fox News Digital. «It’s a clear sign of how quickly she’ll sell out Wisconsin farm families to please Washington Democrats.»

«Farmers and businesses across Wisconsin have time and again rejected the radical Green New Deal because it would increase the price of fertilizer, diesel and cover up more of our black dirt with solar wastelands,» he said. 

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The clash underscores how energy costs and their impact on Wisconsin’s farm economy are emerging as a central fault line in one of the most competitive House races in the country, where control of the chamber could hinge on battleground districts like the 3rd.

Cooke, who is challenging Van Orden in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, recently touted the NRDC Action Fund endorsement.

«Growing up on a dairy farm I know how important it is to be steward to the land, I want to protect Western Wisconsin’s natural resources and ensure the next generation has clean air and clean water,» Cooke wrote following the endorsement. «Investing in clean energy will create good-paying local jobs and help lower costs for working families. I’ll work with anyone to strengthen our economy and help strengthen our community.»

Jed Ober, managing director of the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund, said the group is «proud to support her campaign for Congress,» adding that Cooke «will be a champion for working families who are worried about rising energy costs.»

The Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund is the political arm of the environmental advocacy group focused on climate and conservation issues.

Van Orden criticized Cooke’s embrace of the endorsement, telling Fox News Digital, «Rebecca Cooke is completely out of touch with Wisconsin, touting an endorsement from the radical NRDC. It’s a clear sign of how quickly she’ll sell out Wisconsin farm families to please Washington Democrats.» 

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«Farmers and businesses across Wisconsin have time and again rejected the radical Green New Deal because it would increase the price of fertilizer, diesel, and cover up more of our black dirt with solar wastelands.»

«Energy prices are out of control in western Wisconsin because of Derrick Van Orden’s failed leadership. He voted to increase electricity costs while handing out tax breaks to the ultra-rich,» Cooke responded in a statement to Fox News Digital. «He’s cheerleading a war of choice in the Middle East that sent the prices of gas and diesel skyrocketing in less than a month. It’s hurting our farmers who have already been hit hard by the tariffs Van Orden has supported every step of the way.»

The Natural Resources Defense Council has backed efforts to curb fossil fuel production, including supporting restrictions on hydraulic fracturing and praising the Biden administration’s pause on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals.

Republicans and industry groups argue those kinds of policies can raise energy costs in states like Wisconsin, where agriculture and fuel prices are closely linked.

Diesel powers much of the nation’s farm equipment, while fertilizer production is closely tied to natural gas — making energy prices a key concern for farmers.

Democrats argue that investments in clean energy can benefit rural communities through job creation and lower utility costs over time.

Rebecca Cooke, who is challenging Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, recently touted an endorsement from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Action Fund. (Provided by the office of Congressman Derrick Van Orden)

While Wisconsin does not have significant hydraulic fracturing operations, it plays a major role in the industry as a leading producer of silica sand used in fracking nationwide, meaning changes in domestic energy production can affect parts of the state’s economy.

The Natural Resources Defense Council also has opposed projects like the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline, which transports oil and natural gas liquids through the Great Lakes region. Supporters, including some industry and labor groups, say the pipeline is critical to maintaining reliable and affordable energy supplies in the Midwest, while environmental groups have raised concerns about environmental risks.

Cooke also received support from prominent Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Van Orden criticized Cooke’s embrace of the endorsement, telling Fox News Digital, «Rebecca Cooke is completely out of touch with Wisconsin, touting an endorsement from the radical NRDC. It’s a clear sign of how quickly she’ll sell out Wisconsin farm families to please Washington Democrats. (iStock)

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The race between Cooke and Van Orden is expected to be highly competitive, with both parties viewing Wisconsin’s 3rd District as a key battleground that could help determine control of the House. 

With control of the chamber at stake, energy costs and their impact on Wisconsin’s farm economy are poised to be a central fault line in the race.