Fungi Must Be Included in Impact Assessments

Fungi play a critical role in ecosystem functioning and must be incorporated into environmental impact assessments, according to a perspective piece published in Nature on June 23, 2026. The authors contend that current assessment methodologies often overlook the significant contributions of fungi to soil health, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. This omission can lead to incomplete or inaccurate evaluations of environmental changes and the potential consequences of human activities.

The article highlights that fungi, including mycorrhizal networks and decomposers, are essential for plant growth and the decomposition of organic matter. These processes are fundamental to maintaining soil structure, fertility, and the overall health of terrestrial ecosystems. Without considering fungal communities, assessments may fail to predict the long-term impacts of land use changes, pollution, or climate shifts on ecosystem resilience and services.

Researchers emphasize that integrating fungal assessments requires developing standardized methodologies and incorporating fungal diversity and functional roles into ecological models. This approach would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how different environmental pressures affect ecosystems. The authors suggest that by acknowledging and quantifying the impact of fungi, policymakers and environmental managers can make more informed decisions to protect biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.

The publication in Nature, a leading scientific journal, underscores the growing recognition within the scientific community of fungi's vital ecological significance. The call for their inclusion in impact assessments signals a potential shift in how environmental evaluations are conducted, aiming for a more holistic and accurate representation of ecological systems.