Dr. Toby Kiers, an evolutionary biologist, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement—often called the "Nobel Prize for the climate"—for her groundbreaking work on mycorrhizal fungi. These remarkable organisms, largely invisible to the naked eye, form partnerships with plant roots and act as nature's carbon storage system. For too long, science has overlooked their potential, but Dr. Kiers is changing that. Her research shows how fungi networks could become one of our most powerful allies in fighting climate change, naturally pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storing it underground. The $250,000 prize recognizes her "outstanding" contributions to environmental science. But perhaps more importantly, it shines a spotlight on an often-neglected solution that's been beneath our feet all along. As climate anxiety grows, Dr. Kiers reminds us that nature already has incredible tools—we just need to understand and protect them. This discovery could reshape how we approach carbon capture, turning to natural partnerships rather than expensive technology. It's a beautiful reminder: sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the smallest life forms.
Scientist Wins 'Nobel of Climate' for Revealing Fungi's Hidden Power to Save Our Planet
