Beneath forests and fields are large networks of mycorrhizal fungi that connect to plant roots. Fungi are a group of living things that includes mushrooms.

The fungi networks help plants by sharing food. They also help fight climate change. Every year, they take in 13 billion tonnes of carbon. This is about a third of total emissions from fossil fuels.

American scientist Toby Kiers studies these fungi, which are called mycorrhizal fungi. Last month, she won the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for her research. The award is known as a “Nobel for the environment”.

Kiers and her team created a global map showing where mycorrhizal fungi are found.

Their group is called the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks. The group pushes for the protection of fungi, which are often ignored in conservation.

“Life as we know it exists because of fungi,” Kiers said.