CLIMATE
Mycoremediation: the under-utilised art of fungi clean-ups
Feb 26, 2021
Written by
Jacob Dykes
History is littered with examples of fungi helping to digest the detritus and contaminants left by humans. New challenges could reinvigorate the field
Return of the dustbowl: why the Great Plains are in trouble
Jan 12, 2021
Written by
Jacob Dykes
The Great Plains of the USA are once again getting dustier, highlighting the complicated nature of environmental policies
The EU announces plans to build Destination Earth, a digital twin of our planet
Jan 04, 2021
Written by
Jacob Dykes
Attempts to build a digital twin of the Earth could lead to the democratisation of climate and environmental data
Microplastics at the summit of Everest underscore humanity’s growing influence in the Hindu Kush Himalaya
Nov 27, 2020
Written by
Jacob Dykes
Researchers have identified the extent of microplastic contamination throughout the Everest region. Their expedition charts the extent of environmental change and pollution in one of the world’s most sensitive and remote places
New methods of measuring storms result in the discovery of vast 'megaflashes'
Sep 17, 2020
Written by
Jacob Dykes
Advances in space-based lightning mapping have allowed scientists to measure flash extent and duration over broader ranges. The development has led to the discovery of 'megaflashes' – vast electrical surges that discharge over long distances and durations
Engineering the climate: the controversial science that could cool our atmosphere
Aug 06, 2020
Written by
Katie Burton
Katie Burton explores the practicalities and ethics of geoengineering, the controversial science that could quickly cool the atmosphere. Is it the last ditch climate solution that nobody wants? Or are appetites for geoengineering solutions growing with our warming climate?
Dossier: carbon offsetting
Jul 24, 2020
Written by
Mark Rowe
The IPCC embraced the notion of carbon offset schemes in the landmark Paris Agreement, but projects have faced criticism that they lack effectiveness and transparency. Mark Rowe investigates the world of carbon offsetting to determine the role it really plays…
As China and UK fall out, millions are displaced in devastating China floods
Jul 20, 2020
Written by
Katie Burton
Millions have been displaced due to severe floods in central and southern China
Geo explainer: carbon emissions
Jul 15, 2020
Written by
Geographical
A handy gathering of facts about carbon emissions with graphs by Our World in Data
![Conceptual image showing ozone-depleting chemicals moving from the equator to the poles. The chemicals become trapped by the winds of the polar vortex, a ring of fast moving air that circles the South Pole [NASA]](/media/k2/items/cache/8272a40ed0c2b743fb18f5ed4322ba21_S.jpg)
Geo explainer: What is the ozone layer and what’s happening to it?
Jun 03, 2020
Written by
Geographical
Concerns about the ozone hole have diminished as levels of ozone-depleting man-made chemicals have fallen – but research is still ongoing
Climatewatch – contribution of melting polar ice to sea level rise could be vastly underestimated
Jun 01, 2020
Written by
Marco Magrini
The contribution of melting polar ice to sea level rise could be vastly underestimated, says Marco Magrini
Coronavirus: measures taken now could ensure a greener life after lockdown
May 01, 2020
Written by
Lottie Watters
With Milan announcing an ambitious new plan to reduce air pollution after lockdown, environmentalists are hoping that the crisis could trigger a green new start
Earth Day 2020: reflecting on the movement’s 50th birthday, and an interview with Denis Hayes
Apr 22, 2020
Written by
Nic Davies
Today marks the 50th birthday of Earth Day. Founded in the USA by Denis Hayes, it became a global initiative in 1990 when it extended its activities to 141 countries. Today it’s claimed to reach an estimated one billion people…
COP26 delay: opportunity or disaster?
Apr 07, 2020
Written by
Marco Magrini
Marco Magrini analyses the implications of the COP26 delay
Coronavirus: the real impact on the climate
Apr 01, 2020
Written by
Matt Maynard
Covid-19 has forced us to reduce destructive atmospheric behaviours and has reminded us that we are at the mercy of nature. Matt Maynard looks into the effect that viral-mitigation is having on global emissions, and asks whether current material and emotional…
No oil, no coal, no future? Preparing for a ‘just transition’
Mar 20, 2020
Written by
Katie Burton
It is supposed to ease the transfer of workers in high-carbon industries and environment-destroying jobs into cleaner, greener alternatives, without destroying their livelihoods in the process. But if the so-called ‘Just Transition’ holds all the answers, why aren’t governments around…
Carbon con: does capturing carbon from power stations really work?
Mar 11, 2020
Written by
Katie Burton
Capturing carbon from power stations and other high-carbon processes is often described as a vital part of the overall strategy to control CO2 emissions – but does it really work?
Most people think they are more environmentally friendly than others – they’re wrong
Mar 05, 2020
Written by
Katie Burton
Most people think they are more environmentally friendly than others. Most people are wrong...
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