Developers of a 600m long free-floating boom to collect plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch have reported a successful trial after an earlier setback when the boom broke. The boon acts as a barrier floating on the surface with a three metre-deep (10ft) screen below it, which is intended to trap some of the […]
Scientists have warned that existing levels of tuna fishing are unsustainable after researchers found that global catches have increased more than 1,000% over the past 60 years. A study in the journal Fisheries Research estimated that about 6m tonnes of tuna are now caught annually, a rate that “risks driving tuna populations to unsustainable levels […]
As party conference season ends, Conservative plans for achieving their net-zero pledge to end carbon emissions by 2050 have been roundly criticised. They include a promise of a plant to deliver zero-carbon energy from nuclear fusion by 2040 – even though most experts believe achieving the dream is still 30 years away, as well as […]
Last week’s global climate strikes and a passionate speech from Greta Thunberg at the UN climate summit in New York could have spurred nations into action. Instead, despite warnings from the scientific community that the impact of global heating is set to intensify, the climate summit failed to secure anything more than incremental promises. Of […]
Lots more news and initiatives around this still relatively recent concept. We can’t keep track of them all, but here’s a taster. Scathing Natural Capital Committee report The government announced millions of pounds to help other countries meet a range of environmental objectives. Sadly, however, it is failing to meet its own. The latest report […]
A great article looks at the LINK BETWEEN FLOODING & POOR MENTAL HEALTH People whose homes are damaged by extreme weather events like flooding are far more likely to suffer mental health problems, new research has found. The study, led by the University of York and the National Centre for Social Research, found that experiencing weather damage to […]
The C40 Cities initiative works with cities across the world to “bold climate action, leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future”. It has a useful network around urban flooding. The C40 has undertaken a useful Benefits Research programme. The aim is to equip “C40 mayors with the evidence and tools to make […]
Global warming has already reached 1°C above the pre-industrial level, due to past and current greenhouse gas emissions. There is overwhelming evidence that this is resulting in profound consequences for ecosystems and people. The ocean is warmer, more acidic and less productive. Melting glaciers and ice sheets are causing sea level rise, and coastal extreme […]