Researchers suggest council tax discount for those who garden sustainably
Experts from the University of Sheffield say that British homeowners should be given financial incentives to preserve green spaces as it would be more beneficial to wildlife and the environment. UK scientists have recommended that eco-friendly gardeners should be given a cut in their council tax, following new research uncovering...
Current in Change
UK boosts domestic air travel as EU countries move to ban it
It’s no secret that air travel is awful for the environment. Why is the UK making domestic flights cheaper and more frequent when EU countries such as the Netherlands, Austria, France, and Belgium are phasing them out? When opting for a domestic flight instead of driving or taking the train,...
Air pollution causes premature death of 1,200 young Europeans annually
According to the EEA’s latest assessment, dirty air kills well over a thousand under 18s across the continent every year and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life. Despite improvements in recent years, ‘the level of key air pollutants in many European countries remains stubbornly above World Health...
The lucrative salmon industry is getting an overhaul
Lawmakers in key parts of the world are remodelling their approaches to salmon fishing. In one hotspot, higher taxes seek to better manage income from the salmon-farming capital of the world. On the other, a reform on fishing is looking vital to conservation as the consequences of climate change...
New research finds that stressed plants make noises
A six-year study has found tomato plants, grapevines, and tobacco and wheat crops make sounds when thirsty or when they have had their leaves and stems cut. Investigations are ongoing to find out exactly why. ‘If only my plants could talk to me!’ say struggling plant moms and dads around...
UAE reportedly plots massive oil expansion despite hosting COP28
Despite its position as host of COP28 next November, the United Arab Emirates has the third-largest plans for expansion into gas and oil globally. Controversially, the CEO of its national fossil fuel company Adnoc has just been appointed as the UN summit’s president. Seven months before the talks even get...
Cyclone Freddy causes havoc in Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar
Malawi, Mozambique, and Madagascar experienced heavy rains from early February to mid-March caused by Cyclone Freddy killing close to 600 people, and leaving more than 500,000 displaced. According to UNICEF, more than half of the affected population are children. At the beginning of this year, Cyclone Lindiwe struck Malawi, Mozambique, and parts of Southern Africa, unleashing heavy rains and strong winds. The cyclone left a trail of destruction, resulting in widespread...
Is free public transport a fundamental right?
In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country to scrap public transport fees. Its residents now believe that free public transport is a fundamental right. Could the scheme work in other countries? Free public transport is a rarity around the world. So rather than pay a daily fee to get from point A to point B and back again, many citizens would rather invest in owning personal vehicles. But in the face of...
How will climate change affect Earth’s tectonic plates?
Climate change has damaged our planet in many aspects. However, many overlook its effect on the Earth’s lithosphere which could potentially put many lives in danger. Climate change is steadily causing a rise in sea levels and extreme weather events. This shift is affecting our planet’s crust, which is composed of tectonic plates that move over time. While known for forming the continents, tectonic plates significantly impact climate patterns...
Ugandan parliament to criminalise LGBTQ identification
Uganda has been known for its conservative views on LGBTQ rights, with the country's government and society being largely intolerant of homosexuality. With the new anti-homosexuality bill passed this week, parliament has imposed the death penalty for some offences. In a shocking move, Uganda has passed a bill criminalising homosexuality with life imprisonment sentences, further imposing the death penalty for offences termed as ‘aggravated homosexuality’. The bill, officially known as the...
