Earth’s ‘vital signs’ at their worst levels in human history
A team of scientists troubled by the sudden increases in the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters has warned that human activity is pushing our planetary systems into dangerous instability. A new report has warned that 20 of 35 planetary vital signs are at ‘record extremes’ and that life...
Current in Planet
Climate change will make beer cost more and taste worse
The quantity and quality of hops – a key ingredient for beer – is being affected by global heating. According to a new study, manufactures will likely have to adapt their brewing methods as they become more expensive to grow. For many, climate change remains a distant threat. Though the...
Japanese scientists find microplastics in Earth’s clouds
Tiny particles of plastic have been found in clouds for the first time. Scientists in Japan say their presence risks exacerbating climate change and contaminating ‘everything we eat and drink’. Is nowhere on Earth sacred anymore? Nope, not even the clouds above us. When surveying cloud water near Mount Fuji...
How the G20 summit addressed member nations’ top challenges
The annual G20 summit tackled major global challenges, while also providing India with an opportunity to showcase its growing global stature as the host nation. The 18th G20 Summit was held in Delhi, India over a two-day period. The summit was attended by leaders from member countries, as well as...
Could preserving remote work options help society reach net zero?
As the pandemic becomes a distant memory, remote work is starting to dwindle – especially in the corporate world. A new study warns against this backward trend, pointing to work-from-home options as a viable strategy for minimising our carbon footprint. Throughout the global pandemic, millions of people were forced...
Corporations soon have to report their carbon emissions in California
California is about to sign off on a deal to become the first US state requiring large companies to report their carbon emissions. This will affect around 5,400 firms which make more than $1bn in annual revenue. Considering filling out tax forms for the prior year proves too difficult a...
Exclusive – Meet documentary makers Common Table Creative
As the future of the world balances on a knife edge, these impact documentary filmmakers have started a conversation about how the one thing we share could be the one thing that saves us. If each generation has its cross to bear, then climate change is surely ours. Gen Z and Millennials, whose inheritance include an ecologically unstable planet and the burden of unlearning centuries of damaging habits, face...
Catastrophic flooding is occurring in ten countries simultaneously
Storms of unprecedented strength and ferocity have cropped up unexpectedly around the world. Though countries in conflict and poverty have been the hardest hit by these events, climate scientists have warned that ‘nowhere is immune.’ For those looking for a positive news story to start the week, I apologise in advance. This article will not be your tonic. While it certainly seems that there’s enough doom and gloom in the world...
Biden cancels Trump-approved oil and gas leases in the Arctic
In a massive win for the planet, the Biden administration has confirmed the cancellation of seven controversial oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, citing the need to conserve nature and protect Indigenous rights. This week, the Biden administration confirmed its intent to cancel seven controversial oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, originally authorised in the waning days of the Trump administration. The leases...
Africa’s first Climate Summit 2023 resolutions, criticisms, and challenges
The just concluded Africa Climate Summit, a significant gathering of leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, unfolded for 3 days against the backdrop of pressing environmental challenges. Governments, organisations, and heads of African states deliberated on crucial resolutions to address climate change, carbon credits, and various environmental issues, amid a backdrop of criticism from young activists. The inaugural Africa Climate Summit, which concluded on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in...
