Antarctica’s pollution crisis demands global attention
As the world grapples with the ever-pressing issue of environmental degradation, an unexpected frontier comes into focus – Antarctica, where the alarming presence of contaminants challenges its ecology. At the northern tip of Antarctica lies the Casey research station, one of the three biggest stations overseen by the Australian Antarctic...
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A new policy could end low-cost flights in the EU
France's Transport Minister has said ‘€10 flights aren’t possible anymore,’ because they do not properly reflect plane travel’s impact on the environment. He plans to propose a new minimum flight price policy to the EU. Europeans may soon be waving goodbye to cheap city breaks if a new proposal aimed...
UN warns that ‘climate breakdown has begun’
According to the World Meteorological Organisation, Earth just had its hottest summer on record, prompting calls for global leaders to ‘turn up the heat now’ on solutions. The summer of 2023, which saw heatwaves, fires, and floods destroy livelihoods across the globe, from North and South America, to Europe, India,...
New research finds air pollution is more deadly than smoking
Life expectancy in at least six countries has fallen drastically due to poor air quality, which now poses more of a risk to citizens than smoking. As the climate crisis rages on, air pollution around the world is worsening. Along with it, so is public health. An updated report conducted...
Amazon summit brings attention to the rainforest’s future
The eight Amazonian nations came together to discuss the future of the world's largest rainforest but left many with mixed feelings. Last week, countries across South America were brought together to discuss the future of the world’s largest rainforest. Hosted in Belem, Brazil, the event was an attempt to embrace...
Zero-degree line at record height amid EU heatwaves and fires
Climate scientists typically use weather balloons to monitor the threshold for warming air. In Switzerland, the latest balloon climbed a record 5,300 metres before temperatures fell to zero degrees. We just keep on breaking records for the wrong reasons. Amid a backdrop of late summer heatwaves and raging wildfires across Europe,...
Morocco’s wildfires are destroying its forest cover
Morocco, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, is facing wildfires that are wreaking havoc on its forest cover. The wildfires in Morocco have inflicted severe damage on its forest cover, leading to the loss of countless hectares of pristine woodland. Forests are not only vital carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but they also support diverse flora and fauna, protect watersheds, and provide a livelihood for...
Cheaper flights trump greener railways in Europe
A new study has found that – on average – a flight is cheaper than a train journey in Europe. Here’s what that means for the climate crisis. If you live in Britain, you’re well aware of the daylight robbery that is rail travel. Travelcards aside, you’re likely to drop at least £100 for a 3 hour journey from London to Manchester. In Italy, however, a 2h, 55min journey from...
Understanding the specifics of the discomfort index
The level of discomfort a person feels in varying levels of heat and humidity is known as the ‘discomfort index’. Increasing global temperatures are contributing to stress, job losses, and an alarming rise in gender-based violence. A meteorological term used in line with weather forecasting, the 'discomfort index', is a measure for heat-driven stress and anxiety. This index is mostly concerned with our feelings and emotional responses toward discomfort and how...
Scientists turn dead flies into biodegradable plastic
According to new research, the hard shells of insects – an abundant resource that otherwise goes to waste – can be used to engineer a type of eco-friendly material which is circular and doesn’t persist in the environment. Plastic pollution is a huge problem. With 30 million metric tonnes of the stuff being dumped on land annually, almost 50 million metric tonnes of it burned, and another 11 million washed away by the...
