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...
Current in Planet
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...
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...
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...
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...
Climate change impacts reportedly making cholera outbreaks worse
The bacteria behind one of history’s deadliest diseases is thriving again due, in-part, to the increased frequency of extreme weather. Outbreaks in 2022 were reportedly up 50% on yearly averages. Last year, some 200,000 Malawians were displaced by two tropical storms in a single month and around 60 people died. 19 months on from the tragedy, cholera outbreaks have completely deviated from their usual patterns and experts are concerned. As cholera...
Scientists are scrambling to save Florida’s dying coral reefs
The waters off the coast of Florida have hit ‘hot tub levels’ of warmth. This has caused bleaching to occur on natural coral reefs and has completely obliterated those planted by reef restoration organisations. What happens next? It’s virtually impossible to ignore news about heat waves engulfing our planet right now. Although people have been coming up with creative ways to stay cool in unrelenting temperatures, a dip in the ocean...
What’s happening to Antarctic sea ice?
It’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere, when sea ice typically forms around Antarctica. This year, however, that growth has been stunted, hitting a record low by a wide margin. It’s deep winter in Antarctica, the time of year that the continent is shrouded in darkness and surrounded by millions of square miles of frozen ocean. According to a recent study, however, there is significantly less sea ice in...
