Study shows recycling can release huge quantities of microplastics
Billed as a key solution to the climate crisis, recycling could be releasing huge quantities of microplastics itself, according to a new study. The vast majority of our plastic waste winds up in landfill, bonfires, and in our natural environment, but how efficiently is the 9% that is recycled...
Current in Planet
70% of California beaches could reportedly vanish by the century’s end
Geological researchers believe California’s beaches could diminish by up to 70% by the year 2100. Satellite data collected over two decades is now being peer reviewed. The Golden State may lose some of its glorious sheen, thanks to the impacts of climate change. Globally famed for its sprawling beaches and ceaseless...
What’s behind the recent ‘orca uprising’?
During the last few months, a spate of killer whale attacks on boats has fuelled concern among scientists and speculation on social media that the cetaceans could be trying to fight back. But are they? Where were you when the ‘orca wars’ began? This is a question currently making the...
The UN releases new roadmap to halting plastic pollution
The United Nations has published a new report which states that ending plastic production could save the planet £3.6 trillion in under two decades. Its four-point approach aims to reduce the health and environmental problems stemming from plastic use. Though plastic is a cheap and versatile material, its widespread use...
‘Oceans’ reveals worst polluted beaches in the UK
UK beaches are riddled with plastic pollution. Toilet paper company Oceans has discovered the top worst affected beaches and are campaigning to spread awareness. There are 5000 pieces of plastic & 150 plastic bottles for each mile on UK beaches, while 88% of the sea's surface is polluted by...
Greenpeace ranks European countries’ private jet activity
We’re well-accustomed to hearing about American billionaire celebrities and their carbon-spewing private jets lately, but which European countries are facilitating the most private jet departures? Greenpeace investigates. You might think that because the general public now knows how emission-heavy private jets are, those privileged enough to charter them would be...
BP’s oil spill highlights the human impact of environmental crises
Thirteen years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, those who helped clean it up are suffering from mental and physical illness. The disruption of their daily lives should disrupt ours, too. In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill unleashed an environmental catastrophe, causing irreparable damage to ecosystems and communities. A recent Guardian investigation has explored the long-term impacts of the disaster, highlighting the human devastation that still ripples thirteen years...
This year’s G7 summit explained
G7 countries are economic, political heavyweights with the power to tackle urgent global issues. If you look back at past G7 Summit agendas, you’ll see many of the same themes: reducing inequality, promoting women’s equality, and advancing global security among them. This year, the to-do list for the leaders of seven of the world’s economic and political heavyweights is long — from taking meaningful action on climate change, to tackling the...
Paris’ River Seine will soon be safe to swim in once again
After a century-long ban, Paris authorities have announced that the River Seine will be clean enough to swim in by the end of the year. At least two 2024 Olympic swimming races will be held in the river. How did the city clean up its act? I will never forget the horror of hearing the sound of a huge splash while working during a summer heatwave in Amsterdam. Our offices’ upstairs...
Could flooding the Sahara be a feasible solution to climate change?
It may sound far-fetched, but creating a sea in place of the Sahara Desert has been a topic of discussion for centuries. Inspired by a massive flood that created the Mediterranean Sea as we know it, could we see a Sahara Sea project come to life in the future? In recent weeks, the idea of flooding the Sahara desert to combat climate change has resurfaced in the scientific community. Yes,...
