World likely to breach 1.5C climate threshold by 2027
In its latest assessment, the World Meteorological Organisation has warned we are fast approaching a tipping point that could collapse Antarctic ice and cause a huge rise in sea levels. According to the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) latest assessment, our planet is almost certain to experience new record temperatures in...
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Intensive farming is the primary driver of bird decline in Europe
New research has identified the use of pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture as the leading cause behind the continent’s dwindling avifauna populations. According to more than 50 researchers who analysed data collected by thousands of scientists in 28 countries over nearly four decades, intensive farming is the primary driver of...
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is now its own ecosystem
The gigantic floating mass of ocean plastic debris has now become home to hundreds of plant and animal species. While an interesting phenomenon, it's not exactly something to celebrate. Humans have influenced the natural world for as long as we’ve existed, but only a handful of man-made inventions have impacted...
Climate change exacerbating damage caused by crop-destroying fungi
Scientists have warned that fast-rising fungal attacks on the world’s most important crops threaten the planet’s future food supply and that failure to tackle this could lead to a ‘global health catastrophe.’ An ‘unprecedented’ spread of a fungus infecting wheat across the globe has prompted scientists to call for greater...
Invasive blue crabs are taking over the Mediterranean Sea
Coastal towns near the Mediterranean are grappling with an invasive sea species brought to their waters by international shipping boats. Dealing with this new inhabitant might mean serving them up on thousands of plates across Europe – if only a local appetite for them will grow. International trade is causing...
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...
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 set in. If the salmon you ate for dinner last night didn’t come from Scotland, it likely came from Norway. The...
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 the world. As things turn out, they actually are – we just can’t hear them. Over a period of six years,...
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...
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...
