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...
Current in Planet
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...
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,...
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...
This tree offers an eco-friendly alternative to palm oil and soy
Farmers in Hawaii are cultivating the pongamia, a tree that could prevent further clearing of natural rainforests for palm oil and soy plantations. Its resilient nature could offer a huge economic boost to farmers losing out due to land degradation. Palm oil is known as one of the most environmentally...
This volcanic microbe could be the next frontier in carbon capture tech
Scientists have recently discovered an organism in hot springs that eats CO2 ‘astonishingly quickly.’ They hope to utilise it as an efficient means of removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. When it comes to the most efficient ecosystems for carbon capture, mangroves, the Amazon rainforest, and peat swamps are what...
Breaking down the IPCC’s alarming ‘AR6 Synthesis Report’
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has delivered a ‘final warning’ on the climate. It’s latest report summarises five years of harrowing stats on global temperature rises, fossil fuel emissions, and climate impacts. ‘There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all,’ warns the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its latest report. Dubbed the AR6 Synthesis Report, the mammoth 8,000-page document represents...
World’s ocean surface temperature hits record high
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the global average has been at 21.1°C since the start of April. Climate experts warn this could lead to an increased risk of extreme weather and marine storms. According to US government data incorporating observations from satellites, ships, and buoys, the temperature of the world’s ocean surface reached 21.1°C at the start of this month, a new high since official...
How will London look in 2050?
As the climate is thrown into flux, London could be an adaptive utopia. Or, it could be a site of catastrophe. In 2050, London winters will be wetter, summers will be drier, and everything will be hotter. The city’s population is set to grow to 11 million. There will be enormous pressure to adapt infrastructure, health, and housing systems to a larger city with new needs. As cities tend to...
Bermuda is on a mission to expand its marine conservation laws
Through consultation with residents and local fishermen, Bermuda is looking to expand its ocean conservation efforts. Named The Blue Prosperity Plan, the project will attract global investors to its Blue Economic Zone in exchange for protecting its vibrant marine habitats. The island of Bermuda is often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Atlantic,’ and for good reason. Though commonly mistaken as part of the Caribbean, Bermuda is located in complete...
