Implications for the climate under a second Trump term
Thereβs been nothing to suggest Trump isnβt still in his βdrill, baby, drillβ bag. Hereβs a reminder of why a second term of his presidency is so concerning for US climate reform. Election day has been won by Donald Trump. Whether that is cause for despair or celebration depends who...
Current in Planet
India ranks lowest in Global Nature Conservation Index
The countryβs environmental protection efforts are being scrutinised after it ranked 176th. Indiaβs score of 45.5 out of 100 in this yearβs Global Nature Conservation Index positions it among the worst-performing countries in the world. The assessment, conducted by Ben-Gurion University and BioDB, looked at land management, biodiversity threats, governance capacity,...
Everything you need to know about COP
The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is kicking off in Baku, Azerbaijan, and will be continuing for the next two weeks. Whatβs the purpose of the annual summit, whatβs the focus this year, and after almost three...
Why doesnβt the US want to collectively save nature?
Besides the Vatican, itβs the only nation in the world that hasnβt joined the Convention on Biological Diversity β the single most important global treaty designed to safeguard Earthβs animals and ecosystems. Whatβs behind this reluctance to stave off ecological collapse? As it stands, only two countries havenβt joined the...
I attended Mercy Corpsβ leading agricultural summit on Africa
I had the privilege of attending the 8th AgriFin Annual Learning Event, organized by Mercy Corps AgriFin in Nairobi. The gathering brought together a diverse group of professionals all deeply committed to shaping the future of agriculture in Kenya and across Africa. The MO of Mercy Corpsβ AgriFin Learning Event...
Spain is facing its worst natural disaster in 50 years
Amid weather warnings for storms and heavy rain, more than 70 people have been killed after flash floods struck eastern parts of the country. Those in the worst-hit areas have been advised to stay at home. Three days of mourning have been declared in Spain in the aftermath of...
Britain shuts its last power plant and opts for eco-friendly fuel
The last coal power plant in Britain was closed last week, marking the end of over 140 years of coal-fired electricity and the beginning of more eco-friendly fuel use in the country. Ratcliffe-on-soar, in central England, was home to the last coal power station in the UK. After more than half a century of turning coal, it finished its final shift last Monday at midnight. The UK government has hailed...
Scientists fear that carbon sinks are failing
Together, the planetβs oceans, forests, and soils absorb about half of all human emissions. As the Earth heats up, many are concerned that this crucial natural process β which regulates temperatures β is breaking down. The planetβs oceans, forests, and soils play a critical role in the survival of humanity, acting as natural shields that safeguard us from our own inherently destructive impact on the environment. Hugely effective agents in easing...
The Gold Rush destroying Ghanaβs agriculture
In recent years, Ghana has been grappling with a crisis that is endangering its land, water and future economy. βGalamsey,β illegal small-scale mining is a growing epidemic, with devastating effects on the environment. Galamsey, derived from the phrase βgather them and sell,β refers to the widespread practice of illegal small-scale gold mining in Ghana. What began as a source of livelihood for local communities has evolved into a large-scale environmental...
The race to discover and protect Earth’s hidden plants
Scientists warn that thousands of potentially life-saving plants may vanish due to extinction before they can be documented or protected. In a world obsessed with technological innovations and scientific breakthroughs, many of Earthβs natural ecosystems have been taken for granted. A new study led by Kewβs Royal Botanic Gardens suggests that there are an estimated 100,000 plant species which remain undiscovered. It's also likely that they are on the...
