How could de-extinction harm our planet?
A bio-tech company has caused worry for its ‘de-extinction’ project reminiscent of Jurassic Park’s plot. Some experts in the field argue that reviving lost species only contributes to the destruction of ecosystems. Bringing back dead animals may seem like witchcraft, but science has proven otherwise. De-extinction refers to the resurrection of...
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What is the Willow Project and why has it sparked backlash?
As Biden’s administration deliberates whether to greenlight a controversial scheme to expand oil infrastructure on Alaska’s North Slope, environmental campaigners are urging him to reject it. Update 13/03/23: After a long contentious process, the Biden administration has approved the Willow Project. The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land...
Scientists warn guilt-free flying remains out of reach in the UK
A new report from the Royal Society has found that sustainable aviation solutions still need a great deal more research, resources, and investment before Britain can meet its ‘jet zero’ targets. Unless you’re a member of the Kardashian family, you’ll know that flying is terrible for the environment. Although it’d be...
Egyptian Gen Zers are fighting against plastic pollution
Egypt is facing a significant plastic pollution problem. However, a new generation is taking action. Gen Z are becoming increasingly vocal and active in their efforts to combat plastic pollution. In recent years, plastic pollution has become a growing concern in Egypt. The country is one of the largest producers of...
Is the Veganuary pledge all it promises to be?
This January, nearly a decade after the annual pledge began, one person every 2.4 seconds signed up for Veganuary. But how effective is it? And is it catching on beyond the UK? People take on Veganuary for a number of reasons – from wanting to be more climate-conscious to eating...
World at risk of descending into climate ‘doom loop’
A new report has warned that governments could soon be so overwhelmed with the consequences of the environmental crisis that they’re unable to address its root causes. Last week, two UK-based thinktanks released a report warning that the world is at risk of descending into what it calls a climate...
1/3 of companies linked to deforestation are doing nothing to stop
According to the Forest 500 report, the organisations most reliant on the commodities responsible for deforestation are undermining global climate targets by failing to tackle the problem. Research by Global Canopy has found that a third of companies most linked to the destruction of tropical rainforests have not set a single policy to address the issue. This is despite a government commitment to end the practice made at COP26, where 141...
Rising sea levels threaten ‘mass exodus on a biblical scale’
UN secretary general António Guterres has warned that without more concerted efforts to reduce emissions and ensure environmental justice across the globe, low-lying communities and entire countries could disappear forever. Addressing the UN security council on Tuesday, secretary general António Guterres warned that an increase in the pace at which sea levels are rising could spark a ‘mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale.’ The ominous statement follows...
Why ‘debt-for-nature’ swaps are the future of climate finance
Many developing countries are deep in financial debt. More often than not, however, they are rich in biodiversity. An increasingly popular climate agreement could enable them to minimise the debt they owe to wealthy nations – as long as the money saved is placed into environmental protection and adaptation projects. Levels of debt in low-income and developing nations are steadily rising. This is a result of regularly borrowing money from wealthy...
Why should you be concerned about animal mills?
New legislation in New York has finally clamped down on the selling of domestic pets such as dogs and cats. It’s hoped that this well help eradicate animal mills, where pets are bred with little regard for their wellbeing. Last December, the state of New York passed a law in which the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits is to be prohibited. The law, set to take effect in 2024,...
