Is ‘weather whiplash’ yet another symptom of climate change?
Once a colloquial phrase used to describe surprising, rapid shifts in weather conditions, ‘weather whiplash’ is being continuously validated by climate change studies and is reportedly getting worse. We all misjudge the weather from time to time, but what we’re talking about here is far more dramatic than mistakenly opting to...
Current in Planet
Could Colombia be the first oil-rich country to ditch fossil fuels?
The South American nation’s left-wing government has announced it will not approve any new oil and gas exploration projects as it seeks to shift towards a more sustainable economy. In June last year, ex-rebel Gustavo Petro won Colombia’s presidential election after one of the most contested campaigns in the...
Is animal agriculture on the verge of change?
Recent calls for more awareness about the cruelty behind livestock exportation in addition to a proposed law obliging farmers to address the environmental impact of meat and dairy production indicates a shift may finally be afoot. Last year, it was revealed that the agriculture industry is responsible for about...
Report reveals Amazon’s plastic use rose astronomically last year
The largest retailer on the planet ships out 7.7 billion packages annually. How it chooses to wrap these items has serious consequences for the natural world – including humans. Have you ever ordered a small item from Amazon and been shocked by the size of the parcel that arrived? You’re...
Understanding Kenya’s transition to clean energy
Kenya is among the leading African nations in renewable energy, currently generating more than 75% from renewable sources, primarily geothermal power and hydropower. According to the government, the country looks to shift to 100% clean energy by 2030. Kenya’s climate crisis has left its northern population without food, shelter, and...
England set to ban some single-use plastics
In a long-awaited step towards reducing pollution, the British government is poised to phase out certain products and replace them with biodegradable alternatives. Two years ago, the extent of Britain’s plastic waste problem came to light. Though the nation claims to be a world leader in tackling this kind of...
EU bans the sale of products linked to deforestation
In a move that prevents further devastation of forests around the world, the European Union has agreed to place a legal ban on the sale of products fuelling deforestation. Although the number of people purchasing eco-friendly products is on the rise, many popular brands have continued to sneak environmentally damaging ingredients into their formulas without us noticing. For example, common foods like peanut butter, cereal bars, and biscuits often contain palm...
Global pollinator losses linked to excess fatalities
According to a new study, insect declines are resulting in reduced yields of healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, and nuts which is causing an estimated 500,000 early deaths a year. In 2019, the first Global Scientific Review of insect populations was released. It disclosed, to the dismay of the entomological community, that the world’s insects were hurtling towards extinction and warned that without immediate action, we would find ourselves amid a...
Africa’s Gen Z demanded COP27 tackle climate emergency
At this year’s COP27, young African climate activists demanded for actions and not words. Africa has been the worst hit by the effects of climate change. This year's Young Africa session revealed adaptation and funding as priorities to curb the climate emergency. According to the UN, more than 30 million people from the Horn of Africa are in need of food, shelter, and medical services. Despite efforts being undertaken by...
Is climate change killing the chances of holiday snow for good?
What will a warming climate do to our chances of getting Christmas snow around the globe? You may think it’s obvious, but let’s have a proper examination. If the phrase ‘No sh*t Sherlock’ is already running through your head, chill. We promise you’ll learn something here today. The cultural imagery surrounding Christmas has ubiquitously featured glistening carpets of snow, even in the Southern hemisphere, where the holiday lands in mid-summer. But, as...
