Seasonal allergies spiking earlier due to rising global temperatures
As our planet warms, allergy season is starting earlier and lasting longer, with pollen counts in the US already reported to be at ‘extremely high’ levels. Despite my preference for the hotter months of the year, whenever winter finally ends and spring rolls around, I’m usually filled with dread by...
Current in Planet
Why are scientists warning of a ‘phosphogeddon’?
Not only is global mismanagement of phosphorous depleting reserves vital to food production, but the element’s profligate use is also adding to the climate crisis. ‘To put it simply, there is no life on Earth without phosphorus,’ says Professor Penny Johnes, who teaches biogeochemistry at the University of Bristol. The element,...
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...
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 more vegetables, to realising their unknowing love for animals. The annual pledge, which was founded in 2014, also ends on 1...
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 ‘doom loop’ if it doesn’t urgently re-align its priorities. Researchers from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)...
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...
