The richness of Congo Basin biodiversity revealed in new report
In this astonishing report of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Congo Basin, often known as the 'Lungs of Africa', yet again is hailed for its ecological importance. In the last decade, scientists have revealed over 700 more species of animals and plants that were previously unknown to the rest...
Current in Planet
Whatโs sun blocking and why are scientists warning against it?
The controversial technology, which is intended to limit the effects of climate change by reflecting sunlight back into space, might not be such a great idea after all. As we know, hundreds of the worldโs leading climate scientists expect our planet to breach the internationally agreed 1.5C threshold by 2027...
What happens when wildlife becomes an online sensation?
Social media is posing a new and increasing threat to vulnerable species and habitats around the world as nature enthusiasts calling attention to rare biodiversity on their platforms are unintentionally sending viewers flocking to snap their own photos of already-endangered flora and fauna. On social media, gatekeeping is standard...
Britain leads the world for climate protest crackdowns
โFreedom of speechโ is a tetchy subject in the UK, and yet a new study has revealed that Britain leads the world for police crackdowns on climate activism. Britain has taken the lead in cracking down on climate activism, with research showing UK police arrest environmental protesters at nearly three...
UN says 80% of Earthโs land is drying
This year's UNCCD COP16 summit dubbed 'Our Land, Our Future,' highlights the pressing need to tackle growing land degradation worldwide. The latest UN report reveals that over three-quarters of the Earth's land has already dried up for good. The United Nations presented disturbing findings on Monday at the UN...
Why has the price of coffee hit an almost fifty-year high?
Coffee prices have been on a steady incline for the last few decades, but in 2024 the price of the worldโs most popular bean variety has increased by 70 percent. Whatโs behind this rapid change? Feeling scammed whenever you pay your local coffee shop ยฃ3.40 for your flat white? Well...
The case for real versus artificial Christmas trees
Itโs the festive debate to end all festive debates. But which tree really is better for the planet? For decades, the debate over real versus artificial Christmas trees has been the festive equivalent of pineapple on pizza. Itโs divisive, personal, and a little exhausting. You might choose artificial trees for their convenience, cost-effectiveness, or the promise of a consistent aesthetic. Or, you may insist a real tree, with its scent and imperfections,...
Understanding Africaโs unmet needs at COP29
The just concluded COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, once again left Africa grappling with unfulfilled commitments from previous summits. Bakuโs COP29 brought together close to 200 countries, highlighting the Global Southโs critical need for financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to adapt to escalating climate challenges. Nevertheless, major promises made at previous COPs have remained grossly unmet, intensifying Africaโs vulnerabilities to climate impacts despite being the smallest emitter - 3%...
COP29 summit Azerbaijan: live coverage
The 29th iteration of the Conference of the Parties is now underway in Baku, Azerbaijan. Over the next two weeks, weโll bring you the essential information from each thematic day. Will national delegates make a genuine impact, or are we looking at another greenwashing fest? Weโre back for yet another Conference of the Parties. Some 67,000 global leaders, delegates, journalists, and fossil fuel lobbyists โ letโs face it โ have all...
The global financial deadlock at COP29 must be confronted
As the world teeters on the brink of a climate catastrophe, the stakes at COP29 have never been higher and leaders must reckon with the urgency of implementing tangible action. For decades, international climate conferences have been long on rhetoric and short on meaningful action. The current negotiations in Baku have highlighted a stark divide between developing nations and emerging economies requiring $1.3 trillion annually in climate...
