Funding needs for climate disasters rise ‘more than 800%’ in 20 years
As extreme climate weather events become more common and severe, the need for funding is constantly on the rise – specifically, by 800% in the last 20 years. As of today, around just half of the overall economic cost has been met. Right now, diplomats from the economically richest nations...
Current in Planet
Are we headed towards extreme climate activism?
In the last month alone, two deadly climate change demonstrations have taken place in the US and UK. As most governments remain slow to act on environmental matters, is climate extremism inevitable? British climate scientist James Lovelock once said that climate change should be viewed as a war, and in...
Report reveals tobacco’s ‘devastating’ ecological impact
It’s common knowledge that smoking kills a ridiculous amount of people every year – eight million, to be exact. What we hear far less about, however, is the tobacco industry’s ‘devastating’ impact on the planet. If the inevitability of lung disease and emphysema aren’t high enough stakes to convince you...
EU citizens could sue governments over air pollution
A European Court of Justice advisor has confirmed that governments could be held liable if they do not meet their promises to improve air quality. Forget betting on the football or waiting for your tax rebate to come through, why not sue your national government for allowing local air pollution...
Egypt launches major environmental project ahead of COP27
The East African nation will host the next world climate conference in November. It’s leading by example by launching a new mangrove reforestation project. Remember when the UK hosted COP26 just weeks after being exposed for shipping over half of its plastic waste to be burned overseas? That was awkward. This...
British gardeners encouraged to take part in No Mow May
The charity Plantlife is asking Brits to stop mowing their lawns for one month in order give blooming spring wildlife a much needed boost. Over the next few weeks, you may notice your neighbour’s garden is looking a little unkept as thousands of people across the UK partake in No...
New York’s Central Park to become a climate laboratory
Researchers believe the famous green space could hold important insights into how climate change is affecting major cities and their local parks. For a little over 160 years, the 843-acre green space known as Central Park has served as the lungs of New York City. The park is home to over 18,000 trees, including one of America’s oldest and largest standing elms. But as the effects of climate change become...
Why seaweed is the superfood we should pay attention to
An unassuming, ocean-dwelling plant could be the answer to a number of our environmental problems, from protein sourcing, carbon absorbing, and more. Seaweed is a weird and wonderful plant that grows in abundance in oceans around the world. Coming in colours ranging from bright green to orange, these plants provide essential homes for fish, seals, otters, and other species of plant life, like algae. Most of us will be familiar with...
Sunscreen chemicals found in Mediterranean seagrass
A new study has found sunscreen chemicals in Mediterranean seagrass. UV filters absorbed by Posidonia oceanica could cause long-term damage to local ecosystems. A new study suggests that sunscreen could be affecting our oceans. Chemicals from popular sunscreen lotion brands have been found ‘accumulating’ in Mediterranean seagrass. Scientists discovered ultraviolet filters in the stems of a certain type of seagrass known as Posidonia oceanica, found on the coast of Mallorca. Researchers...
Drought at the Horn of Africa causing concern
Countries in the Horn of Africa peninsula could be facing extreme hunger and starvation. If no proper action is taken, over 29 million people will be affected in the coming months. Countries in the Horn of Africa are experiencing changes in temperature and rainfall as a direct result of climate change. Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya are being affected most at present. According to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) meeting last...
