Heatwaves at both Earth’s poles alarm climate researchers
Over the weekend, temperatures at both the Earth’s poles soared to between 30C and 40C higher than expected levels. If this becomes the norm, researchers are seriously concerned about an abrupt climate breakdown. At this time of year, the Antarctic should be rapidly cooling after its summer while the Arctic...
Current in Planet
Could privatising the moon be the next human space venture?
A UK-based think tank wants to solve poverty on Earth by privatising the moon. Just in case anyone felt like we didn’t have the resources to deal with problems on Earth, economists are now suggesting that the moon could be of help. A British, neoliberal think-tank called The Adam Smith Institute...
Major shipping routes could be changed to protect blue whales
Off the coast of Sri Lanka, a unique pod of blue whales circulate the waters all year round. Environmentalists are calling for shipping routes to be adjusted to keep them safe. In 2008, a unique and endangered pod of whales was discovered in the Indian Ocean. Most blue whales typically migrate...
Protests erupt in Brazil over Bolsonaro’s anti-environment bills
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in the country’s capital to oppose what activists call a ‘death combo’ of five ecocidal proposals being considered by congress. With Brazil the world’s biodiversity champion, you’d assume its leaders would be at the forefront of climate action. Yet President Jair Bolsonaro, the right-wing...
There is no real snow at this year’s Winter Olympics
As climate change causes shorter winters and warmer summers, what will happen to the world’s biggest snow sports competition? This year’s Winter Olympics may look no different to any other from the outside - but this is the first time in history where close to 100 percent of the snow...
Where are we with climate education?
This month, the world celebrates International Day of Education. But as the climate crisis continues to approach us, where does it sit in our curriculums and why is it ever more critical that we teach our children how to tackle it? I still remember the first time I learned of...
How to find balance as we embrace the end-emic
Open borders, ditched restrictions, and in-office work schedules have made a comeback – but how do we avoid getting burnt out in light of our newfound freedoms? Is it me or does it feel like life has gone back to normal almost overnight? Dwindling numbers of coronavirus hospitalisations and death rates have seen the UK government drop all its restrictions on travel and social distancing. We’ve finally been given the green light...
Trees that survived the dinosaur extinction are now in serious danger
Once abundant all over the world, the rare cycad plant is now considered a luxury status symbol. As a result, the species is being poached to the brink of extinction. Expensive watches and flashy sportscars are sure fire ways to exhibit your financial success to the world – but how about planting a tree in your front garden? More specifically, what if it was the world’s longest surviving seed-bearing plant? The...
People everywhere are calling for the phasing-out of fossil fuels
With ever increasing heatwaves, mudslides, and rising sea levels, phasing out fossil fuels is a critical step in solving climate change. For decades, scientists have continued to confirm the significant role the fossil fuel industry has played in causing climate change. In fact, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has confirmed that coal, oil, and gas have been responsible for 86% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the past 10 years,...
Thriving coral reef is newly discovered off Tahiti’s coast
A pristine coral reef has been discovered in the South Pacific Ocean. It appears to be flourishing, despite the current biodiversity crisis caused by climate change. It’s almost Friday, so you know what that means? Time for some good news to catapult us into weekend mode. A massive reef made up of rose shaped corals has been found off the coast of Tahiti. Researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific...
