How humanity solved the crisis of Earth’s depleting ozone
In 1985, atmospheric scientists revealed humanity was on a path to wiping out our entire ozone layer within a few decades. Since then, a combination of scientific, economic, and diplomatic action has all but solved the crisis. After a 12-month delay, we’re finally closing in on COP26, yet rhetoric around...
Current in Planet
Smart city to replace Kuwait’s tyre wasteland
In a huge effort to tackle the country’s waste problem, 42 million discarded tyres will be recycled, making space for the creation of an eco-friendly residential city. When anything unnatural can easily be spotted from space, that’s when you know it’s become a real problem. This became the case when over...
Protecting whales will help to stunt climate change
While reforestation is seen as the key to sequestering carbon dioxide, the facts show one whale is worth thousands of trees. The bulk of negotiations at Glasgow’s COP26 conference revolved around hefty financial packages and tech innovation to reduce carbon dioxide in our atmosphere – especially so on Forest...
Outrage as 1,428 dolphins killed in Faroe Islands tradition
A ‘super pod’ of dolphins was slaughtered during this year’s tradition of Grindadrap on the Faroe Islands. It is the largest number of dolphins to be culled in the ritual to date. In a handful of regions around the world, whaling is still considered an acceptable practice. One of these...
France to ban plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables
Part of its anti-waste law aimed at creating a circular economy with single-use plastic phased out by 2040, the government will enforce the measure at the start of next year. Given the current state of our planet, it’s somewhat surprising that browsing the aisles of most local grocery stores will...
California wildfires magnify the developing threats of climate change
For the first time in history, Caldor and Dixie fires have spread across the Sierra Nevada mountains, highlighting the unparalleled effects of climate change. In the same week Hurricane Ida swept through Louisiana, tragically claiming the lives of at least 43 people, California has declared a state of emergency over...
How is Greenpeace reflecting on turning fifty?
The social change organisation Greenpeace turns fifty today. To mark the occasion, it has launched a virtual wall of change, reflecting on decades of climate activism. Social change and environmental organisation Greenpeace turns fifty today. You’ve most likely heard of it already, as it is one of the household names associated with climate activism and social change. From improving the interiors of commercial fridges to its ‘save the whales’ campaigns, Greenpeace...
Oysters become a lifeline in the face of rising sea levels
An unlikely ecological saviour, one mollusc has the potential to help save us from rising seas - but only if we work at reforesting them in places where they once thrived. One odd but delectable brunch-time staple is now viewed as a key tool of defence against the effects of climate change. That’s right - oysters, with their rock-like shells and cluster-growing formations, could be essential in protecting coastal towns and...
Gen-Z and Millennials more likely to consider a childless future
An internet search on global births reveals close to 1 billion articles about declining fertility rates. Why are young people so apprehensive about becoming parents? Millennials and Gen-Z have borne the brunt of criticism for delaying many of their major life milestones, but no subject is as closely studied as their decision about when to start a family. It’s a known fact that birth rates have been declining for years, but...
Animals are ‘shapeshifting’ to cope with climate change
Scientists are noticing the widespread body-part growth of warm-blooded creatures which they believe could be a response to our planet’s rising temperatures. No longer the stuff of fairy tales (a real-life Dumbo would be endearing if it weren’t for the concerning reasons behind it), scientists have discovered that our impact on the environment – namely human consumption of fossil fuels – could be sending natural selection into overdrive. This is...
