How science labs are building the future of food
Climate change is holding a sharp knife to the agricultural industry. From espresso and pasta to sushi and fish fingers, your daily bread could disappear from local menus, if not for a huge effort from scientists around the world. The agriculture industry – which has contributed massively to climate change...
Current in Planet
China makes underwhelming energy pledge ahead of COP26
President Xi Jinping is attempting to wean the world’s biggest polluter off coal, with a target of peaking China’s carbon emissions in 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Is this bold enough? In the run up to COP26, pressure is mounting against China to make some drastic commitments. If reports...
COP’s biggest moments that caused public stir and grabbed headlines
As the 26th annual COP approaches, it’s time to run back major moments from prior summits that caused real public stir and the movements which preceded them. If you’re reading this now, chances are you’re relatively clued up on COP26 already thanks to the constant headlines popping up across major...
13 days out from COP26 China’s attendance remains in doubt
As the world’s biggest polluter, any success at COP26 all but hinges on China’s attendance. Yet with just 13 days to go until the conference, president Xi Jinping has still yet to commit. After close to two years of grandiose sustainable rhetoric, the world’s leaders are finally set convene in...
Chemical ‘cocktails’ found in fruits and vegetables
Approved pesticides are used in the agriculture industry to keep insects and other animals at bay during growing stages. But are these pesticides truly safe when combined? A fully vegan or vegetarian diet has been promoted as the most healthy and sustainable way to obtain optimal nutrition while being kinder...
What are the biggest achievements from previous COPs?
With COP26 about to begin, it’s worth reminiscing over the biggest and best achievements of the initiative so far. There’s plenty to shout about. I’m sure that you’ve probably heard of COP 26 by now, the latest climate change summit between major world leaders set to take place from...
Can artificial clouds save the Great Barrier Reef?
In 2018, a study reported that half of the world’s largest coral reef system had died. Research teams in Australia are testing ways to alter clouds in hopes to salvage what remains. Australia’s $300 million Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program is investigating and developing new technologies that will prolong the life of the Great Barrier Reef. One of its newer methods involves a repurposed ferry, a gigantic mist machine, and...
Climate change threatens biodiversity in the Congo Basin
The Congo Basin contains the world’s second-largest rainforest, crucial for regulating the world’s climate. It is under threat as our planet heats up – though there are several schemes and projects under way to protect it. The world’s second largest forest area, the Congo Basin, is under threat due to the climate crisis. The Congo Basin is so huge that is spans across six countries in central Africa. These include...
How Slovenia is assuming the lead on environmental action in Europe
Ljubljana, the country’s capital city, has been car-free for well over a decade. Given the initiative’s success, will it be long before other nations follow suit? With COP 26 just days away, heads of state, diplomats, and activists are gearing up to discuss how we’re going to prevent the average global temperature from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. During this crucial moment for efforts to address the threats of climate...
California oil spill renews pressure to ban offshore drilling
The Golden State had been a leader in blocking offshore oil expansions since the infamous 1969 spill of Santa Barbara. The latest spill in Huntington Beach, however, has renewed pressure to ban all existing projects. As you’ve most likely seen by now, yet another major oil spill is currently spewing into our oceans, this time courtesy of an offshore drill site in Huntington Beach. On Monday, it was revealed that a...
