Do Meat-Free Mondays really make a difference?
Meat-free Mondays is a campaign that aims to highlight the environmental impact of meat consumption and animal agriculture, but does it actually make a difference? If you’ve never heard of ‘Meat-Free Mondays’, the campaign first launched by the famous McCartney family all the way back in 2009, then you may...
Current in Planet
UK urged to support developing countries in funding climate action
The UK must take the lead in providing developing countries with funding to tackle the climate crisis, the UN’s development chief has said. Ahead of crunch talks at the Cop26 climate summit in November, ministers from around the world are set to meet (virtually of course) this week to discuss...
Study finds sharks ‘critical’ to restoring climate damaged ecosystems
Apex predators or protectors? New studies suggest that sharks are absolutely crucial in helping ecosystems recover from damaging climate events. We all know that removing animals from the food chain can have drastic knock on effects, but I doubt many foresaw sharks as being bastions of biodiversity. They just eat...
Joe Biden launches initative to boost US offshore wind energy by 50%
Having lagged behind Europe in championing renewable energies for years, the US is set to double its offshore wind production before 2030. Joe Biden’s electoral campaign relied heavily on talk of grandiose climate change solutions, and it appears his administration is already making good on them. High on the agenda of...
How bioplastic could be the future of fashion
Believe it or not, the sequins on this dress are made from 100% bioplastic and could provide some insight into the future of high-end fashion materials. Now you might be thinking, what is bioplastic? In this case, bioplastic might be the answer to one of fashion's most prevalent plastic waste...
United Nations chief confronts UK plans for Cumbria coalmine
United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres has declared the world must finally put an end to its ‘deadly addiction’ and phase coal out of the electricity sector. After a shocking announcement, all eyes are now on the UK. If we’re to reach our carbon neutrality goal by 2030, wholesale changes...
Are 3D printed houses the answer to sustainable housing?
A new project called TECLA uses recycled materials and zero waste to 3D print entire houses. There’s a lot to love, but I’m still trying to figure out how you’d hang pictures on the wall. Ever wanted to live in an igloo, but not a fan of the cold? You might want to check out these new dome-like dwellings currently being developed under the title ‘TECLA’, each one entirely 3D printed....
Eco-campaigners mobilise against plan to build the world’s largest greenhouse
The controversial £63 million project known as ‘Tropicalia’ is set to be ‘the world’s largest greenhouse’ and attract 500,000 visitors a year, but conservationists aren’t happy. Plans to construct the world’s largest single-domed glass greenhouse in a grey corner of Europe have raised alarm bells at 38 eco-associations including Greenpeace, Extinction Rebellion, Attac, and Europe Écologie-Les Verts (EELV). Named ‘Tropicalia,’ the enormous 20,000 square-metre plastic structure will be located on a...
Science and agriculture come together in art installation
This 20,000 square metre installation covers not only a large area, but also some big ideas about sustainable agriculture. Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde’s latest installation ‘Grow’ isn’t just a spectacle for the eyes, the mesmerizing combination of colours have a scientific basis as well. The recipe of blue, red, and ultraviolet light helps to trigger the metabolism of the leek plants in these photographs, improving their resistance to pests. In addition...
UK develops new energy storage system using hills
English engineers have created a new hydropower system that generates electricity inside natural hills. The technology could be used across the UK in the coming years. Hills are no longer just for country walks and winter time sledging, at least in the UK. English engineers have developed a new ‘high-intensity’ hydropower system that stores and releases electricity from gentle slopes and hills. Water systems have traditionally used steep dam walls...
