Ecology
Plastic Pollution in the World’s Oceans ‘Costs up to $2.5bn a Year’
Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans costs up to $2.5 billion (£1.9bn) a year in damaged and lost resources. That’s according to a new study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, which suggests industries such as fishing, aquaculture and recreation, as…
Let Nature Heal Climate and Biodiversity Crises, Say Campaigners
The restoration of natural forests and coasts can simultaneously tackle climate change and the annihilation of wildlife but is being worryingly overlooked, an international group of campaigners have said. Animal populations have fallen by 60% since 1970, suggesting a sixth…
Strawberries, Spinach and Kale Are Riddled with Pesticides
A diet rich in fruits and veggies is considered to be key to good health. They are low in calories but high in nutrients. Just what the doctor ordered. Or is it? Because of the widespread use of pesticides many…
IKEA Introduces Environmentally-Friendly Ice Cream
IKEA has introduced an environmentally-friendly vegan ice cream to its Bistro menu in Europe. Starting from April 2019, the retailer will sell its sustainable strawberry-flavour soft ice, which it says has almost half the carbon footprint of traditional dairy-based soft…
‘Mosquito-Borne Diseases Will Spread as the Planet Heats Up’
Climate change means the entire planet could be at risk from mosquito-borne tropical diseases by the end of the century. That’s according to a new study from PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, which suggests the regions in which mosquitoes carrying harmful…
The Last Straw: European Parliament Votes to Ban Single-Use Plastics
The European parliament has voted to ban single-use plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers as part of a sweeping law against plastic waste that despoils beaches and pollutes oceans. The vote by MEPs paves the way for a ban…
Air Pollution Linked to Psychotic Experiences in Young People
Young people living with higher levels of air pollution are significantly more likely to have psychotic experiences, according to the first study of the issue. Researchers analysed the experiences of more than 2,000 17-year-olds across England and Wales and found…