Ecology
Pacific Island to Introduce World-First ‘Reef-Toxic’ Sunscreen Ban
From 2020, lotions containing any of 10 chemicals linked to coral bleaching will be outlawed. The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau will ban “reef-toxic” sunscreens from 2020 in what it claims is a world-first initiative to stop chemical pollution killing its…
With Only 74 Left, New Protections Announced for Iconic Killer Whales
With only 74 remaining in the wild, time is running out to save southern resident killer whales, especially after two died this summer. This week, the Canadian government announced a slew of measures to save the critically endangered species. The…
Five Countries Hold 70% of World’s Last Wildernesses, Map Reveals
Just five countries hold 70% of the world’s remaining untouched wilderness areas and urgent international action is needed to protect them, according to new research. Researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have for…
Air Pollution Causing Major Reduction in Intelligence, Study Suggests
Poisonous air estimated to cause premature deaths of 7 million people a year worldwide. In addition to having a deadly impact on people’s physical health, air pollution is now also believed to be responsible for a profound reduction in intelligence, a new…
‘Only 16 Countries’ Emissions Targets Match Their Paris Agreement Pledges’
A new study shows these nations’ domestic policies do not live up to their nationally determined contributions. Only 16 countries have domestic greenhouse gas reduction targets clearly matching their Paris Agreement commitments. That’s according to a new analysis from the Grantham…
Hawaiian Island Important for Seals and Turtles Washed Away by Hurricane
A small Hawaiian island that was an important habitat for endangered species has entirely disappeared, The Huffington Post confirmed Tuesday. East Island in the French Frigate Shoals, an atoll around 550 miles northwest of Honolulu that formed part of the…
Microplastics Found in Human Poop for the First Time
Tiny pieces of plastic measuring less than five millimeters in length—or roughly the size of a sesame seed—have become a nearly ubiquitous presence in our world. Scientists have found the particles, better known as microplastics, everywhere from the oceans, the…