Ecology
Can the Mediterranean Diet Protect You Against Air Pollution Health Risks?
Air pollution is a serious and growing public health concern. Ninety-five percent of the Earth’s population breathes unsafe air, and scientists are discovering more and more health risks associated with doing so. However, since the solution to air pollution depends…
Vancouver Bans Plastic Straws, Foam Cups and Containers
Vancouver has become the first major Canadian city to adopt a ban on a range of single-use plastics. Starting June 1, 2019, the distribution of plastic drinking straws and polystyrene foam cups and take-out containers will be prohibited. The initiative…
Climate Change on Track to Cause Major Insect Wipeout, Scientists Warn
Global warming is on track to cause a major wipeout of insects, compounding already severe losses, according to a new analysis. Insects are vital to most ecosystems and a widespread collapse would cause extremely far-reaching disruption to life on Earth,…
Researchers Don’t Know What’s Killing Florida’s Coral Reef
In the fall of 2014, something mysterious started happening to the brain corals near Miami, Florida. Dead, white patches were appearing on the coral’s colorful flesh. The spots grew until they consumed the entire thing, leaving just a skeleton behind.…
Chilean Villagers Claim British Appetite for Avocados Is Draining Region Dry
British supermarkets are selling thousands of tonnes of avocados produced in a Chilean region where villagers claim vast amounts of water are being diverted, resulting in a drought. Major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose, Aldi and Lidl source avocados…
Water Shortages to Be Key Environmental Challenge of the Century, Nasa Warns
Water shortages are likely to be the key environmental challenge of this century, scientists from Nasa have warned, as new data has revealed a drying-out of swaths of the globe between the tropics and the high latitudes, with 19 hotspots…
New Labelling Helps UK Shoppers Avoid Plastic Packaging
A new plastic-free “trust mark” is being introduced today, allowing shoppers to see at a glance whether products use plastic in their packaging. The label will be prominently displayed on food and drink products, making it easier for consumers to…