Ecology
From Bio Waste to SCOBY Packaging
If you’ve ever made kombucha, you’re familiar with the process of using a culture of bacteria and yeast to ferment tea. That culture is called a “scoby” and the process has inspired designer Roza Janusz to look at the ways…
Weak Systems and Funding Gaps Jeopardize Drinking-Water and Sanitation in the Poorest Countries
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UN-Water sounded the alarm for an urgent increase in investment in strong drinking-water and sanitation systems. The call came as the international water sector meets in Stockholm for its annual conference during World Water…
WHO Calls for More Research into Microplastics and a Crackdown on Plastic Pollution
The World Health Organization (WHO) today calls for a further assessment of microplastics in the environment and their potential impacts on human health, following the release of an analysis of current research related to microplastics in drinking-water. The Organization also…
Cuba Drastically Reforms Fishing Laws to Protect Coral Reef, Sharks and Rays
Cuba has introduced sweeping reforms of its fishing laws in a move seen as smoothing the way for possible collaboration with the US on protecting their shared ocean, despite Donald Trump’s policy of reversing a thaw in relations. The move…
Rummaging Through Trash to Find Clean Energy
Landfills around the world are filling up. In 2016, humanity generated over 2 billion tonnes of waste. In the next 30 years, that figure is expected to grow to 3.4 billion. Where will all this waste end up? A recent…
Amazon Rainforest Fires: Global Leaders Urged to Divert Brazil from ‘Suicide’ Path
International pressure may be the only way to stop the Brazilian government from taking a “suicide” path in the Amazon, one of the country’s most respected scientists has said, as the world’s biggest rainforest continues to be ravaged by thousands…
Two Tigers Seized from Traffickers Every Week, Report Finds
Two illegally smuggled tigers per week are being seized by officials, according to a report, but this represents only a tiny fraction of those being killed. The report, by the wildlife trade experts Traffic, was released at a summit of…