most-important
First Mammal Species Recognized as Extinct Due to Climate Change
A small rodent that lived only on a single island off Australia is likely the world’s first mammal to become a casualty of climate change, scientists reported in June 2016. The government of Australia has now officially recognized the Bramble…
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels ‘to Soar Through 2019’
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are forecast to soar through 2019. That’s according to the Met Office. which expects the continued burning of fossil fuels, the destruction of forests and a return towards El Niño-like conditions to lead…
What Does ’12 Years to Save the Planet’ Really Mean?
It’s a number that’s been thrown around a lot recently. There’s a danger it will be misunderstood. When I wrote about a report suggesting the pace of decarbonization needs to treble, I also mentioned the recent IPCC report which has…
U.S. Carbon Emissions Spiked 3.4% in 2018, Second-Largest Increase Since 1996
Carbon emissions in the U.S. experienced a sharp upswing in 2018, despite a record number of coal-fired power plant closings, according to new data. An analysis released by the research firm Rhodium Group Tuesday shows that emissions rose by 3.4 percent last year—the…
The EU Banned Almost All Coal Mining on Jan 1
Every unprofitable coal mine in the European Union must cease production by the first day of 2019, the date on which all public funds for the mines will come to an end. In Spain, that means that 26 coal mines…
2018: A Year of Fighting Plastic Waste
The plastic pollution crisis has been building for some time now, to the point where around eight million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans each year. In response, a movement to cut down on plastic waste has also been…
2018 Wasn’t a Completely Horrible Year for the Environment
Was 2018 a tough year for the environment? Absolutely. But were there bright spots and victories among the attacks on biodiversity, climate and public health? Of course there were. Here are just a few, in case you’re feeling blue about…