Overconsumption and growth economy key drivers of environmental crises
Researchers, led by a UNSW sustainability scientist, have reviewed existing academic discussions on the link between wealth, economy and associated impacts, reaching a clear conclusion: technology will only get us so far when working towards sustainability—we need far-reaching lifestyle changes and different economic paradigms.
Carpet shell clams reveal high levels of pollution in several coastal lagoons in Tunisia
Transitional waters, those situated between land and the sea, such as lagoons and estuaries, are more exposed to human activity and these waters are slowly refreshed, meaning that their ecosystems are more vulnerable to pollution. Also, there is evidence for the relationship between a rise in temperature and a greater level of pollution
Coal-burning in Siberia led to climate change 250 million years ago
A team of researchers has provided the first ever direct evidence that extensive coal burning in Siberia is a cause of the Permo-Triassic Extinction, the Earth’s most severe extinction event.
Climate change batters this Arctic island—can the community cope?
From vanishing ice to shifting walruses, Native Alaskans living on Little Diomede have watched their home transform with disturbing speed.
Building Back Better: Why Europe Must Lead a Global Green Recovery
With the global economy reeling from the pandemic, most nations are focusing stimulus programs on reviving employment. But Europe is moving forward with a Green Deal initiative that provides a framework for decarbonizing its economy and spurring the rest of the world to follow.
Global Climate Report – May 2020: Earth ties record high heat May reading
The global land and ocean surface temperature for May 2020 tied with 2016 as the highest in the 141-year record at 0.95°C (1.71°F) above the 20th century average of 14.8°C (58.6°F). The 10 warmest Mays have all occurred since 1998
US ranks 24th in the world on environmental performance
The United States isn’t doing a good job of protecting the environment, according to researchers at Yale and Columbia universities. The U.S. ranks 24th in the 2020 Environmental Performance Index, released Thursday. The poor ranking, putting the United States behind most of Europe, reflects the nation’s growing environmental and sustainability problems
Putin declares state of emergency after massive fuel leak pollutes river in the Arctic Circle
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a state of emergency in the Siberian city of Norilsk after a massive fuel leak spilled into a river. Environmentalists call it one of the worst ever seen in the Arctic.
Scientists tackle starfish plagues on endangered Great Barrier Reef
Crown-of-thorns starfish are the second biggest threat to the already endangered Great Barrier Reef — the world’s largest coral reef system, right behind tropical cyclones. Over the past decades, they have attacked the reefs in waves of outbreaks.