Tracking changes in our oceans’ surface currents has never been more important

Emily Heaslip writes on the SOFAROCEAN website about why we need to be tracking surface currents. This year, ocean currents have been the focus of numerous studies. And, unfortunately, research is showing that key ocean current systems like the Gulf Stream are weakening. Weaker ocean currents are projected to have catastrophic effects on our planet. … Continue reading Tracking changes in our oceans’ surface currents has never been more important

Britain’s energy transition: creating jobs requires effective policies to promote energy efficiency

The potential for jobs creation in energy efficiency is immense. But this will only be realised if it is matched by government enthusiasm behind effective policies. Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation, discusses the situation in Britain in the January issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry.   Jabs and jobs go … Continue reading Britain’s energy transition: creating jobs requires effective policies to promote energy efficiency

New EEA briefing on multiple benefits of switch to renewable electricity

The increased use of renewable electricity across the European Union has not only reduced pressures linked to climate change, but also to air and water pollution (particulate matter formation, eutrophication and acidification), according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) briefing published recently. More targeted actions can help minimise the negative environmental effects of boosting renewable … Continue reading New EEA briefing on multiple benefits of switch to renewable electricity

A Bangladeshi man with asthma has avoided deportation from France in appeal that air pollution risked a severe deterioration in his condition

In a ruling believed to be the first of its kind in France, the appeals court in Bordeaux overturned an expulsion order against the 40-year-old man because he would face “a worsening of his respiratory pathology due to air pollution” in his country of origin. Jon Henley explains in an article on The Guardian website. … Continue reading A Bangladeshi man with asthma has avoided deportation from France in appeal that air pollution risked a severe deterioration in his condition

As our nights grow increasingly bright, its negative impacts are becoming ever more visible on our health and on nature

Tim Schauenberg writes on the Deutsche Welle website about the impact our light pollution from lighting is having on us and on nature.   Light pollution: The dangers of bright skies at night Artificial light revolutionized life on earth. But as our nights grow increasingly bright, its negative impacts are becoming ever more visible on … Continue reading As our nights grow increasingly bright, its negative impacts are becoming ever more visible on our health and on nature

New report presents climate change as an immediate public health danger

We are receiving more and more evidence that climate change is causing more and more concerns. It makes one wonder if we need to make the 2015 Paris climate agreement even more ambitious. Somini Sengupta writes on the New York Times website about a new report published in The Lancet that raises concerns about the … Continue reading New report presents climate change as an immediate public health danger

The importance of sea surface temperatures

Ayesha Renyard writes on the Sofar Ocean website to give us an introduction to sea surface temperature and what are the implications for the  maritime industry, offshore oil and gas industry, agricultural industry, and fishing industry. In our drive for a more sustainable future, everything needs to be better understood.   An Introduction to Sea … Continue reading The importance of sea surface temperatures

New report shows worsening health impacts from climate change

Over 120 researchers were involved in this latest report on health impact from climate change. Celia McMichael, Senior Lecturer in Geography, University of Melbourne; Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health, UCL; Shouro Dasgupta, Lecturer in Environmental Economics at Università Ca'Foscari; and Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, Senior Researcher, Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations … Continue reading New report shows worsening health impacts from climate change

Glass bottles are more than four times as damaging to the planet as plastic ones

A recent study that shows how damaging glass bottles are. The total environmental impact for glass bottles is much higher when factors such as their contribution to climate change through energy use and damage from mining for key ingredients is factored in, finds the study. Tom Bawden explains in an article on the inews website. … Continue reading Glass bottles are more than four times as damaging to the planet as plastic ones

The European Academies Science Advisory Council Perspective on Transformative Change

This pandemic reminds us how vulnerable this planet, and in particular humanity, really are. Another striking reminder is the latest publication of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) available on its website. For more on the report see also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q90lDeis7-o and https://youtu.be/5Gk9prsjmEg.   Resistance and Challenges to Green Deals should not be underestimated “Scientific knowledge of climate … Continue reading The European Academies Science Advisory Council Perspective on Transformative Change