‘Whitest ever’ paint reflects 98% of sunlight

Scientists in the US have developed a paint significantly "whiter than the whitest paint currently available". Tests carried out by researchers at Purdue University on their "ultra-white" paint showed it reflected more than 98% of sunlight. That suggests, the scientists say, that it could help save energy and fight climate change. Damian Carrington discusses the … Continue reading ‘Whitest ever’ paint reflects 98% of sunlight →

Global heating pushes tropical regions towards limits of human liveability

A new study suggests that large swaths of the tropics will experience dangerous living and working conditions if global warming isn’t limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Henry Fountain discusses the study in an article on the New York Times website. Global Warming’s Deadly Combination: Heat and Humidity Here’s one more reason the world should … Continue reading Global heating pushes tropical regions towards limits of human liveability →

New EEA briefing on the health impacts from climate change

European countries are facing increasing threats from climate change, including extreme weather events and infectious diseases. A new briefing by the Lancet Countdown and the European Environment Agency (EEA), published this week on the European Climate and Health Observatory, draws attention to health impacts of climate change in the European Union (EU) and suggests key … Continue reading New EEA briefing on the health impacts from climate change →

Air pollution from burning fossil fuels is causing more than twice as many deaths as thought, a study has found

A recent study has shown that fine particle pollution is having a a greater health cost than previously thought. The authors said that the higher number was due to better understanding of the impacts of fine particles thanks to studies which tracked large groups of people over time and compared pollution levels where they lived … Continue reading Air pollution from burning fossil fuels is causing more than twice as many deaths as thought, a study has found →

New EEA report on the growing environmental concern from plastics

The ever-increasing amount of plastic, its impact on biodiversity and contribution to climate change, and how to deal with it in a circular economy perspective have been on the European Union’s policy agenda for years. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the attention for plastic waste with images of masks in our seas, and large … Continue reading New EEA report on the growing environmental concern from plastics →

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 →