Environment

 

Climate change, environmental destruction, biodiversity loss – the challenges we face are huge. But despair isn’t a great source of motivation. Here we flip the narrative of typical climate change reporting to look at innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

Modelled on Nature: Fish-Inspired Filter Captures Microplastics

Microplastics are accumulating primarily in our waterways. However, a new "fish filter" is now intercepting them right at the source: our washing machines.

Can Rare Earth Recycling ‘Grow Up’ in Time to Save the Green Transition?

The global hunger for rare earth materials is set to rise. But what happens to the precious materials once the products are discarded, and can they be put back to use? A new wave of REE recycling might be upon us.

Could Plastic That Breaks Down in Salt Water Make Marine Litter a Thing of the Past?

Plastic waste is destroying our oceans. Scientists in Tokyo may have a solution: a new plastic material that breaks down in salt water.

As Climate Change Signage Is Removed From Us National Parks, Crowdsourcing Initiative ‘Save Our Signs’ Fights Back

Trump is removing climate change signs from national parks. The SOS crowdsourcing initiative archives them to retain their vital information.

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Grid-Aware Websites Respond to the Power Grid

Lean websites and green servers reduce CO2 emissions of the internet. Grid-aware websites go one step further: they adapt to the power grid.

Could Reusing EV Batteries Solve our Energy Storage Woes?

Our planet needs more ways to store energy in order to move away from fossil fuels. Could reusing EV batteries be the solution?

How to Choose a Sustainable Search Engine in the Age of AI

From an overload of ads to AI overviews, choosing a privacy-focused, climate-friendly search engine can be tricky. Here's our handy guide.

Listening to Trees: TreeMon Monitors Plants Using Microphones

The TreeMon project equips trees with sensors to detect pest infestation, water shortage and more using microphones to listen to the plant's needs.

Smart Oceans: Could Undersea Cables Act as Early Warning Systems for Environmental Disasters?

99 percent of global data transfer runs via undersea cables. Here's how these same cables could also warn us about environmental disasters.