The state of the world’s environment is one of the most important stories of the new century. Debates over the impact of climate change reverberate throughout the globe. So do disputes about what actions might be necessary, both to preserve the environment and to develop sources of energy for a growing global community.
The World’s environment coverage, led by environment editor Peter Thomson, examines the health of the planet and explores the impacts of human activity on everything from the earth’s ecosystems to the food we put on our plates.
Environment
A Deal with Devils to Control Australian Pests?
Frustrated with their country’s inability to control introduced species, some Australian researchers are proposing to reintroduce two native predators to patrol their country’s landscape.
Britain Turns to an Insect to Get Rid of an Invasive Plant
Scientists are turning to an insect to get rid of the invasive Japanese knotweed.
Spaniards Trying to Save Illegally-Built Hotel
With its economy in tatters, Span is considering loosening coastline restrictions on homes and hotels.
Eco-Farming Fosters Better Relations in Senegal
An experimental eco-farming project is improving yields, saving water and soothing tensions among refugees and locals in eastern Senegal.
Pacific Corals Protected by Natural Cooling?
Coral reefs around the world are seriously endangered by global warming. But scientists have discovered that an unusual cold current may make reefs around a small group of Pacific Islands slightly less vulnerable.
‘This is how science works’
I posted at some length last week on why I don’t respond to complaints from climate deniers, but what I’d say if I did. Well, yesterday a federal appeals court summed up my basic argument in two simple, direct sentences in upholding the EPA’s decision to regulate greenhouse gas pollution.
On Not Responding to Climate Deniers, and What I’d Say If I Did
Why doesn’t The World give more attention to climate “skeptics?”
The Rio Environmental Summit: One Teen Activist’s View
Alysha Huggins is one of thousands of young activists in Rio this week pressing world leaders for a new greener approach to human development.
Rio+20: Empty Words from Environmental Summit?
Diplomats at the UN environmental summit in Brazil have agreed on a call for “urgent action” on the world’s environmental challenges, but critics say it will do little to actually address the problems.
Why Guar Beans Matter
Host Lisa Mullins talks with Scientific American’s David Biello about why the humble guar bean is having an impact on profits in the hydraulic fracturing industry.
Working to Save the Iraqi Marshes
Azzam Alwash is working to restore the Mesopotamian Marshes, a formerly rich wetland habitat in southern Iraq about the size of Connecticut.
An Update on Australia’s Water Wars
Australian farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin have irrigated their fields for decades. But today, drought and over-irrigation have taken a severe toll on the environment. The Australian government has devised a plan to right the balance. The problem is: Nobody likes the plan.
The trouble with Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a vital element for producing food but there are growing concerns about supply and pollution.
WHO: Fumes from Diesel Exhaust Cause Cancer
Exhaust fumes from diesel engines do cause cancer, a panel of experts working for the World Health Organization says.
Turtles Caught in Cyprus’s Political Rift
Cyprus’s sea turtles are in trouble, but the feuding Greek and Turkish sides aren’t working together to protect them.
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