At first glance, the matter seems clear. Researchers in Japan analyzed detailed data sets on global forest cover from 1960 to 2019. Two opposing trends were observed: while deforestation has stopped in most richer countries and the number of trees has even increased again, in poorer countries the tropics still lost huge areas every year. … Read more
Global plastic production has more than doubled in recent years. However, only a fraction of this is recycled. The majority are either burned or buried permanently. But this is also not really a viable solution. And yet a not inconsiderable part of the waste ends up in nature. This can be seen in the oceans, … Read more
Germany is seen worldwide as a model country when it comes to waste separation. In fact, the results are significantly worse than often believed. This is mainly due to the sometimes complicated and confusing regulations. Some studies even concluded that randomly distributing the waste among the different bins would work just as well as deliberately … Read more
The so-called CCS technology, in which CO2 emissions are captured and stored underground, is highly controversial. Critics warn of uncontrollable effects on the environment. It is also feared that the urgently needed emission reduction will be postponed because there seems to be an alternative. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has now also determined … Read more
This year alone, 4,300 hectares of forest have burned down in Germany. This is a new record, and yet it is only part of the problem. Because in the years 2018 to 2020, a total of 400,000 hectares of forest were lost. These losses are usually the result of water shortages and droughts. The bark … Read more
In fact, the world community had already agreed on specific rules in 2009 to dispose of old container ships in a professional and environmentally friendly manner. But the so-called “Hong Kong Treaty” will not come into effect until ratified by 15 countries representing at least 40 percent of the world’s trade fleet tonnage. This last … Read more
Wind and solar energy are the main pillars of the energy transition. However, in the field of wind energy, there is always criticism from conservationists. The concern (and reality) is that birds and other flying creatures such as bats could collide with wind turbine blades. In two studies, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for … Read more
Excessive heat can have serious consequences for the health of the human body. This realization is certainly not new. However, these impacts of climate change seem to have been largely neglected until now. In addition, not only the temperature is a factor for health damage due to heat, but also the humidity. Model calculations conclude … Read more
At the moment all signs on the road point to electricity: electromobility is considered the gold standard for the turnaround in traffic, and in transport it is supported by hydrogen depending on the situation. It is not so easy in aviation. One thing is clear: something has to be done. There is still no clear … Read more
We have too much carbon dioxide: This simple truth has puzzled countless researchers around the world. It is not just about reducing emissions, the second adjusting screw, consumption, is also being worked hard. Austrian researchers have now discovered a bacterium that helps to make protein-rich biomass from CO2. The end product can be used as … Read more