As climate finance becomes increasingly private and debt-based, both risk slowing long-term decarbonization and a shift of power away from government toward market actors.
Tourism and climate change threaten Lake Baikal, a unique global treasure
Mass tourism has grown exponentially across the last decade, bringing nearly 2 million tourists to Baikal’s sparsely populated shores.
Underwater volcanoes unleash enough energy to power a continent
Scientists are closer to understanding the formation of underwater megaplumes, large and powerful columns of heated water rising from the ocean floor.
Common plants and pollinators act as anchors for ecosystems
New study finds “generalist” plants and pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and may also serve as buffers against some impacts of climate change.
Scientists develop eco-friendly pollen sponge to tackle water contaminants
This pollen sponge can absorb oil contaminants, such as gasoline and motor oil, at a rate comparable to commercial oil absorbents
Inspired by the pufferfish, this hydrogel purifies water using nothing but sunlight
This method of purification under natural sunlight opens a new paradigm in clean water production using renewable solar energy.
Sponging up oil droplets from Arctic wastewater
A re-usable sponge can capture and recover crude oil droplets from cold water to generate clean water in a fragile ecosystem.
Climate change and the city
With increasing rates of urbanization and its detrimental effects on the environment, reducing the risk posed by “urban climate change” requires more research to prepare ourselves for an uncertain future.
A natural way of turning off the carbon dioxide tap, California style
A new report outlines in quantitative detail the range of options, trade-offs, and costs to guide future policies in achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.
DIY eco-friendly fertilizer
Miniature plasma reactors mimic how lightening makes renewable nitrogen fertilizer using just sunlight, water, and air.