Trees are not only majestic but also crucial for biodiversity and reducing climate change. However, we are cutting them down at an alarming rate. Planting trees can help capture carbon dioxide and cancel out CO2 emissions. In fact, planting 1.2 trillion trees could capture up to 100 gigatonnes of CO2, and safeguard habitats that otherwise get cut down. Trees also offer a habitat to all kinds of fungi and insects, and studies have shown that they can lower stress and make people happier. Planting a single tree can be a powerful symbolic act, but we need to make big changes to the way we live and reduce the number of trees we cut down in the first place. Learning about the importance of trees and taking the necessary actions to protect them can have a positive impact on the environment and our mental health.

A new global study reveals that deforestation and human-induced damage to forests are happening faster than they can regrow, hindering efforts to combat climate and ecological emergencies. Led by the University of Bristol and published in Nature, the research highlights the potential of carbon storage in recovering forests, but also emphasizes the need for sustainable forest management. The study provides the first pan-tropical estimates of aboveground carbon absorption in tropical forests recovering from degradation and deforestation, and identifies the vulnerability of carbon sinks in recovering forests.

Did you know that wetlands are vital sources of water purification, groundwater recharge, and carbon storage? A new Stanford-led study published in Nature finds that global losses of wetlands have likely been overestimated, enabling more informed plans to protect or restore ecosystems crucial for human health and livelihoods. While wetlands remain threatened in many parts of the world, the researchers combed through thousands of records of wetland drainage and land-use changes in 154 countries, mapping the distribution of drained and converted wetlands onto maps of present-day wetlands to get a picture of what the original wetland area might have looked like in 1700.

Climate change anxiety is a relatively new term, but the fear of the future and the trauma it may bring is not. We are facing an existential fear about our survival, and it is important to understand our impact as human beings on the planet. It is normal to feel anxious about the effects of climate change, but this anxiety can also be a way of digesting the information. As students, it is essential to explore this topic and understand the key concepts of climate change, its impact on our world, and the part we can play in mending the part of the world that is within our reach. Learning about this topic not only benefits us intellectually but also practically as it helps us to make informed decisions about our future and the world we want to live in. Let's embrace the challenge and become part of the solution.

The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery paints a bleak picture of the future of our planet as we approach a global climatic tipping point. With vivid descriptions of the most powerful natural disasters in recent history, Flannery provides a riveting history of climate change and its impending impact on our world. But it's not all doom and gloom - Flannery offers specific suggestions for action that individuals and lawmakers can take to prevent a cataclysmic future. This urgent warning and call to arms is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of our planet. Recommended for environmentalists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of our planet, The Weather Makers by Tim Flannery offers a comprehensive history of climate change and its impact on our world. With specific suggestions for action, Flannery's urgent warning and call to arms is relevant to anyone concerned about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy. The book is also valuable for those studying environmental science, meteorology, and related fields, as it offers a detailed analysis of the science behind climate change and its effects on our planet.

The ocean is much more than just a beautiful and mysterious body of water that covers over 70% of our planet. It plays a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate and weather patterns, making it an essential aspect of the global ecosystem. In recent years, the impact of human activities, such as increased greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution, has had a profound effect on the ocean and its life. Understanding the relationship between the ocean and climate change is crucial to preserving our planet for future generations. One of the most significant ways in which the ocean affects climate change is through its ability to store and release heat. The ocean acts as a "heat sink," absorbing over 90% of the excess heat caused by climate change, helping to regulate the planet's temperature. This process also affects the ocean's currents, which play a crucial role in the global climate system by transporting heat and nutrients around the world. Another critical aspect of the ocean's role in climate change is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The ocean is a natural carbon sink, but as the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increase, the ocean becomes more acidic, which can have severe consequences for marine life. This process, known as ocean acidification, is a significant concern for scientists and policymakers because it can disrupt the delicate balance of the ocean's ecosystem and cause harm to species that rely on a stable environment to survive. Leading academics in the field, such as Dr. Sylvia Earle and Dr. Jane Lubchenco, have made significant contributions to our understanding of the ocean's role in climate change. Through their research and advocacy, they have helped to raise awareness of the importance of the ocean and its life and the need to protect it for future generations. The ocean is an integral part of our planet's ecosystem, and understanding its role in climate change is essential for preserving our planet and its life for future generations. Get inspired, get informed, and dive into the deep blue!

Over 171 trillion pieces of plastic now pollute our oceans, killing marine life and posing a threat to human health. Without action, this number could triple by 2040. Learn about the causes and solutions to this crisis, and how you can make a difference.

Imagine a world without humans - what would happen next? This thought experiment highlights the interconnectedness of our world and the impact humans have on it. Without our intervention, nature would take over and endangered species would have a chance to thrive. However, the world would never forget us as we would leave our mark. Learning about the environment and the impact humans have on it is not only intellectually stimulating, but it also has practical benefits. By understanding our impact on the planet, we can make informed decisions and take action to ensure a sustainable future. So, let's explore and discover the fascinating world of environmental science and make a positive impact on the world we live in.

Did you know that seaweed could be the answer to global food insecurity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Seaweed is not only a dietary staple and carbon soaker, but also holds potential for replacing plastics, animal feed, and biofuels. Researchers from the University of Queensland have mapped out the potential of farming more commercially important seaweed species and estimated that expanding seaweed farming could reduce global agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent per year. However, careful management is needed to avoid potential ecological impacts.

In "Storms of My Grandchildren," Dr. James Hansen, the preeminent climate scientist, delivers a powerful and urgent message about the looming threat of global warming. With a stark warning that the planet is hurtling towards a climatic point of no return, Hansen calls for immediate and decisive action to phase out coal and achieve a goal of 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of our planet and the fate of future generations. Recommended for students of environmental science, policy makers, and anyone interested in the urgent issue of climate change, "Storms of My Grandchildren" provides a comprehensive and compelling overview of the science behind global warming and the political obstacles to addressing it. The book is an important resource for those seeking to understand the dire consequences of inaction, and the urgent need for a groundswell of public support to create a tipping point for change. Hansen's message is clear: we must act now to save our planet and our grandchildren from a catastrophic fate.

Natural climate solutions offer a way to address both the climate crisis and nature loss, while increasing resilience. Private-sector commitment to climate action is gaining momentum, with companies adopting strategies aimed at reaching net-zero emissions and investing in nature through the purchase of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS)-generated carbon credits. NCS projects could yield nearly a third of the emissions reduction target by 2030, with substantial co-benefits for biodiversity, water quality, and sustainable development. However, challenges remain in ensuring genuinely additional and permanent carbon reductions. Learn about six proposed steps to address these deficiencies.

Discover how Kipster, a Netherlands-based egg producer, is proving that a circular business model for animal protein can work in the US, while maintaining a focus on carbon neutrality, animal welfare, and using surplus food for animal feed. WWF's case study details how Kipster's practices differ from conventional egg production and how it has successfully replicated that model in the US.

Are you curious about how forests help to fight climate change? Boston University's biogeochemist and ecologist Lucy Hutyra has been investigating the effects of forest fragmentation on the planet's "lungs" for over a decade. Her research team has discovered that soil and trees in temperate forest edges in the Northeast United States are acting differently than those farther away from people, which challenges current ideas about conservation and the value of urban forests. Find out more in the reference article from Boston University.

Scotland leads the way in funding "loss and damage" projects, providing aid to developing countries for the impact of climate change. Malawi, with ties to Scotland, is already benefiting from the fund with a significant difference made in 10 areas. This model has been endorsed by Malawi's President, who believes it should be replicated by other countries. This article highlights the potential of smaller countries to make a meaningful impact on global issues.

Plastic is a synthetic polymer that has completely changed our world. It is lightweight, durable, and can be molded into almost any shape. Unfortunately, plastic has saturated our environment, invaded the animals we eat, and is finding its way into our bodies. Plastic takes between 500 and 1,000 years to break down, yet we use it for things meant to be thrown away. 40% of plastics are used for packaging, and since its invention, we have produced about 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic. 79% of it is still sticking around, and a lot ends up in the ocean, where it outweighs all the fish. Microplastics, pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, have been found in honey, sea salt, beer, tap water, and in the household dust around us. While there is little science about the health risks associated with microplastics, it is safe to say that we have lost control over plastic to a certain extent, which is kind of scary. By learning more about plastic, we can take steps to reduce its impact on our environment and our health.

A new study reveals that coral reefs have declined by 50% since the 1950s due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The loss of these biodiversity hotspots not only affects marine life but also puts communities and livelihoods at risk. Learn more about the rapid pace of global coral collapse and its implications for indigenous communities and local ecosystems.

Half a million barrels of DDT waste dumped in the ocean in the 1940s and '50s remain in startlingly high concentrations, spread across a wide swath of seafloor larger than the city of San Francisco. Recent studies have linked the presence of this once-popular pesticide to an aggressive cancer in sea lions, and significant amounts of DDT-related compounds continue to accumulate in California condors and local dolphin populations. With a $5.6-million research boost from Congress, scientists and environmental nonprofits are racing to figure out the extent of the contamination lurking 3,000 feet underwater.

Veganism is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that has a positive impact on our health and the planet. By adopting a vegan diet, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help conserve the environment. Veganism is not only about the food we eat, but also about being compassionate to animals. However, it's important to consider the limitations of a vegan diet, including the potential hidden costs socially, economically, and environmentally. Nonetheless, learning about the benefits and limitations of veganism can help you make informed choices that align with your values and help you contribute to a more sustainable world.

In the age of climate change, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their daily choices on the environment. One of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions is the food industry, and supermarkets play a significant role in this. The carbon footprint of a supermarket is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that result from the production, transportation, and disposal of the food it sells. According to a study by the University of Sheffield, the average carbon footprint of a supermarket in the UK is around 70,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. This is equivalent to the emissions from 14,000 cars driving for a whole year! Urban and rural supermarkets have different carbon footprints due to their location, transportation options, and customer demographics. Urban supermarkets are usually located in densely populated areas, with many customers living within walking or cycling distance. This means that urban supermarkets have lower transportation emissions, but higher energy consumption due to the need for air conditioning and refrigeration. Rural supermarkets, on the other hand, are often located further away from customers and rely more on truck transportation, resulting in higher transportation emissions. However, they may have a lower energy consumption due to the milder climate. Dr. Katy Roelich, a researcher at the University of Leeds, has studied the carbon footprint of the UK food system and identified the role of supermarkets in it. She has highlighted the importance of reducing food waste and promoting local food systems to reduce emissions. The carbon footprints of urban and rural supermarkets have both positive and negative environmental impacts. By being aware of the differences between them and promoting sustainable practices, we can all make a difference in reducing the carbon footprint of our food system.

The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, yet we know very little about it. With new technology, such as submarine robots, this hidden realm is starting to reveal its secrets. The ocean is home to extraordinary, otherworldly creatures, and boasts some of the highest peaks, deepest canyons, and longest river channels on the planet. However, our impact on the ocean is already being keenly felt, with plastic and pollution causing damage to marine life. By learning more about the ocean, we can better protect and preserve this vital life source. The ocean is key to almost all life on the planet, regulating our climate and providing half the oxygen we breathe. Learning about the ocean's secrets can also help solve urgent problems such as antibiotic resistance. Exploring the ocean can be a fascinating and rewarding journey, with new discoveries waiting to be made.