Scotland has become the first country to ban desflurane, an anaesthetic gas with a global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide, from its hospitals due to its environmental threat. The move would cut emissions equivalent to powering 1,700 homes a year. UK hospitals have already cut down, with over 40 hospital trusts in England and some in Wales having stopped using it. NHS England will introduce a similar ban from 2024. Anaesthetists have switched to safer alternatives, but more needs to be done to reduce the NHS's carbon footprint.

How can urban planning decisions impact health? A new tool evaluates factors like green spaces and air pollution to assess potential health effects.

Waste management is an essential aspect of public health, and it has a long and fascinating history. From ancient Roman public latrines to modern wastewater treatment plants, the evolution of toilets and sewage systems has been pivotal in preventing the spread of dangerous microorganisms that cause cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Learning about the history of waste management is not only intellectually stimulating but also practically important for understanding the importance of proper sanitation. While modern toilets have a wide range of features, billions of people around the world still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, putting them at risk of disease. By studying the history of waste management and developing new sanitation technologies, we can address the behavioral, financial, and political issues that produce inequity throughout the sanitation pipeline and improve public health for all.

Apple's announcement of using 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries by 2025 highlights the growing concern about the environmental and ethical impacts of mining materials for personal electronics and electric vehicles. However, with the exponential growth of the EV market, there may not be enough recycled materials to meet demand. Explore the challenges and opportunities of battery recycling and the circular economy in this week's newsletter.

Are you aware that over 2 billion people globally drink water contaminated with disease-causing microbes? Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a low-cost, recyclable powder that can kill thousands of waterborne bacteria per second when exposed to ordinary sunlight. This discovery could be a significant breakthrough for the nearly 30 percent of the world's population without access to safe drinking water. The results of their study are published in Nature Water.

Are you interested in the environmental impact of the pharmaceutical industry? A new study by Cornell University and the Clinton Health Access Initiative has found that pharmaceutical producers could reduce their carbon footprint by up to 45% by optimizing manufacturing processes, supply chain networks, and switching to renewable energy sources. The study focused on the HIV antiretroviral drug Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, exploring its full life-cycle carbon impact. The findings were published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. This comprehensive analysis is the first of its kind and could serve as a model for producing other drug molecules more sustainably.

Did you know that even electric vehicles produce harmful pollution from tyre wear? According to a new briefing paper by Imperial College London’s Transition to Zero Pollution initiative, six million tonnes of tyre wear particles are released globally each year, with potentially negative effects on biodiversity and human health. While research and innovations dedicated to tackling fuel emissions have been increasing, the environmental and health impacts of tyre wear have been neglected. The researchers call for more investment in tyre wear research to fully understand and reduce their impacts, including particle capture technologies, new advanced materials, and efforts to reduce vehicle weight.

As demand for materials like copper and lithium skyrockets with the push for clean energy, companies are eyeing the ocean floor for a new source. But what are the potential consequences for marine life and ecosystems? Learn about the growing controversy and the UN's efforts to regulate deep-sea mining in this thought-provoking article.

Electronic waste is not just trash, it's a treasure trove of precious metals like gold! Researchers at the University of Cagliari and Imperial College London have found a way to extract gold from electronic waste and use it as a catalyst in making medicines. This not only prevents gold from being lost in landfills but also reduces our dependence on environmentally harmful mining practices.

Think cold weather is only dangerous in extreme conditions? Think again. Research from the University of South Wales shows that even mild temperatures like 10°C can have a profound impact on the heart, lungs, and brain. Explore the science behind cold environments and their effects on the body in this eye-opening experiment.

As a high school student, you may have wondered whether we will ever run out of oil. The answer is complex and depends on how you look at it. While there may be trillions of barrels of oil in the earth's crust, it's becoming increasingly difficult and costly to extract. However, technologies such as fracking and melting tar sands are allowing us to access more oil. But even if we don't run out of oil, there are still compelling reasons to move away from it, including climate change, air pollution, and geopolitical tensions. Learning about the science and technology behind oil extraction can help you understand the challenges and opportunities facing our world today. It can also inspire you to think about alternative energy sources and solutions to the problems associated with oil.

Are you passionate about protecting the environment and making a positive impact on the world? If so, a career in Environmental Engineering might be the perfect fit for you! Environmental Engineers are responsible for designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems. From developing sustainable energy sources to managing waste disposal, Environmental Engineers work to create a healthier and more sustainable planet. One exciting aspect of this field is the opportunity to work on real-life projects that make a difference. For example, an Environmental Engineer might design a water treatment system to provide clean drinking water to a community in need, or develop a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a factory. Typical duties of an Environmental Engineer include conducting environmental impact assessments, designing and implementing pollution control systems, and managing hazardous waste disposal. There are also many areas of specialisation within the field, such as air quality management, water resource management, and renewable energy. To become an Environmental Engineer, you will typically need a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field such as Civil Engineering or Chemical Engineering. Popular undergraduate programs include the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Helpful personal attributes for a career in Environmental Engineering include strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a passion for sustainability. You should also be comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and community groups. Job prospects for Environmental Engineers are strong, with a projected growth rate of 8% from 2019 to 2029. There are many attractive potential employers in both the public and private sectors, including government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States, and private companies such as Tesla and Google. So if you're looking for a career that combines your passion for the environment with your love of problem-solving, consider a career in Environmental Engineering. You could be the next person to make a positive impact on our planet!

Mining has been a crucial part of human civilization for centuries, providing us with the resources we need to build, create and thrive. But with this extraction comes consequences, particularly in the form of mine tailings. Mine tailings are the waste materials left over after the ore has been extracted, and they can have significant impacts on the environment, particularly with regards to climate change. To understand the impact of mine tailings, it's important to first understand the science behind mining. When ore is extracted, the minerals are separated from the rest of the material, leaving behind a mixture of minerals, water, and other substances. This mixture is called tailings, and it can contain harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals, that can leach into the environment. Leading academics in the field, such as Dr. Sara Colombo and Dr. Jian Kang, have studied the environmental impact of mine tailings and have found that they can lead to soil and water pollution, as well as contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. For example, Dr. Colombo's research has shown that tailings dams can release large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. These impacts are a concern for many communities, as well as for the planet as a whole. But despite this, there is hope for a more sustainable future. Researchers like Dr. Jian Kang are working to develop new technologies that can reduce the environmental impact of mine tailings, such as using them as a source of energy instead of just waste.

Electricity is a fundamental part of modern life, but could too much of it be harmful? Understanding the movement of electric charges and resulting electromagnetic radiation is key to answering this question. While some radiation, like UV light and X-rays, can be dangerous, most of the radiation emitted by human technology, such as mobile phones and household appliances, is harmless. However, some studies have suggested possible long-term harm from constant exposure to weak electromagnetic radiation. The debate surrounding this issue highlights the importance of reliable scientific studies and responsible communication of findings. Learning about the effects of electromagnetic radiation can help students make informed decisions about their technology use and contribute to ongoing scientific research.

Solar power has become the cheapest source of electricity on Earth, and its efficiency has improved thanks to the work of scientists and engineers. Countries like India, China, Egypt, and the US have already built massive solar farms in the desert, but covering the Sahara with solar panels could create massive changes in the region's climate. Fortunately, giant mirrors are a new approach that reflects light onto a receiver, which converts energy to heat and then electricity. Industrial solar farms are often easy to fit into existing energy infrastructure, but getting their electricity beyond local power grids is much more difficult. Smaller solar installations can supplement energy use or provide a passive source of energy for regions off the grid. Solar panels rely on a few simple components, so they're quick to install and relatively easy to update. Learning about solar power is essential, given humanity's rising energy use.

Fracking is a technology that extracts natural gas from deep underground. It involves drilling a well and pumping a high-pressure mixture of water and chemicals into the rock to release the gas. Fracking has been a source of controversy due to its impact on the environment, including the potential contamination of drinking water and the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. However, natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel than coal, and fracking has the potential to power us for decades to come. As students, it's important to understand the science and technology behind fracking, as well as the economic and environmental implications. Learning about fracking can help us make informed decisions about our energy use and inspire us to explore alternative, renewable energy sources.

Have you ever wondered about the rocks and minerals that make up the earth's crust, or how mountains are formed? If so, a career in geology might be the perfect fit for you! Geology is the study of the Earth, its processes, and its materials. Geologists explore, analyze, and interpret the Earth's physical and chemical properties, from its deep interior to its surface, including the oceans and the atmosphere. A geologist's work can take them to some of the most exciting and remote places on the planet, such as volcanic islands, deserts, and mountain ranges. They study the Earth's natural resources and hazards, help locate and extract valuable minerals and energy resources, and investigate the effects of human activities on the environment. Geologists have many opportunities for specialization, including mineralogy, volcanology, paleontology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and environmental geology, to name a few. They can work in a wide range of industries and organizations, such as mining, oil and gas exploration, environmental consulting, government agencies, academia, and research institutions. To become a geologist, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in geology or a related field, such as earth science, geophysics, or environmental science. Some popular undergraduate programs in geology include those offered by the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Michigan. Helpful personal attributes for success in this field include a strong curiosity about the natural world, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well as part of a team. The job prospects for geologists are good, with a projected annual job growth rate of 5% between 2020 and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Geologists can find employment in a wide range of public and private sector organizations, including the US Geological Survey, ExxonMobil, the National Park Service, the United Nations, and many more.

The world's shift towards electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will require a huge demand for critical metals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and platinum. This demand will have economic and supply-chain consequences, according to new research from Cornell University. Discover how countries can manage this demand and promote a circular economy for critical metals.

The world is constantly changing, and as high school students, it is essential to be aware of the problems that need solutions. Vinisha Umashankar, a 14-year-old from India, noticed the pollution caused by charcoal usage in the metal irons of street vendors and decided to take action. She designed an ironing cart powered by solar energy, eliminating the use of charcoal, deforestation, air pollution, and respiratory diseases caused by the traditional method. Learning about solar energy and sustainable solutions like Vinisha's can benefit you not only intellectually but practically as well. By exploring these concepts further, you can contribute to creating a better world for yourself and the generations to come.

Researchers have powered a microprocessor for a year using blue-green algae and ambient light! This system, comparable in size to an AA battery, has the potential to be a reliable and renewable way to power small devices. The growing Internet of Things needs power, and this system generates energy instead of simply storing it like batteries. The algae system is made of common and recyclable materials, making it easily replicable.