Technofossils: how the pollution of today will become the fossils of the far future

Chickens, concrete, computers and clothes will leave a billion-year mark in the rocks.

Sarah Gabbott, Professor of Palaeontology, University of Leicester • conversation
Feb. 12, 2025 • ~9 min

Reducing air pollution could increase methane emissions from wetlands – here’s what needs to be done

Improved computer models shed light on how reducing sulphur emissions will inadvertently release methane from wetlands.

Lu Shen, Assistant Professor, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Peking University • conversation
Feb. 6, 2025 • ~7 min

Fossil shark teeth are abundant and can date the past in a unique way

Sharks have ruled the Earth’s oceans for 400 million years. Recent research on fossil shark teeth has discovered an innovative method for dating ancient sediments.

Bruce J. MacFadden, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Florida • conversation
Feb. 3, 2025 • ~6 min

While plastic dominates human consumption, the global economy will remain hooked on fossil fuels

How oil changed capitalism.

Adam Hanieh, Professor of Political Economy and Global Development, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter • conversation
Feb. 3, 2025 • ~7 min

Human use of fire has produced an era of uncontrolled burning: Welcome to the Pyrocene

Humans have become a geologic force by cooking the planet – using fire on a scale that is altering land, water, air and ecosystems.

Stephen Pyne, Emeritus Professor of Life Sciences, Arizona State University • conversation
Jan. 22, 2025 • ~10 min

How interactive ‘climate fresk’ workshops are trying to accelerate environmental awareness around the globe

How collaborative climate workshops can be a creative and accessible way to begin collective conversations about environmental solutions.

Sarah Clayton, PhD Candidate, Climate Change and Education, Department for Education, University of York • conversation
Jan. 16, 2025 • ~8 min

From watts to warheads: Secretary of energy oversees big science research and the US nuclear arsenal

The Energy Department has a dual mission with a heavy science focus and manages large, expensive programs, many of which are behind schedule and over budget.

Margaret E. Kosal, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Jan. 12, 2025 • ~12 min

How ancient flying reptiles ruled the skies – new research

Pterosaurs may help inspire future technology.

Natalia Jagielska, PhD Researcher in Geosciences , University of Edinburgh • conversation
Jan. 9, 2025 • ~6 min

How much energy does it take to get meat on your table?

Animal products were responsible for almost 60% of the energy footprint of agriculture worldwide in the period from 2015-2019, research finds.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology • futurity
Jan. 7, 2025 • ~7 min

Sediment is a time capsule that shows how past climate change altered our landscapes – and hints at their future

Analysing sediments can help scientists to predict how climate change will influence natural disasters.

Joanne Egan, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography, Edge Hill University • conversation
Dec. 10, 2024 • ~7 min

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