The materials used by humans now weigh more than all life on Earth – here's four graphs that reveal our staggering impact on the planet
Four graphs that show us how humanity’s impact on the planet is growing.
Nick King, Visiting Researcher, Anglia Ruskin University •
conversation
June 12, 2023 • ~8 min
June 12, 2023 • ~8 min
Biodegradable plastic in clothing doesn't break down nearly as quickly as hoped – new research
Polylactic acid – a popular bioplastic – does not readily break down when released into the ocean, and could disrupt marine ecosystems
Muhammad Ali, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering, University of Portsmouth •
conversation
May 24, 2023 • ~7 min
May 24, 2023 • ~7 min
Check your tyres: you might be adding unnecessary microplastics to the environment
Inflating your cars’ tyres properly isn’t just good for your bank account - it can minimise your environmental footprint too.
Samantha Garrard, Marine Ecosystem Services Researcher, Plymouth Marine Laboratory •
conversation
May 19, 2023 • ~7 min
May 19, 2023 • ~7 min
Microplastics: we've found startling quantities in the ice algae that are essential for all Arctic marine life
Arctic sea ice algae contaminated with microplastics have serious consequences for ecosystems and the climate.
Steve Allen, Ocean Frontier Institute researcher, Dalhousie University •
conversation
May 11, 2023 • ~6 min
May 11, 2023 • ~6 min
Seabirds that swallow ocean plastic waste have scarring in their stomachs – scientists have named this disease 'plasticosis'
Many marine animals, birds and fish are ingesting plastic. New research identifies the first named health effect from it.
Matthew Savoca, Postdoctoral researcher, Stanford University •
conversation
March 21, 2023 • ~9 min
March 21, 2023 • ~9 min
Scottish bottle deposit scheme to be blocked – but evidence from Europe suggests it's the way forward
Evidence suggests that Scotland’s bottle deposit scheme would prevent huge amounts of litter from entering the environment.
Sharon George, Research Chair, Indigenous Approaches to Environmental Management, Keele University
• conversation
March 16, 2023 • ~6 min
March 16, 2023 • ~6 min
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