Why taxing cow burps isn’t the best climate solution

New Zealand is considering a plan to tax methane from cows. But while cows and cars both emit greenhouse gases, they don’t have the same impact over time.

Kevin Trenberth, Affiliated Faculty in Climate Science, University of Auckland • conversation
Feb. 9, 2023 ~8 min

New Zealand wants to tax cow burps – here's why that's not the best climate solution

New Zealand is considering a plan to tax methane from cows. But while cows and cars both emit greenhouse gases, they don’t have the same impact over time.

Kevin Trenberth, Affiliated Faculty in Climate Science, University of Auckland • conversation
Feb. 9, 2023 ~8 min


Cornwall space launch: why the environmental cost of rocket launches is large even when they fail

The UK space launch failed but it succeeded in releasing hazardous pollutants to multiple layers of the atmosphere.

Eloise Marais, Associate Professor in Physical Geography, UCL • conversation
Jan. 20, 2023 ~6 min

Relying on carbon capture and storage may be a dangerous trap for UK industry

The UK is focusing on carbon capture and storage technologies but the future is uncertain.

Marc Hudson, Research Fellow in Industrial Decarbonisation Policy, University of Sussex • conversation
Jan. 13, 2023 ~8 min

Satellites detect no real climate benefit from 10 years of forest carbon offsets in California

Millions of dollars have gone into California’s forest carbon offset program – with little new carbon storage to show for it, a new study suggests.

James Randerson, Professor of Earth Science, University of California, Irvine • conversation
Dec. 1, 2022 ~9 min

Carbon-busting hemp could help transform Scottish agriculture to zero emissions

A new study emphasises the huge potential and environmental benefits of hemp production and provides a road map to develop the nascent industry across the UK.

Cesar Revoredo-Giha, Senior Economist, Team Leader of Food Marketing Research, Reader in Food Chain Economics, Scotland's Rural College • conversation
Nov. 9, 2022 ~7 min

'Dark data' is killing the planet – we need digital decarbonisation

Vast amounts of digital data is stored on computer servers and never used.

Ian R. Hodgkinson, Professor of Strategy, Loughborough University • conversation
Sept. 29, 2022 ~5 min

Wooden housing boom needed to boost climate goals, says new study – but is it possible?

Engineered wood is a sustainable alternative to cement and steel in construction.

Ljubomir Jankovic, Professor of Advanced Building Design, University of Hertfordshire • conversation
Aug. 30, 2022 ~6 min


Congo peat swamps store three years of global carbon emissions – imminent oil drilling could release it

Peat is partially decomposed plant matter that has accumulated over thousands of years.

Simon Lewis, Professor of Global Change Science at University of Leeds and, UCL • conversation
July 21, 2022 ~9 min

The 'carbon footprint' was co-opted by fossil fuel companies to shift climate blame – here's how it can serve us again

The concept of the carbon footprint can do more than just make us feel guilty about the climate cost of our everyday lives.

Marcelle McManus, Professor of Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Bath • conversation
May 27, 2022 ~7 min

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