Scientists have started steering lightning with lasers – here's how

This high voltage experiment isn’t one you’ll be able to try at home.

Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Jan. 20, 2023 • ~6 min

2022's US climate disasters, from storms and floods to heat waves and droughts

Millions of people around the world suffered through deadly flooding and long-lasting heat waves in 2022. A climate scientist explains the rising risks.

Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton • conversation
Dec. 20, 2022 • ~9 min

2022's US climate disasters: A tale of too much rain – and too little

Millions of people around the world suffered through deadly flooding and long-lasting heat waves in 2022. A climate scientist explains the rising risks.

Shuang-Ye Wu, Professor of Geology and Environmental Geosciences, University of Dayton • conversation
Dec. 20, 2022 • ~9 min

Noise in the brain enables us to make extraordinary leaps of imagination. It could transform the power of computers too

From more accurate climate modelling to the prospect of truly creative computers, the brain’s use of noise has a lot to teach us.

Tim Palmer, Royal Society Research Professor, University of Oxford • conversation
Oct. 20, 2022 • ~30 min

Eating insects can be good for the planet – Europeans should eat more of them

Eating insects can carry a much lower environmental footprint than conventional meat. Should western cultures be incorporating more of them into their diets?

Peter Alexander, Senior lecturer in Global Food Security, The University of Edinburgh • conversation
Sept. 12, 2022 • ~7 min

Why the aviation industry must look beyond carbon to get serious about climate change

Aviation has long been shamed for its carbon footprint. But cutting non-CO2 emissions may hold the key to rapid change.

Kieran Tait, PhD Candidate in Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol • conversation
Sept. 1, 2022 • ~7 min

The Mediterranean has experienced record sea temperatures this summer: this could devastate marine life

While official data is yet to be released, this year’s Mediterranean marine heatwave will likely have devastating ecological consequences.

John Spicer, Professor of Marine Zoology, University of Plymouth • conversation
Aug. 18, 2022 • ~7 min

Hot and getting hotter – 5 essential reads on high temps and human bodies

After the announcement of President Biden’s heat initiative, The Conversation revisits stories on high summer temperatures and human health.

Leah Samuel, Health + Equity Editor • conversation
Aug. 2, 2022 • ~6 min

As wildfires fueled by record heat menace Europe, a case for retreat in the age of fire

Communities already retreat from flooding and in the face of sea level rise. Is retreat from wildfires next, and what would that look like?

Stephen M. Wheeler, Professor of Urban Design, Planning, and Sustainability, University of California, Davis • conversation
July 13, 2022 • ~11 min

A case for retreat in the age of fire

Communities already retreat from flooding and in the face of sea level rise. Is retreat from wildfires next, and what would that look like?

Stephen M. Wheeler, Professor of Urban Design, Planning, and Sustainability, University of California, Davis • conversation
July 13, 2022 • ~10 min

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