More climate-warming methane leaks into the atmosphere than ever gets reported – here’s how satellites can find the leaks and avoid wasting a valuable resource

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can leak from oil and gas wells, pipelines and landfills. Satellites can spot the releases fast enough to get them fixed and help protect the climate.

Riley Duren, Research Scientist, University of Arizona • conversation
April 16, 2024 ~9 min

PFAS 'forever chemicals' are getting into ocean ecosystems, where dolphins, fish and manatees dine – we traced their origins

Scientists found PFAS hot spots in Miami’s Biscayne Bay where the chemicals are entering coastal waters and reaching the ocean. Water samples point to some specific sources.

Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi, Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry, Florida International University • conversation
Nov. 14, 2023 ~7 min


How PFAS 'forever chemicals' are getting into Miami's Biscayne Bay, where dolphins, fish and manatees dine

Scientists discovered PFAS hot spots in the bay and found PFAS in water along the Atlantic coast. In a new study, they traced the chemicals’ origins to help stop the harm.

Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi, Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry, Florida International University • conversation
Nov. 14, 2023 ~7 min

3M offers $10.3B settlement over PFAS contamination in water systems – now, how do you destroy a 'forever chemical'?

PFAS can be filtered, but getting rid of the chemicals is a monumental challenge. A biochemist and soil scientist explain.

Hui Li, Professor of Environmental and Soil Chemistry, Michigan State University • conversation
June 23, 2023 ~8 min

Will we eventually have to send our trash into space if we run out of room on Earth?

Humans generate a lot of trash, but there are cheaper and safer ways to handle it than loading it on rockets.

Kate O'Neill, Professor of Global Environmental Politics, University of California, Berkeley • conversation
March 6, 2023 ~6 min

About one-third of the food Americans buy is wasted, hurting the climate and consumers' wallets

Reducing food waste at home is an action that anyone can take to help slow climate change, often saving money in the process. More consumer education could help show people what to do.

Brian E. Roe, Professor of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, The Ohio State University • conversation
Dec. 12, 2022 ~9 min

How to destroy a 'forever chemical' – scientists are discovering ways to eliminate PFAS, but this growing global health problem isn't going away soon

PFAS can be filtered, but getting rid of the chemicals is a monumental challenge. A new breakthrough offers some hope.

Hui Li, Professor of Environmental and Soil Chemistry, Michigan State University • conversation
Aug. 18, 2022 ~8 min

What is wishcycling? Two waste experts explain

Tossing something into your recycling bin that can’t be processed does more harm than good.

Kate O'Neill, Professor of Global Environmental Politics, University of California, Berkeley • conversation
Jan. 12, 2022 ~5 min


Landfill gas: how it forms and why it can be dangerous

A high court judge said the Environment Agency was failing to fulfil its legal duty to protect the public.

Ian Williams, Professor of Applied Environmental Science, University of Southampton • conversation
Sept. 22, 2021 ~7 min

Coastal landfills risk leaking long-banned toxic chemicals into the ocean

Killer whales among the animals at risk from a 'second wave' of pollutants, as coasts erode and sea levels rise.

Kate Spencer, Professor of Environmental Geochemistry, Queen Mary University of London • conversation
July 15, 2021 ~6 min

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