World Problems
How many species are on Earth? Untangling a difficult question
A total of 1.3 million species have so far been identified but many more live on the planet.
Groundwater in the US is overused — and deeper wells isn’t a solution
Are you using water sustainably?
Antarctic instability could raise sea levels by half a meter in 150 years
Currently, sea levels are 20 cm (almost 8 inches) above pre-industrial levels.
Researchers hack plants to use less water so we don’t starve when climate change hits hard
These plants will drink responsibly -- whether they want it or not!
Carbon dioxide levels haven’t been this high in 3 million years
Last time CO2 levels were this high, there were trees at the South Pole.
New method spots counterfeit food and medicine for cheap, by filming how it freezes
Be sure to post it on Instagram, too! #lunch #realfood
Our social brains handle environmental issues poorly — “You can’t kiss and make up with the environment,” researchers say
"Terms like 'eco-friendly' or 'green' encourage the view that objects, behaviors and decisions with these labels are 'good' rather than 'less bad' for the environment," says co-author Dr Linda Langeborg.
Populism and antivaxxing go hand in hand, new study finds
We all want what's best for our children, and the science is pretty clear on this one: antivaxxing claims lives.
Humanity’s footprint on Antarctica mapped for the first time
Antarctica's pristine environment is no longer really pristine.
Climate change will make extreme cold more prevalent — and that’s bad news for some animals
"Extreme" things generally aren't very healthy.
The world is running out of insects — because of us — and it will lead to a “catastrophic collapse”
They may be creepy crawlies, but we need them.
The hottest 5 years on record: 2016, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2014
The planet continues to heat up.
Sea level rise might not be as bad as predicted, despite accelerating ice sheet melting
Long story short: it's still bad.
Pests destroy around one quarter of our crops — even more in developing areas
This is the most comprehensive review of pest-related damage.
Geopolitical interests and climate change are the main causes of food shocks
If we want to be able to feed the world, we need to change a thing or two.
War makes people more religious, sparking a potentially vicious cycle
War and religion -- name a more iconic duo.
