Category Archives: Water
A ‘Decade of Discovery’- the first Census of Marine Life is revealed
2,700 scientists in over 80 nations have collaborated to create the first ever Census of Marine Life (CoML). In a 64 page report, the highlights of over 10 years of marine biological research are presented, with some groundbreaking findings, including … Continue reading
National survey reveals poor state of British ponds
According to a report published on 4th February by the Centre for Hydrology and Ecology and Pond Conservation, 80% of ponds in England and Wales are in a ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ condition, thus failing to provide vital habitat for … Continue reading
Melting Glaciers Releasing Trapped Pollutants
New research shows that concentrations of pollutants in the environment and atmosphere may increase with global warming, as melting glaciers release pollutants which became trapped in their ice at the end of the twentieth century. A team of researchers working … Continue reading
The Environmental Side of the Queen’s Speech
The Queen’s Speech in Parliament today, in which she set out the legislative agenda for the Government, was just 7 minutes long. This is far shorter than normal, and reflects the fact that there is very little parliamentary time between … Continue reading
NCI involved in Earthwatch Debate: From Tsunami to Drought
The Natural Capital Initiative will be represented at an Earthwatch debate this week; ‘From Tsunami to Drought’. Professor Paul Leonard, Environment Consultant and a member of the NCI steering group will join a panel of four other speakers tasked with … Continue reading
Major River Deltas Sinking Worldwide
New research published in the journal Nature Geoscience shows that 73% of the world’s major river deltas, formed when rivers deposit sediment on their way out to sea, are sinking. This has major implications for the 500 million people who … Continue reading
Assessing Risks from Pesticides in Europe’s Waterways
New research showcased in last week’s ‘Science for Environment Policy‘ digest, produced by the European Commission, suggests that the ‘Species at Risk’ (SPEAR) system could provide an accurate and cost-effective means of assessing the effects of pesticides in streams. Under … Continue reading
For Turtles, The Suburbs May Be Better Than Nature Reserves
Scientists at the Institute for Applied Ecology at the University of Canberra, Australia, have found a turtle that does better in a suburban habitat than it does in nature reserves. Eastern long-necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) living in the suburbs of … Continue reading
English and Welsh Water Quality Improves – But Still A Very Long Way To Go
Water quality in England and Wales has improved for the nineteenth year in a row the Environment Agency announced today. Seven out of 10 English rivers and nine out of 10 Welsh rivers achieved what is termed “very good” or … Continue reading
“Killer” spices and toxic plastic
New research presented at the American Chemical Society meeting in Washington this week (and reported in National Geographic) suggests that herbs and spices may offer an alternative to chemical pesticides. Oils from thyme, rosemary, mint and other herbs should repel … Continue reading