Climate
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Ice reveals mysteries behind medieval murder
Is our history written in the air? Scientists have dug up evidence in the Swiss Alps that shows how the death of an archbishop in the 12th Century led to a drop in medieval air pollution.
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Do not lose hope: we can defeat the virus
Should the media publish more good news? The Covid-19 outbreak is frightening and deserves our attention. But amidst all the doom and gloom, there are hundreds of encouraging developments.
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Save forests to stop pandemics, expert warns
Is conservation the long-term answer? As the coronavirus sweeps the world, science is highlighting the link between the rising numbers of new diseases and our treatment of the environment.
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Exposed: how toxic air reduces intelligence
How can we solve the air pollution crisis? Humans are losing almost three years of life on average because of outdoor air pollution – as well as huge reductions in cognitive ability.
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Britain’s baby boom starts…at Downing Street
Is it okay to have children? The PM has announced he will become a father – for the fifth or sixth time – this summer. But many experts say the climate crisis means we should stop reproducing.
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Human compost offers eco-friendly way to go
Can human composting save the planet? As we try to live more ecologically, new funeral methods are changing our attitudes about death and creating green alternatives to burial and cremation.
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Perfect storm for plague of locusts in Africa
Is climate change to blame for the swarms of locusts? The UN warns of famine in east Africa as wet weather and civil war contribute to the largest infestation of locusts in decades.
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Thunberg, Trump and the battle for the truth
Is emotion stronger than science? Appealing to the most powerful people in the world at the World Economic Forum this week, Donald Trump and Greta Thunberg directly opposed each other.
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Climate sceptic Murdoch confronted by son
Should Rupert Murdoch step down? The legendary newspaper owner is under attack by his son for allowing climate change sceptics to distort coverage of the deadly Australian bushfires.
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Site of nuclear meltdown to become green hub
Is disaster the only way to bring about lasting and positive change? A decade after a nuclear catastrophe in Fukushima, plans are afoot to transform the area into a renewable energy hub.
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Protein made from thin air to feed the world
Could Solein save the world? As farming struggles, scientists in Finland have made a miracle protein out of air and electricity that could both reduce global emissions and feed millions.
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UK court gives veganism status of a religion
Should vegans be protected by law? A UK court has ruled veganism deserves the same protection as Christianity or Islam; some worry the lines between belief and lifestyle are being blurred.
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500 million animals dead in Australian fires
Is the crisis in Australia due to climate change? Some claim the bushfires are part of natural cycles that have occurred for millennia; others say they are caused by man-made global warming.
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Seal with Starbucks spotlights ocean plight
Are we killing our sea life? A seal clutches a glass bottle in a photo that’s gone viral. Baby porpoises are poisoned by chemical pollutants. Then, a whale washes up with 100kg of litter in its...
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UN chief: climate talks at ‘point of no return’
Is he right? The world’s biggest climate summit kicked off in Madrid yesterday, with 29,000 delegates from almost every nation. António Guterrez thinks this is our last shot to get it right.