News

Book review: Planet Aqua by Jeremy Rifkin

What would happen if we suddenly realized that the planet we live on appeared eerily alien, as if we’d been teleported to some other distant world? That frightening prospect is now. Our planetary hydrosphere, which animates life on Earth, is rebelling in the wake of a globally warming climate; it's unleashing blockbuster winter snows, biblical spring floods, devastating summer droughts, heatwaves and wildfires and deadly autumn hurricanes. These weather extremes wreak havoc on ecosystems, infrastructure, and society.

Recycled plastic furniture by TYPO

TYPO is a design venture that offers a new business model. With a pre-ordering system, TYPO ensures its products are made in small batches, minimizing waste and guaranteeing quality - an approach that's already gained traction in the fashion industry.

TYPO is also committed to collaboration and community - evident in partnerships with like-minded makers and production specialists. For instance, to celebrate Replica's launch TYPO's collaborated with Colours of Arley to produce a bespoke cushion made from recycled plastic, complementing the stool's design aesthetic.

Biodiversity-crucial UK insects at risk of extinction

A new report by Buglife has found that half of the UK’s rarest species are at risk of global extinction. 

The report brings together knowledge on 20 invertebrate species endemic to the UK - endemic species being those found only in Britain and which are, therefore, fundamental to our biodiversity.

South Devon College launches sustainability qualifications

South Devon College is offering of three new sustainability qualifications: Access to Higher Education: Global Studies and Sustainability Diploma, a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Global Change, Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and a Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner apprenticeship. 

Access to HE is a one-year full time programme, starting in September, and it will give students a route into university level study.

Magic mushrooms to combat air pollution

Futuristic fungi-filled wall tiles could devour harmful hydrocarbon air pollution caused by traffic emissions and burning fossil fuels.

That’s the vision Brunel Design student Thomas Sault is close to achieving with these honeycomb tiles made from mushroom mycelium.

Hydrocarbons in the air can cause cancer as well as skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and even skin cancer.

Skinflint Lighting to become carbon neutral by 2025

£400,000 grant for Marine Biological Association

Dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life it supports, the Marine Biological Association provides unparalleled insight into the health of our seas that continues to shape national and international policy on how to combat climate change.

The funding will enable safe new labs to be built for the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey team with essential safety equipment, allow crucial research to continue and ultimately increase the MBA’s capacity for research and academic output.

Microplastics are everywhere

Rare bee found in Kent

The rare Shrill Carder Bee has been found to be flourishing on the Swanscombe Peninsula, one of the UK's most important threatened wildlife sites.

Jamie Robins of the charity Buglife says it's great news: 'We've known for years how important Swanscombe is, with over 2,000 species of invertebrate, including 200 of conservation concern. To find the Shrill Carder Bee here shows that this wildlife site is going from strength to strength - each year we're finding out more about just how essential it is that we protect this species.'

Mediterranean countries need to prepare for tsunamis

Although tsunamis happen less frequently in the Mediterranean than in other regions of the world, authorities underestimate the gravity of the tsunami threat in this region, and surveys show Mediterranean populations are not sufficiently alert to the dangers. 
 

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