Insects that play an essential role in moulding ecosystems may have begun their rise to prominence earlier than previously thought, shedding new light on how the world became modern. That is the finding of a new paper published by an international team of researchers led by Simon Fraser University's Bruce Archibald who is also a research associate at the Royal BC Museum.
A new study by Chad Furl, postdoctoral research associate, and Hatim Sharif, professor of civil and environmental engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio, delves into the 2015 Wimberley, Texas floods that destroyed 350 homes and claimed 13 lives. Furl and Sharif researched the factors that led to the catastrophic flooding and shed light on new ways people in flood-prone areas can protect against future tragedies.
More than 11 billion pieces of plastic are lodged within coral reefs in the Asia-Pacific region. According to a new study published in the journal Science, as this plastic gets tangled, it often cuts the coral, increasing the risk of infection and disease outbreaks by as much 89 percent.
As farmers in the American West decide what, when and where to plant, and urban water managers plan for water needs in the next year, they want to know how much water their community will get from melting snow in the mountains.This melting snow comes from snowpack, the high elevation reservoir of snow which melts in the spring and summer. Agriculture depends on snowpack for a majority of its water. Meltwater also contributes to municipal water supply; feeds rivers and streams, boosting fisheries and tourism; and conditions the landscape, helping lessen the effects of drought and wildfires.
Going for the gold is what the Olympics is all about and three UBC entrepreneurs are working to help athletes get closer to the podium.Kevin Reilly and Behnam Molavi—both PhD engineering graduates from UBC—and sports physician Babak Shadgan have designed a smart garment capable of monitoring vital performance metrics through sensors and software embedded in the fabric. The technology uses near-infrared spectroscopy to measure the local metabolism of an athlete’s muscles.
Emissions of volatile organic compounds higher than previously assumed.In the scientific journal PNAS, researchers from Innsbruck, Austria, present the world's first chemical fingerprint of urban emission sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Accordingly, the abatement strategy for organic solvents is having an effect in Europe. At the same time, the data suggest that the total amount of man-made VOCs globally is likely to be significantly higher than previously assumed.
The flow of water that supports hydro-electric and irrigation infrastructure in the mountain regions of Nepal and India is regulated by hundreds of large icy ponds on the surface of some of the world’s highest glaciers, scientists have revealed.
Tzannes and Lendlease have designed a multi-purpose building constructed from cross laminated timber (CLT) for the UNSW's main campus in the Sydney suburb of Kensington.
A technological revolution coupled with an abundance of natural energy in wind and waves has led to the Orkney islands producing more zero-emission energy than they can use themselves.
A report from the UN released late last year showing the ongoing healing of the ozone layer has been hailed as an example of what collaborative global action can achieve.
A sustainable community centre in Penrith, Sydney has been recognised for its sustainable building practices and innovative green design. Equipped with a 20kW PV solar system, geothermal heating and cooling and water-efficient fittings, the Jordan Springs Community Hub recently won the Local Government NSW Excellence in the Environment Award.
Getting recycling labels right, will come in handy if you are a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan.
Last month marked the final round of the latest Maasai Olympics, which offers Maasai warriors an alternative to killing lions as part of their traditional rite of passage.
A group of Australian and international scientists have successfully deciphered the genetic code of the cane toad, with many hoping the breakthrough could aid in halting the invasive species' advance across Australia.
Hyne Timber were joined by the Acting Queensland Premier and Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, the Honourable Cameron Dick, local member, Bruce Saunders MP and Mayor, George Seymour on 17th January to officially turn the first sod ahead of construction of their new Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) production plant.
Eco Organiser and Planet Ark ambassador encourages us to Rethink decluttering, in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Doing the laundry has a surprisingly large impact on our natural environment, but some small changes can have a dramatic effect on the environmental footprint of your washing.
Elise reflects on her eco-minded new year's resolutions for 2019!
Education, better enforcement of forest law and a moratorium on peatland drainage have encouraged positive results for Indonesia's forests.
Late last year representatives of government, the private sector and civil society pledged billions of dollars to protect vast swaths of the world's oceans at the fifth Our Oceans Conference.
The UK's first dog food made from insects has gone on sale this week, reflecting a growing trend in innovative pet foods using the alternative protein source.
A report released late last year confirmed what many had forecasted, building new renewable energy facilities is now the same cost or cheaper than continuing to operate old coal power stations.
Danish-based shipping company Maersk have committed to a carbon neutral ship fleet with complete phasing out of fossil fuels by 2050.
A construction worth over $1.1 million has become Bush Heritage Australia's first purpose-built ecological research facility.
Balinese authorities have made good on a promise to address plastic pollution by enacting a ban on single-use plastics including shopping bags, styrofoam food packets and straws.
Avoiding any disposable items is always the ideal, but if you must indulge in disposable party wares there are alternatives to plastic.
In recent years the issue of Asian plastic waste washing onto beaches in East Arnhem Land has become an ongoing scourge for rangers and environmentalists. Strengthening the bilateral relationship with Indonesia will be crucial to stemming the flow.
The passing of Lonesome George in 2012 was met with great sadness in the conservation community. Now George's DNA is yielding extraordinary insights into both tortoise conservation and human ageing.
Planet Ark and the Australian Circular Fashion Conference (ACFC) have teamed up to promote a more sustainable fashion industry.
Planet Ark now has a sister organisation and we are excited about what this means for our carbon footprint.
2019 will be here before we know it, when planning for the coming school year get these dates on the calendar so your school doesn't miss out on doing its bit for the environment.
The nation's last privately owned coal pits will be closed later this month in a move many hope will bring a cleaner, greener future.
Holding the title for 'fattest animal in the world' , the Bowhead whale has up to 50 tons of blubber helping to keep it warm at home in the Arctic. It is also known as the "Arctic whale" or "Greenland right whale".
Some studies have suggested the Bowhead whale can live up to 200 years! They are quite possibly the oldest living mammal on earth...and they also have the largest mouth of any animal!