Polyurethane eating microbe could be the answer to plastic pollution 

Microbe that can break down hard-to-recycle plastics used in products ranging from furniture to fridges could be the answer to plastic pollution Scientists identified a tiny organism that can break down polyurethane plastic These are very difficult to recycle plastics as they don’t melt down when heated This type of plastic is used in a … Read more

Scientists produce plant selection guide to help planners reduce air pollution

Botanists have created a ‘plant selection guide’ of tree species and their traits that can help to combat air pollution. The black pine, the common yew, the Spanish oak and Turner’s oak all combat air pollution caused by road traffic, including harmful nitrogen oxides.  UK researchers identified 12 ‘influential’ traits for 61 tree species that … Read more

Air pollution falls in London, Rome, Paris over coronavirus lockdown period

Emissions Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. After the gas is released into the atmosphere it stays there, making it difficult for heat to escape – and warming up the planet in the process.  It is primarily released from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and … Read more

Air pollution falls in London over coronavirus lockdown period

Emissions Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. After the gas is released into the atmosphere it stays there, making it difficult for heat to escape – and warming up the planet in the process.  It is primarily released from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and … Read more

Air pollution declines across the US as states enforce lockdowns to stop coronavirus from spreading

Air pollution has declined in parts of the US as millions of Americans are forced into lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak.  California has experienced the biggest improvement in air quality, specifically over the Bay Area and Central Valley where stricter social distancing guidelines have been implemented. Other metropolitan areas, including Seattle, New York, Chicago … Read more

Air pollution in New York City falls rapidly as people stay home amid coronavirus crisis

What is the coronavirus?  A coronavirus is a type of virus which can cause illness in animals and people. Viruses break into cells inside their host and use them to reproduce itself and disrupt the body’s normal functions. Coronaviruses are named after the Latin word ‘corona’, which means crown, because they are encased by a … Read more

Global air pollution levels plummet amid the coronavirus pandemic

What is the coronavirus?  A coronavirus is a type of virus which can cause illness in animals and people. Viruses break into cells inside their host and use them to reproduce itself and disrupt the body’s normal functions. Coronaviruses are named after the Latin word ‘corona’, which means crown, because they are encased by a … Read more

Air pollution levels drop across London due to coronavirus home working

What is the coronavirus?  A coronavirus is a type of virus which can cause illness in animals and people. Viruses break into cells inside their host and use them to reproduce itself and disrupt the body’s normal functions. Coronaviruses are named after the Latin word ‘corona’, which means crown, because they are encased by a … Read more

Light pollution from ships is playing havoc with Arctic marine animals by masking natural light 

Light pollution caused by the bright beams from ships is playing havoc with Arctic marine animals by masking natural light from the moon, stars and aurora borealis. Studying the impact of light on marine life during the Arctic’s long polar night, experts found that ships can disturb marine life up to depths of 650 feet. … Read more

Dramatic satellite footage shows drop in air pollution over Italy after coronavirus lockdown

Emissions Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. After the gas is released into the atmosphere it stays there, making it difficult for heat to escape – and warming up the planet in the process.  It is primarily released from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and … Read more