Author: Alex Tabibi

As if the news coming out of the White House wasn’t bad enough – in a controversial move, President Donald Trump ordered the decommissioning of climate satellites designed to monitor the Earth’s changing climate. This decision has sparked widespread debate among scientists, policymakers, and the general public, given the crucial role these satellites play in tracking global climate changes. The satellites in question are primarily operated by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). They provide essential data that helps scientists understand the Earth’s climate systems and inform environmental policies worldwide. Why Satellites Matter…

Gas flaring, a somewhat hidden yet impactful environmental issue, has come under scrutiny with the release of a new report. It reveals that gas flaring led to the creation of 389 million tonnes of carbon pollution last year alone. For those who are not familiar, gas flaring is the process of burning off excess natural gas during oil production. This might sound harmless, but it results in a significant release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and impacting climate change. To grasp the scale, 389 million tonnes of carbon is roughly equivalent to the emissions from…

In a world grappling with climate change and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, New Zealand is making headlines with its ambitious plan to significantly boost its use of geothermal energy by 2040. This plan not only reflects the country’s commitment to green innovation but also positions it as a front-runner in the global quest for renewable energy sources. Turning the Heat Underground Geothermal energy is sourced from the Earth’s natural heat, predominantly found in volcanic regions. New Zealand, located along the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire, has ideal conditions to harness this energy. The country’s unique geographical…

Imagine a colossal black stain stretching across the ocean, much like a sprawling shadow cast by a dark cloud. This image often represents oil slicks — hazardous, drifting patches of oil on the sea surface. But despite their environmental impact, only a fraction of these oil spills are officially reported. According to a recent analysis, just 0.5% of the 90,000 oil slicks observed from 2014 to 2019 were documented in official records. Such a discrepancy highlights not only the vast challenge of monitoring our oceans but also the ongoing struggle against the pollution they endure. The Scope of the Problem…

“`html In a move that has stirred environmental and political circles alike, former U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked the designation of millions of acres of ocean previously set aside for wind power development. This decision, which has significant implications for the renewable energy sector, highlights the ongoing tensions between environmental sustainability and policy decisions in the United States. The matter brings into focus not only the future of offshore wind energy but also broader debates over energy policy and environmental stewardship. Trump’s Decision: An Overview The announcement to remove protections for vast oceanic territories originally designated for wind energy…

The ocean’s depths, often imagined as a barren landscape, have revealed astonishing secrets in recent years. The discovery of the deepest-known animal communities, residing nearly six miles below sea level, has captivated scientists and captured the imagination of the public. This breathtaking revelation challenges our understanding of where life can thrive and underscores the resilience and adaptability of living organisms. This story takes us to one of the Earth’s most remote locations: the Mariana Trench, a region marked by its extreme conditions and remarkable biodiversity. The Unseen World of the Mariana Trench The Mariana Trench, located in the Pacific Ocean,…

The Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed inland body of water on Earth, is facing an alarming crisis. This unique water body, which spans five countries, has been experiencing significant declines in water levels, posing severe ecological and economic challenges. The situation has become so dire that researchers and policymakers are racing against time to understand the root causes and find viable solutions to prevent further decline. The Disappearing Act: Why is the Caspian Shrinking? The Caspian Sea’s water levels have been dropping for several decades, and the recent years have seen a more accelerated decline. A primary factor contributing to…

The United Nations’ top court has delivered a pivotal ruling that could reshape global efforts to tackle climate change. It has declared that current international treaties impose an obligation on wealthy nations to take concrete steps to mitigate global warming. This decision comes at a critical time, with the impacts of climate change becoming more pronounced and the need for global cooperation growing ever more urgent. Legal Obligations to Address Climate Change The ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) emphasizes that nations, particularly wealthy ones, are legally bound under existing international treaties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According…

In an unprecedented shift toward sustainable energy solutions, Germany has seen heat pump sales surpass those of traditional gas boilers for the first time. This pivotal change marks a significant step in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across the nation, offering a hopeful glimpse into a more environmentally friendly future. The Growing Popularity of Heat Pumps Heat pumps, known for their efficiency and environmental benefits, have gradually gained traction in recent years. They operate by transferring heat from the air, ground, or water into homes, providing both heating and cooling. Unlike gas boilers, which burn fossil fuels and…

Imagine you have a cookie jar. Every day, your family takes a few cookies out of it. You all know there are only a limited number of cookies. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Now, swap cookies with carbon emissions, and the jar with our atmosphere. That’s what scientists are warning us about. We’ve got just two years left before the world’s “carbon budget” is spent if we want to keep global warming below 1.5°C. It’s like we’re on a countdown, and Mother Earth is holding the clock. No time to waste. Understanding the Carbon Budget The “carbon budget” is a…

In a notable stride towards sustainable seafood, a Seattle-based oyster bar is preparing to serve lab-grown salmon, highlighting a significant innovation in food technology. This upcoming menu addition addresses some pressing environmental concerns associated with traditional fishing practices, particularly overfishing and ocean pollution. As demand for seafood continues to rise globally, lab-grown alternatives present an eco-friendly option that could substantially reduce the strain on natural marine ecosystems. Lab-Grown Delicacy: An Introduction So, what exactly is lab-grown salmon? Also known as cell-cultured seafood, this product is created by cultivating fish cells in a controlled environment, effectively replicating the complex tissue structures…

Gas Flaring’s Impact on Carbon Pollution: A Critically Overlooked Issue In the heart of the oil and gas industry lies a practice that significantly contributes to global carbon emissions but receives far less attention than it should: gas flaring. According to a recent report, gas flaring generated a staggering 389 million tonnes of carbon pollution last year alone. This amount is equivalent to the annual emissions of approximately 77 million cars, underscoring a pressing environmental challenge that demands immediate attention. Understanding Gas Flaring and Its Environmental Impact Gas flaring involves burning off excess natural gas released as a by-product during…

Imagine for a moment that each meal you consume comes with a hidden cost to the planet. This might sound like an exaggeration, but our food choices significantly impact the environment. From the resources required to produce food to the emissions released during its transportation, every meal leaves a footprint. The good news? There are tangible steps we can take to reduce this impact, making a difference one plate at a time. Understanding the Food Footprint The term “food footprint” refers to the environmental consequences tied to what we eat. This includes greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, and…

The Caspian Sea Is Shrinking — And the World Should Pay Attention The Caspian Sea — the largest enclosed inland body of water on Earth — is disappearing. Shared by Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan, this vast water system is retreating at an alarming pace, with water levels dropping several centimeters each year. What might seem like a regional issue is in fact a signal of global environmental distress. An Escalating Environmental Crisis Covering over 371,000 square kilometers, the Caspian Sea holds more surface water than any European country. Yet, satellite data and long-term measurements show that it is…

As you may have heard it is very very hot in Europe at the moment. As I write this myself I am in Lucca Italy and in the past week going out during the day has become too hot for me. We are not alone.. Spain. France. The whole continent sizzles. France isn’t catching a breeze either. Alerts are going off like alarm clocks. And it’s not just some summer fling. This sort of heat is starting to feel like the new norm. Let’s see why the weather’s throwing a fit and what it means for the green scene. Hotter…

Greenland’s Ice Sheet: Melting, Rising, and Changing the World Hey folks. Today, we’re zooming in on one of the most critical frontlines in the climate crisis—Greenland’s ice sheet. It’s massive. We’re talking about an island that’s over 80% covered in ice, with layers reaching up to 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) thick in places (National Snow and Ice Data Center, 2022). But here’s the punchline: it’s melting. Fast. So where is all that ice going? Let’s unpack the science, the stakes, and the search for solutions. Greenland’s Melting Stage: Data Doesn’t Lie Greenland’s ice sheet is under intense observation. It holds…

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Clothes: Chile’s Battle With Fast Fashion Waste As fast fashion tightens its grip on global consumers—encouraging the purchase of ever more garments for ever less money—the consequences are piling up, quite literally. On average, the world now produces over 100 billion garments annually, and according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a truckload of textiles is landfilled or incinerated every second. This system of overproduction and overconsumption has fueled a massive global waste crisis. And one of the most jarring illustrations of this crisis can be found in the Atacama Desert of Chile, where entire hills…

Introduction: Global Warming and Economic Inequality Global warming is one of the most urgent threats facing our planet today. While it affects everyone—from rising sea levels to extreme weather—it doesn’t affect everyone equally, nor is everyone equally responsible. A growing body of research reveals a startling truth: the richest 10% of the global population are responsible for nearly two-thirds of global carbon emissions. If you’re reading this from a high-income country or own multiple consumer electronics, drive frequently, or take long-haul flights, chances are you’re part of that 10%. The connection between wealth, consumption, and carbon emissions is clearer than…

Microplastics and Metabolism: How Tiny Plastics Are Disrupting Human Health Microplastics — those invisible particles of plastic less than 5 millimeters in diameter — are rapidly becoming one of the most serious environmental and public health concerns of our time. While much of the conversation around plastic pollution has focused on marine ecosystems and wildlife, new research is shining a light on something more personal: the way these plastic particles are affecting us — particularly our metabolism. In a world where nearly everything we touch, eat, or breathe contains microplastics, the question is no longer if we’re exposed, but how…

At first glance, “ice robots” might sound like something lifted from the pages of science fiction. But this innovative technology could soon become a reality — and potentially play a crucial role in addressing one of the most urgent challenges of our time: climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, the window to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes is rapidly closing. One of the most visible consequences is the accelerating retreat of polar ice sheets, with glaciers melting faster in summer and replenishing less during winter. This ongoing loss contributes not only to rising sea levels and disappearing coastlines…