Author: Alex Tabibi

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…

Walmart, known far and wide for its sprawling stores and endless choices, is jumping into the electric vehicle (EV) charging game. Yep, the retail giant isn’t just about groceries and T-shirts anymore. They’re getting their hands into the world of sustainable energy. Why, you ask? Well, electric cars need places to charge up, and with Walmart’s cash and the huge spaces they own, it kind of makes sense. So let’s dive into what this all means. Walmart’s Strategic Move into EV Charging So, Walmart’s no stranger to trying new things. I remember when the local Walmart started offering eye…

The Doomsday Glacier: An Icy Giant on the Brink There’s a glacier in Antarctica. A big one. People call it the “Doomsday Glacier.” Why Doomsday? Well for a start it’s huge – don’t think of a frozen river – thinks of something as big as the UK or Florida. Its real name? Thwaites Glacier. But why the nickname? Simple: it holds enough ice to raise sea levels by several feet. If it melts, low-lying coastal areas, that’s our cities and homes, could be in deep trouble. Why Thwaites Matters Picture this: Thwaites Glacier is almost like a stopper. It holds…

A living, breathing planet teeming with energy and life walks into the doctor’s office and says, “You know doctor, I’m not feeling well—in fact, I feel like I’m getting worse every day.” Earth isn’t just a rock floating in space. It’s more like a living being, and right now, it has a fever. When a human being develops a fever of 1.5°C (∼2.7°F) above baseline, it may not sound dramatic—but in medicine, that temperature shift signals systemic distress. At 38.5°C (101.3°F), the body isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s reacting to something serious. 🧠 Importance of Thermoregulation The human body relies on…

Maybe in the not too distant future you’ll park your own EV at a Walmart charging station someday and remember you read about it here? 🙂 Walmart continues to dominate US retail sales and has the advantage of thousands of locations int the US and a world class logistics system. Well now they’re stepping into the future with something big. Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. They’re making moves to help the planet and of course their profitability having tested the concept at several locations in the US before a wider US rollout. Walmart’s Bold Step Into EV Charging Walmart, the…

The decline in bees in the UK and the across the world is well known but perhaps less well known is that the decline of other insects in the UK has become a growing environmental concern with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and biodiversity. When I was a kid inevitably a long drive meant that your car windshield was covered in bugs. As the years went on, as these things tend to happen slowly I never gave it another thought but it turns out with each trip on average less and less bugs are getting splatted as the populations of…

Imagine our oceans not just as vast expanses of blue, but as hidden allies in the fight against climate change. About 25% to 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted by human activities is absorbed by the oceans each year. Here’s a quick breakdown: The oceans act as a major carbon sink, pulling CO₂ from the atmosphere through natural processes like diffusion and biological activity (e.g., plankton photosynthesis). Since the Industrial Revolution, the oceans have absorbed roughly around 30% of all anthropogenic (human-caused) CO₂ emissions. This ability of oceans to absorb CO₂ helps slow down global warming — but it…

Ever heard of graphene? It’s that wonder material you might’ve spotted cruising the headlines. It’s thinner than your favorite Snapchat filter and reportedly stronger than a Hulk-level punch! But, here’s the twist–scientists are buzzing about graphene once again. This time, it’s starring as a superhero against carbon emissions. (Being from Manchester, UK – where graphene was discovered it is one of my favorite subjects too). Carbon Capture: What’s it All About? Alright folks, let’s start with the basics. Carbon capture is this neat trick where we grab carbon dioxide (CO₂) right from its releasing point, usually like those big smokestacks…

Since I was a medical school student one thing I noticed early on was how many routine visits to the clinics where I worked were really a waste of the time for the patient. Often it was something that could have been handled over the phone – particulary follow-up visits. I thought to myself these people have to skip work and come here and wait until they’re seen – often just for a few minutes. At the time the effects of greenhouse pollutants had not really been at the forefront of my mind  but as it turns out the U.S.…

The Curious Health Boost Newborns Get Near Trees It might seem at this point like common sense that kids growing up near nature have better outcomes in terms of health and now we have some data to prove it. Having grown up countryside “adjacent” in the burbs of Manchester and being aware of the hazards of industrialization this was often on my mind. Particularly when I moved to the famous smog of Los Angeles which remains some of the worst air in the USA. Now a recent study says that newborns living close to trees seem to be healthier. And…

Another day – another assault. As the Trump administration continues its violent attack against the constitution in areas of law, the economy, education, immigration and health it has unsurprisingly  sparked a heated debate as they defy all sanity with the proposal to redefine “harm” for endangered species. Under the Trump administration, a new rule suggests that destroying the habitat of endangered species would no longer be considered harmful. This significant change has left many environmentalists (including myself)  worried while others see it as an opportunity for economic development. Understanding the nuances of this policy is essential as it raises questions…

Those of us who pay attention to these matters have heard about how most of the heat from climate change  has been absorbed by oceans thereby limiting heating on land and acting as a buffer.  We are aware of coral bleaching and the death of fish and ever more frequent dead zones. However we now have an understanding that the climate crisis is worsening faster than anticipated, leading to longer periods of extreme heat in the oceans themselves. Recent research reveals a startling finding: the length of ocean heatwaves—periods when the sea is abnormally warm for days or weeks—has tripled…

We are clearly on a path to a world run by electricity as the world is buzzing with the excitement of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. But what powers these innovations is a less glamorous aspect of our green revolution: lithium. We are increasingly aware of it as a key ingredient in the lithium-ion batteries that power our gadgets, cars, and even power grids. According to available resources, global lithium demand is expected to grow by over 500% by 2050, driven by the expansion of EVs and renewable energy storage. The essential question is, how much lithium do we…

Europe recently experienced its hottest year on record, and the effects were nothing short of catastrophic. Indeed the highest temperature ever recorded  in Europe was 48.8°C (119.8°F) in Floridia, Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹 on August 11, 2021 Indeed the official highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was 48.8°C (119.8°F) in Floridia, Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹 on August 11, 2021 and verified by the Italian Meteorological Service and later confirmed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). I’ve been visiting Italy on and off in the summers since childhood and what is sure is that the summers of today are not those of the…

In a time when the planet faces overwhelming environmental challenges, it’s easy to feel powerless. But Sheila Morovati, founder of Habits of Waste (HoW), proves that small, simple changes in our daily routines can add up to monumental shifts. Through creative campaigns and relentless advocacy, Morovati has turned an idea into a movement — one that empowers individuals, corporations, and policymakers to rethink waste and champion sustainability. Today, Habits of Waste is a widely respected nonprofit inspiring millions to reexamine their consumption patterns and adopt new habits that protect our planet. But the road to impact began with a personal…

As Sir David King, a prominent and esteemed figure in climate science, recently pointed out, we have reached a pivotal threshold in our ongoing battle against climate change: surpassing the crucial 1.5°C global temperature rise. This limit was established as a critical target to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, and surpassing it indicates an urgent need to explore extreme and innovative solutions to protect our environment. This challenge now requires us to accelerate our actions, exploring uncharted territories to mitigate the consequences of our warming world. Understanding the 1.5°C Threshold The 1.5°C threshold is not just a…