Author: Alex Tabibi

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…

It is quite easy to get depressed about the state of the world these days – so some good news is welcome. And though your stock portfolio may be tanking or increasing on any day – one thing is assured and consistent – the acceleration of renewable energy production. In a groundbreaking development for global sustainability, clean energy sources powered 40% of global electricity in 2024, as reported by a comprehensive energy review by Ember Energy. This milestone reflects significant progress in the fight against climate change and marks a pivotal shift in the way we harness and use energy.…

Many years back I was sitting on the couch and thinking of ways to reduce what we used to call global warming – now climate change. I thought to myself that I had a genius idea – and that was to block the sun by putting something between us and the sun – like mirrors to shade the earth. Those days I logged onto Prodigy (an early internet provider in the US) and I found the idea, known as solar geoengineering, was not so novel after all but involved different methodologies than I had considered. Instead of mirrors however The…

Think about a garden thriving without traditional fertilizers, or a pesticide that does not contaminate the earth with toxic chemicals. Well it turns out that you are carrying it around with you everywhere you go this magic fertilizer. That’s the promise of aged human urine—a substance you might not immediately associate with agriculture but one that is gaining attention in environmental science. New research suggests that aged human urine acts as a potent pesticide and a valuable fertilizer, offering a green solution to some of the challenges faced by traditional farming practices. Let’s explore how this unique resource is shaping…

If this is not a war on science (and common sense) I don’t know what it. In a significant outcry from the scientific community, over 1,900 scientists have expressed deep concern about the current state of science in the United States under the Trump administration. They (IMO rightly) warn that policies, attitudes, and actions taken during this period are “annihilating” the integrity and position of U.S. science on the global stage. This issue does not only concern scientific professionals; it has profound implications for sustainability, the environment, and green innovation worldwide. In this article, we’ll delve into the impacts of…

Call me old fashioned but I do enjoy a tad of clean air for myself and my daughter. Not surprisingly the developing brain is particularly sensitive. Recent studies have  indeed shown that exposure to air pollution during childhood can negatively impact brain connectivity, a finding that holds significant implications for our understanding of environmental health and child development. With increasing urbanization and industrial activities, air pollution has become a major environmental concern worldwide, affecting not just the quality of air but also human health. Understanding Air Pollution and Its Key Components Air pollution consists of harmful substances released into the…

There are some places in the world so remote that you would be forgiven for thinking they would be immune from human activities. Not so. The pristine waters of Alaska, often considered one of Earth’s final frontiers, are now facing a threat that is neither visible nor immediately noticeable to the naked eye: microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than five millimeters in size, have infiltrated the diets of spotted seals in the remote regions of Alaska. This alarming discovery has raised concerns among scientists and environmentalists, prompting a deeper examination of the impacts of microplastic pollution on marine…

In recent years, the term “smart energy management” has become more than just a trendy phrase—it’s becoming an essential practice for homes aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and cut down on energy bills. As concerns over climate change grow, families across the United States and the United Kingdom are increasingly adopting technologies that make their homes more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. But what exactly is smart energy management, and how can you implement it within your home to contribute to a more sustainable future? What is Smart Energy Management? Smart energy management refers to the use of advanced technologies and…

Tony Seba has emerged as a kind of modern-day technological prophet—less doomsday and more disruption. With a background in engineering and entrepreneurship, Seba has gained international attention for his bold predictions about the future of energy, transportation, and food systems. Often compared to a clean-tech Nostradamus, Seba doesn’t foresee collapse—he foresees transformation: a fast-moving shift toward sustainability driven by technology, economics, and exponential innovation. As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, Seba’s forecasts serve as both roadmap and rallying cry. The Solar Boom – A Prediction Realized.   Perhaps Seba’s most notable (and accurate) prediction has been…