World’s lakes losing oxygen rapidly as world warms, says study
Oxygen levels in the world's temperate freshwater lakes are declining rapidly - faster than in the oceans - a trend driven largely by climate change that threatens freshwater biodiversity and drinking water quality.
Water fleas as ‘canaries in a coal mine’ offer key to managing chemical pollution
Water fleas, or Daphnia, could provide an important ‘early warning system’ for chemical pollution in our lakes and rivers and, where prevention to...
Rising sea temperatures and coral loss: “Most detailed scientific picture to date”
The “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020” report, released on 5 October, documents the loss of approximately 14 per cent of the...
Waterflea study reveals evolution’s ability to reconfigure gene networks to deal with environmental change
Scientists at the University of Birmingham say they have unravelled the genetic mechanisms behind tiny waterfleas’ ability to adapt to increased levels of phosphorus...
Reviving England’s rivers: recommendations include Incentivising farmers and comprehensive monitoring
At the close of 2023, Defra asked the British Ecological Society to bring together nearly 40 experts, to collate expert opinion on freshwater policy...
Fish clogging in cooling tunnels threatens power station safety
After a recent shutdown at a French nuclear power plant due to the clogging of cooling tunnels by fish, industry experts have warned that...
Negotiations open in world’s first legally-binding treaty to protect the high seas
Treaty negotiations to conserve and protect nearly two thirds of the ocean opened on 4 September at the United Nations (UN) in what is...
Gardens are secret powerhouse for pollinators, says research
Home gardens are by far the biggest source of food for pollinating insects, including bees and wasps, in cities and towns, according to new...
Rare bees found buzzing about new sewage works
A conservation project at Thames Water’s Long Reach sewage works in Kent has created an unexpected haven for the rarest bumblebee in England.
Shrill...
Coral reef symposium in London concludes ‘reef protection is not enough’
A report from a symposium held in London on 29 June
‘Rethinking the Future of Coral Reefs’ was the theme of a symposium at St....
Funding for Internet of Trees
Seed funding of 1.8million has been secured for a large-scale IoT network to detect wildfires.
Indigenous groups call for urgent action to protect Amazon headwaters region in Peru and...
A number of indigenous groups have called for emergency support to stop the governments of Ecuador and Peru from expanding new fossil fuel, mining, and large-scale industrial development
Repairing Scotland’s peatlands: Volunteer “Bog Squad” celebrates six years of progress
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is celebrating six years of its "Bog Squad" initiative this March. Begun in 2014, this group of volunteers is carrying...
Local authorities need clarity on biodiversity strategy to meet new government requirements, says ecological...
In the wake of the publication of the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the long-awaited 25-Year Environment Plan, Local Planning Authorities...
First global atlas of rangelands launches, and reveals vulnerable state of a neglected ecosystem
New atlas reveals climate-critical rangelands cover half the world’s land surface, supporting millions of people and critical ecosystems— yet often ignored despite threats...
UN resolution commits member states to ocean pollution measures
More than 200 countries have signed a UN resolution that will encourage member states to take greater action on the issue of marine pollution,...
Island bats are valuable allies for farmers
The 17th April is international bat appreciation day and a new study has highlighted how these secretive mammals can be valuable allies for farmers,...
Improved sewage treatment has increased river biodiversity over past 30 years, says study
Improvements in wastewater treatment in the UK over the past 30 years are linked to improvements in river biodiversity, according to a study conducted...
“Biological house” is proving ground for sustainable construction methods
Copenhagen based architecture firm Een til Een has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first "biological house".
The construction is claimed to set a...
Exhibition explores how peatlands protect the planet
A new exhibition opening at the University of St Andrews’ Wardlaw Museum explores the importance of peatlands in Scotland and across the world.
While peat...
