Time is running out for Madagascar – evolution’s last, and greatest, laboratory
Kew scientists warn that unique plants on Madagascar are at risk of extinction It is a unique evolutionary hotspot home to thousands of plants found nowhere else on Earth. However, Madagascar’s special trees, palms and orchids – which provide habitats and food for dozens of species of rare lemur and other animals – are now […]
Can riverbank wildlife cope with another summer of drought?
Water levels are low after a dry winter and mammals and birds could be at risk Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, famous for its abbey, the Wars of the Roses battle in 1471 and the floods that ravaged the town in 2007, might seem an unlikely place to look for evidence of impending drought. But stroll along […]
Race is on to rid UK waters of PCBs after toxic pollutants found in killer whale
Scientists say more must be done to eliminate the chemicals, which have a devastating impact on marine life and can end up in the food chain The body of Lulu the killer whale was found on jagged rocks on the Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. A member of the only pod found in […]
Will clothes companies do the right thing to reduce microfiber pollution?
Synthetic fibers are polluting the world’s oceans – but a new report shows how apparel companies have been far too slow to respond. Can they change their ways? Over the past few years, evidence has been mounting that synthetic textiles such as polyester and acrylic, which make up much of our clothing, are a major […]
Sweet-scented scurvy-grass is a spring tonic in every sense
South Uist The bitter leaves of this hardy little plant once provided a welcome dose of vitamin C after a hard winter Scurvy-grass is usually found in coastal regions, where its high tolerance of saline conditions enables it to flourish where other plants fail to thrive. It is an early flowerer and will grow abundantly […]
Free water from the bar tap? Get the app | Letters
Guy Hodgson has a tech solution for reducing the amount of plastic drinking bottles we use I can quite understand why people feel awkward asking for tap water without making a purchase (British embarrassment over asking for tap water in bars fuels plastic bottle waste – survey, 11 May). Fortunately, the Refill app from refill.org.uk […]
Cockney sparrows living the high life | Brief letters
Kelvin MacKenzie and Ross Barkley | Return of the sparrows | Management speak | Kings killed in battle | Grandparents’ names | 35mm film canisters Kelvin MacKenzie loses his job over “racial slurs” (Report, 10 May). Are we to infer that the nasty abuse of Ross Barkley would have been fine had his grandparents all been […]
Locals dismayed as Trump's EPA gives new life to controversial Alaska mine
Pebble Ltd Partnership allowed to seek permit to build mine near Bristol Bay Environmental activists say gold and copper mine threatens local community Further legal battles and protesters “standing in front of bulldozers” could be in store in Alaska, after the Trump administration on Friday settled a lawsuit over the proposed development of a massive […]
Historic Turkish tomb moved to make way for hydroelectric dam
1,100-tonne Zeynel Bey monument relocated despite legal challenge to Tigris river construction project An enormous 15th-century tomb in south-eastern Turkey has been moved to make way for a hydroelectric dam on the Tigris river. The 1,100-tonne Zeynel Bey monument was lifted whole on Friday and transported more than a mile on a wheeled platform, the […]
Disappearing glaciers, orangutans and solar power – green news roundup
The week’s top environment news stories and green events. If you are not already receiving this roundup, sign up here to get the briefing delivered to your inbox Continue reading… Source: Guardian Climate Change