Discover how science can help us save earth from climate change and mass extinction
In depth articles on…
-Mega-projects to geoengineer the climate
-Solving the plastic problem
-The best diet for Earth
-8 ways to beat the floods
-Eco power tools to save the planet
-How to beat mass extinction
-And meet the cloud chaser, plant whisperer and coral matchmaker
Saving Planet Earth
HUMAN IMPACT • As difficult as it is to admit, to a greater or lesser extent we’re responsible for many of the problems the planet is currently facing. And although Earth may ultimately be able to adapt to the maladies we’ve inflicted upon it, if we don’t act soon to at least alleviate the symptoms, it won’t be long until we start to suffer the catastrophic consequences. But as bleak as the outlook appears, there are a few slivers of hope shining in the darkness.
DEFUSING THE POPULATION BOMB • Despite all the doomsday predictions, over-population will not cause our demise. Over-consumption could instead. But, our ingenuity will save us
WHAT’S THE BEST DIET FOR THE PLANET? • To support the burgeoning population we’re having to make some tough choices about what we consume and the way we produce it. But the never-ending deluge of information about our food choices can be baffling. So should we all become vegan or can we really have our steak and eat it?
SAVING THE WORLD, ONE BITE AT A TIME
HOW TO KEEP THE TAP ON • Water stress can quickly turn into a water war. So how can we reduce our usage to keep the peace and protect the planet?
THERE ARE PLENTY MORE FISH IN THE SEA • Decades of poor fishing practices may spell the end of fish as food. But it’s not the end of the line yet, as innovations could help reverse the damage
THE STATE OF OUR SEAS
THE BIGGEST LOSERS • Some species are more sensitive to pollution and fishing than others…
THE PLANT WHISPERER • A famine crisis is looming. Stephen Long’s work aims to feed the masses by supercharging the plants we eat
Q & A
HOW IT WORKS
FAMINE FIGHTERS
THE GREEN GREAT WALL
8 WAYS TO BEAT THE FLOODS • Almost every year, some areas of the UK suffer severe flooding, a problem enhanced by climate change. But new ideas are on hand to help us stay dry
THE NEW HERBALIST • Superbugs are becoming more resistant to antibiotics by the day. Cassandra Quave is searching for a solution in forgotten herbal remedies
Q & A
HOW IT WORKS
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE • Earth’s crust is covered by land, sea and air, and thanks to the centuries we’ve spent living on, working in and travelling through them, all three are now in bad shape. The manner in which we’ve exploited the planet’s terrain, oceans and atmosphere has led us to a point where much of those environments are useless for farming, unsuitable for building on and devoid of all but the most extreme forms of life. What can we do to remedy that?
HOW TO SOLVE THE PLASTIC PROBLEM • By 2050 there could be more plastic in the sea than fish. But some genius inventions could help clean up the oceans
WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE? • Can we reduce our reliance on plastic? Here are five innovative materials that are in development
WHERE OUR PLASTICS GO
HOW YOU CAN HELP
POWER TOOLS TO SAVE THE PLANET • After almost two centuries of us relying on fossil fuels, we’re now seeing the damage it’s causing to Earth. Here are some of the most promising eco-technologies to wean us off coal, oil and natural gas…
TRANSPORT • The most promising green technologies that might let us stay on the roads after we’re forced to ditch the diesel
POWER • We need more homes but we really need ways to power them cleanly
5 MEGA IDEAS TO FIX THE...