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Ships trigger high and unexpected methane emissions

Ship traffic in shallow areas, such as ports, can trigger significant methane emissions simply by passing through the water. The researchers in a study, led by Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, observed twenty times higher methane emissions in the shipping lane compared to nearby undisturbed areas. Despite the fact that methane is a greenhouse gas that is 27 times as powerful as carbon dioxide, these emissions are often overlooked with today’s measurement methods.

July 4, 2025 by

Call for restrictions on patents on seeds

In a joint position paper, the German organic producer, Bioland, together with a score of organizations, is calling for significant restrictions regarding patents on seeds.
As stated in the position paper, the signatories are calling for patents on plants obtained from conventional breeding (random mutagenesis) to be prohibited, as well as on plants obtained from new genetic engineering (NGTs) if their characteristics also occur in nature. In addition, they propose a general exclusion from patent law for breeding (breeders’ exemption), which would also apply if further patents are granted.

June 19, 2025 by

What’s stopping us from jumping to the emergency brake?  

What is striking is that nowhere – neither among politicians nor among scientists – is the emergency bell being sounded. No one is sounding the alarm. There is general astonishment about what is going on, and specialists reluctantly admit that climate change has been underestimated in many aspects, but no one is currently suggesting (or demanding) an emergency brake on fossil fuel use.

June 19, 2025 by

Earth Overshoot Day 2025 on July 24

Earth Overshoot Day 2025 lands on July 24, the date when humanity will have used up nature’s entire annual budget of ecological resources and services, according to Global Footprint Network, the international sustainability organization that pioneered the Ecological Footprint, and York University, which now produces the National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts under the governance of FoDaFo.

June 7, 2025 by

The Hidden Climate Majority: How Misperceptions Are Holding Us Back

A wave of new research shows that the world is far more united on climate action than most people think. Across countries, cultures, and political divides, there is deep and widespread support for stronger climate measures—but this support is hidden by a major perception gap. People wrongly believe they are in the minority, which holds back action, conversation, and policy progress. Correcting that misunderstanding could unlock a tipping point for global climate momentum.

April 22, 2025 by

Climate TRACE introduces Real-Time Climate Data

Climate TRACE, a coalition backed by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, released the first-ever monthly global greenhouse gas emissions report based on direct, real-time observation using satellites, sensors, and AI. This marks a dramatic shift from traditional, slow, and often self-reported emissions inventories.

April 21, 2025 by

IEA Report: Energy and AI, the big story of the energy future

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the energy sector in the coming decade, driving a surge in electricity demand from data centres around the world while also unlocking significant opportunities to cut costs, enhance competitiveness and reduce emissions, according to a major new report from the IEA.

April 10, 2025 by

The Battery Race: Which Technology Will Power the Future at Scale?

As the world embraces clean energy, the spotlight has shifted to the next big challenge—how to store it. From solar-powered homes to electric vehicles and entire national grids, the need for efficient, scalable, and sustainable battery technologies is more significant than ever. In 2025, several battery innovations are emerging as frontrunners, but only a few show real promise for wide-scale adoption. So, which one is most likely to win the race?

March 26, 2025 by