Deforestation in Sao Paulo and Chronic Water Shortages
Here is an article that highlights the crucial role of forests. Sao Paolo may experience devastating water shortages if deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest continues, impacting lives of over...
Changing Places - A New Paris Every Five Days
According to a new report, the World adds a new city the size of Paris every 5 days!
Californian wildfires continue to threaten communities
It is rare for wildfires to continue so far into the winter season but with California having suffered drought conditions for the last 5 out of 6 years, the fires look set to continue.
UN agrees to help reduce ocean plastic waste
Despite the proposal from the UN not being legally binding; environmental groups see this landmark announcement as a pivotal change that will lead to future action.
Melting icebergs feed a trail of phytoplankton in their wake
Concern at large blocks of ice-sheet breaking off from the perimeter of Antarctica and icebergs calving off glaciers emerging from the Greenland ice-sheet are worrying indicators of rising global...
Bali volcano is at red warning level
A large plume of smoke from Mount Agung has risen to 4000m into the atmosphere. This is the second eruption of this type in a week and it is causing disruption for flights in the region.
Nasa forecasts how ice melt will impact on cities
Detailed research by Nasa looks into how different cities will be affected as sections of ice sheets melt. Studies of the earth's spin and gravitational pull has allowed scientists to identify...
Hope for the UK bee population
Following years of campaigns by environmental groups and many online petitions raising awareness of the plight of global bee populations; finally there's good news for bees in the UK.
Yemen's famine crisis
The ongoing conflict in Yemen is likely to result in millions of deaths as a result of famine.
Continuous Urban Fabric - BBC's New Landscape Map
How much of the UK is continuous urban fabric? Buildings cover less of Britain than the land revealed when the tide goes out!
Sustainable Cities - World Bank Photo Competition
The World Bank have announced the winners of their competition for photos that capture the future of sustainable cities. Globally, 66 out of 100 people will live in urban areas by 2050.
City size and economic growth - new evidence
This article from VoxEU considers new evidence on the links between city size and economic growth.
Protection for endangered species
33 species have been selected to receive "special protection" across the world.
Could Saudi Arabia be the next Dubai?
BBC Newsnight investigates Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's promise of reform in Saudi Arabia and preparations for a future beyond crude oil which includes plans for a new mega city.
Changing Places - Urban Farms in London
This is superb for the changing places topic. The FT visits a cluster of urban farmers whose ingenuity, vision and drive might well be at the cutting edge of a farming revolution.
Can the Paris climate agreement be a global success?
All countries, apart from Syria and the USA, have now signed the agreement.
Swiss cities by population
A lovely, clean elegant map of Swiss cities by population.
Acidification of the oceans from CO2 emissions
Here is a good article for students to read for the oceans topic. An 80 year long study by 250 scientists finds that increased emissions will lead to more acidic oceans and will affect all sea life.
Problems of governance in mega-cities
Mexico City has one federal, two state and 76 municipal governments, each with overlapping responsibilities.
What dust from the Sahara does to the planet
A striking article here from the Conversation - there is a complex ecosystem to Saharan dust.