Planet Earth stories
Changing channels
Scientists agree: flood damages will increase dramatically across Europe over the coming decades. And as extreme rainfall events happen again and again, some places will be hit harder than others. So why is it that some areas are becoming more prone to flooding, and others not? Louise Slater explains.
4 Mar 2016
Tags: Environmental change, Flooding, Hazards, Rivers and lakes, UK
The human epoch
Humans have only been part of Earth's history for the blink of a geological eye, but in that time we have made a profound mark on the planet. Fifty years ago we were starting to realise the extent of our influence; today we are debating whether it has moved Earth into a new geological epoch. Alex Peel explains what's behind the concept.
22 Feb 2016
Tags: Earth system, Geology
Amphibians under threat
Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders look like hardy creatures and anyone observing a pond full of frogspawn could be forgiven for thinking their future was secure. But several emerging diseases are attacking the world's amphibians, sometimes with devastating results. Trent Garner explains how we're starting to understand the extent of the threat.
12 Feb 2016
Tags: Animals, Biodiversity, Biology, Conservation
Bouncing towards an ice-free summer
One warm year and we're told an Arctic without sea ice is just around the corner; the next cold one and it's claimed the ice is recovering. Ed Hawkins explains why Arctic melting will continue to be erratic for the foreseeable future - but says the overall trend is only heading one way.
5 Feb 2016
Tags: Climate, Environmental change, Ice
A dose of nature
What do you get when you cross ecology with psychotherapy? Quite possibly you end up with profound benefits for people's wellbeing - and for the health of the NHS. Dan Bloomfield explains why for many chronically ill or isolated people help could lie just beyond their front door.
22 Jan 2016
Looking to the future of conservation
As NERC looks forward to its next 50 years, we can't know for sure what issues will arise. But some scientists have had their eye on the future for some time. Tom Marshall talks to Bill Sutherland about his work bringing environmental research into the 21st century.
14 Dec 2015
NERC and M&S - The science of sustainable retail
Dr Claire Quinn's job is to help ensure UK food and clothing retailer Marks & Spencer gets access to the scientific knowledge it needs. Tom Marshall finds out how her knowledge exchange Fellowship has been an enlightening experience on both sides.
27 Nov 2015
Tags: Ecology, Farming, Sustainability, UK
Science in action: Watching the birds
How the UK's birds of prey were saved from the malign effects of 20th-century pesticides is a great example of scientific detective work - and it also shows the immense value of monitoring the natural environment over long periods. Tom Marshall tells the story.
13 Nov 2015
What's past is prologue
Two former chief executives tell us what they valued most about their time at NERC and how they've seen the environmental science landscape change.
27 Oct 2015
Shutting the flood gates
In 1953, more than 300 people died in the UK alone when heavy storms swept a high spring tide over sea defences and across coastal towns in north-east England and Scotland. Today floods still make headlines but our ability to limit their effects has come a long way. Adele Walker explains why.
19 Oct 2015
Tags: Environmental change, Flooding, Hazards, UK, Weather