Planet Earth stories
Saving the forest on a shoestring
Around 80% of the Atlantic Rainforest has been lost as growers of crops like sugar cane have cleared trees to make way for plantations. But a low-cost method could help restore biodiversity.
28 Nov 2018
Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation, Farming, Forests
The Goldilocks effect: Weighing the world's forests
It is an old complaint: not being able to see the wood for the trees. But the grumble is being smashed thanks to a new dimension from a European Space Agency mission soon to launch.
26 Nov 2018
Tags: Atmosphere, Biodiversity, Climate, Earth observation, Forests, Space, Technology
Smoother and safer flying
Flying through a patch of severe and unexpected turbulence is an unforgettable, unsettling and sometimes painful experience for tens of thousands of passengers each year.
22 Nov 2018
Tags: Atmosphere, Climate, Environmental change, Technology, Weather
Uncovering energy hidden in the cracks
The discovery of an alternative source of oil in the Scottish Highlands could help the UK meet its spiralling energy needs.
20 Nov 2018
Tags: Environmental change, Geology, Natural resources, UK
Protecting biodiversity in palm oil
News that chocolate, bread and dried fruit all share a common ingredient with household detergents and cosmetics might sound both unlikely and unappetising. However, palm oil is used in each of these and many more everyday products.
15 Nov 2018
The plastics journey: Where are we now?
While plastics have many benefits, plastic waste is a serious form of pollution, particularly in our oceans. Here we take a look at the history of plastics and where we are now.
8 Nov 2018
Tags: Conservation, Marine life, Microplastics, Oceans, Pollution, UK
From "trivial issue" to primetime TV: A researcher's journey through plastic
It is a rare TV programme that has the instant impact of David Attenborough's Blue Planet II.
8 Nov 2018
Tags: Conservation, Health, Marine life, Microplastics, Oceans, Pollution, UK
I'm a bat biologist
Contrary to popular belief, bats are friendly creatures that play an important role in many environments around the world.
2 Nov 2018
Tags: Animals, Biodiversity, Biology, Conservation, Pollinators
Better cocoa crops for better livelihoods
Chocolate may be one of life's little pleasures, but in Ghana, for many, it is the very means of life.
31 Oct 2018
Flood research by numbers
NERC flood science saves lives, homes and businesses. Here are a few fast facts on some of our successes.
19 Oct 2018
Tags: Adaptation and mitigation, Flooding, Hazards, UK, Water