Substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved by raising water levels in agricultural peatlands, according to a new study. Peatlands occupy just three per cent of the world’s land surface area but store a similar amount of carbon to all terrestrial vegetation, as well as supporting unique biodiversity. In their natural state, they...
Scientists are using weather forecasts to predict the location and scale of impending meningitis outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa. It is part of an early-warning system being piloted with the aim of giving health agencies more time to activate emergency response plans. The approach – pioneered by ACMAD, the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development, and the African SWIFT initiative...
An independent advisory group, set up to support ambitious climate action in Yorkshire and the Humber, has launched today, 17 March. The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission brings together a team of climate leaders from across the public, private and third sectors, in the largest regional Commission of its kind in the UK. Professor Andy...
Melting glaciers could be triggering a ‘feedback process’ that causes further climate change, according to new research. An international research team led by the University of Leeds has for the first time linked glacier-fed mountain rivers with higher rates of plant material decomposition, a major process in the global carbon cycle. As mountain glaciers melt,...
New energy tariffs designed for a low carbon future could leave people on bad deals even worse off, research has found. The Leeds-led study found new types of contracts could benefit all types of customer, with opportunities to sell excess energy from solar panels or incentives for using energy at off-peak times. However, many people...