Bjørn Lomborg: 'Five inches...? I can't even remember that figure'

Richard Orange

3rd February, 2012

Despite no scientific training Bjørn Lomborg has had a strong influence on the climate change debate, positioning himself against climate deniers and campaigners who say that climate change is a global emergency more...

HS2: can the UK fast-track a better rail system?

Bethany Hubbard

27th January, 2012

Are the UK's new high speed rail plans part of a sustainable future for public transport in the UK or a big statement that only benefits a minority? more...

Retrofits: is it possible to make 'greening your home' sexy?

Carl Frankel

20th January, 2012

Green refurbishments save money and reduce CO2 emissions, helping combat climate change. The challenge is getting people to do them more...

'Super vegetable garden' enables Mauritanian refugees to run agribusinesses

Amanda Fortier

13th January, 2012

An innovative gardening project along the river basin in Northern Senegal is helping hundreds of Mauritanian refugees address issues of food and economic insecurity and allowing them to integrate into Senegalese society more...

Europe's empty houses drive new wave of squatting activism

Almudena Serpis

6th January, 2012

As the recession continues, squatting across Europe has enjoyed a renaissance. Although controversial, occupying vacant buildings has become a form of activism, promoting alternative lifestyles and challenging the mainstream more...

Cetaceans under siege as man-made perils blight the oceans

Anthony Wall

29th December, 2011

Whales, dolphins and porpoises have no respite from oil and chemicals, fishing nets, shipping, noise pollution and a host of other dangers brought about by man's unrelenting destruction of the oceans, says Anthony Wall more...

Supermarket food waste to power renewable energy instead of tackling food poverty

Matilda Lee

23rd December, 2011

Food aid charities argue supermarket food waste could help prevent hunger in vulnerable people. Yet supermarkets' anaerobic digestion plans may eclipse food redistribution says Matilda Lee more...

'Soundscape ecology': the new science helping identify ecosystems at risk

David Hawkins

16th December, 2011

As industrial development and human encroachment intensifies globally, academics believe the study of natural soundscapes could teach us much about how ecosystems function - and how they are under threat more...

How eco-logging and livestock grazing can protect UK's natural landscape

Sam Campbell

9th December, 2011

A web of environmental, economic and social forces have shaped UK landscapes for years. Environmental awareness has slowed encroachment on natural areas, but serious threats persist. Is it time for a fresh approach? more...

Is there room for wildlife as Africa grapples with development?

Curtis Abraham

1st December, 2011

How poaching for the illegal wildlife trade, intensive farming, climate change and population growth all threaten Africa's unique wildlife more...

Could politicians be charged with 'ecocide' if they approve tar sands pipeline?

Rosie Spinks

29th November, 2011

A law of ecocide could potentially see politicians who approve environmentally-damaging projects, like the tar sands pipeline between the US and Canada, face a court trial more...

The conservation quandary: can wildlife NGOs save Africa's animals?

Ian Michler

21st November, 2011

Conservation is a huge industry in Africa but wildlife populations across the continent are declining. So why isn't it working? more...

Where will our milk come from: 'battery' farms or free range cows?

Rosie Shute

11th November, 2011

The recent axing of the Nocton 'super-dairy' renewed interest in how our milk and cheese is produced. The Ecologist visited two dairy farms - an indoor, intensive unit and a year-round outdoor operation - to assess their very different approaches more...

Durban climate change conference: why farming is the biggest issue for Africa

Rosie Spinks

4th November, 2011

With little hope of a binding deal on climate change at the latest UN summit, campaigners are hoping that Africa's COP will tackle the issue that plagues the continent most: agriculture more...

Spanish mountains under threat from open cast coal mining

Almudena Serpis

26th October, 2011

Almudena Serpis reports on the activists taking action against the expansion of coal mining in the beautiful and ecologically important Lacaiana valley more...

Arctic special Sami reindeer herders struggle against Arctic oil and gas expansion

Joel Tozer

19th October, 2011

Climate change and a rise in oil and gas exploration are bringing a host of problems for the indigenous Sami reindeer herders in the Arctic regions more...

Tourism has a negative impact on Laos' wildlife

Dawn Starin

14th October,2011

Tourists eager to try exotic meat and buy wildlife souvenirs in Laos are helping destroy the country's natural heritage. The consequences for both people and environment are worrying, reports Dawn Starin

more...

UK charity dogged by 'monocultures and rights violations' claims

Ecologist

7th October, 2011

The Jewish National Fund UK has always denied a swirl of claims over its history and activities in the Middle East, including allegations of land grabbing Palestinian villages. But campaigners want the organisation stripped of its charitable status more...

Xayaburi dam divides Laos and stirs tension over Mekong hydropower

Brendan Brady

30th September, 2011

Supporters of a controversial dam in one of Asia's poorest countries say it will bring huge economic benefits. Critics say it could threaten fisheries and rice cultivation, threatening the livelihoods of millions. Brendan Brady reports from Laos
more...

Water trading: how the world's most vital resource is up for sale

Debika Ray

21st September, 2011

Like carbon trading, REDD and food speculation before it, the buying and selling of water is just the latest example of market principles being applied to natural resources. But just how ethical is it? Debika Ray reports more...

Exclusive film Mexico's poor suffer as food speculation fuels tortilla crisis

Tom Levitt

13th September, 2011

A surge in financial speculation on maize is causing vastly inflated prices for corn tortillas - a sacred staple in Mexico - and threatening the health and livelihoods of the country's poor. Tom Levitt investigates more...

The struggle to save Alaska's 'illness-busting' wild berries

Jessica Wapner

7th September, 2011

Despite being used to treat diabetes and infections, knowledge of Alaska's wild berries is in danger of being lost as young indigenous people embrace western lifestyles. Jessica Wapner reports more...

Red squirrels under siege as conservation groups suffer financial squeeze

Sam Campbell

2nd September, 2011

In the second of our 'wildlife at risk' series, Sam Campbell reports how habitat loss, disease and funding cuts leave the iconic red squirrel facing a bleak future more...

Endgame for polar bears as Arctic habitat melts away

Gavin Haines

24th August, 2011

The recent polar bear attack in Norway is the latest reminder that time is running out for these iconic mammals, with runaway climate change and habitat loss. Gavin Haines reports more...

San Francisco's scavengers: a story of gangs, poverty and recycling

Felicity Carus

16th August, 2011

Scavenging is on the rise in the US and is no longer the exclusive domain of the poor. Felicity Carus reports on San Francisco's attempts to close down this informal sector and its impact on a burgeoning recycling culture more...

Activists challenge 'corrupt' government in the battle for Sarawak's rainforests

Alex Joseph

10th August, 2011

Land seizures, rampant logging and oil palm expansion have decimated Sarawak's forests. But now an invigorated reform movement is fighting back - accusing the government and its chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud of duplicity. Alex Joseph reports more...

Sustainability and football: why the beautiful game is getting a green makeover

Ruth Styles

3rd August, 2011

In the second part of our sport and environment mini-series, Ruth Styles reports on the efforts some football clubs are making to turn the sport into an eco-friendly one, although there's still plenty to do more...

How the boom in climbing, biking and sailing is costing the earth

Isabella Kaminski

28th July, 2011

In the first of a two-part sport and environment special, Isabella Kaminski reports on how habitat damage, waste, nanotechnology and persistent organic pollutants are increasingly linked to our favourite outdoor pursuits more...

The big divide: is ideology holding back greens from embracing nuclear power?

Matilda Lee

20th July, 2011

Once united in opposition, the environmental movement is now divided on nuclear power. Matilda Lee reports on why some greens say that anti-nuclear is just sentimentalism more...

Himalayan glaciers are 'not just melting, they are dying'

Jonathan Mitchell

13th July, 2011

Many glaciers are melting away at a rapid rate. This could have serious consequences for half a billion people who depend on the ‘eternal snows’ to water their crops and for drinking. But as Jonathan Mitchell reports from Nepal, not everyone appears concerned more...