Researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, combine various past climate data to investigate the impacts of ancient volcanic eruptions. They explored eruptions in the tropics over the last 1,000 years and found some large eruptions have far-reaching climatic consequences. Preserved tree rings, as well as climate models, show evidence that some monsoon activity is reduced following particularly large tropical eruptions. This research could impact current climate models, eruption simulations, and even influence long-term disaster preparedness given the potential impact eruptions can have on monsoon-dependent crop supplies. 

The Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has launched the Exploring Marine Biodiversity: Empowering Youth Ambassadors for Ocean Stewardship programme. Supported by the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), the programme immerses local secondary school students in marine science through hands-on training, empowering them as the next generation of ocean stewards.

The chemical composition of meteorites and asteroids acts as a kind of fingerprint, providing information about the origin of the building materials that formed the Earth. 

Using a new analysis of existing data, the researchers show that this material must exclusively come from the inner solar system. 

The material that formed the Earth is similar to that found on Mars and the asteroid Vesta. The Earth is thus part of a trend line extending from the Sun. 

This close relationship also enables predictions to be made about the composition of Venus and Mercury, from which we have no known samples. 

A new review highlights how a carbon-rich material made from agricultural waste could help reverse land degradation, boost food production, and strengthen climate resilience in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

A new study reveals that seasonal freeze–thaw cycles can dramatically improve the ability of engineered biochar to trap toxic arsenic in contaminated soils, offering a promising strategy for safer agriculture and environmental remediation.

A new field study reveals that biochar, a carbon-rich material made from plant residues, can significantly restore soil health and nitrogen availability in forests affected by acid rain. The findings highlight a promising, nature-based solution for protecting ecosystems under increasing environmental stress.