Author: Andrew Rogers

A groundbreaking study using Met Office weather radar data has revealed a sharp decline in nocturnal insects across the UK, raising new concerns about light pollution and climate change. Scientists from the University of Leeds repurposed data from 15 weather surveillance radars, originally designed to track rain and clouds, to monitor the trillions of insects flying over Britain each year. Between 2014 and 2021, the team found that while daytime insect activity stayed stable or increased in the south, night-flying insects – such as moths – declined significantly, particularly in northern regions. “This is one of the first studies to…

Russia has arrested Leonid Pshenichnov, a 70-year-old Ukrainian biologist, accusing him of high treason for allegedly undermining Moscow’s Antarctic krill fishing operations. The veteran scientist, known for decades of research supporting marine protection in Antarctica, was detained in Russian-occupied Crimea while preparing to attend a conservation conference in Australia. According to a document seen by The Guardian, Russian authorities claim Pshenichnov “defected to the enemy’s side” by helping Ukraine propose restrictions on krill harvesting at the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting in Hobart. Moscow alleges his work harmed Russia’s economic interests. The case has…

A new European study has revealed that pesticide exposure is widespread and largely unavoidable, with traces of hundreds of chemicals detected even among people living far from agricultural areas. Researchers from Radboud University in the Netherlands asked 641 volunteers across 10 European countries to wear silicone wristbands for a week to measure exposure to 193 different pesticides. Laboratory analysis detected 173 substances, and every participant’s wristband showed traces of contamination. On average, each person carried 20 different pesticides, including some that have long been banned in the EU. The findings highlight how pesticides permeate the environment far beyond farmland through…

The U.S. labor market is showing signs of a “Great Freeze,” with hiring activity remaining low while layoffs also stay limited. This trend is creating a unique environment where current employees enjoy job security, but job seekers face challenges finding new opportunities. Economic experts describe the Great Freeze as a period marked by cautious corporate behavior. Companies are holding onto their existing workforce but are hesitant to expand staffing levels. This cautious approach reflects ongoing economic uncertainty, including inflation concerns, interest rate pressures, and global market volatility. Recent labor reports show that hiring remains sluggish across multiple industries. While employers…

Christmas Island is once again turning scarlet as over 100 million red crabs make their spectacular annual migration from the rainforest to the sea, a natural event that delights conservationists and tourists alike. For local rangers, the sight is more than a visual wonder — it’s proof that years of work to protect the island’s iconic crustaceans are paying off. Once devastated by invasive yellow crazy ants, which spray formic acid that can kill the crabs, the population is now rebounding thanks to a successful biocontrol program introduced in 2016. Scientists released Malaysian micro-wasps to target the lac scale insects…

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust has announced plans to sell Merrivale Wood, a 4.5-hectare site near Ross-on-Wye, citing the need to focus its limited resources on larger, higher-priority nature reserves. The trust, which manages nearly 60 sites across the county, said maintaining smaller reserves like Merrivale Wood had become too costly. The sale is part of a wider review aimed at directing funds “towards conservation and nature recovery priorities.” Local residents Jess and Jody Shaw have launched a GoFundMe campaign to keep the woodland open for community use, hoping to raise £90,000 to purchase the site. As of this week, the effort…

Global coal consumption reached an all-time high in 2024, undermining efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and keep global heating within safe limits, according to the latest State of Climate Action report. While the share of coal in electricity generation has declined due to rapid growth in renewables, overall demand for energy surged, driving total coal use to record levels. The report warns that the world remains far off track in phasing out coal and cutting emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Clea Schumer of the World Resources Institute, which led the report, said: “We are doing the right…

Mosquitoes have been detected in Iceland for the first time, marking a significant ecological shift as global heating makes the once insect-free country more hospitable. Until now, Iceland and Antarctica were among the few places in the world without mosquito populations. But scientists have long warned that the island’s numerous marshes and ponds could become suitable breeding grounds as temperatures rise. The discovery of three specimens of Culiseta annulata — a cold-resistant species — was confirmed by Matthías Alfreðsson, an entomologist at the Natural Science Institute of Iceland. The insects, found in Kiðafell, Kjós, were collected by citizen scientist Björn…

Six female water buffalo have been introduced to a 120-acre site at Tattiscombe on west Exmoor as part of a National Trust project to restore farmland into natural wetland. Known as “wetland architects,” the buffalo use their hooves to churn soil, create wallows, and keep ponds open — actions that slow water flow, reduce flooding, and improve drought resilience. “Buffalo are specialised wetland animals, and this site offers an ideal habitat for them,” said Murray Sharpe, the Trust’s West Exmoor farm manager. “Their grazing will help shape a wider range of habitats and create new niches for wildlife.” Originally from…

At 39ft below the surface, the ocean is pitch-black except for the beams of our torches cutting through clouds of plankton. Giant trevally dart past, brushing my face, while the glowing eyes of whitetip reef sharks and moray eels glimmer in the darkness. It’s a scene of chaos and beauty — and I’m night diving on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Stretching nearly 1,500 miles, only about 20% of the reef has been fully surveyed. Yet it remains one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems — and tourism, guided by accredited Master Reef Guides, provides essential funding for its protection. I…