Black mambas (Dendroaspis polylepis) are Africa’s longest, most famous venomous snakes. Despite their fearsome reputation, these misunderstood snakes are vital players in their ecosystems. They keep rodent populations in check and, in turn, help to protect crops and limit disease spread. The species ranges widely across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and south into…
Africa’s most feared snake has found a new role as an environmental guardian, with researchers having discovered that black mambas can serve as detectors of air pollution. A new study shows the snakes – which are Africa’s most venomous – absorb heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury into their bodies. By clipping…
As billions continue to breathe polluted air that causes more than 4.5 million premature deaths every year, UN climate experts on Friday highlighted how damaging microscopic smoke particles from wildfires play their part, travelling halfway across the world. “Air quality respects no boundaries,” said Lorenzo Labrador, Scientific Officer at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). “The…
Efforts are getting underway in Geneva to finalize a global agreement to tackle the staggering and growing amount of plastic waste and its impact on human health, marine life and the economy. Unless an international accord is inked, plastic waste is projected to triple by 2060, causing significant damage – including to our health –…
New York — They are lightweight, cheap, and able to be used in every sector of every supply chain. Few materials have revolutionized manufacturing and the global economy as much as plastics have. They are essential in almost everything, however this comes at a cost. A cost of 1.5 trillion annually in environmental damage, and…
In a world increasingly shaped by climate extremes, environmental experts are delivering a blunt warning: four rapidly emerging threats could reshape life for millions unless urgent action is taken. From ancient microbes awakening in melting glaciers to toxic pollutants unleashed by floods, the dangers are no longer distant or theoretical. They are here, and they…
Nairobi — On Friday, countries gathered in Uruguay to agree on the creation of a new global science-policy panel aimed at enhancing the management of chemicals, waste, and pollution. This initiative marks a major step in the global effort to safeguard both people and the planet. The newly established panel is designed to address a…
