Results in for the Great UK WaterBlitz 2024!
During 20-23 September, Earthwatch UK received over 2,300 data points from over 4,500 citizen scientists. The Guardian (21 October 2024) also shared this story. The key findings: 61% of data points showed poor water quality with significant regional variation Data show the Anglian and Thames river basin districts have the [...]
Scotland’s industrial greenhouse gas emissions decreased during 2023
SEPA have published (01 October 2024) this year’s Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory (SPRI) data, which shows a 13.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at SEPA regulated sites between 2022 and 2023. The information and data may be useful for environmental studies students.
Five surprising ways that trees help prevent flooding
This article published in The Conversation (17 October 2024) shares findings from research carried out in Scotland. Woodlands and greenspaces were found to be powerful tools for reducing flood risk in 5 ways.
The how and why of testing for water pollution
Discover more in this Earthwatch blog post (19 August 2024) Water test kit: how and why we test for nutrient pollution. You can also sign up for the Spring 2025 Great Water Bioblitz here too.
Water pollution in the UK: the causes and effects
Find out more in this Earthwatch Europe blog (7th August 2024). Discover how water pollution is a huge challenge for freshwater in the UK, impacting our rivers, streams and lakes and the wildlife that call them home. You can also sign up to the Great UK WaterBlitz.
In defence of midges and maggots
This article in the Conversation (31 July 2024) goes some way to provide a convincing argument for the existence of midges. Like it or not, midges are part of our insect biodiversity. Only females of a certain species bite us. Midges help us model climate change, aid in the decomposition [...]
Research shows how trees absorb methane
This article in The Conversation (24 July 2024) describes a large-scale study which proves that trees absorb methane through their bark, with climate benefits at a global scale.
The soundscape of seagrass meadows
“Fish make low-pitched grunting, burping or purring noises. Crabs make higher-pitched metallic sort of scraping sounds.” Marine ecologist Isabel Key explains what she’s finding as she listens to the sounds of underwater seagrass meadows. Listen on The Conversation Weekly podcast.
