Analysis of water sampling data reveals toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have contaminated drinking water sources across England. Deemed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence, PFAS pollution prompts the water industry to demand a ban and hold polluters accountable for exorbitant cleanup costs.

Areas served by Affinity Water and Anglian Water show high PFAS levels. Experts warn authorities may “drastically underestimate the size of the problem,” as the full extent remains unclear. PFAS health risks include cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues.

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England is urging the robotics industry to design robots that can be repurposed and reprogrammed for new tasks once their initial lifespan is over. This call comes as a response to the rapidly growing issue of e-waste, which poses significant environmental challenges.

According to the study, instead of recycling outdated robots, which often involves complex and energy-intensive processes, the focus should shift towards creating modular and adaptable robotic systems. By doing so, the researchers argue, the robots’ components and functionalities could be easily repurposed, extending their usable lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacement and disposal.

Climate change is exacerbating conditions that allow wildfires to spread at unprecedented rates, according to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Record-breaking temperatures and prolonged drought have turned vegetation into tinder, while stronger winds propel flames across greater distances. Los Angeles and surrounding areas face increasing fire risks as global temperatures continue rising.

Intensive firefighting efforts have contained the Eaton Fire at around 37,000 acres, but the cause remains under investigation. The Palisades Fire has burned over 1,000 acres in Topanga State Park near Pacific Palisades. Evacuations were ordered as air tankers and helicopters worked to establish containment lines. Climate experts warn that the region must prepare for more frequent and severe wildfires in the years ahead.

The year 2024 was marked by violence and elections, as conflicts escalated around the world and billions of voters went to the polls. However, climate change still made headlines. Thousands of peer-reviewed journal articles were published over the course of the year, helping shape online discourse around climate change. Tracking these mentions was Altmetric, an organisation that scores research papers according to the attention they receive online.

The most talked-about climate paper of 2024 is a Science Advances study that finds the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is “on route to tipping”. The research, titled “Physics-based early warning signal shows that AMOC is on tipping course”, marks the first time that an AMOC tipping event has been identified in a cutting-edge climate model. The second highest-scoring climate paper of 2024, published in the journal Nature, is “The economic commitment of climate change”. The study estimates that the world economy is committed to an income reduction of 19% within the next 26 years, regardless of how rapidly humanity now cuts emissions.

US companies are exporting over 1 million tons of hazardous waste annually, predominantly to Mexico and Canada. These shipments, a 17% increase since 2018, have sparked concerns about potential health and environmental risks. While legal, experts question the growing trend of outsourcing America’s most dangerous discards.

Mexico and Canada have expressed anger over becoming dumping grounds for US toxic waste. Mexican activists labelled their country a “trash can for the US,” while Canadian officials raised alarms about improper waste handling. The investigation highlights the controversial practice of offshoring hazardous materials for disposal and recycling.

Great Britain’s energy system operator has blocked access to the grid connection queue, citing a need to address a decade-long backlog delaying crucial green projects. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) termed it a “short pause” to revise application rules that allowed an influx of unfunded proposals, hindering legitimate green investments’ progress.

During this “pause,” Neso aims to overhaul the connection process, enabling faster grid access for viable renewable energy developments. The move comes as the UK strives to meet its net-zero targets and transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Major banks are abandoning the Net Zero Banking Alliance in rapid succession. Last week, JPMorgan Chase became the sixth major US bank to quit the climate finance pact, following the departures of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others in recent weeks.

The exodus signifies a seismic political shift away from climate commitments made after the Paris Agreement. The Net Zero Banking Alliance, launched at COP26, aimed to align lending with net-zero emissions by 2050, but US banks are now abandoning the voluntary pact under mounting political pressure.

Newly uncovered documents reveal 3M was aware its firefighting foams, marketed as “environmentally neutral,” contained toxic “forever chemicals” that do not biodegrade. Despite this knowledge, the multibillion-dollar company told customers the foams were harmless.

From the 1960s until 2003, 3M produced foams with PFOS and PFOA, synthetic chemicals linked to cancers, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, hormonal problems, and fertility issues. These “forever chemicals” can persist in the environment for tens of thousands of years and are now banned in many countries, including the UK.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is launching a formal review of five highly toxic plastic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, the notorious compound at the center of the East Palestine, Ohio, train wreck fire. The move could lead to strong limits or bans on the substances. Vinyl chloride is most commonly used in PVC pipe and packaging production, but is also cancerous and highly flammable.

For about 50 years, the federal government has considered limits on the substance, but industry has thwarted most regulatory efforts, hidden the substances’ risks and is already mobilizing against the new review. “I applaud the EPA”: agency launches formal review of five toxic chemicals, review could lead to bans on plastic chemicals including vinyl chloride, compound at center of 2023 Ohio train wreck.

Alarming research reveals the staggering cost of tackling toxic “forever chemical” pollution in the UK and Europe could soar past £1.6tn over two decades, equating to an annual £84bn bill. The Forever Lobbying Project’s investigation exposes a concerning rise in British pollution hotspots, with cleanup costs in the UK projected to reach £9.9bn annually if emissions remain unrestricted.

The cross-border investigation, involving 46 journalists and 18 experts across 16 countries, uncovers alarming evidence that industry players are employing tactics reminiscent of the “tobacco playbook” to fend off regulations on these persistent, hazardous chemicals. As pollution levels escalate, urgent action is needed to mitigate the mounting environmental and health risks posed by these “forever chemicals.”

BMW Group has been expanding its circular supply chain for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. In 2022, its joint venture BMW-Brilliance Automotive launched a closed-loop recycling system for reusing cobalt, lithium, and nickel from high-voltage batteries in China. Now, BMW has partnered with SK tes to recover these critical metals from used EV batteries in Europe, set to expand to North America by 2026.

SK tes’ award-winning battery-recycling process involves mechanically shredding batteries, concentrating the metals into “black mass,” and recovering nickel, lithium, and cobalt via hydrometallurgy. These secondary raw materials will be used in BMW’s new GEN 6 drive train. Nadine Philipp, VP of Sustainability Supplier Network at BMW AG, highlights the importance of circular economy for resilient supply chains as electric mobility and climate change intensify.

BMW Group has partnered with SK tes to establish a closed-loop recycling system for recovering cobalt, lithium, and nickel from used electric vehicle (EV) batteries across its European supply chain. This initiative, set to expand to North America by 2026, allows BMW to feed insights from the recycling process back into its development departments. End-of-life batteries will be sent to SK tes, where they undergo mechanical shredding and hydrometallurgy to recover the valuable metals, which will be used for BMW’s new GEN 6 drivetrain.

Nadine Philipp, VP of Sustainability Supplier Network at BMW AG, emphasizes the importance of promoting a circular economy and increasing resilience in supply chains. Circularity initiatives by automakers like BMW aim to reduce the environmental impact of mining new minerals and secure a reliable supply of critical raw materials as electric mobility manufacturing continues to grow. BMW is also exploring circular design approaches, such as its circular car seat made from plant-based materials and designed for easy disassembly and recyclability.

Colorado regulators are set to establish new rules limiting emissions of five toxic air pollutants known to cause respiratory illnesses and other health problems. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is targeting benzene, ethylene oxide, chloroform, and two types of butadiene in response to growing concerns over hazardous air toxics concentrated near industrial areas.

Under the proposed regulations, companies would need to install pollution control equipment and implement stricter monitoring protocols to curb emissions of the five compounds. Environmental advocates praise the move as an overdue safeguard for overburdened communities, though industry groups argue the new rules could stifle business growth and investment. Public hearings on the air toxics crackdown are scheduled for next month.

A Guardian investigation has uncovered alarming levels of lead and arsenic contamination in homes near an industrial facility in Monterrey, Mexico that processes hazardous waste imported from the United States. Residents like Raquel Villarreal, who lost a daughter at 14, report constant pollution blanketing the neighborhood, emanating from the factory operating around the clock.

The factory’s operations have created a “toxic cocktail” of pollutants, with soil tests revealing lead levels over 30 times the acceptable limit and arsenic readings over 12 times the safe threshold. Despite complaints, the plant continues processing US hazardous waste, raising concerns about inadequate regulation and oversight of cross-border industrial pollution impacting vulnerable communities.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is constructing a massive data center in Rosemount, reported the Star Tribune. The facility will house servers and storage systems to power the company’s social media platforms and other services. With an expected price tag of $800 million, the data center highlights the immense energy demands of cloud computing and internet giants.

While promising economic benefits and jobs, Meta’s facility will require vast amounts of electricity, underscoring concerns about the tech industry’s environmental impact. Minnesota officials and utilities are grappling with how to meet such energy-intensive projects while promoting renewable energy goals.

The meteoric rise of artificial intelligence is fueling a resurgence in nuclear power as tech giants scramble to meet the staggering energy demands of their AI data centers. Experts warn that the electricity consumption required for AI training and operation could outstrip the capacity of renewable sources, prompting a renewed focus on nuclear fission as a reliable and carbon-free alternative.

Major tech players like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are actively exploring nuclear power solutions, establishing partnerships with nuclear energy providers and investing in next-generation reactor technologies. As the AI arms race intensifies, the need for a stable and abundant source of clean energy is driving a global nuclear renaissance.

Major oil companies have descended on this year’s CES tech showcase in Las Vegas, highlighting how the energy transition is reverberating across industries. Chevron, BP, and others are touting their investments in technologies like carbon capture, biofuels, and electric vehicle charging. The presence underscores the urgency around reducing emissions as global leaders aim for net-zero by 2050.

The energy giants are seeking relevance at a time when many consumers are embracing electric vehicles, renewable power sources, and other climate-friendly innovations. Chevron has a refreshed brand emphasizing “affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy.” BP highlights its EV charging networks and biofuel investments. The efforts aim to position these fossil fuel incumbents as partners in the energy transition.

Researchers have discovered a surprising link between melting Antarctic ice sheets and increased volcanic activity. As the massive weight of ice dissipates from landmasses, the reduced isostatic pressure allows the Earth’s crust to rebound upward, potentially triggering magma movements and eruptions. A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience examined volcanic records and found a significant increase in eruptions over the past 60,000 years as ice sheets retreated after the last glacial maximum.

This finding has far-reaching implications for regions with active volcanoes near melting glaciers, such as Hawaii and Antarctica itself. As global temperatures continue to rise, the potential for increased volcanic hazards must be factored into risk assessments and disaster preparedness plans. Researchers emphasize the need for further study to better understand the complex interplay between climate change, ice sheet dynamics, and volcanic activity.

Analysis reveals logging in forests earmarked for a new koala national park in northern New South Wales has escalated since the Labor government took office. Conservationists report over 7,000 hectares have been logged within the proposed park boundaries since the 2023 election, despite Premier Chris Minns’ commitment to establish the sanctuary.

The NSW Forestry Corporation disputes the findings, while environmental advocates argue the Great Koala National Park is crucial for safeguarding koala habitats and biodiversity. Tensions escalate as logging continues in areas promised for conservation, with both sides firmly holding their positions on forestry practices and ecological preservation.

Wildfires raging across the Los Angeles area have caused a new public health crisis: contaminated drinking water. Extreme heat from the blazes melted plastic pipes while drastic pressure changes dislodged built-up sediments, potentially allowing hazardous chemicals and contaminants to leach into local water supplies. Multiple water authorities across north LA County have issued Do Not Drink orders impacting thousands of residents.

Officials are urgently working to assess the full extent of the contamination and begin remediation efforts. Wildfires can severely damage critical water infrastructure through heat damage, debris flows, and other cascading impacts. Residents in affected areas are being advised to use bottled water for drinking and cooking until safety notifications lift. Utility crews are flushing affected systems and conducting comprehensive testing, but full restoration may take weeks or months in some hard-hit zones.

Climate change is upending traditional business operations, creating new risks and opportunities. Companies able to adapt will gain a competitive edge, just as they’ve had to adopt emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Last year, climate disasters cost the US over $92 billion, slowly chipping away at GDP as fires, flooding, and extreme weather disrupt daily operations. Businesses need mitigation strategies, from emergency safety plans to supply chain contingencies in case of disruptions like typhoons or droughts.

From crisis springs opportunity. Some investors like Michael Burry see water as an increasingly valuable commodity. Financial modeling of climate impacts creates opportunities for risk assessment and resilience planning services. Entrepreneurs capitalizing on predictive climate models have a first-mover advantage. Unlike AI adoption, climate resilience planning still lags despite the risks to long-term viability. Younger workers prioritize climate action, with 23% of Gen Z willing to take a lower salary at climate-conscious companies and 48% considering leaving firms not meeting climate commitments.

President Trump’s reported interest in purchasing Greenland from Denmark has sparked widespread speculation about his motivations. The island’s melting ice sheet, blamed on climate change, could reveal vast mineral deposits and open new Arctic shipping routes. However, extracting resources in the harsh environment poses significant logistical hurdles, and reduced sea ice may prove economically disruptive.

While the notion of purchasing the semi-autonomous Danish territory has been dismissed as absurd by both Greenland and Denmark, some analysts posit economic and strategic factors driving Trump’s curiosity. Previously inaccessible oil, gas and mineral reserves could become accessible, as could new maritime shortcuts between Europe and Asia. Critics warn these perceived opportunities come with substantial risks for both industry operations and regional stability.

Peter Kalmus, a climate scientist and author, argues that solving the climate crisis requires dismantling the power of the billionaire class. Fossil fuel companies, run by billionaires, systematically lied and obstructed the transition away from carbon emissions despite knowing the catastrophic consequences. Kalmus contends the climate emergency stems from extractive colonial capitalism, or “billionairism,” which perpetuates wealth inequality, societal crises, and injustice.

Kalmus feels compelled to combat climate change as a prerequisite for addressing other issues and out of love for Earth. However, he views planetary overheating as a symptom of an oppressive system designed to enrich the elite at the expense of the poor, propagating societal ills like racism, patriarchy, and suffering. Dismantling billionaire power is thus crucial to solving intersecting crises, according to Kalmus.

Dry, gusty winds are expected to whip up again in California over the weekend, amplifying the threat of more wildfires across the state. Red flag warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for much of Southern California, where several major blazes have been burning for days.

The Camp Fire in Northern California’s Butte County has claimed at least 42 lives and scorched over 125,000 acres, making it the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history. Hundreds remain unaccounted for as firefighters battle the blaze that has devastated the town of Paradise.

Devastating wildfires rage across Southern California, causing catastrophic damage and economic loss estimated over $50 billion. At least seven fatalities have been reported, thousands of structures destroyed, and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes in the worst fire disaster in Los Angeles County’s history.

While Climate activist Tzeporah Berman links the LA wildfires to climate change driven by fossil fuel emissions, President-elect Donald Trump and right-wing media are fostering misinformation by denying the climate crisis’ role. Every barrel of oil, cubic meter of gas, and ton of coal burned brings civilization closer to environmental catastrophe.

A new study from biologists at the University of Cambridge has uncovered a surprising ability in tiny, ancient plants known as hornworts. These diminutive bryophytes, relatives of mosses, possess a specialized carbon-concentrating mechanism that allows them to efficiently convert carbon dioxide into energy-rich sugars. Published in Nature Plants, the findings could pave the way for engineering this capability into important food crops, potentially boosting yields while mitigating atmospheric CO2 levels.

Hornworts have existed for over 400 million years and were among the first plants to colonize land, yet their unique traits have been largely overlooked until now. The Cambridge team discovered that these ancient plants employ a pyrenoid, a specialized compartment within their cells, to concentrate carbon dioxide around the enzyme Rubisco which catalyzes the first step of photosynthesis. This allows the plants to operate more efficiently in environments with limited CO2 availability.

Extreme weather events linked to disruptions in the planet’s water cycle intensified significantly last year, according to a sobering new report from the World Meteorological Organization. The analysis reveals that in 2024, hydrological hazards like flooding, droughts, and landslides resulted in over 8,700 deaths and economic losses exceeding $550 billion globally.

The data underscores the profound impacts of human-caused climate change on Earth’s intricate water systems. Rising temperatures are throwing the water cycle into disarray, fueling more frequent and severe deluges, prolonged dry spells, glacial melt, sea level rise, and other catastrophic outcomes, the WMO warns. Urgent action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and bolster resilience is imperative to avoid even graver consequences.