Demonstration farms can help revolutionise African agriculture
Demonstration farms are a key way in which new knowledge can be transferred to farmers around the world.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Nuclear and coal lobbies threaten to scupper renewables in South Africa
Eskom's stand threatens the viability of the entire renewable energy sector in South Africa, something which plays into the hands of those pro coal and nuclear.
Blocking out the sun to reduce global warming - an idea still in the making
Solar radiation management might be able to reduce some of the risks of global warming while countries get their emissions under control.
Africa’s got plans for a Great Green Wall: why the idea needs a rethink
Africa's great green wall suffers from a major mismatch between ambition and effort. But that's not to say it should be ditched altogether.
Why calling for a new climate deal isn’t such a bad idea
US President Donald Trump’s call to renegotiate the Paris Climate Accord is a fresh opportunity to craft a binding and enforceable agreement.
Deforestation and malaria: what’s the relationship between the two?
Human alteration of the natural environment will make malaria increasingly difficult to control in the years to come.
Climate change risks can be turned into an asset for communities left to cope on their own
Generally conflicts are not caused by climate change. But it can lead to complex security risks.
The loss of Madagascar’s unique palm trees will devastate ecosystems
International and local demand have brought Madagascar's palm species to the brink of extinction.
Game theory suggests China should keep its ivory trade ban in place indefinitely
For the domestic ivory trade ban to be effective at preventing further elephant poaching, Chinese authorities need to signal explicitly that it will be implemented indefinitely.
The world has finally noticed that the ocean is a finite resource
The UN Ocean Conference provides a golden opportunity for countries to present their aspirations for sustainably growing their 'blue' economies.
A tribute to the world’s oceans: why we couldn’t survive without them
World Oceans Day reminds us we should be contributing towards safeguarding the big blue.
Aquaculture in sub-Saharan Africa: small successes, bigger prospects?
In light of World Oceans Day, it's important to note the important role aquaculture can have on the continent.
Why the Lamu coal plant doesn’t make sense. Kenya has better energy options
Kenya has abundant energy options like solar, and geothermal that are cheaper than coal. A proposed new coal plant could become a 'stranded asset'.
Africa must re-adopt its orphan crops in the face of a changing environment
Africa's orphan crops are under-researched and underutilised. They can be a vital tool in combating food and nutrition insecurity on the continent.
Why killing coyotes doesn’t make livestock safer
The US Department of Agriculture kills thousands of predators yearly, mainly for attacking livestock. A conservation biologist explains why this policy is ineffective and ecologically harmful.
Why exploring for oil under Lake Kivu carries unique and huge risks
There are large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide dissolved in the deep waters of lake Kivu - if disturbed they could cause a catastrophe.
Around the world, environmental laws are under attack in all sorts of ways
Legislation designed to protect wildlife is being rolled back or ignored in all sorts of ways in all sorts of places, according to a new global database of attacks on green tape.
The small hands of Moroccan recycling
Despite being outcasts in Moroccan society, waste collectors defend their profession as protectors of the environment.
Wave of rhino killings points to shifting poaching patterns in South Africa
South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province is bearing the brunt of renewed rhino poaching efforts. This is a result of increased security and anti-poaching in the Kruger National Park.
Africa’s rainforests are different. Why it matters that they’re protected
It's crucial to know the relationship between biodiversity and carbon storage to assess whether carbon-focused conservation will also protect the most biodiverse forests.
Resistance to hydropower is evaporating as science takes centre stage
Dams are once again being recognised as important key contributors to a prosperous and sustainable future.
All roads to sustainable energy lead to the sun
If harnessed properly, the sun holds tremendous potential to provide sustainable energy for the earth.
The Hirola is the world’s rarest antelope. Here’s how it can be saved
Elephants, livestock and grass all play an important role in ensuring the survival of the Hirola - the world's rarest antelope.
The South African government hasn’t given up the fight for nuclear
The South African government is not giving up on its push for a controversial nuclear power plan. But it's chances of succeeding have been greatly reduced.
Using dogs to find cats: overcoming the challenges of tracking cheetahs
Cheetah’s rarity and elusiveness poses a problem for conservationists who need to know where they still persist, and whether their numbers are increasing or decreasing.
Invasive species
Invasive species have a massive impact, but wise policy can keep them out
Developing countries have been slow to react to the alien species problem. Its impact can be massively reduced if policies are developed to deal with the issue.
Alien animals and plants are on the rise in Africa, exacting a growing toll
Many alien plants and animals have been introduced to Africa from other regions and spread from country to country, often having devastating effects.
Armyworms are wreaking havoc in southern Africa. Why it’s a big deal
A combination of armyworms native to Africa and those normally found in the Americas are ravaging crops in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ocean crime
Organised crime in the fisheries sector starts to get the attention it deserves
Indonesia and South Africa are making strides against transnational organised fisheries crime.
Over-fishing is strangling a key protein source for West Africans
The fisheries sector in West Africa is beset with serious challenges including over-fishing and, in particular, illegal fishing.
Africa needs collaboration and support to tackle crime at sea
Crime on the ocean is not only about illegal fishing – it ranges from drug smuggling to human trafficking and modern-day slavery as well.
Bees
Meeting the dietary needs of honey bees is tough for South African beekeepers
Beekeeping cannot depend on a single forage source. This makes the business of ensuring bees have what they need to stay healthy a precarious business.
Poor nutrition may be another reason for the declining honey bee population
Nutrition is another factor - in addition to pesticides and bee disease - that has led to the dwindling of the global bee population.
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
How El Niño forecasts can help prevent cholera deaths in Africa
Cholera kills thousands every year but is treatable if it is caught early. Understanding how El Niño shifts cholera risks in Africa can help countries prepare for outbreaks and save lives.
Earthworms are more important than pandas (if you want to save the planet)
We focus on large, charismatic animals at the expense of these crucial 'lowly creatures'.
Galapagos giant tortoises make a comeback, thanks to innovative conservation strategies
The Galapagos Islands' giant tortoises are one of the world's best examples of evolution. Scientists are pioneering new conservation strategies to save them from extinction and restore their habitat.
South Africa’s water sector: a case study in state capture
Massive state capture activity is taking place in the South African water sector under the guise of radical economic transformation, threatening financial sustainability and water supply.
A fresh focus on new approaches to recycling tyres is needed
Used tyres pose a serious environmental challenge. So far, traditional recycling methods have proved insufficient to solve the problem. New, eco-friendy alternatives are now being explored.
Neonicotinoids linked to wild bee and butterfly declines in Europe and US
Two new studies have linked controversial pesticides neonicotinoides to wild bee and butterfly declines.
Beyond borders: Why we need global action to protect migratory birds
Migratory birds play key ecological roles. and connect us with nature. The 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty curbed overhunting, but birds face other threats today that require international solutions.
A 400-year-old shark is the latest animal discovery to reveal the secrets of long life
What are the oldest living animals on the planet?
Fears for blue tang fish spike in the wake of Finding Dory
Hollywood shirks its ethical responsibilities when it comes to vulnerable animal species.
Drought forecasting isn’t just about water – to get smart we need health and financial data too
Forecasting drought should be about more than weather – to help those likely to be hit hardest, we need financial and even health data too.
Madagascar’s unique ‘Spiny Forest’ is fast being turned into charcoal
Climate change and overfishing have destroyed livelihoods, so many locals have been forced into the forest.
How animal astronauts paved the way for human space flight
Time to salute the monkeys, dogs and ducks that went before us.
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- Africa’s got plans for a Great Green Wall: why the idea needs a rethink
- Conservation efforts can’t afford to shy away from high-risk conflict zones
- Blocking out the sun to reduce global warming - an idea still in the making
- Alien animals and plants are on the rise in Africa, exacting a growing toll
- Invasive species have a massive impact, but wise policy can keep them out
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