News

While socio-economically important, the multibillion-dollar trade in ornamental plants brings many risks, from biosecurity to water scarcity. A new study flags impacts and calls for better data and better production methods.

Environmental flow schemes regulate hydropower operations to ensure sufficient power production while reducing harm to nature. New modelling of climate conditions to the year 2040 in northern Sweden suggests that such schemes could be effective.

German policy measures to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions from agriculture have contributed significantly to achieving EU environmental targets, a new assessment shows. Stricter regulation of the use of urea fertiliser has been particularly effective.

Despite an increase in policies, globally, to tackle the issue of farmed salmon escaping aquaculture pens, fish continue to reach oceans including the Atlantic. A new study explores the issue and how measures could be more effective.

Tick-borne disease risks are on the rise globally, linked to changes in climate, land use and human-animal interactions. A new study maps current and future tick distributions and highlights urgent public health implications.

Increasing textile-to-textile recycling rates in the EU to 10% could achieve carbon savings of 440,000 tonnes per year, and conserve 8.8 billion cubic metres of water – making a case for a renewed focus on policies to tackle textile waste.

Researchers have tested the biodegradation rates of 97 chemical compounds in 18 sections of freshwater rivers in five European countries and found that all but two compounds show significant variability across sites.

Could leaving some structures behind when removing obsolete wind farms generate multiple benefits? This study engages with stakeholders at two Dutch wind farms to identify and analyse key criteria for decommissioning decisions.

Permanent grasslands in agricultural areas are important for biodiversity – especially pollinators. Researchers in Belgium found irregular, curved mowing patterns had positive effects on pollinators compared to conventional block cutting, and suggest promoting this approach.