Science and Environment
The Science and Environment Section of IR Insider publishes breaking news reports and analyses regarding global scientific and environmental developments and their broader social, political, and economic implications. Topics covered in the Science and Environment Section may include space programs, climate change, energy and conservation, pollution, endangered species, and beyond. Our section editor is Adela Vela.
New Report Offers Digital Agriculture Solution to Sub-Saharan Africa
As Sub-Saharan Africa becomes increasingly concerned about food insecurity due to threats from climate change, the pandemic, and political uncertainty, a growing digital agriculture sector offers new possible solutions. According to a recent study a comprehensive approach of digital technology and policy reform could “increase crop production by more than 500 percent in some countries across the region, with positive results for food security and livelihoods.”
Space Exploration in Jeopardy after Russian Invasion of Ukraine
In the past decade, space exploration began to regain the allure that it once had during the space race. Private companies and governments are on the cusp of breakthrough changes to space travel, this time including settlement on Mars, space tourism, and the mining of other planets.
Europe Sacrifices Green Efforts Due to War in Ukraine
Europe is facing a worsening energy crisis and will be forced to put its green ambitions on hold due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In order for Europe to protect itself from potential gas stoppage from its current and largest energy supplier, Russia, policy makers in Europe are planning to take emergency measures.
Deadly Petropolis Mudslide: Poverty and Climate Disaster
On February 15, rapid waters swept houses and cars off Morro da Oficina, a favela in Petropolis, Brazil, just 40 miles north of Rio de Janeiro. The city bore more rain in one day than in all of February–about 10 inches of rain in under 24 hours. 176 were found dead, with more than 100 still missing.
Brazil’s Coming Election Is Crucial For The Future Of The Amazon Rainforest
According to government data published on On Feb 11, Brazil recorded the most deforestation ever in the Amazon rainforest for the month of January. In the last month, deforestation in Brazil's Amazon totaled 430 square kilometers, equaling an area more than seven times the size of Manhattan.
Report Calls Out Big Corporations for Falling Short of Net-Zero Pledges
To help limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial era levels, The Paris Agreement called for the world to aim for net zero emissions by 2050.