Global Climate News

The UK government launched a new Design for Life Roadmap to cut NHS waste, significantly influenced by the Exeter-led Circular Economy Hub's research. The roadmap aims to reduce single-use medical devices and promote sustainable products. A new £1.8 million project, the DECHI Research Programme, will use digital technologies to accelerate circular innovation in the healthcare sector, uniting researchers from the Universities of Exeter, Sheffield, and Cambridge.

Bangladesh has received $1.16 billion in financing from the World Bank for inclusive and climate-resilient development. The funding supports policy reforms to improve public planning and financing for green and climate-resilient interventions, reduce air pollution, and enhance sustainable water and sanitation services. Projects include a $500 million green and climate-resilient development credit, a $379 million health program, and a $280 million water supply improvement project in Chattogram.

UK's University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with Natural England to plant 250 trees within the Westmorland General Hospital grounds during National Tree Planting Week. The initiative includes planting various species like hawthorn and crab apple, installing bat and bird boxes, and sowing wildflower seeds to enhance biodiversity. The project contributes to both Natural England and NHS net zero goals while creating green spaces for patient wellbeing.

Researchers have developed a novel core-shell structural catalyst (FeNC@C) for efficient antibiotic degradation that requires no additional energy input. The catalyst achieved 90% degradation efficiency and over 47% total organic carbon removal within 60 minutes, demonstrating significant potential for energy-efficient water treatment and antibiotic decomposition.

A research study has investigated the toxicological impacts of Graphene Oxide (GO) nano-sheets and Polystyrene (PS) hybrid on environmental and human health using zebrafish embryos. The study revealed potential environmental hazards of microplastics and nanomaterials, demonstrating toxic effects at cellular and molecular levels.

South Korea-based researchers from Seoul National University have reviewed advanced air filtration technologies focusing on nanotechnology-based solutions that are more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems. The research highlights next-generation filters using passive, self-powered, and externally powered mechanisms to achieve high filtration efficiency while reducing energy consumption and improving indoor air quality.

India-based researchers at Central University of Himachal Pradesh have developed novel nanosensors derived from Parthenium hysterophorus biomass for detecting lead contamination. The team created two types of nanocomposites - MTT-NC and CNT-NC - with detection limits of 800nM and 100nM respectively, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for monitoring toxic heavy metal pollution.

The UK's Chief Medical Officer has released the annual report on 'health in cities' highlighting environmental challenges including air pollution and its impact on health inequalities in urban areas. The report includes recommendations for addressing these issues, particularly in areas of deprivation.

A research collaboration between universities in Canada, USA, France and Japan has focused on wastewater surveillance for public health monitoring. The study involves researchers from Dalhousie University, Rice University, Louisiana State University, Eau de Paris, and the University of Tokyo examining wastewater treatment and monitoring systems.