In Switzerland, rain often causes sewage systems to overflow. This sends untreated wastewater into rivers and lakes. But no one really knows how bad this is. Cheap sensors could help track these spills. Yet, most wastewater groups don't use them. It's not a tech problem. It's more about politics and
Nature-based solutions (NbS) are becoming a popular way to tackle urban problems. These solutions use natural processes to improve city life. However, there is a lot of information about NbS, and it's hard to know what works best in different places. A recent study looked at 61 review articles on N
Industries in North China are releasing harmful gases that are making air quality worse. These gases, called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), are not just bad for the environment but also for human health. A recent study looked at 28 companies from 13 different industries to understand the impact
In Sweden, a big problem has been the presence of harmful chemicals called PFAS in drinking water. These chemicals are tough to break down and can cause health issues. A study looked at blood samples from first-time moms in Uppsala from 1996 to 2022. The goal was to see if efforts to clean up the wa
In the summer of 2025, Texas faced a devastating flood during the Fourth of July weekend. The Hill Country area saw over 100 lives lost and many more unaccounted for. This event was the worst inland flooding in the U. S. since 1976, when Colorado's Big Thompson Canyon flood took 144 lives. People s
Farmers play a big role in keeping our food supply safe. They make daily choices that affect how well crops grow. One big challenge is making sure there are enough pollinators, like bees, to help crops grow. A recent study looked at how farmers in Dengkou County manage pollination. It found that far
For many years, Dick Eastland knew the Guadalupe River could be dangerous. He saw it flood Camp Mystic many times. Once, his pregnant wife had to be flown to a hospital because of the floodwaters. Eastland worked hard to make things safer. He helped create a new flood warning system after 10 kids di
In the world of plants, tiny helpers called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are making a big difference. These fungi team up with trees, like the Casuarina equisetifolia, to help them survive tough conditions. Scientists wanted to see how these fungi help the trees when they are growing in coral
Carbon offsets are often seen as an easy fix for companies wanting to reduce their environmental impact. The idea is simple: pay for projects that cut carbon emissions elsewhere to balance out their own pollution. But when you dig deeper, the picture isn't so bright. Many of these projects, whether
The massive fire in Lahaina, Maui, in August 2023 left a big mess. Untreated wastewater and harmful chemicals from the fire spread into the environment. Scientists wanted to see how this pollution moves around in the beach's groundwater, especially since the seasons change how water flows. They use
