How do scientists understand highly complex and intricate systems such as the atomic structure of materials, stars in a remote region of our galaxy, or even our planet Earth itself?…Read More >
environment
Why a green electricity grid depends on weather forecasts improving
Boxing Day 2020 was so blustery that more than half of the UK’s daily electricity was met by wind power for the first time. Just over a week later, the wind died…Read More >
Overshadowed by COVID: the deadly extreme weather of 2020
The year 2020 will no doubt go down in history for other reasons, but it is also on target to be one of the warmest on record. And as the…Read More >
Monsoon flooding in Bangladesh: how forecasting can help protect lives and livelihoods
The impacts of the 2020 monsoon floods in Bangladesh were devastating with more than 5 million people affected, 41 deaths and tens of thousands of people from low-lying areas being…Read More >
Black History Month: ‘A visit to the countryside is always accompanied by a feeling of unease; dread.’
The countryside has long been a place intrinsic to the British national identity, from the Romantic movement through to the present day. And yet, it has remained largely inaccessible to…Read More >
Biodiversity: where the world is making progress – and where it’s not
The future of biodiversity hangs in the balance. World leaders are gathering to review international targets and make new pledges for action to stem wildlife declines. Depending on whether you are a glass half-full…Read More >
Combating climate change – why investors should keep their shares in fossil fuel companies
As we begin to engage with the climate emergency and the impact of carbon dioxide emissions, calls have grown to stop investing in companies engaged in fossil fuel production –…Read More >
Is racism and bigotry in our DNA?
As part of The Conversation‘s ‘Life’s Big Questions’ series, Tom Oliver, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and author of ‘the Self Delusion’ explains why humans, although fundamentally cooperative, need…Read More >
How will the 2018 drought affect our wildlife?
This summer’s heatwave has us all wondering how to stay cool, but animals are facing the same issues as humans with fewer means of coping. Professor Tom Oliver is Professor…Read More >
No major flood since 1947 doesn’t mean Caversham is safe from flooding
The Environment Agency is consulting on a new flood alleviation scheme for Reading, to be sited on the banks of the River Thames in Caversham, and they’re inviting local residents to look at…Read More >