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The idea that lunar cycles influence our health has long been dismissed as unscientific. Is it time to reconsider, asks Jo Marchant [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We expect the laws of nature that describe the universe to be exact, but what if that isn't true, wonders philosopher Eddy Keming Chen [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the climate change mitigation and carbon emissions reduction strategies of various countries, based on a study conducted by Climate Action Tracker. Topics explored include the contribution of Chinese industrialisation and reliance on coal power to global carbon emissions, the transition of the U.S. from coal to gas power under the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, and the criticisms earned by the net-zero strategy published by the British government.

China and the US are the world's top two greenhouse gas emitters. Do they have what it takes to cut levels fast enough to slow global warming, asks Adam Vaughan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the refusal by the British government to release data from its Net Zero Strategy that aims to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

The article focuses on the need for buildings and homes to be well-insulated so that they are more energy efficient. Information about the British government's efforts to make homes more energy efficient is provided. Germany's energy efficiency standards are discussed. Also discussed are the costs to renovate a home so that it is more environmentally friendly.

A new report finds some European airlines have been challenging EU climate policies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of net zero has rapidly taken hold in the public consciousness and it is having a big impact on pledges to cut carbon, writes Graham Lawton [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

States that the Centre for Alternative Technology in the Welsh hills is undergoing a surge in interest due to the greening of the British public in the past few years. Waning of enthusiasm during the Thatcher years; Tapping into the eco-boom; Selling shares in the center; Promoting ideas about alternative technology; "Prehistoric poo"; Options for energy planning.

Presents an overview of research and legislation surrounding the depletion of the ozone layer. The origins of concern; Environmental cooperation and agreement on solutions; Causes of the depletion; International cooperation. INSET: A quick look at ozone chemistry..

Discusses the environmental condition of Mediterranean Sea. Efforts of European countries to clean up and protect the ecosystem of the sea through the program Mediterranean Action Plan; Health risks posed by the sea on human populations; Sewage and waste buildup; Pollution; Changes in the ecosystem of the sea; Proposed environmental clean up programs; Effects of various human activities on the sea.

Opinion. Comments on Great Britain's policies on protection of natural environment of its Dependent Territories. Ascension Island; Saint Helena Island; Tristan da Cunha; Falkland Islands; British Indian Ocean Territory; Pitcairn Islands; The Caribbean.

Reports on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), a way of tackling problems of development and environmental improvement being introduced to local people among developing countries. Letting the local people make planning initiatives; Use of first hand knowledge and expertise of practices and priorities to construct charts, maps and matrices; Commonality of PRA with soft systems methodology. INSET: Drawing on local knowledge..

Part 1. Describes the plight of Britain's natural habitats. Caingorms in Scotland; Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) voluntary principle system; Caledonian pine forest; Red deer; Options to preserving pine forests; Gaps in SSSI legislation; English Nature; Estimates of damage in SSSI designated areas; Acid emissions; British government action. INSET: The fight for natural life in Burren..

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of returning to Iran after 14 years to serve as deputy head of its environment department and being arrested, detained and interrogated with allegations of being a bioterrorist and spy.

Ellie Goulding and David Attenborough help give a podcast fresh ways to bring the climate crisis centre stage, says Anna Turns [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Who hasn't dreamed of exploring space? Books by two International Space Station crew members reveal the reality of astronaut life, says David Silverberg [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are claims online that most of the fruit and veg we eat is toxic. Though there is some truth to this, it doesn't mean you should stop eating your greens, writes James Wong [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are on the cusp of cars that stop people driving while intoxicated. Embracing the technology will save lives, says Amie Hayley [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some states have been left struggling to cope by natural disasters almost certainly being fuelled by climate change, finds Adam Vaughan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on coronavirus is completely justified, but it isn't the only danger we face [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that the British government's proposals for meeting its 2050 climate change targets have been deemed inadequate. Topics covered include the country's still heavy reliance on fossil fuels for heating its poorly insulated homes, a need to install up to 19 million heat pumps in order to meet its climate targets by 2050, and the insufficient level of funding, which means that it would take 1520 years to get to 19 million pumps.

Discusses the availability of technologies needed to curb the greenhouse effect. Argument that efficiency saves money; Identification of areas where lack of knowledge and research are hindering effective and speedy action to combat global warming; Existence of energy efficiency centers in various cities; Need for governments to address the priorities of industry and electorates if they wish to achieve their targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

Previews the British government's 1990 White Paper on the environment. Argument that the report reveals a lack of commitment on long-term environmental issues; Government's adherence to free market strategies as an element of environmental stewardship; Promise of more money for environmental research; Government's pledge to encourage developing countries to protect the stratospheric ozone layer.

Focuses on the conflict between the government effort to encourage both conservation and development in Nigeria. Creation of wetlands conservation project; Government policies that would encourage forms of agriculture that could destroy parts of the region; Threat of floods in the country; Implications of the wheat boom.

The article reports that Anthropocene is often described as the proposed new geological period resulting from the impact of human beings on Earth. Views of Will Steffen from the Australian National University and the impact of U.S. president policies on climatic changes and environmental consetvation on Anthropocene are presented.

The authors comments on the Paris agreement on climate change which would come into legal force on November 4, 2016. Topics include the challenge of delivering the agreement, the projected carbon target by 2030, and the problem with building biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) power station.

It isn't enough to call climate change an emergency. We need to take emergency action as well, says Adam Vaughan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents science news briefs including Finland's plan to go carbon neutral by 2035, actor Robert Downey Jr.'s plans to use robots to help solve climate change, and the creation of art by robots.

A major report on the UK's climate future shows how the entire country must change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the election of Jair Bolsonaro as the president of Brazil and its implications for the protection of Amazon rainforest, discussing the lack of focus on environmental policies by Bolsonaro, and the importance of Amazon rainforest to the global environment.

The author reflects on a paper speculating on runaway climate change if the Earth warms by just two degrees Celsius and on broad reactions to the paper. He states that the Earth will likely warm by three or four degrees Celsius unless drastic environmental policy changes are enacted worldwide which would have significant impacts on lifestyles. He suggests that humanity can still prepare and adapt for the future impacts of climate change.

The article discusses lawsuits and claims against governments for failing to develop policy that regulates climate change-related pollution, including the U.S. Supreme Court case "Massachusetts v. the EPA."

The author discusses the negative effects that the government of Great Britain will encounter if they exit the European Union (EU). The author states that the exit would risk environmental gains and the ability of Britain to tackle global challenges. The author mentions that the exit would throw the country into doubt regarding the environmental protections.

The article offers news briefs related to science. Pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the United Nations' (UN's) climate meeting are mentioned. Deaths from tuberculosis (TB) are discussed. The strength of Hurricane Patricia, which struck sparsely populated areas of Mexico, is also discussed.

The article discusses the possible prosecution of Great Britain for failing to meet its targets, or goals, in reducing emissions in the country, including in regard to the impact that British environmental policy has on its emissions and emissions' impact on climate change. An overview of the use of renewable energy in Great Britain, including its use of biomass, is provided.

The article focuses on the impact of policies from former head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Scott Pruitt on the EPA and the difficulty in reversing his actions. It mentions his repeal of the Clean Power Plan, suspension of clean water regulations, cuts in the Clean Air Act, suspension of safety rules for chemical facilities, a refusal to ban chlorpyrifos, and suspension of fuel efficiency standards. It suggests lobbyists in the EPA will make reversing his changes difficult.

The article looks at invasive species entering the Mediterranean Sea from the Red Sea, primarily via the Suez Canal. It notes some of the invasive species have caused problems, citing examples including the jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica which forms swarms that clog fishing nets and industrial cooling systems. It reports on an international effort to ensure that a planned expansion of the canal is carried out in a way that will prevent additional species invasion.

The article looks at deforestation and forest conservation, focusing on the relative effectiveness of indigenous forest peoples with territorial rights versus forest conservation schemes run by governments or other organizations in preserving forests, an important elements of climate change mitigation efforts. It discusses the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) program created through an international agreement.

The article focuses on plans by U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate elements of former President Barack Obama's environmental policy. It states Trump will roll back the Climate Action Plan and the Waters of the U.S. rule. It mentions Trump's plans to allow shale, oil, and natural gas exploitation on federal lands and revive the American coal industry while forcing the Environmental Protection Agency to change its focus.

The article predicts legal and political disputes over climate change in 2017, with topics that include the enforcement of the Paris Agreement in November 2016, and the political, economic and social pressure on countries that fail to comply with the agreement.

The author discusses the proposal of the government of Australia to strip environmental groups of their right to challenge its decisions. Topics mentioned include the aim of Australia's move, the efforts of environmental groups from around the world to use the courts to take down mining and fracking projects such as the 2014 legal action by Wild Earth Guardians to block the expansion of a Colorado coal mine, and the projected annual carbon emissions of Queensland's Carmichael mine.

An interview is presented with Christiana Figueres, executive secretary of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change, on international cooperation on climate change policy. Topics include plans for a climate change agreement to be in place by December 2015, problems with the 2009 UN climate change summit in Copenhagen, the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and the role of fossil fuel companies and other businesses.

The authors discuss the need for nuclear waste storage repositories, noting that an underground waste facility project in Cumbria, Great Britain was vetoed by local government in January 2013 due to safety concerns. They argue that although more countries have built nuclear power plants, anti-nuclear sentiment presents challenges for finding volunteer communities for radioactive waste disposal. They advocate for the consent-based system used in the U.S., along with geological testing of sites.

Several letters to the editor are presented in response to articles in previous issues including an article on the Rio+20 environmental summit meeting in the June 30, 2012, issue, an article on the evolution of human intelligence in the May 12, 2012, issue, and an article about publication of scientific research by Stephen Curry in the June 23, 2012 issue.

The author argues that Canada has lost its role as a world leader for scientific and environmental policy. He gives particular focus to the ruling Canadian Conservative Party and Prime Minister Stephen Harper regarding the funding of science and commitments to international climate agreements. Other topics include the rewriting of environmental laws to favor industrial interests, cuts to pollution monitoring programs, and the lack of media coverage of environmental issues in Canada.

The article reports that officials at China's National Development and Reform Commission have ordered several Chinese provinces, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong, to set absolute caps on carbon dioxide emissions.

The article reports that British chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne announced a reduction in taxation of revenues for the North Sea oil and gas industry, which is apparently counter to the climate agreements reached at the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris, France.

The article discusses a climate model study conducted by the Australian government scientific research agency known as CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), with a particular focus on the positive relationship between carbon emission reduction and economic growth.

The article focuses on U.S. President Barack Obama's announcement of the Clean Power Plan which would reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 32 percent by 2030 compared with 2005 levels and mentions it would only reduce U.S. emissions by six percent overall.