Commentary

31 MAY 2018 9 MIN READ

In development efforts, trees and greenery are seen as luxuries not priorities. But spending more time in nature helps people cope with adversity and improves their health; these aspects should be considered alongside material and economic benefits.

19 APR 2018 9 MIN READ

How hundreds of tonnes of organic waste in the Malawian capital were turned into a precious resource – compost manure – that helps poor farmers increase their yields.

22 MAR 2018 14 MIN READ

Every year landslides cause loss of life and damage to property in Colombia. People in informal urban settlements are particularly exposed. With support from local government, researchers, and others, they can understand – and work to mitigate – such risks.

01 MAR 2018 12 MIN READ 12 PEOPLE LIKED THIS

Algorithms are all around us, from banking machines to agriculture. Is it time to rethink how they shape development?

08 FEB 2018 11 MIN READ 30 PEOPLE LIKED THIS

People’s activities have changed the whole planet so much that they are triggering entirely new types of risks. Cutting-edge research looks at improving the odds for our gambles with the Earth, both now and into the future.

01 FEB 2018 12 MIN READ

East Africa’s Lake Victoria faces immediate problems. The solutions lie in long-term perspectives.

18 JAN 2018 11 MIN READ

New research shows which coastal countries are most vulnerable to climate change impacts on marine fisheries. Prioritising the most vulnerable places for targeted assistance could yield positive impacts.

23 NOV 2017 11 MIN READ 16 PEOPLE LIKED THIS

A call for “new urban knowledge” – and a little bit of tinkering – might help to address how cities and their regions can develop resilience in the face of a quickly urbanising planet.

26 OCT 2017 16 MIN READ

Microbes are not the enemy. They are vital co-inhabitants of our planet and bodies – and essential for health and well-being.

05 OCT 2017 12 MIN READ 14 PEOPLE LIKED THIS

Regions like Pakistan, already naturally prone to heavy-metal contamination, also experience high levels of added pollution from human activities. How can understanding chemical risk in Pakistan help us to address chemical pollution, in order to protect our future – and our children?