Enviro Health

Hot Topic
Global warming isn’t just a parlour discussion anymore; it’s here and happening right now, and it’s a serious threat to human health.

Hotter world cooks up storms
Hurricanes like Katrina may be followed by even fiercer storms if we don’t put the brakes on human-induced global warming.

When lightning strikes a plane
What happens when a plane is struck by lightning, and how often does it happen?

Your body needs the sun
To ancient sun-worshippers, the sudden disappearance of their god during daylight hours was a terrifying thing. But what would happen to your body if the sun stayed hidden?

The world is not enough
We will soon need two planets to sustain us if we continue with current rates of resource use, reports the World Wildlife Fund.

The Age of Stupid
We know how to save the planet, but we choose not to. How stupid is that? If there are future generations, is that what they'll call us?

A load of hot air?
Copenhagen is drawing to an exhausted close. Here's a wrap-up of the latest developments.

The rise and rise of CO2
Seeing is believing: these graphics make it only too clear how the greenhouse effect is intensifying before our eyes.

How to survive in cold water
If you fall into cold water, you can delay the effects of hypothermia and increase your chances of survival with these tips.

The danger spot of a cyclone
The right top quarter of a tropical cyclone is the most dangerous section of the storm. The wind is at its top speed there and it contains the most debris.

Lightning safety tips
Lightning is probably the most underrated natural hazard. Thunderstorms are frequent events, and death from lightning strikes is not uncommon. Know the latest expert safety tips.

Lightning precautions save lives
Those warm days on which thunder-and-lightning storms are likely to strike are also the days that send people in droves to some of the most dangerous places in a storm.

Classroom air-con: yes or no?
In the summer, school classrooms can get sweltering. But is air conditioning the best solution? Air-con keeps temperatures down, but is associated with other health issues.

Climate change, people, and viruses
What effect will climate change on the bugs and viruses that share the human ecosystem?

The Age of Change?
Last week I called everyone Stupid. Which was rude, but I was desperate to get people's attention. The Planet is calling. Are you planning to answer, or just hang up?

Glossary of climate change terms
If the climate change term or concept that's baffling you isn't on this list, just ask and we'll add it.

Meet the Iceman
‘Human polar bear’ and ecowarrior Lewis Gordon Pugh braves the iciest seas to save the planet. Would you follow his lead?

Why car heat is a child-killer
Children's bodies are especially vulnerable to the effects of heatstroke. A car interior – even for a few minutes on a mild day – can quickly become a death trap.