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The African continent has, historically, provided an important climate service to the globe: by drawing in more carbon than it emitted. It was a net sink of carbon. But this is now changing. In a brand new study, researchers have reported that, as natural ecosystems are converted for agricultural purposes, the continent’s carbon storage capacity is decreasing - while its rate of emissions is increasing. Yolandi Ernst and Sally Archibald, part of the team that authored the study, unpack their worrying findings.
Nigeria’s Osun River is an important source of food and water, as well as an important cultural site. But using the river’s waters or eating its fish could be dangerous. Research by environmental chemist Gideon Idowu has revealed very high levels of microplastic pollution.
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Yolandi Ernst, University of the Witwatersrand; Sally Archibald, University of the Witwatersrand
Knowing which parts of Africa best help to store carbon means funding and policy efforts can be directed to protecting and increasing this carbon ‘land sink’.
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Gideon Idowu, Federal University of Technology, Akure
The level of microplastic pollution in Osun River may be the highest in the world. Banning single-use plastics may help.
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Joseph Ogutu, University of Hohenheim
Conservation strategies should promote equitable benefits across communities.
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Michael B. Bishku, Augusta University
The Somalia waters deals could upset the cordial relations between Ethiopia and Turkey, and put the UAE at odds with Egypt.
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Sedzani Musundwa, University of South Africa
Chartered accounting needs professionals who have gone through some healing from their experiences.
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From our international editions
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Dee Ninis, Monash University
We can’t rule out the possibility today’s earthquake was not even the biggest event in this sequence, although as time passes the likelihood of a larger associated event decreases.
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Martin Connors, Athabasca University
Observations during historical solar eclipses confirmed Einstein’s theory of gravity, and led to the predictions of black holes.
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Jane Menzies, University of the Sunshine Coast
Business cards might feel like a relic of a bygone era, but for people wanting to be remembered, they’ve a long way to go yet.
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Martin Connors, Athabasca University
The solar corona can be seen during the solar eclipse on April 8. Astronomers are still trying to figure out the mysteries of the corona, including why it’s so hot.
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Narveen Jandu, University of Waterloo
The gut microbiome and immune system work closely together. However, as people age, the composition and balance of microorganisms in the gut changes, with fewer beneficial bacteria.
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