Annie Mellor

Jan 31, 2024 | curious.earth | Annie Mellor

Last Friday the US paused approvals of new exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) following pressure from climate activists. The Department of Energy will now analyse the potential climate impact of any upcoming  projects. This move could defer approval processes until after the presidential election in November. The US is currently the world’s top exporter of LNG, after a recent boom in exports.

Jan 24, 2024 | curious.earth | Annie Mellor

Scientists have warned that melting permafrost in Siberia, northern Russia, could unleash ancient viruses and trigger another pandemic. These “zombie viruses”, also known as Methuselah microbes, have been frozen for thousands of years but could still have the potential to infect humans. As the name suggests, permafrost is frozen the majority of the time. It doesn’t melt each summer and re-freeze in the winter. It’s found at very high latitudes in places like Siberia, Canada and Alaska.

Dec 13, 2023 | curious.earth | Annie Mellor

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28 to its friends) has published its long-awaited and much-anticipated deal. After nearly a fortnight of talks, gaffes and disappointments, governments have agreed to “transition away” from fossil fuels. COP28 was hosted in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Its aim was to agree a new climate action pact between the 198 participant nations. It’s fair to say it did not go well.

Nov 22, 2023 | curious.earth | Annie Mellor |Natural Disasters

The UK is planning to build a new satellite which will help detect and monitor global heating and natural disasters from space.  It will be among the first in a new network of satellites called the Atlantic Constellation. The satellites observe the land and shares data with other members, including Spain and Portugal. The Atlantic Constellation is an innovative global project developing satellites to monitor the Earth’s oceans and climate.

Oct 24, 2023 | curious.earth | Annie Mellor

The busy Italian city may soon see cars banned from entering its city centre, in a move to improve air quality and make its streets more pedestrian-friendly. Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala hopes to bring the reform into force in 2024, if it gets the green light. The car ban would prevent some people from driving into the city centre. Taxis and public transport will still operate, and residents would still be able to drive to their homes inside the exclusion zone.