Pollution
Pollution is a growing concern for our environment, defined as the introduction of a substance or contaminant which has harmful effects on the environment. The main types of pollution are air, water, noise, light, soil, thermal and radioactive, contributors to these are chemical substances (e.g. exhaust fumes and industrial waste) and energy (e.g. street lamps). Pollution has many negative effects on us and the environment, for example respiratory problems in humans, death of marine animals and acid rain. Recycling, renewable energy and compost are a few ways to combat pollution.
Air pollution may increase risk of a child developing autism
Pollutants a pregnant woman is exposed to may influence fetal brain development.
If we want to beat plastic pollution, recycling will never be enough
OPINION | Photographs of hermit crabs using discarded bottle caps as shells highlights the extent of the global plastic pollution problem.
Indoor air pollution could be damaging your DNA right now. Here’s how to reduce it
From roast dinners to scented candles, the average household contains dozens of potentially harmful pollutants.
Instant Genius Podcast | Solving the UK’s water pollution problem, with Dr Tanja Radu
We wade into the key causes of our dirty rivers – and what the fixes could be.
What if there were no fossil fuels?
How different would our world look?
Your tech is getting more green, but does it make a difference?
We spoke to Josh Lepawsky, an expert in e-waste, to better understand how environmentally friendly our tech is.
What’s the environmental impact of cigarette butts?
Cigarette butts contain chemicals toxic to wildlife and create 845,000 tons of litter every year.
Robot fish could solve the ocean's microplastic pollution problem
Bots that attract small pieces of plastic waste could one day help remove the millions of microplastics floating in the sea.
What are nurdles?
Nurdles can work their way into the digestive tracts of various marine animals.
Reality Check | Is the air on the tube filled with dangerous particulates?
Taking public transport is better for the environment – but could the air pollution on the tube be bad for your health?
Air and water pollutants linked to changes in sex ratio of babies
The researchers hope that this study will encourage policymakers to tackle environmental pollution.
Can space exploration be environmentally friendly?
One SpaceX rocket launch emits 112 tonnes of refined kerosene.
Does anyone control where satellites are launched into space?
Astrophysicist Dr Alastair Gunn explains why changes may be needed to stop satellites colliding in space.
A scientist's guide to life: How to protect yourself from indoor air pollution
Cleaning products… candles… cookers… How much does indoor air pollution really affect us, and what can we do about it? Respiratory specialist Dr Jonathan Grigg explains all.
Asthma in children linked to pollution exposure in the womb
Pregnant women exposed to high levels of tiny particles may give birth to children with a higher risk of asthma, according to a new study.
Hay fever linked to exposure to pollution before and after birth
Babies are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis, a condition that includes hay fever, if they are exposed to higher levels of fine particulate matter before and after birth.
Air pollution, climate change and optimism: Tara Shine's Royal Institution's Christmas Lecture
In the final of the Christmas Lectures on BBC Four, environmental scientist Tara Shine will talk about carbon emissions and their impact on our planet.
Amount of human-made items on Earth will soon outweigh all living biomass
Research suggests that for each person alive today, mass equal to more than their bodyweight is produced by humans every week.
How does human noise affect ocean life?
We’ve teamed up with the folks behind BBC World Service’s CrowdScience to answer your questions on one topic - this week it's all about how human noise affects ocean life.
Sea spreads plastic waste thousands of kilometres from source in just months
‘Message in a bottle’ tags show how far and how fast plastic can move, scientists say.
Annual plastic water pollution could reach 53 million tonnes by 2030
Researchers say modelling shows the strategies currently in place to reduce plastic waste, such as bans on certain products and continuous clean-up of litter, are 'not enough to keep plastic pollution in check'.
Bacteria | The miracle microbes that could fix planet
We get inside the labs that are growing beneficial bacteria to gobble up pollution, harvest waste, generate energy and help keep us healthy.
Researchers find every human tissue tested can absorb microplastics
The team tested 47 samples taken from lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys.
Sea swimmers could 'carry potentially deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria'
Lakes, rivers and seas could contain antibiotic-resistant superbugs due to raw sewage, manure and effluent containing bacteria getting into the water.