3 d. ago Earth’s storage of water in soil, lakes and rivers is dwindling. And it’s especially bad for farming

New research finds that global warming has significantly reduced the amount of water that’s being stored around the world in soil, lakes, rivers, snow and other places on land

Politics

3 d. ago England's sewage crisis is the worst it's ever been: Waste poured into rivers, lakes and coastlines for a record 3.6million hours in 2024

The latest figures were branded as 'disgraceful' by Environment Secretary Steve Reed.

Events

6 d. ago Gardener's 'effective' trick to transform waterlogged lawns into healthy grass

A green-fingered guru has shared a simple trick for effectively draining your lawn, which can be left waterlogged after rainfall, especially when the water drains away slowly due to heavy or compacted soil

Society

6 d. ago In Canada, I saw how Trump is ripping North America apart – and how hard its bond will be to repair | Andy Beckett

With the US president now warmer to Moscow than to Ottawa, it’s little surprise Canadians I met rolled their eyes at the decline of the special relationshipAs wealthy but lightly defended countries have often learned, being close to a much more powerful state – geographically or diplomatically – can be a precarious existence. All it takes is an aggressive new government in the stronger state and a relatively equal relationship of economic and military cooperation can suddenly turn exploitative, even threatening.Since Donald Trump’s second inauguration, this realisation has been dawning across the west, but nowhere more disconcertingly than in Canada. Its border with the US is the longest in the world: 5,525 miles of often empty and hard to defend land, lakes and rivers. Canada’s two biggest cities, Toronto and Montreal, are only a few hours to the north, were you to approach them in a US army tank.Andy Beckett is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago From sewage and scum to swimming in ‘blue gold’: how Switzerland transformed its rivers

In the 1960s, the Swiss had some of the dirtiest water in Europe. Now, their cities boast pristine rivers and lakes – and other countries are looking to follow their leadIn the first days of spring, people flock to Lake Geneva’s broad, tree-lined promenade, their faces tilted towards the sun. Dior, Cartier and Rolex are among the high-end shopfronts overlooking the water. René Rottenberg, 75, has just finished his 400m swim through this upmarket urban jungle – a ritual he repeats up to five times a week, even in midwinter.For the retired gynaecologist, being able to swim in the crystal-clear water is the greatest luxury. “It’s just so fun,” he says. “The place is beautiful.” Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago ‘All the birds returned’: How China led the way in water and soil conservation

The Loess plateau was the most eroded place on Earth until China took action and reversed decades of damage from grazing and farmingIt was one of China’s most ambitious environmental endeavours ever.The Loess plateau, an area spanning more than 245,000 sq miles (640,000 sq km) across three provinces and parts of four others, supports about 100 million people. By the end of the 20th century, however, this land, once fertile and productive, was considered the most eroded place on Earth, according to a documentary by the ecologist John D Liu. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago ‘All the birds returned’: How a Chinese project led the way in water and soil conservation

The Loess plateau was the most eroded place on Earth until China took action and reversed decades of damage from grazing and farmingIt was one of China’s most ambitious environmental endeavours ever.The Loess plateau, an area spanning more than 245,000 sq miles (640,000 sq km) across three provinces and parts of four others, supports about 100 million people. By the end of the 20th century, however, this land, once fertile and productive, was considered the most eroded place on Earth, according to a documentary by the ecologist John D Liu. Continue reading...

Politics