Global warming is projected to hit 2.7oc above average temperatures before the industrial revolution. This could lead to drastic changes in the Arctic, leaving one of our most vulnerable ecosystems unrecognisable.
Mazz Cummings' BSc Ecology studies at the University of Aberdeen have included a 6-month study exchange at the University of Tromsø in northern Norway, during which time she wrote and illustrated a children’s book exploring the influence of the ocean on global climate processes. Having recently completed an internship with NatureVolve to launch the company’s new website FreeScienceNews.com Mazz helped to explore and communicate important issues related to conservation.
As a Science Writer and Editor at YourWeather (Meteored) Mazz intends to pursue her science writing and communication career into the future. Mazz enjoys writing about a wide range of topics, but is particularly interested in issues related to the human impact on the environment and climate change, in particular concerning biodiversity and conservation. Mazz is also a keen photographer and illustrator, using these mediums to further explore the natural environment in both personal and professional projects.
News by Mazz Cummings
Declining bee populations threaten food security and biodiversity. Understanding the foraging strategies of different bee’s can help support their conservation.
In recent years, wildfires have increased in frequency and intensity due to warmer and drier conditions as a result of climate change. New research finds that historic periods of climate change also exhibited increased wildfire activity.
Marine plastic pollution is a major threat to ocean biodiversity and ecosystems. A new study shows that marine plastic has the potential to be treated at urban waste facilities.
Moths are threatened by light pollution, and can be dazzled by cool phosphor coated headlights. A simple change could support declining moth populations.
COP29 is well underway, and scientists are urging immediate action to protect against the worst impacts of climate change.
Progress towards sustainable development goals and climate targets has been slow. A new study suggests three pathways to help achieve these goals.
Tree planting is not the ‘catch all’ solution to climate change that many would like it to be. Although trees provide many environmental benefits, planting trees simply isn’t suitable in all environments, and in some cases may actually exacerbate warming.
There is growing pressure to increase the efficiency of agriculture to reduce food insecurity and environmental impact. A new method of ‘electro-agriculture’ could increase the efficiency of plant energy acquisition, as well as reduce land required to grow food.
Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of marine heatwaves. Scientists investigate the impact this could have on coral resilience, and ecosystem health.
In the land of the midnight sun, consistent light levels in both the summer and winter can be quite disorientating. When plant life relies on changing light conditions for reproduction, what is the impact of extreme light environments on biodiversity?
Our marine identity is more than just about how much we enjoy a good fish and chips and swimming in the sea. How we engage with our marine ecosystems can help us to engage with and support marine conservation efforts.
In a self-perpetuating cycle, global warming leads to permafrost thaw, which leads to erosion, which contributes to climate change. In a warming climate, Alaskan permafrost is unable to reform fast enough to replace what has thawed in warmer months.
Solar farms play a crucial role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels for energy, and have been a key driver of generating clean energy. But solar farms could also play a wider role in boosting biodiversity.
The biodiversity loss crisis is forcing scientists to think outside the box, or in this case, planetary bounds. With natural hazards and climate change a risk to building a bio-repository here on earth, the moon could be the safest bet. Is this "one small step for man, one giant leap for conservation?"
Tree planting is often seen as a ‘quick fix’ to sequestering carbon and supporting action towards ‘Net Zero’ targets. Much debate still surrounds how effective tree planting really is as a strategy, and how best to go about it.
Carbon sequestration is a key component of many environmental targets. Plants don’t sequester carbon for as long as was previously thought, how might this impact our strategies to achieve net zero targets?
Large predator reintroduction has been a great success in parts of the US. Similar projects have been under discussion in the UK for several years, so what’s stopping it from going ahead?
Climate change is having detrimental impacts on both crop and livestock farming, threatening food security. Cattle are vulnerable to heat stress – however new research indicates how we might be able to selectively breed cattle more tolerant of rising temperatures.
Seabirds play a vital role in ecosystem health but face many threats induced by climate change. With bird flu already wreaking havoc on seabird populations, intensified and more frequent cyclones add yet more pressure to these recovering populations.