This 14-year-old just turned 'trash' into a solution that could finally end our plastic crisis.

Lucas Tadao Sugahara Wernick, a 14-year-old student from Curitiba, Brazil, created biodegradable food trays using cassava peels and araucaria tree residues. This school project offers a sustainable alternative to Styrofoam. By using agricultural waste, Lucas showed how simple materials can help reduce plastic pollution and protect our environment today.

Flood-hit Sivasagar extends School vacation till Aug 9

Flood-hit schools in Sivasagar will remain closed until Aug 9, the administration said on Friday. District commissioner Mridul Yadav extended the vacation as floods damaged 982 schools and affected 81,276 students. Staff must report on Aug 1 to oversee cleaning and safety checks. Physical classes will finally resume on Aug 11.

He risked 'everything' to save the bald eagles—and now their comeback is a total triumph.

Wildlife biologist Dr. Peter Sharpe risked cliff falls and eagle attacks to monitor bald eagle chicks in California. By 2018, the Channel Islands had 20 breeding pairs. This effort helped the birds recover after they disappeared in the 1960s. Now, these eagles are once again the region's dominant apex animals.

From crows to tigers: Animals that appear to seek revenge

Animals like crows, tigers, and elephants show behaviour that resembles revenge. Research showed crows recognise people who hurt them and teach their young to mob them. Elephants and primates also hold grudges after conflicts. While scientists are cautious, many stories suggest these animals remember and punish those who wronged them.

He planted trees on 'forgotten' land alone—20 years later, he’s built a massive urban forest.

In 2003, Helio da Silva started planting trees on abandoned land in São Paulo. He used his own money to transform the neglected area into a lush space. Two decades later, the site became Tiquatira Park, a massive urban forest that now hosts thousands of trees and many bird species.

They used 'Judas goats' to save a dying ecosystem—and the result is a stunning comeback for nature.

In 1997, Galápagos conservationists used sterilised, radio-tracked "Judas goats" to help restore the islands. After more than 140,000 goats were removed by 2006, native plants and wildlife habitat began recovering. This project used clever tracking methods to find hidden herds, which finally allowed the unique island ecosystem to grow again.

Wildfire emissions soar, exposing millions to worse air pollution

Wildfires in France and Spain exposed millions to health-damaging air pollution over the last few days, scientists said on Thursday. Smoke plumes spread high levels of fine particulate matter across the region. "We know that this has a really major health effect," said climate scientist Theodore Keeping regarding the dangerous smoke.

DJB introduces performance-linked pay for operators of sewage treatment plants

The Delhi Jal Board introduced a performance-linked payment system for sewage treatment plant operators on Thursday. Water minister Parvesh Verma said, "The extent of treatment will determine payment." Operators now get paid based on the quality of treated water. This move aims to clean the Yamuna by monitoring drain pollution.

Animal adoptions rise at Visakhapatnam zoo

Animal adoptions rose at Visakhapatnam’s Indira Gandhi Zoological Park during the last financial year. The zoo recorded 80 adoptions, a 60% increase from the previous year. Curator G Mangamma said, "People are gradually looking for meaningful ways to celebrate important occasions." Many families now support wildlife instead of buying gifts.

Country diary: Rumours of glowworms set me off on a twilight stroll | Anita Roy

Anita Roy went on a twilight stroll in Wellington, Somerset, to search for glowworms near Longforth Farm. July has been one of the hottest months on record, leaving plants and trees struggling. While she did not find the beetles, she saw how wildlife adapted to the extreme summer weather.

Damage could last for centuries: Why oxygen loss in oceans and rivers is alarming researchers

Researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography want dissolved oxygen added to the Planetary Boundaries framework. Oceans lost roughly 2% of their oxygen since the mid-20th century. Warmer water, stratification, and nutrient pollution drive this decline. Experts warn that these changes threaten marine life and the global economy for centuries.

Illegal dyeing units polluting Faridabad drains

A spot check on Monday found 10 illegal dyeing units operating without treatment plants in Faridabad’s Harkesh Colony. These units dump untreated waste into drains flowing to the Yamuna. HSPCB officials said they sealed 100 units since 2023, but many operators quickly resume work from new, hidden rented premises.