Breathing life into our planet and others
A new study has produced a detailed estimation for when there was enough oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere to support large land-based life, such as dinosaurs and eventually humans.
Environment News
Warmer springs can actually reduce overall plant growth, study finds
A extensive study on the effects of warmer springs on plant growth in northern regions shows substantially reduced plant productivity in later months.
Flood frequency of the world’s largest river has increased fivefold
A recent study of more than 100 years of river level records from the Amazon shows a significant increase in frequency and severity of floods.
Joining the Arctic research ship ‘drifting’ past North Pole
A research ship carrying 80 international scientists, including researchers from the University of Leeds, is studying the region’s climate system.
Improving air quality could prevent thousands of deaths in India
A new study shows more stringent emission controls are key to India's future health.
The underestimated cooling effect on the planet from historic fires
Historic levels of particles in the atmosphere released from pre-industrial era fires, and their cooling effect on the planet, may have been significantly underestimated according to a new study.
Growing a dinosaur’s dinner
Scientists have measured the nutritional value of herbivore dinosaurs’ diet by growing their food in atmospheric conditions similar to those found roughly 150 million years ago.
Emissions from wetlands and permafrost impacts climate targets
Additional cuts to fossil fuel emissions are required to limit global warming due to greenhouse gases from wetlands and permafrost, according to new research.
Japanese knotweed - not such a knotty problem?
Ecologists can find no evidence Japanese knotweed causes significant structural damage.
‘Smart’ farms to transform how we produce food
The University is launching a new initiative to give farms and business a competitive advantage and increase their value.