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01 March 2010 - Long term monitoring success
Long term monitoring of a Scottish lake has proved invaluable for understanding ecosystem recovery. Ecologists at the University of London have used recordings of the chemistry and animal and algae populations of a remote Scottish lake to understand how long it takes for an ecosystem to recover from the effects of acid rain.
The UK Acid Waters Monitoring Network (UKAWMN) has gathered data continuously from Lochnagar since 1980 when the European Union enforced measures to control acid rain.
A team of ecologists led by Guy Woodward have been able to use this data to show that ecosystem recovery lags behind chemical recovery.
More on this story on Planet Earth online.
The UK Environmental Observation Framework has just published the latest version of "Towards a Statement of Need" in which experts across 40 organisations identify the observations required to meet research, policy and social needs for evidence.
22 February 2010 - Online digest of marine climate projections
The Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership provides help with the latest 'UKCP09' marine and coastal projections.
The MCCIP provides links to some of the most immediately relevant sections in the marine and coastal report (including maps) to help users get to grips with the projections more quickly.
Two new summary notes, entitled 'UKCP09 marine and coastal projections summary' and 'Key UKCP09 marine and coastal variables explained' provide succinct, at-a-glance overviews of the new projections.
These notes have been written by MCCIP in conjunction with the Met Office and UKCIP to explain what the marine and coastal projections are, what is included, and why they are important for the UK marine and coastal community.
05 February 2010 - New National Oceanography Centre
The new National Oceanography Centre will give UK marine research a leading role on the global stage.
Two Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funded centres of excellence at Southampton and Liverpool will host the new integrated centre which will enable even closer working between researchers in academic, government and third sector organisations.
For more information see the NERC press release.
02 February 2010 - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change calls for authors
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is seeking experts who will act as Coordinating Lead Authors, Lead Authors or Review Editors for its Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).
Nominations can come via governments, through the national focal points or via Owen Gaffney at the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme.
The deadline for nominations is 12 March 2010. Please email Secretariat if you would like to suggest names for consideration as authors. Alternatively (or in addition), you may contact your national focal point (email IPCC if you are unsure about who the focal point is).
Among the items in AR5 are aerosols, geoengineering and changes to the cryosphere, see the IPCC website for more information.
15 December 2009 - Protecting ecosystem services
The £40m Ecosystem Services for Poverty Alleviation (ESPA) programme will strengthen the knowledge and understanding we need to develop resilient ecosystems. It will also provide the evidence and tools for decision makers to manage ecosystems sustainably and in ways that will help to reduce poverty.
Ecosystems are the foundation for human well being. They provide food, clean air and water, and protection from flooding. But 60% of the world's ecosystems have been severely degraded and major changes in climate or the economy could have further dire consequences.
ESPA is funded by the UK Department for International Development, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Natural Environment Research Council.
Consultation led by NERC on the future postgraduate skills needs in the Environmental Science Sector is now open.
20 October 2009 - Forestry Commission Scotland to partner with wind energy companies
It's estimated that the wind potential on the Commission's land could meet the needs of over a million homes and has the potential to generate £30m a year by 2020.
Energy companies are therefore being invited to form partnerships with the Commission to build wind energy projects at suitable locations across Scotland.
The Climate Change (Scotland) Act is allowing the Forestry Commission Scotland to enter into such joint ventures for the first time.
However, the Commission is committed to avoiding net loss of woodland from wind farm construction and will replant woodland where necessary.
20 October 2009 - Research database enhancements
An updated version of the search interface for the ERFF Research Database, incorporating a large number of detailed improvements, has been published today.
05 October 2009 - New impacts website
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council is using short online films to show how research benefits society and the natural and built environment.
IMPACT! World shows how research funding is benefiting society. It also demonstrates how scientific research and business are working together innovatively to contribute more to the UK economy.
EPSRC's Chief Executive Dave Delpy says, "As a society, Science and Engineering research is helping us to live sustainably, protect the planet and better inform public policy. With this new site we hope to make everyone aware of the importance of scientific endeavour by showcasing the work of researchers in action and our commitment to developing the next generation of men and women that will help solve the challenges of the 21st century."