Environment

York U researchers develop new technique to measure previously undetected airborne PFAS

A large percentage of PFAS are not being accounted for in the air, while PFAAs have accumulated in sometimes surprising amounts over 50 years in the high Arctic.

Climate change is causing algal blooms in Lake Superior for the first time in history

Lake Superior is known for its pristine waters, but a combination of nutrient additions from increasing human activity (including farming and development), warming temperatures and stormy conditions have resulted in more frequent blooms of potentially harmful algae. Cyanobacteria thrive in freshwater systems with warmer water temperatures and elevated nutrient inputs, typical of highly urbanized and agricultural […]

Record-breaking year of consumption leads to Ecological Footprint overshoot

Data generated by researchers at York University’s Ecological Footprint Initiative shows 2023 to be a record-breaking year for humanity’s Ecological Footprint, which is predicted to exceed what the Earth can regenerate this year by tomorrow (August 1) – Earth Overshoot Day.

Some 500 high school students to learn how to change their world at York University

Some 500 Ontario high school students from more than 25 high schools are coming to York University next week to learn how they can change the world through understanding the risks of fast fashion, the importance of wetlands, the dangers of storm water runoff and much more.

York U bolsters its position as a leader in creating a more sustainable world

In 10 years, some trees can grow anywhere from 10 to 25 feet tall, so when York University announces its goal to reach net zero emissions a decade sooner, it’s a target that can lead to a significant and positive impact on the environment – enough time for a forest to grow.

What on Earth are you doing? Become a sustainable living ambassador, urge York U experts

What better time than Earth Month to learn about the environment and make a commitment to lead a more sustainable life?

York University shines as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for more than a decade

York University’s outstanding progress in sustainability earns it the distinction of being one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 11th consecutive year.

Canada’s ecological footprint declined during COVID-19, but is it back to pre-pandemic levels?

What is the size of Canada’s ecological footprint, and that of the rest of the world, and how did that change during the global pandemic? Researchers at York University will release the Ecological Footprint of Canada, and 200 other countries, from 1961 to 2022, at an online launch on Thursday, April 20, from 1 to 2 p.m.

New, portable device detects glow emitted by plants to measure their health

When plants are healthy, they emit red light that is nearly impossible to see with the naked eye, but with a new instrument developed at York University, it’s now possible to measure that light whether in a lab or out in the field.

Lakes in hot water, climate change creating a cauldron of issues

As intense heatwaves grip the UK, Spain, France and Portugal, at times exceeding temperatures 40C, as well as parts of North America, lakes are feeling the heat from climate change…