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From scientific discoveries to activist wins, here are the latest news stories showcasing the people taking on climate change and nature loss.

🏫 Making the most of old buildings

The recent revamp of a college in the Netherlands illustrates a growing view among architects that ‘the most sustainable building is one that is already built’. Here, revitalising the old building cut carbon emissions by two-thirds compared to constructing a new one. What makes this case special is that architects also focused on making the space thoughtfully designed and aesthetically pleasing, believing students deserve to spend this period of their lives somewhere beautiful.

💧 Giving rivers more room

Rather than building barriers and banks in an attempt to stop rivers overflowing, we might be far better off letting nature run its course, and giving them more space to breathe. It might sound paradoxical, but letting rivers expand will actually reduce the risk of flooding. This new research also finds it will deliver ecological benefits, creating a dynamic landscape where a far richer variety of animal and plant life can thrive.

🛢️ Making fuel from sludge

Scientists have discovered a way of turning sewage sludge into hydrogen fuel and protein-heavy animal feed. This sludge – the material that’s left over after wastewater treatment – is often incinerated or sent to landfill, where it risks polluting our soil and water sources. The engineers’ new process breaks it down, removes heavy metal contaminants, and then turns the remnants into useful products using solar power.

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