Military defence, competitiveness, and economic growth are currently at the top of the political agenda in Europe. In light of these challenges, the protection of biodiversity – and thus our livelihoods – is in danger of being overlooked. The new EU regulation on nature restoration offers promising opportunities to advance biodiversity conservation in Europe. In the journal Restoration Ecology, experts of three German policy advisory bodies strongly advocate for seizing these opportunities. But how can this be achieved? The team, which includes scientists from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), has identified five success factors.

A study by Miami Herbert Business School professors shows long-term mental and physical health effects linked to distressed births, with implications for health policy reform.

Commissioned by the state, “The 2024 State Report on Human Trafficking” identifies Florida’s heightened risk due to population, tourism, ports and industries, while also showcasing coordinated prevention, prosecution and policy measures. It reveals that prosecutions are rising and penalties in Florida exceed the national average.

To curb global plastic pollution and to make plastics safer and more sustainable, countries are currently negotiating a global treaty. A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. Moreover, the study also provides a scientific approach for identifying chemicals of concern. This allows scientists and manufacturers to develop safer plastics and policy makers to promote a non-toxic circular economy.