Bordered by Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan, the “sea” is in fact an inland body of water — the largest on the planet — a brackish lake fed by 130 rivers, with the Volga the main source. A remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea (alongside the Aral Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov), it now has no outlets, so the amount of incoming water from rivers and rain, and the rate of evaporation are the factors that affect its levels. Those water levels have been declining since the mid-1990s, satellite imagery shows.

But now, scientists have found that global warming is worsening the situation, and even casual observers can see that the former shoreline along Azerbaijan’s Absheron Peninsula is shrinking to expose the seabed. The sea suffered a two-metre drop in water level between 1996 and 2023 and experts predict a loss of between five and 18 metres by 2100. 

“Climate change is accelerating evaporation and disrupting the water balance of the Caspian Sea,” says Dr. Elnur Safarov, of the IDEA Public Union and coordinator of the Caspian Integrated Scientific Network (CASPISNET).

It’s important because the declining water levels are impacting wildlife and humanity along the basin’s delta, wetlands, and reed beds. “Fish in the Caspian Sea, which include sturgeon and other endemic species, are losing their natural habitats,” says zoologist Dr Nijat Hasanov, adding that “Nesting, breeding and resting habitats for millions of birds, including pelicans, flamingos and ducks” are also in jeopardy.

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Other creatures who feed on the fish such as the endangered Caspian seal are now at greater risk, and human fishers face food insecurity too. Azerbaijani fishing communities now “have to go deeper into the sea to catch the same amount of fish they used to catch nearby the shore,” explains Farhad Mukhtarov, water governance specialist with the International Institute of Social Studies.

The “delicate hydrological balance” that needs to be achieved to address these serious concerns requires cooperation among “all five Caspian littoral states,” according to Mahir Aliyev, Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention. Marine safeguards and sustainable development principles have already been adopted by the five Caspian coastal nations, but Aliyev is calling again for “coordinated regional action” that he deems “essential to manage the environmental consequences across the basin.”

L’article Caspian Sea shrinking threatens wildlife and habitats, experts warn est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Under the new rules, advertisements promoting petrol and diesel cars, airline travel, cruise holidays and fossil fuel contracts are no longer permitted. Ads for meat products, including beef, pork, chicken and fish, have also been removed from public billboards and transport hubs. 

Amsterdam officials say the policy is intended to support the city’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and to encourage residents to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The move builds on earlier environmental measures introduced by the Dutch capital, including restrictions on polluting vehicles and campaigns promoting cycling and plant-based diets. 

Environmental campaigners welcomed the decision, comparing it to earlier bans on tobacco advertising. Hannah Prins, a climate activist, said the restrictions could help reshape public attitudes over time, arguing that future generations may look back at such adverts in the same way people now view cigarette promotions. 

The ban was first proposed several years ago and formally approved by Amsterdam’s city council earlier this year, following growing pressure from environmental groups. Campaign organisation Reclame Fossielvrij, or Fossil Free Advertising, had long argued that advertisements encouraging high-carbon consumption conflicted with the city’s climate commitments. 

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Amsterdam is not the first Dutch city to restrict environmentally harmful advertising. Nearby Haarlem introduced a ban on most meat advertisements in public spaces in 2022, with the policy taking effect in 2024. However, Amsterdam is the first national capital to extend the restrictions to both meat and fossil fuel products on such a large scale. 

The measures have also sparked criticism from parts of the travel and advertising industries, which argue the policy limits commercial freedom and unfairly targets legal products. According to Deutsche Welle, travel industry groups previously challenged a similar advertising ban in The Hague, claiming it violated free speech and European trade law. A Dutch court rejected those arguments, ruling that public health and climate objectives justified the restrictions. 

Despite the controversy, city authorities say the policy reflects a broader shift in how governments approach climate action. Public advertising spaces across Amsterdam are now increasingly filled with promotions for cultural events, museums and local attractions rather than high-emission products.

L’article Amsterdam becomes first capital to ban public ads for meat and fossil fuels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

It has been known for around 100 years that the Mexican capital is dropping into a basin surrounded by mountains. The city sits on an ancient lakebed of permeable rock and sand, and as water has been pumped out of this aquifer to supply millions of city residents with something to drink, the land has been sinking. Massive urban development has only added more weight to the problem. Over the years, roads, buildings, and water lines have all shown the strain. The Angel of Independence, a statue that has stood on the Paseo de la Reforma since 1910, commemorating the country’s independence, has required 14 steps to be added to its base as the surrounding ground falls away.

The ground beneath Mexico City is slowly sinking, and now, the NISAR satellite can track it from space.

New data shows parts of the city (in blue) that sank more than half an inch (more than 2 cm) per month from Oct. 2025 to Jan. 2026. pic.twitter.com/5uDM1B9Mwx

— NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) April 29, 2026

Now, powerful technology in the form of NISAR, a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite, is also illustrating just how bad the subsidence is, to the centimetre. Launched on July 30, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeastern coast, the initiative is a collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The satellite is the first to carry two SAR instruments at different wavelengths. It is monitoring Earth’s land and ice twice every 12 days, collecting data using a giant drum-shaped reflector, 12 metres wide — the largest radar antenna reflector NASA has ever sent into space. These measurements of changes to the Earth’s surface include real-time tracking of ground subsidence, glacial retreat, shifting tectonic plates, and wildfire spread.

@distant.elephant

Mexico City is sinking

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The analysis of the Mexico City issue is initially based on NISAR data from between October 2025 and January 2026, during the dry season. Parts of the region have been found to be subsiding by more than 2 cm per month—an astonishing 24 cm at least every year, the size of a standard business envelope or a tablet device.

“Mexico City is a well-known hot spot when it comes to subsidence, and images like this are just the beginning for NISAR,” said David Bekaert, of the Flemish Institute for Technological Research in Belgium and the NISAR science team, in a statement that noted: “We’re going to see an influx of new discoveries from all over the world given the unique sensing capabilities of NISAR and its consistent global coverage.”

Those discoveries are expected to assist humans in tracking disasters, monitoring ecosystems and crops, studying ice sheets, and understanding how Earth’s surface moves and changes. This, in turn, could protect lives, support the management of natural resources, and offer a deeper understanding of our changing planet than ever before.

L’article Mexico City is sinking 24 cm every year, new data shows est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

One of Spain’s defining characteristics is its vibrant outdoor lifestyle, epitomised by its bustling terraces where people of all ages socialise throughout the day and late into the night. This way of life, long taken for granted, may now change due to rising temperatures.

On 13 April, an addendum to the agreement was introduced by trade unions FeSMC-UGT and CCOO Servicios, and was agreed with industry bodies Hostelería de España and CEHAT. The new rules are primarily aimed at protecting workers.

This change comes against a backdrop of intensifying heat. Last summer, temperatures reached 45.8 °C in Jerez de la Frontera during a heatwave that swept across the country, while Spain’s national average for the month was 25 °C, equalling the record set the previous year. The period from 8 to 17 August marked the ten hottest consecutive days recorded in Spain since at least 1950. Such extremes are unlikely to ease as global temperatures continue to rise.

Under the new framework, whenever an official weather alert signals danger from extreme heat, heavy rain or snow, businesses must take protective measures for their employees. In practical terms, this means that staff working outdoors must be brought inside if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Waiters are now explicitly covered by these protections, moving between sun and shade with loaded trays. Service will shift indoors during extreme weather events. This already happens during heavy rain or when it is cold, when terraces empty and activity moves inside. The same logic will now apply to heat, unless the terrace has adequate shade or cooling systems.

Weather alerts are issued by AEMET, Spain’s national meteorological service, and these will trigger action. Businesses that fail to comply could face fines of up to €50,000 from labour inspectors.

Trade unions have praised the agreement as a significant step forward, with the FeSMC-UGT describing it as a “milestone that highlights the progress made through social dialogue and reaffirms the commitment to strengthening a model that guarantees rights, stability and progress for workers and companies”.

New rules in Spain mean some bar and restaurant terraces could close during red or orange heat alerts unless they have proper cooling measures.
Do you think this will change how you spend summer afternoons out here?#SpainNews #HeatwaveSpain #LivingInSpain #HospitalitySpain pic.twitter.com/CpqlD1n3As

— Spanish News Today (@MurciaToday) April 29, 2026

Beyond regulation, the measure carries a certain cultural resonance. Spain has long been associated with its unshakeable siesta tradition, during which activity would pause for several hours in the hottest part of the day, not only on terraces.

While this midday break has disappeared in many urban areas due to modern working patterns, air conditioning and tourism demands, it still exists in smaller towns and rural areas. The temporary closure of terraces during the hottest hours of the day may reflect this older rhythm, suggesting that taking a break during the hottest part of the day is not only a cultural tradition but also an increasingly necessary practice.

For travellers, however, the change is unlikely to be significant. Closures apply only during extreme heat events, and bars, cafés and restaurants will not shut entirely; rather, outdoor service will be temporarily unavailable. Activity is likely to shift towards the morning and evening, reinforcing a pattern already familiar in southern regions.

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Rather than imposing blanket closures, the rules require businesses to act when official alerts signal risk, with implementation dependent on local conditions.

Spain’s terrace culture is not disappearing but adapting. Even its most emblematic social spaces are being reshaped as climate pressures intensify, striking a balance between tradition and the realities of a warming world.

L’article Spain adds climate rules to hospitality sector as terraces face closures est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On these protected beaches, businesses are no longer allowed to place sunbeds, umbrellas, tables or chairs for commercial use. Visitors will not be able to rent water sports equipment such as jet skis, pedalos or kayaks either. Loud music, large organised events and cars driving on the sand are also prohibited. However, the beaches remain open to the public, and small mobile stands selling drinks and snacks are still allowed to operate.

The aim of these measures is to protect Greece’s natural environment and preserve the beauty of its coastlines. Many of the selected beaches are home to important ecosystems, including rare plants and animals. Authorities say that increasing pressure from tourism, combined with the effects of climate change, has made stronger protection necessary. By limiting human impact, the government hopes to maintain these areas in their natural state for future generations.

A number of the beaches included in the ban are part of the Natura 2000 network, a European system of protected areas. This programme is designed to safeguard habitats and species that are considered valuable or at risk. On these beaches, the rules are even stricter, as any activity that could change the natural shape of the coastline or harm its ecological function is not allowed. This also means that hotels cannot create private beach sections or build permanent structures nearby.

The protected beaches are spread across many parts of Greece, including islands and mainland regions. Locations such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Lefkada and the Cyclades are all included. The island of Leipsoi stands out, as it has the highest number of untouched beaches in the country, with more than 20. Another well-known example is Elafonissi Beach in Crete, famous for its pink sand created by crushed seashells.

For tourists, the new rules mean a slightly different beach experience. Instead of renting a sunbed, visitors will need to bring their own towel or sit directly on the sand. While this may reduce comfort for some, it also offers a quieter and more natural setting. Travellers who prefer organised beaches with full services can still find them elsewhere in Greece, as the restrictions only apply to selected locations.

@_pearltravels_ Part 2: 3 Must-See Beaches in Crete. 1-Balos 2-Voulisma 3-Elafonissi Beach #crete #greece #travel #contentcreator #followback @Crete Unlocked ♬ original sound – HYPATON

The move is part of a wider strategy to tackle overtourism and promote more sustainable travel. Greece has faced growing concerns about overcrowded beaches and uncontrolled development in recent years. By introducing stricter rules, the country aims to strike a better balance between tourism and nature protection.

To help visitors navigate the changes, authorities have also introduced tools such as the MyCoast app, which shows which beaches are protected. This allows travellers to plan ahead and choose the type of beach experience they prefer. Similar measures are being considered in other European destinations, showing a wider shift towards more sustainable coastal tourism.

L’article Greece takes action against overtourism with 250 protected beaches  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The list of shame includes some well-known and well-loved seaside spots. Ilfracombe on the north Devon coast has long been welcoming holidaymakers to its small coves and the historic Tunnels Beach, but the town’s Wilder Beach is flagged for its permanent advice against bathing.

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Dunster Beach in Somerset, boasts “wide open views across the Bristol Channel towards the Welsh coastline” and is described in a local guide as “a quieter alternative to nearby Minehead Beach, it’s a peaceful spot popular with walkers, families and those looking to relax.” Unfortunately, it is particularly vulnerable to short-term pollution after heavy rainfall, giving it one of the worst water quality rankings in the county.

While 15 of the 20 beaches on the list are in the south of the UK—stretching from Devon, Somerset, to Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent to Essex—still, the north of the country does not escape. In fact, one of the north’s most iconic pleasure beaches, Blackpool, is blacklisted. The state of the beach there was bemoaned by local Member of Parliament Chris Webb in 2024, who described the water pollution as a threat both to health and to the locals’ sense of pride.

Regions and beaches with the worst quality water in the UK

Also displeased to feature in the pollution rollcall will be the tourism stakeholders and residents of South Bay in the historic spa town of Scarborough, which is supposed to be celebrating its 400^th anniversary as a thermal waters retreat this year.

Water quality has been a hot topic in the UK in recent years. Agricultural runoff and sewage dumping are part of the picture, due to the country’s Victorian infrastructure. Poor water management practices have also contributed to the poisoning of many public waters and coastlines. Critics point to a lack of investment and renewal by privatised water companies, which have been fined by the government amid the controversy, and banned from awarding bonuses to their executives.

But one of the people behind this latest water quality round-up, Martin Danemaq, highlighted the positive takeaways from the report, noting how few poor-quality seaside resorts there were. “Just 20 beaches in the UK remain unsuitable for entering the water out of the 400 official bathing spots nationwide – some of which are nestled within the most popular coastal areas in the country,” he said.

L’article UK blacklist of worst beaches for water quality drops as summer season hits est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Venice is considered an architectural chef d’oeuvre, recognised by UNESCO since 1987 for its outstanding universal value as a unique artistic masterpiece and complete medieval ensemble. Structures such as the former seat of power at the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) and St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), a Byzantine gem boasting over 8,000m² of mosaics, are known and beloved all over the world.

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The city is constructed on wood pilings that are sinking into mudflats, a perilous situation that is made worse by the threat of climate change. The latest research, led by scientists at the University of Salento, predicts the sea level could almost double to 81 cm by 2100.

7. "Acqua alta" is the name of a phenomenon which generally takes place in Venice during winter.

On November 12, 2019, Venice suffered its worst flooding since 1966.

The tide rose to 187cm, submerging over 80% of the city. pic.twitter.com/OgVdkXyc0u

— James Lucas (@JamesLucasIT) March 25, 2025

The paper puts forward suggestions for protecting the city from flooding, including some “unprecedented” approaches to safeguarding heritage and social fabric. Flood barriers are one option, encircling the lagoon with coastal dams is another, and a third involves dismantling key artefacts and taking them further inland to preserve them.

The city in fact already has a flood barrier in the shape of Mose, a system of 78 mobile floodgates installed around the lagoon at Lido, Malamocco, and Chioggia. It can withstand up to three metres of floodwaters and works by temporarily isolating the city at high tide.

The MOSE system in Venice, Italy, consists of underwater barriers that are elevated during high water levels to protect the city from flooding. pic.twitter.com/DpvLh2wbaQ

— The Pixie (@i_illuminated) September 24, 2025

But even with further flood protection measures in place, the researchers highlight that while material items might be able to be saved, it could prove harder to preserve the area’s “lagoon-based culture, traditional lifestyles and most economic activities” in the long-term. And on the economics, they estimate that a preservation effort such as the one they describe could cost up to €100 billion.

Worse, the solutions put in place by spending that sum “will not work forever,” according to Piero Lionello, the paper’s lead author. Speaking to The Times he anticipated that generations to follow will probably have to visit the flooded vestiges of Venice by diving or by submarine, because “the future appears unavoidable.”

L’article Venice could become underwater attraction in next 200 years, research says est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The warning comes as the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, has remained effectively closed for more than six weeks amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The strait typically handles around 20% of global oil and gas flows, making it a vital artery for jet fuel exports from the Gulf to international markets.

A fragile supply chain under pressure

According to the IEA, Europe relies heavily on the Middle East for its aviation fuel needs, with around 75% of its jet fuel imports traditionally coming from the region. With these supplies disrupted, European countries are now scrambling to secure alternative sources, notably from the United States and Nigeria.

However, the agency cautioned that even with a rapid increase in exports from these countries, replacement volumes may only cover just over half of the lost supply. If Europe fails to replace at least 50% of its Middle Eastern imports, “physical shortages may emerge at select airports, resulting in flight cancellations and reduced demand,” the IEA said in its latest oil market report.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, warned that the consequences could soon become visible to travellers. “In Europe, we have maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left,” he said, adding that continued disruption could lead to cancellations on certain routes between cities.

Rising costs and early disruption signals

The crisis has already sent jet fuel prices soaring. Benchmark European jet fuel prices reached a record €1,387 per tonne earlier this year, compared with around €627 before the conflict began. Fuel typically accounts for between 20% and 40% of airline operating costs, placing significant financial pressure on carriers.

Several airlines are beginning to feel the impact. easyJet reported an additional €29 million in fuel costs in March alone due to the crisis, despite having hedged a large share of its fuel in advance. Meanwhile, KLM announced it would cancel 160 European flights in the coming month, citing rising fuel costs, although it stressed that it is not currently facing a physical shortage.

Industry groups are also preparing for potential disruption. Airlines UK said it is in discussions with the government about possible support measures, including reducing regulatory burdens, should the situation deteriorate.

JUST IN: Global aviation fuel prices rise 66% to $4.69 per gallon due to Iran war. pic.twitter.com/tNfi1004wd

— BRICS Monitor (@BRICStracker) April 11, 2026

No shortages yet, but risks ahead

Despite the warnings, authorities maintain that there is currently no immediate shortage. The European Commission said there is “no evidence of fuel shortages” in the European Union at present, with crude oil supplies to refineries remaining stable. However, it acknowledged that supply pressures could emerge in the near future if disruptions continue.

Analysts suggest that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon, the effects will linger. Rebalancing global supply chains and restoring fuel flows could take several weeks, raising concerns ahead of the peak summer travel season.

“There could still be shortages in some areas of Europe,” said Amaar Khan of Argus Media, noting that major hubs such as Heathrow are likely to be prioritised over smaller airports.

A wider economic risk

Beyond aviation, the crisis could have broader implications for the global economy. The IEA has warned that prolonged disruption could push countries towards slower growth or even recession, driven by higher energy prices and supply constraints.

With more than 80 energy assets in the region reportedly damaged and recovery potentially taking months or even years, the outlook remains uncertain.

For now, Europe’s aviation sector is racing against time to secure alternative fuel supplies. Whether those efforts will be enough to avoid disruption during the busy summer months remains an open question.

L’article Could Europe run out of jet fuel in six weeks? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

“Costa Rica Blue was created out of the need to better understand our oceans and recognize their value,” said Adriana Acosta, Director of the essential COSTA RICA country brand. She explained: “We believe that knowledge is the first step toward protection, and this platform seeks precisely that: to bring this knowledge to more people—especially younger generations—through an accessible and interactive experience.”

The platform invites users to take part in an immersive introduction to Costa Rican waters, plunging them among the more than 7,000 marine species recorded in the country’s waters and providing information on each one and its ideal habitat, including details such as the water temperatures and pressures the creatures prefer. Key facts and figures about coral reefs and seamounts can also be discovered, as well as alerts on the risks of overfishing.

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¿A cuál nivel llegaste? Contanos Seguí explorando en nuestra plataforma interactiva Costa Rica Azul. #CostaRicaAzul #biodiversidadmarina #costarica #océanos

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Protecting the ocean is just as important for humans as is it for the creatures who live in it, since oceans generate more than 50% of the oxygen we breathe and absorb nearly 30% of the CO_₂ we produce. Costa Rica is on the front line of such environmentally vital work. It is already well known for its protection of forests, national parks, and land-based wildlife, but over 90% of Costa Rica’s territory is ocean; in fact, its marine territory is around 10 times larger than its land area and is home to approximately 3.5% of the world’s reported marine species.

“Costa Rica is a deeply blue country, yet we are not always fully aware of what that means,” Acosta noted, describing the platform as “an invitation to rediscover that richness, to reconnect with our oceans, and to understand that their protection is part of who we are as a country.”

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The Costa Rica Blue project was developed in partnership with the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), to fit well within the national education system. The resources work “in alignment with the Science and Biology curricula for students in lower and upper secondary education across different academic tracks. They serve as a complementary tool to strengthen classroom teaching and learning processes,” said Alfredo Ortega Cordero, Head of the Lower and Upper Secondary Education Department at the MEP Curriculum Development Directorate.

L’article Costa Rica launches Costa Rica Azul platform to protect its oceans est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Magicpen Bio founder, Dr Li Renhan, a PhD graduate of China Agricultural University, was inspired by the fireflies that used to light up his grandfather’s bamboo grove to explore whether genes and biological mechanisms could be transferred into plants, reports Euronews.

Some domestic gardeners’ favourites are among the plants that have been successfully modified, including chrysanthemums, orchids, and sunflowers, but if Li’s ambitions are met, the idea could have far wider uses, especially in urban planning, since Magicpen Bio is “dedicated to bringing this technology to cultural tourism and the nighttime economy. Imagine a valley filled with glowing plants in the dark, it would be like bringing the ‘Avatar’ world to Earth,” he says.

It is not hard to imagine existing plant-based attractions transformed by leafy illuminations, rejuvenating their appeal and extending their opening hours as evening draws in. In Belgium, the medieval central square of Brussels is already turned into a flower carpet every other year; lavender fields in France and Spain attract thousands of visitors, not to mention Japan’s world-famous cherry blossom season, or even rare superbloom years in deserts like Death Valley.

What’s more, as the world moves albeit haltingly towards climate targets, and energy resilience is heavily on the agenda, Li also anticipates the research could provide economical solutions for lighting in public spaces, pointing out: “We could also use them in urban parks without the need for electricity. These plants don’t need electricity. They only need water and fertiliser. They save energy, reduce emissions, and can light up cities at night.”

While some celebrate these developments as a way to reduce the costs and harsh glare of street lighting while boosting revenues from natural attractions, others might question the broader implications. Negative consequences could ensue in terms of disruption to natural circadian cycles and uncontrollable light pollution, due to uncertainties over how easy (or not) it would be to “turn off” lights that are coming from plants.

Mo Helmi, landscape artist and the founder of Tricoastal Scapes design studio, is a British designer based between London and Los Angeles. He told Travel Tomorrow that, “While this technology holds value in medical research and other scientific fields, it feels too early to define it as a truly sustainable design method,” since the “ecological risks alone are difficult to ignore.” He explains: “the potential for engineered genes to escape into wild plant populations introduces unknown consequences.” Bees, Helmi points out, “are diurnal; active during the day and resting at night, typically sleeping for five to eight hours. Solitary or male bees sleep on flowers and plants. Introducing artificial light risks interfering with deeply embedded behavioural patterns.” He also notes the risk of “disruption to mating signals in species such as fireflies, which rely on precise bioluminescent flash dialogues in darkness to reproduce.”

At the laboratory of Magicpen Bio in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Chinese researchers have successfully cultivated a number of gene-edited plants that steadily glimmer in dark environments. They managed to introduce gene fragments from organisms such as fireflies into… pic.twitter.com/H0n2LZyhAE

— Anhui China (@AnhuiChina) December 15, 2025

As well as these environmental and ethical concerns, there is a practical issue, Helmi says, because technically the plants produce “only low levels of light that fall short of functional use, while their biological stability over time remains uncertain outside controlled conditions.”

Still, the seeds of this science have already been sown. Magicpen Bio is, in fact, not the first in the field. In 2025, another Chinese team at South China Agricultural University injected phosphor particles into succulents, resulting in shorter-lived but brighter lights that can recharge via sunlight or LEDs, as published in Matter journal. And in the US, Light Bio has built on work by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers to produce what it claims are “the world’s first naturally glowing plants,” in the shape of so-called “Firefly Petunias” that use fungal genetics to illuminate indoor and outdoor nooks.

Bioluminescent plants then are already with us, and will likely be seen in installations and attractions coming soon, prompting questions, in Helmi’s words, over “whether urban nature should be engineered for spectacle, or protected in its existing, complex form. True sustainability”, he notes, “often lies in working with natural systems, not rewriting them.”

L’article Glow-in-the-dark plants could reshape urban lighting and tourism but raise eco concerns est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.