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

♬ original sound – distant elephant

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.

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.

“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

♬ sonido original – esencial Costa Rica OFICIAL

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.

Starting from Monday, 6 April, transport in and around the Irish capital and beyond, including cross-border routes between Eire and Northern Ireland, has been affected by slow-moving convoys of lorries, buses, and agricultural and construction industry vehicles. The protesters say they are at risk of going out of business due to oil shortages that have pushed fuel prices in the republic to about €2.14 a litre for diesel and €1.91 a litre for petrol.

International travel is also affected. Dublin Airport has warned that flyers should allow extra time for journeys to and from the hub, and Translink, a public transport operator of Metro, Glider, Goldliner, Ulsterbus, and NI Railways in Northern Ireland and cross-border travel, has likewise said its services are disrupted. Dublin Express coaches have been impacted, too.

In Dublin, access to O’Connell Bridge—an iconic central landmark that spans the River Liffey and connects the north and south sides of the city—has been blocked on both sides, causing gridlock in the centre and making it difficult to get to the city’s riverside quays, which offer scenic views and walks and are lined with visitor attractions such as the Custom House and the Irish Emigration Museum.

Ironically, around 50% of the country’s emergency fuel supply is inaccessible due to blockades on terminals and a refinery, Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartlan told RTÉ.

With some commentators calling for the Irish police, An Garda Síochána, to take action against the unauthorised demonstrations, spokespeople have described the protests as peaceful but “causing significant disruption.”

Government officials, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris, met with the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) on mid-week, and ministers are due to hold talks with protest representatives on 10 April.

Ireland is not the only nation affected. With oil prices up worldwide, and supplies of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG—a key clean transition fuel) stuck in the Gulf, green campaigners have highlighted the risk posed to global climate targets by the Middle East crisis. A suite of Asian countries has fallen back on coal production and stockpiling, and environmental lobby group T&E has urged governments to impose levies on excess profits by fuel companies to raise funds for energy resilience.

L’article Irish fuel protests cause significant travel disruption nationwide est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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The Ellinikon is designed as a “15-minute city”. This means that residents can access daily essentials such as schools, shops, workplaces, healthcare, and leisure within a short walk or bike ride. The development stretches along 3.5 kilometres of coastline and is set to include more than 8,000 homes, office spaces, hotels, retail areas, a marina, and one of the largest coastal parks in Europe. The former airport site, which had been largely unused and environmentally degraded, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use urban district with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. 

Smart and sustainable city features

The Ellinikon is planned as a smart city where digital systems support daily life and urban services. Smart technologies are integrated into buildings and infrastructure to improve energy and water efficiency. An underground power grid supports the use of renewable energy, while lighting systems adapt to activity levels to improve safety and reduce energy use. Water management systems reuse treated wastewater for irrigation in parks and green areas. A central digital platform and mobile application are intended to allow residents and visitors to access services and information across the district.

Mobility within the area is designed to be simple and low-impact. Shared bikes and e-bikes provide an alternative to car use and connect different parts of the development. Sensors, solar panels, and underground networks support the city’s infrastructure without disrupting daily life. Waste is managed at source, with materials reused where possible and organic waste converted into compost. These systems aim to reduce resource use and support long-term environmental goals.

Riviera and coastal living

The Ellinikon Riviera forms the coastal edge of the development. It includes a continuous 1 km public beach, along with walking paths, gardens, and open spaces. The waterfront is designed to be accessible, with areas for relaxation, sports, and social activities. Promenades and pedestrian links connect the coastline with the central park and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Residential developments are spread across the site, offering different types of housing. The Riviera Tower, a 200-metre residential building, will be one of the tallest in Greece and is located close to the waterfront. Other projects include The Cove Villas and The Cove Residences, which provide housing near the sea with direct access to the beach. Little Athens is a new neighbourhood with over 1,000 homes, located near the park and pedestrian areas, and supported by local shops and services. Additional residential complexes, such as Park Rise, Pavilion Terraces, Promenade Heights, Atrium Gardens, Trinity Gardens, and Sunset Groves, combine apartment living with shared green spaces and nearby retail. 

Hospitality, retail, and lifestyle

Several hospitality projects are planned across The Ellinikon. The Mandarin Oriental Athens will include a hotel and branded residences located along the waterfront. The Marina Hotel and Residences will offer additional accommodation near the marina, with direct access to restaurants, shops, and leisure areas.

Retail is concentrated in key areas across the development. The Riviera Galleria, designed by architect Kengo Kuma, will include shops, restaurants, and public spaces along the waterfront. The Ellinikon Mall, designed by Aedas Architects, is expected to become the largest shopping centre in Greece, combining retail with entertainment and leisure. Both destinations are designed as indoor-outdoor environments, with space for events and public use.

Health, education, and community facilities

Healthcare facilities will be located in the Ellinikon Health Park, which will provide services focused on treatment, recovery, and prevention. The site is positioned near major roads and public transport, making it accessible to residents and visitors.

Education is also part of the development. Plans include primary and secondary schools for both local and international students, as well as higher education facilities. These institutions are expected to accommodate several thousand students each year and are located close to sports and cultural areas.

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A strategic partnership between Purdue University and the University of Nicosia (UNIC Athens) will bring a Purdue Regional Office to the UNIC Athens campus at The Ellinikon, supporting collaborative research and academic programs in science and technology.

Parks, sports, and recreation

At the centre of the project is The Ellinikon Park, covering around 2 million square metres. It is set to become the largest green space in Athens and the largest coastal park in Europe. The park will include sports facilities, cultural venues, and areas for leisure and social activities. It is designed to be open and accessible, with space for both organised events and everyday use.

Within the park, the Sports Park will provide facilities for activities such as tennis, football, athletics, and swimming. It will be used by both the public and professional athletes. The Experience Park, already open, covers 75,000 square metres and is built around historic airport structures. It includes playgrounds, fitness areas, and green spaces, and introduces visitors to the broader development.

Why The Ellinikon matters

The Ellinikon follows a broader shift in how cities are planned and developed. It combines housing, workspaces, transport, and public space within a single, connected area. This approach responds to challenges faced by many European cities, including urban density, environmental pressure, and the need for more efficient use of space.

Beyond its urban design, the project is also expected to have a measurable impact on the Greek economy. Estimates linked to the development suggest it could support around 70,000 jobs, while generating significant public revenue over time. The project could contribute around 2.5% to Greece’s GDP and attract up to one million additional visitors each year once fully operational.

By redeveloping a large, unused site into a mixed-use district, the project shows how existing urban areas can be reused rather than expanded outward. Its focus on walkability, green space, and integrated infrastructure aligns with wider European efforts to create more sustainable and liveable cities. As work continues, The Ellinikon offers a clear example of how former infrastructure sites can be reimagined to meet the needs of future urban life.

L’article The Ellinikon: Europe’s new 15-minute Mediterranean city  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

“The award will increase the visibility and sustainability of creative tourism in Ljubljana, and create culturally rich experiences for visitors,” said Simeon Gönc from Visit Ljubljana.

The Creative Tourism Awards recognise destinations that place creativity at the centre of their tourism strategy. Judges look at how cities involve local communities, support cultural initiatives and offer visitors participatory experiences. Ljubljana impressed the jury with its vibrant creative sector, which includes artists, designers, architects, musicians and craftspeople. Their work helps shape the atmosphere of the city and contributes to its quality of life for both residents and travellers.

Creativity is visible in the way visitors can experience the city. One example is Center Rog, a creative hub located in a former bicycle factory near the Ljubljanica River. Instead of becoming a traditional museum, the building was transformed into a public space for crafts and design. Visitors can join hands-on workshops and learn traditional skills from experienced artisans working in the studios.

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Another major highlight is LUV Fest, a cultural event that celebrates love, art and creativity across the city. During the festival, Ljubljana hosts concerts, theatre and opera performances, dance shows, exhibitions and workshops. Streets, squares and public spaces become stages for artistic installations and cultural events. The programme also includes themed walks and social gatherings that connect visitors with the city’s creative community.

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Beyond specific events, Ljubljana is known for its cultural districts, which are neighbourhoods focused on art and creativity. Areas such as Šiška and Soteska host galleries, studios and festivals throughout the year. These districts help spread tourism beyond the historic centre and allow visitors to explore the city’s creative life in different neighbourhoods. Many of them combine art spaces with cafés, workshops and small venues where local creators present their work. This approach gives travellers a more authentic experience of the city and its everyday culture.

Ljubljana’s creativity also extends to urban planning and sustainable living. The city has prioritised pedestrians and cyclists over motorised traffic for over a decade, creating one of Europe’s most liveable capitals. Its 17-hectare pedestrian zone, extensive cycle network, and bike-sharing programme BicikeLJ make it easy for residents and visitors to explore the city in a green, active way. Measures like the closure of Slovenska cesta to cars, the addition of over 10,000 bicycle parking spaces, and regular cycling events have reduced carbon emissions and noise, while making public spaces more inviting and vibrant.

@destination_diva Most underrated capital in Europe? It might be. If you’re visiting Ljubljana, here’s what to prioritize: • Walk the old town and Triple Bridge • Take the funicular or hike to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views • Spend time along the Ljubljanica River • Have dinner at a 400 years old restaurant Gostilna Sokol for traditional Slovenian food Small city. Easy to explore. Perfect add-on to Lake Bled. Full 48 hour Slovenia mini guide coming next. Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana Slovenia, things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia travel guide, Gostilna Sokol, Slovenia itinerary, underrated European cities, 48 hours in Slovenia, Central Europe travel, Ljubljana castle. #beautifuldestinations #hiddengems #slovenia ♬ original sound – Destination_Diva

While creativity is at the heart of the city’s tourism strategy, Ljubljana also offers many classic attractions. The historic Old Town is located along the Ljubljanica River and is known for its colourful buildings, lively cafés and picturesque bridges. One of the most famous landmarks is the Dragon Bridge, decorated with four dragon statues that have become a symbol of the city. Visitors can also walk through squares and streets filled with baroque and medieval architecture, which gives the centre its distinctive atmosphere.

Nature is also never far away in Ljubljana. Tivoli Park, the largest green space in the city, offers wide walking paths, gardens and forested hills close to the centre. The park is part of a protected landscape area and is popular with locals who come here to relax, exercise or enjoy the outdoors. Its blend of nature and art installations reflects the same balance between culture and lifestyle that helped Ljubljana earn the title of Europe’s most creative city for 2026.

L’article Ljubljana named Europe’s most creative city for 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The largest of the Canary Islands autonomous community, situated in the Atlantic Ocean around 300 km off the coast of Morocco, West Africa, Tenerife is well-known as a winter sun destination for many in northern Europe. Over another record year for Spanish tourism, the archipelago welcomed 16.3 million foreign visitors (89%) in 2025, and recorded strong tourist spending of €23.2 billion, an increase of 3.9%, according to the islands’ Institute of Statistics (ISTAC).

However, Tenerife’s reputation has suffered amid criticism from the European Union Court of Justice in January 2026, with Spanish authorities slammed for uncontrolled urban wastewater discharges.

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What’s more, Ecologists in Action gave two Tenerife beaches “black flags” in its 2025 report, signalling “the most serious environmental impacts on the Spanish coast.”

The beaches in question were Playa Jardín, which was closed between 2024 and mid-2025 due to E coli contamination concerns and wastewater pollution caused by inadequate infrastructure. Puertito de Adeje was also condemned for “poor management” in the light of “luxury” housing development Cuna del Alma and an underwater garden project, which critics say pose a threat to endangered species.

The situation also endangers Tenerife’s position as a tourist Mecca and potentially puts its economy in jeopardy. Tourism accounts for one-in-four jobs there, employing over 237,000 people by the end of 2025. The Canarian Weekly has pointed out that coastal water quality is a huge issue for UK visitors, who make up the island’s largest source market for tourism.

@kate.and.dave.travel Most beautiful beach on Tenerife #travel #tenerife #foryou #decembervacation ♬ Still Don't Know My Name (From "Euphoria: Season 1" Soundtrack) – Labrinth

As a result, a plan estimated to be worth €81 million has been created, with the intention to modernise outdated wastewater networks, boost treatment capacity, prevent coastal discharges, and improve coordination between municipalities. Lope Afonso, Vice President of the Island Council, is calling for all local municipalities to pull together on the 2027–2030 Cooperation Plan and zero waste initiatives, in a bid to “project the island onto the national and international stage as a territory that controls its waste environmentally.”

Sonia Hernández, Tenerife’s Councillor for Municipal Cooperation, has backed the proposals, describing the draft plans as an “ambitious strategic document.” Meanwhile, the island’s Association of Friends of Nature is pushing for further transparency over the issue of coastal pollution and has demanded more “honest information” for visitors.

L’article Tenerife set to invest €81 million to clean up island’s coastline and reputation est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

What if the waste material produced when brewing beer could actually be used to make something else completely, something that could replace animal leather or its not-so-eco-friendly plastic alternatives? New Grain, a faux leather made by the British start-up Arda, does just that.

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The company has developed a method that transforms protein structures of spent grain from the beer and whisky industry into animal-like proteins, which can then be used to make a plastic-free faux leather. And while other alternatives, such as cellulose or mycelium-based leathers, have been available for some time, contrary to many, Arda doesn’t use any plastic binders or coatings to produce the material.

“We are one of extremely few solutions that have remained completely plastic-free. The interim class of materials [made to replace leather and synthetics] still ended up having to rely on adding different petrochemical or plastic binders or top coats to perform, and that’s kind of become the standard. We really don’t see that as a long-term solution, and neither do customers in textiles and fashion”, Arda commercial lead Camelia Hamdi-Cherif said in an interview with Dezeen.

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What’s next?

Based in the London neighbourhood of Bermondsey, the idea to combine the brewing and leather industry wasn’t a total coincidence. Historically, it was well-known as a leather tanning district, and nowadays, many breweries are located in the region. This gave Arda-founders Edward Mitchell and Brett Cotten the idea to experiment with the waste material, commonly used as animal feed.

During the process, plant proteins are unravelled into long, neat protein chains before being linked to each other to create a collagen-like substance. The procedure is not unlike the one used to create plant-based meat alternatives in the food industry. Once pigments have been added to obtain the right colour, the liquid is poured into a textured container in order to create the right pattern for the faux leather.

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As manufacturing New Grain uses waste materials, as well as existing equipment from the brewing and the polyurethane industry, Arda believes it could easily be made cost-competitive with animal and faux leather within three to four years.

The beer-based faux leather is currently in the demonstration phase. According to Arda, New Grain has a carbon footprint 97% lower than cow leather and 82% lower than synthetic leather. In theory, the material should be biodegradable once put on the market. The start-up has already established partnerships with beer company AB InBev and whisky company Diageo, ahead of a limited commercial launch somewhere over the course of 2026.

L’article London-based start-up transforms beer waste into plastic-free faux leather est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Water scarcity is a problem usually linked to hot and dry summer seasons, but in Cyprus, drought comes early in 2026. According to Europe’s Combined Drought Indicator, the nation is one of those struggling with dry weather conditions at the time of writing. A fact that is confirmed by  Eliana Tofa Christidou, head of the nation’s water development department, who says that dam inflows are at their lowest since hydrological records began in 1901.

While water levels at the Kouris reservoir – known for its usually-submerged but now-visible St Nicholas Church – are down to 12.2% of its capacity, Cyprus’ overall water storage is down to 13.7%. In February 2025, which was already a difficult year for the country’s water needs, this was still 26%.

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Multitude of measures

Given the circumstances, authorities in Cyprus are now asking all residents to cut their water use by 10%, which amounts to 2 minutes of uninterrupted running water. Moreover, the country has announced a package of emergency measures worth €31 million.

“Everyone has to reduce their consumption. Whether that is in the shower, brushing their teeth, or using a washing machine. Times are critical, and every drop now counts”, explained Eliana Tofa Christidou in an interview with The Guardian.

Within Europe, Cyprus might well be one of the regions most touched by climate change. According to data collected by the Mediterranean Growth Collective, temperatures in the country are rising 20% faster than the global average. Hot temperatures, combined with a 15% rainfall drop since 1901 and a 300% increased water needs due to tourism and a growing population, are creating dire circumstances.

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According to Eliana Tofa Christidou, the per capita water consumption can reach up to 500 litres per day due to the meteorological circumstances. As the mean per capita consumption of water in Europe amounts to ‘only’ 120 litres per person per day, authorities are now launching campaigns to reduce that amount to 140 litres per person per day.

The reuse of wastewater, water leakage interventions, irrigation limits, and a push for residents to invest in water-saving tap appliances are some of the other measures that are part of the current emergency plan of €31 million, while previous investments have already permitted the start of the installation of desalination units, aimed at turning seawater into freshwater. Some 14 are expected to be operational by the end of 2026, although ecological voices are warning of their potential to have a disruptive character on the island’s fauna and flora. 

L’article Water crisis in Cyprus raises concerns ahead of summer tourism surge est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.