Defra Science Notes
Written for non-technical audiences, the Defra Science Notes present the latest developments in topical science areas concerning Defra.
Latest science note
Carbon Capture and Storage - published 8 April 2008
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has the potential to signficantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere. This Defra Sciecne Note looks as the science behind these new techniques.
Previous science notes
Uncharted waters - published 13 December 2006
The latest note in a series on Defra's science on climate change explains how our water resources will be affected by climate change and examines the factors that affect its availability and distribution globally and in the UK.
Avian Influenza - published 22 March 2006
The fourth Defra Science Note answers some of the most common science questions about bird flu including what H5N1 means, why we are so worried about H5N1, whether we are experiencing a bird flu pandemic and what is the risk of a human flu pandemic.
Is the Gulf Stream weakening? -published 19 December 2005
Update that gives further details and implications of the research published in 'Nature' on 1 December with evidence that ocean currents related to the Gulf Stream may be weakening.
Sustainable Buildings - published 02 December 2005
Changing the way we work and do business is going to be essential if we're to do more with less and develop sustainably. The third science note in the series focuses on how science has been used to reduce Defra's impact on the environment, and the problems the building contractors faced in refurbishing a 1920's building with listed features.
How is Defra tackling climate change? - published 17 August 2005
The second in a series presents a snapshot of the science and technology Defra fund in order to tackle climate change. Changes to our climate will affect almost every aspect of how we live, from the type of food we grow and eat, to the wildlife that surrounds us. It's an important area for the department - in 2004-05, we spent more than £15.6 million on research, from funding the Hadley Centre who analyse the trends in our climate system, to studying the effects of changing temperatures and rainfall on the tourism industry.
Nanoscience and the Environment - published 15 March 2005
Nanotechnology is a new and fast developing area of science, which will ultimately impact on all our lives and on our environment. But did you know that nanotechnology is already used in self-cleaning windows? Or that future research on nanoparticles will include converting pollutants to less harmful chemicals?
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last modified: 8 April 2008
Page published: 8 April 2008