New issue: Chill out, Earth

New issue: Chill out, Earth

The last 10 years on Earth have been the hottest since records began. To make matters worse, 2024 was the first calendar year that was, on average, 1.5°C warmer than the pre-industrial era. This will come as no surprise to anyone who follows the news. Summer is now synonymous with heatwaves, droughts and wildfires. But the numbers were confirmed at the start of the year in a report published by the World Meteorological Organization – a ringing alarm for those who can influence society’s carbon emissions. There were smidgens of hope in the report. One of the factors at play was El Niño, an enormous weather pattern that was particularly active over the last two years, functioning like bellows to a scorching planet. Plus, CO2 emissions, despite reaching a record level in 2024, have plateaued over the last decade. Though that modest achievement, most analysts would agree, won’t be enough. The carbon needle needs to move the other way, and fast. Trail-blazing climate action is needed, but exactly what form that action could take is one of the questions being asked by ARIA, the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency. In this issue, we explore the ambitious projects aiming to cool the planet.

Holly Spanner

The front cover of issue 421 of BBC Science Focus magazine

Intrusive thoughts

Disturbing thoughts pop into all of our heads now and then, but what happens if you're struggling to let those thoughts go? Here's how to handle them and calm your mind.

Dogs vs Babies

In recent years, more and more of us are choosing to parent pooches instead of having children. So when it comes to happiness, what’s better: owning a dog or raising a child?

World-ending asteroids

Meet the scientists, astronomers and mathematicians who watch the skies 24/7, keeping watch for deadly world-ending asteroids.

Aloneliness

Aloneliness is the concept that encompasses the negative feelings we feel when we don't get enough time to ourselves. Socialising is important, but getting some valuable alone time could be the key to unlocking lower stress levels.

Plus

  • Removing fluoride from US water supplies: US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has told the CDC to stop recommending water fluoridation, but dental experts are concerned about the impact this will have on oral health. We break down the facts.
  • Cyborg tech: A future where humans can lift incredible weights, see in the dark and fly sounds far-fetched, but actually... it’s already here. Here is the best 'cyborg tech' soon to be commercially available.
  • Q&A: Your questions answered! This month: Can animals get drunk? What's the best way to use a defibrillator? What is a tufted ground squirrel? How much will exercise actually control my blood pressure? What if we built a super-collider around the Moon? What's the best position to sleep in? How can I beat compassion fatigue? Are there any other Stonehenges? And more...

Issue 421 on sale Tuesday 8 July 2025

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Holly Spanner

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.

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