Environment - World Visualized

What shapes the number of hospitals beds in a country?

The availability of hospitals in a nation is influenced by a mix of geographic, economic, and healthcare factors. Here’s a closer look at the trends shaping hospital distribution worldwide based on data from the World Bank.

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Why a handful of islands have the world’s cleanest air

The air quality ranking isn’t led by vast industrial economies but by tiny island territories with clean skies and windswept coastlines.

Global forest crisis: Laos leads in tree-cover loss

The world is losing its forests at an alarming rate, and a striking new visualisation shows just how severe the problem has become. Laos now leads the globe in tree-cover loss, with 16.82% of its forests disappearing, followed by Sweden (11.76%) and Bolivia (11.00%).

The world's oldest trees over 3,000 years old

Long before human civilisation took root, some of Earth’s most ancient inhabitants were quietly securing themselves into the soil, not animals, but trees.

The Earth we live on is far from a solid, uniform mass. Instead, it’s an intricate structure with layers that vary in thickness, composition, and extreme temperatures.

Indonesia and Australia lead the world in coral reef coverage

Indonesia and Australia are home to the world’s largest coral reef areas, underscoring the critical environmental importance of the Indo-Pacific region as marine ecosystems face growing threats from climate change, pollution and overfishing.

The world's tallest sea cliffs: Nature’s towering marvels

From dramatic coastlines to plunging drops into the sea, the world’s tallest sea cliffs are geological wonders that captivate explorers, climbers, and photographers alike. Topping this awe-inspiring list is Mitre Peak in New Zealand, standing at a staggering 1,683 meters. Towering over Milford Sound, this iconic peak is often shrouded in mist, enhancing its mystical presence and allure.

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Asian cities face rising heat and water stress by 2050

Several major Asian cities are projected to experience significantly hotter and drier climates by 2050, according to climate projections referenced by researchers associated with ETH Zurich and findings published in Nature Climate Change, raising concerns over water security, urban heat and public health across the region.

Main Points

Nuclear leads EU power mixNuclear leads EU power mix

Nuclear energy remains the single largest source of electricity in the European Union. Still, rapid growth in wind and solar is reshaping the bloc’s energy mix, marking a decisive shift toward low-carbon power, according to recent industry and institutional data.

Global carbon dioxide emissions have surged to unprecedented levels, climbing from just a few million tonnes in the 18th century to more than 38 billion tonnes today, according to the latest Global Carbon Budget 2025.

When you pick up a simple cotton T-shirt, you probably don’t think about water. But behind that soft, everyday fabric is surprisingly 2,700 litres of fresh water.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically vital oil shipping lanes, continues to dominate global energy security concerns, with the bulk of crude oil and liquefied natural gas flowing from a small group of Gulf producers, according to recent visual data and reporting by The New York Times.

Africa’s highest capitals: How altitude shapes life from Addis Ababa to Kampala

From the Ethiopian highlands to the rolling hills of East Africa, elevation is quietly shaping how millions live, work and build their cities.

Snow in Africa? Nine countries where winter bites

Across a continent more often associated with heat and arid landscapes, snowfall in Africa remains one of its lesser-known climate realities. Yet, from the Atlas Mountains in the north to the highlands of East Africa and the southern peaks of Lesotho, snow is not only possible, but it is also seasonal.

China’s rare earth dominance raises alarm over global supply vulnerabilities

China holds the largest share of known rare earth reserves globally, estimated at around 44 million tonnes, according to data aligned with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025.

Washing clothes after every wear may feel like good hygiene, but experts say many people are overdoing it, with consequences not just for their wardrobes, but for the environment.

Brazil, Russia lead global freshwater reserves as water stress rises worldwide

Brazil holds the largest share of the world’s renewable freshwater resources, followed by Russia, highlighting a stark imbalance in global water distribution at a time when water scarcity is becoming an increasing concern for policymakers.

Mexico remains the world’s largest silver producer based on the latest available full-year data, with global mine supply totalling roughly 820 million ounces, according to the World Silver Survey 2024 published by the Silver Institute.

Copper is a critical metal for modern infrastructure, from renewable energy systems and electric vehicles to telecommunications and construction, and Chile holds far more copper beneath its soil than any other country, according to the latest figures on global mineral reserves.