Thematische Beobachtung
Biological particles may be crucial for inducing heavy rain
EPFL atmospheric and climate scientists show that biological particles may induce rain events that could contribute to flooding and snowstorms, owing to their ability to precipitate ice formation in clouds. They call for an update of meteorological and climate models. Clouds form upon existing particles in the atmosphere, and extreme weather events like flooding and snowstorms are related to production
US EPA adds new PFAS remediation measures
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tackling contamination by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with a suite of new measures, including making polluters pay and appointing an official whose sole job is to lead on these efforts. Is the Trump administration getting tougher on PFAS? The measures build on the EPA’s announcements made during the Biden administration, and follow
French authorities order Nestlé to remove its filtration system
On Wednesday, the Gard prefecture in the south of France served a formal notice to Nestlé Waters, a subsidiary of the Swiss food giant, to remove its microfiltration system from its Perrier mineral water at Vergèze within two months. Nestlé Waters says it will comply. This content was published on May 8, 2025 – 10:13 At the same time, the
Water chemist Urs von Gunten retires
Professor Urs von Gunten is one of the world’s best-known scientists when it comes to the treatment of drinking water, in particular oxidation and disinfection processes. He has been conducting research at Eawag since 1989, with interruptions; from 2006 he was a titular professor at ETHZ, and from 2011 a full professor at EPFL. Now he is retiring. He retains
The United Nations World Water Development Report 2025
For billions of people, mountain meltwater is essential for drinking water and sanitation, food and energy security, and the integrity of the environment. IBut today, as the world warms, glaciers are melting faster than ever, making the water cycle more unpredictable and extreme. And because of glacial retreat, floods, droughts, landslides and sea-level rise are intensifying, with devastating consequences for
Gründächer und Teiche vernetzt denken und gestalten
Um die Biodiversität im Wasser und an Land zu erhalten, braucht es ökologisch hochwertige Naturflächen, die miteinander vernetzt sind. Doch besonders im Siedlungsgebiet fehlt oft die dafür notwendige Zusammenarbeit zwischen verschiedenen Akteuren. Das zeigt eine neue Studie im Rahmen der Forschungsinitiative «blau-grüne Biodiversität». Tiere, Pflanzen und andere Lebewesen finden immer weniger intakte Lebensräume – auch in der Schweiz. Zwar gibt