A recent study develops a framework for implementing IAMs using the Lombardy region of Italy as a case study. Researchers have run an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis with an environmental model, specifically with an Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) for air quality, demonstrating how model components are sources of uncertainty in the output of an integrated assessment. Policy responses should therefore consider uncertainty and sensitivity when developing measures to improve air quality.

A new study has, for the first time, estimated total anthropogenic releases of mercury over the last 4 000 years, up to 2010. Overall, the study estimates that a total of 1 540 000 tonnes of mercury have been released; three-quarters of this since 1850, and 78 times more than was released through natural causes over this period. Therefore, human activity has been responsible for a significant level of contamination, and this inventory can be used to inform and assess mitigation measures. The publication coincides with the ratification of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the new EU Mercury Regulation1, which prohibits the export, import and manufacturing of mercury-added products, among other measures.

Researchers have assessed the phyto-toxic effects of copper nanoparticles on vegetables grown within urban gardens, comparing increasing doses of these nanoparticles to simulate potential aerial deposition to extreme pollution of CuO-NP in a range of increasing exposure periods. Lettuce and cabbage absorbed high amounts of copper nanoparticles, after 15 days of exposure, which interfered with photosynthesis, respiration and also reduced growth. Under the specific exposure conditions of the study the researchers indicate that metal nanoparticles could lead to potential health risks to humans from the contamination of crops from pollution.

Air pollution via small particulate matter (PM) from diesel fumes and other sources is of growing concern in urban areas, and contributes to poor air quality. In European urban areas, PM pollution often exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) safe levels for human wellbeing. In response to this, the European Commission has encouraged researchers to develop a low-cost, sustainable material that captures these particles in order to clean the air1. This study created a new PM capture material using sustainable chemical processes where the carbon footprint and energy use of the production process of the remediation material is taken into account. The newly developed porous material is called ‘SUNSPACE’ (an acronym derived from ‘(SUstaiNable materials Synthesized from By-products and Alginates for Clean air and better Environment’).

Air quality standards worldwide are facing increasing scrutiny as countries struggle to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) air-quality guidelines (AQGs), particularly regarding ozone (O₃) and particulate matter (pollutant particles with diameters of less than 10 or 2.5 micrometres — PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 respectively). A new study aimed to evaluate whether WHO guidelines are being met in Europe; the researchers focused on Portugal, using recent data alongside climate change and background air pollution predictions. At present, Portugal frequently exceeds legislated values for ozone and PM₁₀.

Assessments of the effects on organisms likely to come into contact with genetically modified (GM) plants have been reviewed in a recent study. The researchers say such assessments help to understand the potential ecological impacts within the environment and are an important part of the risk assessments for GM plants.

One of the greatest challenges facing today’s environmental policymakers is how to deal with complex risks, such as those associated with climate change. These risks are difficult to deal with because they are not precisely calculable in advance. Where there is scientific uncertainty about the full extent of possible harms but ‘doing nothing’ is also risky, decision-makers may use the precautionary principle. This Future Brief explores the role of the precautionary principle in EU law and policy, and examines key points of discussion drawn from the evidence.

Biogas production from waste and manure has the potential to make a contribution to environmental, energy and climate policy objectives. However, farmer engagement has remained persistently low. A new study, involving 461 Danish farmers, has investigated their willingness to participate in collective biogas investment (where two or more farmers collectively own a biogas plant). The study suggests that the majority of farmers are willing to participate in partnership-based biogas investment (PBI) and identifies the main factors driving willingness to participate and the intensity of participation. These findings are relevant to policymaking aimed at increasing biogas production and stakeholder engagement.

How do you turn a problem into an opportunity? When looking for innovative ways to increase the reach and impact of an annual global event, while reducing travel costs, Andres Bulto talked to BT.

An infrastructure offering high levels of quality and flexibility was required as a platform for a new system. Buying or renting new servers – and connecting and configuring them in short timescales – would be an expensive and challenging task. The IMV technical team turned to BT and asked whether it would be possible to set up the system in a virtual environment .

Every year some of the world’s best young musicians would jet into London to audition for a bursary with the Southbank Sinfonia. Simon Over wanted to cut down on those thousands of air miles and hours in transit. He also didn’t want to miss out on youngsters who couldn’t afford the fare.

As part of the county’s response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, view Parks, Recreation and Community Services closures and operating status information.

Taxpayers can pay online, by phone, by check, or in person.

This week, Myke quizzes Grey about the devices he uses to get his work done, and Grey gets very disappointed about how Myke arranges his iPhone.

This time, Grey and Myke answer questions from listeners, while addressing topics like the utility of the iPad, notification badges, and whether you should have a web browser on your phone.

After trying to find ways to deal with unbearable heat, Grey and Myke discuss how they like to spend their time away from work, and put the 'Great Perspective Zoom Debate' to rest.

More on email! Grey talks about some big changes in his personal email system, and Myke shares his top-tips for avoiding the email you don't want to deal with. Finally, Grey talks about his impressions of using the iOS 9 public beta.

This week Grey and Myke talk about how they deal with travelling, before answering important questions like; 'what Coffee does Grey drink?', 'what advice would you give for someone that wants to be self employed?', and 'Kirk or Picard?'.

This time Grey has a Home screen disaster and Myke admits how he plays Prison Architect, before going on to talk about writing scripts for Youtube videos, and their thoughts on outlining and mind mapping.

This time Grey and Myke tackle various ways to get audiobooks in to Overcast, discuss the creation of _Alphabet_, and cover the tools and processes Grey uses to create the animation for his videos.

This week Grey and Myke get *very* excited about their new computer mice, before sharing more of their views on if it's easier to become an internet personality today, and what you need to do to get there.

Grey describes the 'Rule of Two', Myke wants to know how the 'UK explained' video became a success, and they both discuss Netflix's hiring policies, branding, and ASMR videos.

Myke is jet-lagged, but Grey wants to know all about XOXO. Grey is intrigued about the iPad Pro, and Myke wants to talk about iOS 9. Grey shares a theory about the 16GB iPhone, Myke listens.

Myke makes judgments about Grey's musical choices, Grey explains how he is working with his personal assistant to manage email, and they both lament the current state of email apps.

Myke explains beard oil, Grey mourns the loss of his iMac, and they both discuss the moral minefield of ad blocking.

Myke makes an official statement, Grey drives a truck across Europe, and they both discuss sharing responsibilities in their business.

Grey comes back to the internet, Myke is thinking about New Year's Resolutions, and they both answer some #AskCortex questions.

Grey wants to do less, Myke has a new toy, and they both read _The E-Myth Revisited_.

Myke is sick, Grey hits two million YouTube subscribers, and they are both very upset about Apple Pencil support in iOS 9.3.

Grey went on another 'Workcation', Myke just wants to share, and they both have more to say about the Apple Pencil.

Myke stayed up too late, Grey shares his calendaring philosophy, and they are both relieved about a change of course.

Myke is ruined, Grey (maybe) gets an office, and they both read Creativity Inc.

Grey suffers with RSI problems, Myke bought an iPad, and they both go trucking across America.

Myke fixes problems, Grey automates his to-do list, and they both discuss hiring people.

Grey has opened up job applications, Myke is intrigued by Dvorak keyboards and they both get sucked in to _yet another_ new email app.

Grey got through the video submissions, Myke keeps the wheel turning, and they both celebrate a special occasion.

Grey buys a travel computer, Myke keeps making new podcasts, and they both discuss collaborating with others.

Myke holds an event, Grey experiences open offices, and they both had a VR experience.

Grey has finished conferencing, Myke's ready to give advice, and they both are upset with Evernote.

Grey got help with animation, Myke imagines trucking in VR, and they both get distracted by keyboards with rainbow LEDs.

Grey wants more vacations, Myke gets overwhelmed, and they both learn to work better together.

Myke deals with disruptions, Grey had a successful summer, and they both discover the world's largest Youtuber.

Grey's productivity is being disrupted, Myke is giving in to the tropes of Youtube, and they both played PewDiePie's Tuber Simulator.

Grey finally finished a big project, Myke bought a ticket to Vidcon, and they are both very excited about a piece of paper.

Myke is dealing with house renovations, Grey is making lots of videos, and they both answer some questions about how this show is made.

Grey heard a pop, Myke went to Ikea, and they both are frustrated with notifications.

Myke discovered his ranking, Grey will not switch, and they both answer #askcortex questions before the Cortexmas season begins.

Myke has started tracking his work time, Grey has started tracking all time, and they both talk about their themes for 2017.

Grey talks about the past few months, Myke is thinking about graphs, and they both provide more thoughts on time tracking.