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humans

Science

Human bodies produce 2 billion metric tons of CO2 a year just by staying alive

Humans collectively produce more than 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually just by turning food into energy, a 74% increase over three decades largely driven by population growth. Unlike fossil fuel emissions, however, the CO2 we exhale is part of the natural carbon cycle, and scientists say measuring it more accurately could improve climate models.

World

Scientists begin tests on human composting, an eco-friendly alternative to burials and cremation

Humans have caused irreversible changes to our planet in their time on Earth, pollution that continues even in death. Cremation relies heavily on fossil fuels, while traditional burials take up land. So is there a more eco-friendly way to honour our loved ones? French scientists are exploring the possibility of composting human bodies, a process that returns those who have died to the earth. Our Down to Earth team reports.