Fungi's role in environmental cleanup and construction innovation

In Cleveland, a novel approach harnesses fungi's power to address pollution and housing crises.

Nick Hilden reports for the BBC.


In short:

  • Scientists explore fungi to decompose toxic waste from abandoned homes, transforming it into construction materials.
  • The process creates "mycoblocks," a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials, stronger than concrete.
  • This initiative not only tackles waste management but also aims at reducing carbon emissions significantly.

Key quote:

"I think mycelium will be the unsung hero of climate change."

— Joanne Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Mycocycle

Why this matters:

Scientists and environmentalists are exploring innovative uses of fungi to tackle various waste challenges, from breaking down plastics to transforming agricultural byproducts into valuable commodities.

A 2021 study highlighted the relationship between seasonal climate variability and soil microbial communities.

A view of a cellphone with the Meta logo on it with the facebook logo on the wall behind it

Oil companies spent over $2 million on Meta ads in the lead-up to the midterms

A look at Meta’s social issues advertising database shows that Shell, Exxon, and Chevron have long outspent environmental groups.

A view from Portland, Oregon of a bridge with a big mountain in the background

Oregon judge allows Multnomah County climate lawsuit against fossil fuel giants to advance

Gas companies sought to have the climate case dismissed, saying state governments don't have the power to regulate their interstate pollution.
A green hillside with rice fields in terraced rows

How this year's Super El Niño will worsen global hunger

Coming as countries slash foreign aid and war chokes supplies of energy and fertilizer, a monster El Niño could leave millions more people in vulnerable countries without enough to eat.

A view of a large ocean wave breaking

Why the blue wave brings new hope for clean energy

While affordability and inflation were top of mind for voters, midterm results will also affect climate policy at virtually every level of government.

A view of an offshore drilling platform with the sun setting in the background

Australia designates seabed site to store carbon pollution

The Australian government has designated a seabed storage site off its northern coast where a Japanese company plans to store hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide using a technology that has divided climate scientists.
Two teens walking down the hallway of a school

Teens say they’re concerned about climate change — but also don’t know much about it

Educators have noticed a disconnect between teenagers' fear of climate change and their understanding of its effects.
3D illustration depicting Turkey solar and wind energy
Credit: Anton_Medvedev/BigStock Photo ID: 374866861

Turkey highlights its push toward solar power as host of COP31

The country is expanding solar and wind power, but critics point out its continued reliance on coal.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.