The Know Daily - Wednesday 18 February 2026

_{Read in 4m 24s ∙ Listening to Myles Smith & Niall Horan ∙}

Five red-necked ostriches – known historically as the “camel bird” – have been reintroduced into Saudi Arabia more than 100 years after they disappeared from the region. Released into a protected reserve in the northwest, the towering birds are part of a wider effort to restore native wildlife. We’re cheering them on whilst they catch their stride on the sand again! 🥹

🧪 The UK's “forever chemicals” plan

The UK government has recently announced its strategy to clean up “forever chemicals” in the environment.

What are “forever chemicals”?
It’s the nickname for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), over 10k human-made chemicals used in everything from non-stick pans and waterproof jackets to food packaging and firefighting foam. They’re incredibly useful but also incredibly persistent. PFAS don’t break down easily in nature and can linger for hundreds (sometimes thousands) of years, which is why they’ve earned the “forever” label. Over time, PFAS can accumulate in soil, rivers, wildlife and our bodies, with some research suggesting around 99% of people globally have detectable PFAS in their blood. 

What’s the UK’s plan to tackle them?
The government’s first dedicated PFAS strategy is more of a long game than an overnight solution. The idea is to better understand the risks, reduce exposure and gradually limit use where necessary. Key points include:

• Working with regulators to assess which PFAS may need restrictions

• Increasing monitoring of PFAS levels in water, soil and wildlife

• Phasing out PFAS in firefighting foams where safe alternatives exist

• Supporting industries to transition to safer alternatives

• Improving how PFAS waste is handled and disposed of

• Cooperating internationally on chemicals management and standards

Is this part of a bigger shift?
Yep! Across Europe, regulators are considering sweeping restrictions on PFAS, potentially the broadest chemicals ban ever attempted. By August this year they’re expected to ban PFAS in food packaging and then in textiles and makeup in October, scaling up to other sectors from 2027. A study by the European Commission says Europe could spend €440bn on cleaning up the environmental and health impacts of PFAS by 2050. 

What’s the reaction been?
Environmental groups say the plan is long overdue and welcome the focus on monitoring and prevention. Scientists have also praised the acknowledgement that PFAS need managing as a group rather than one by one, something many argue is essential given how many exist.

That said, some experts say the plan could go further and faster, particularly on regulation and clear timelines. Others note that understanding exposure, especially through drinking water and food, still needs much more research. Plus, some industry groups warn that replacing PFAS quickly could be expensive, technically difficult or disruptive to supply chains. Regulators also face the practical challenge of the resource-intensive monitoring of thousands of chemicals.

Where does this leave us?
By improving monitoring, tightening controls and encouraging safer substitutes, the aim is to gradually reduce PFAS exposure without causing major disruption. If it works, the payoff could be significant: cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and fewer long-term risks for future generations. It’s not a quick fix but a step in a more sustainable direction.

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💳 Britain’s biggest banks are planning to create an alternative to Mastercard and Visa amid concerns of an over-reliance on the US economy.

• The bigger story: Up to 95% of card transactions made in the UK currently use systems owned by Mastercard or Visa, but the new system would allow UK banks to process card payments independently of US networks. Supporters say it could give consumers more choice and potentially lower costs, as well as reducing reliance on international payment systems.

👩🏻‍🎤 The UK’s Eurovision Song Contest entrant for this year has been announced. 

🎤 Reform UK has named the first four members of the party who will make up Nigel Farage’s frontbench team. 

🍵 A psychedelic drug found in brews used for shamanistic rituals in South America could help treat depression, doctors have said.

🧖‍♀️ Depuffing techniques have been all over the team’s socials recently – here’s what the experts have to say about them.  

🐘 An ancient bone found in southern Spain could belong to one of Hannibal’s legendary elephants, according to academics. 

☕️ A travel guide has selected the coolest place in the world to have a coffee. Anyone for a last-minute vacay?

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Trivia answer: B) 66% of respondents from the city said they had sex at least once a week, tying with Guadalajara and Sao Paulo to claim second place across the planet 👀

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