The Know Daily - Wednesday 25 February 2026

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Brits are set to enjoy 13 new wild swimming spots across the UK (including the first ever one in the River Thames). The government has opened up a six-week consultation programme where anyone can have their say about the plans. Anyway, we’re off to buy some new goggles! 🏊‍♀️

✈️ Airline emissions cuts

Scrapping business class and encouraging fuller flights could halve aviation emissions, a new study from the University of Oxford has found.

Tell me more.
The airline sector isn’t the biggest source of greenhouse gases, but it does have a climate impact. Aviation accounts for roughly 2–3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and when you include other effects, like the condensation trails they leave behind that trap heat, its overall contribution to warming is closer to 4%. That makes it a significant player in global warming discussions – and a tricky one, because passenger flights are expected to keep growing as global travel demand increases. 

What did the study find?
The researchers found that some routes release almost 30 times more carbon dioxide per passenger than the most efficient ones. Many of the least efficient flights start or land in the US, China, Germany and Japan where there’s often many smaller local airports to make journeys more convenient, but this means aircraft can be smaller and emptier. Long-haul flights are, on average, more efficient than shorter ones as take-off emissions only happen once and larger aircraft with more seats are typically used. 

What could be done about it?
Rather than calling for drastic cuts in airline travel, the study highlights practical changes that could make a big difference and potentially cut aviation emissions by 50–75% compared with today’s levels if combined:

• Fly the most efficient aircraft already in service: Newer models like the Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A321neo can save up to 34% on emissions compared to older planes.

• Increase how full planes are: Flying at 95% capacity with fewer empty seats by incentivising passengers could trim emissions by around 16%.

• Rethink cabin layouts: Premium seats take up lots of room but carry fewer passengers, being up to five times more carbon dioxide-intensive than economy seating. Operating aircraft at their maximum seating capacity by reducing business and first class space could cut emissions by up to 57%.

Is it realistic?
The researchers are careful to stress that some of these changes will take time and investment, and that operational shifts like higher passenger numbers depend on customer demand and pricing structures. There also needs to be more investment in sustainable fuels and emerging technologies, like electric and solar planes. The UK government is aiming for net-zero aviation by 2050 through their "Jet Zero Strategy", focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuels, airspace modernisation and new technologies.

What does it mean for you?
While you can’t control airline decisions and not everyone flies a premium class, there's a few things you can do, like taking fewer short hop flights, packing lighter and helping to balance your emissions by donating to carbon offsetting initiatives. Tools like Skyscanner are handy when booking your flights too, as it highlights the greenest option for your journey. Ultimately, it raises a bigger question of how much of the in-flight experience we’re all willing to compromise for environmental wins.

💸 The EU and UK have avoided facing higher US tariff rates following changes to President Donald Trump’s global trade measures.

• The bigger story: After a US Supreme Court ruling limited the admission’s ability to impose sweeping tariff increases, they moved to apply a 10% global tariff instead of higher country-specific rates. As a result, existing trade arrangements with the EU and UK aren’t looking at steeper duties. However, discussions are ongoing about how these revised tariffs will affect current trade agreements, and whether further adjustments could be made (so there could still be a few more U-turns to come).

📖 The International Booker Prize longlist has been announced! We’re in awe of all of them, but a couple of our faves include Small Comfort and The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran.

👩‍⚖️ More AI technology will be used by courts, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has said, as he confirmed fewer jury trials will be taking place.

🐬 Harbour porpoises produce fewer "buzzes" – the short sounds they use to feed and socialise – when boats are nearby, new research has found.

🇬🇷 Greece recorded a record high performance last year in both visitors and tourism revenues, according to new data.

💧 A Nobel laureate has invented a machine that can harvest water from dry air, potentially offering clean water if mainstream sources aren’t available.

🍽️ Foodies, rise up! A map of the 100 best restaurants in London for 2026 has just dropped and it's making our mouths water just looking at it. 

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Trivia answer: B) The King presented the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education to the university for its world-leading research unit dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.

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