October 2024 - Disasters News

Oct302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Study Reveals Flaws in Climate Models: Future Permafrost Loss in Asia’s ‘Frozen Giants’ Less Severe Than Predicted

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In a groundbreaking study, scientists from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have exposed significant overestimations in climate models predicting permafrost loss in High Mountain Asia (HMA). Known for its vast frozen carbon reserves, HMA has been at the center of global climate concerns. However, the latest research reveals that by fine-tuning model sensitivity to align with realistic warming projections, the feared permafrost degradation may be significantly less severe than previously believed. The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, finds that previous climate models with overly high equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) levels have led to exaggerated warming predictions, distorting forecasts for permafrost loss across HMA. With ne...

Oct302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Summer Heatwaves and Climate Shifts Spark Deadly Rise in European Disease Outbreaks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

In the wake of the hottest summer on record, European scientists are sounding alarms over severe health risks associated with soaring temperatures and climate-induced shifts in disease patterns. A recent study by Spanish scientists revealed that more than 47,000 Europeans died unexpectedly due to extreme summer heat, predominantly affecting vulnerable populations like the elderly and outdoor workers. However, scientists warn that rising temperatures are also laying the groundwork for even more complex health challenges, as new research points to climate change’s role in increasing the spread of infectious diseases. This phenomenon occurs as rising temperatures and altered habitats enable disease-causing pathogens and their carriers to infiltrate regions they once couldn’t. For example, ...

Oct302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UN Report Record Greenhouse Gas Levels in 2023 Signal Dire Climate Warning

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Greenhouse gas concentrations soared to record levels in 2023, according to the United Nations, underscoring the urgency of climate action ahead of COP29 in Baku. The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed unprecedented increases in carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide levels, solidifying future temperature increases for decades. The WMO's Greenhouse Gas Bulletin highlighted that CO2 levels hit 420 parts per million, an 11.4% increase over 2004 levels and a staggering 51% above pre-industrial levels. This marks the twelfth consecutive year with a rise over two parts per million, propelled by substantial fossil fuel emissions over recent decades. Methane and nitrous oxide levels also surged to new highs, exacerbating the climate crisis. “Another year, anothe...

Oct282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi Air Crisis Deepens as Madhya Pradesh Leads Stubble Burning Cases, Surpassing Punjab and Haryana

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

As Delhi grapples with dangerously poor air quality, a recent study reveals that stubble burning a major contributor to pollution is escalating in states other than Punjab and Haryana. Data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) shows that Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of stubble burning cases last week, marking a worrying shift in air pollution sources affecting Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Emerges as Top Contributor For the week of October 19 to October 25, Madhya Pradesh registered 536 incidents of stubble burning, far exceeding Punjab’s 401 cases and Haryana’s 192. This emerging trend suggests that the problem of crop residue burning is shifting geographically, with Madhya Pradesh now on the forefront. Stubble burning contributes significantly to Delh...

Oct282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

How A Melting Iceberg Is Reshaping Marine Ecosystems

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In July 2017, a massive iceberg named A-68 broke free from Antarctica's Larsen C Ice Shelf in an event known as “calving,” launching a four-year journey across the Southern Ocean. Covering an area of over 2,200 square miles (5,698 square kilometers) more than twice the size of Luxembourg A-68 became the world’s largest iceberg adrift, capturing attention as it drifted north. As it traveled, A-68 encountered a critical breeding ground for threatened marine species near South Georgia Island, raising concerns. Geraint Tarling, a polar ecologist at the British Antarctic Survey, highlighted the rich marine ecosystem surrounding South Georgia, teeming with phytoplankton, krill, king penguins, and wandering albatrosses. Fortunately, A-68 narrowly avoided a direct collision with the island but ...

Oct262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Hauts-de-France Region Strengthens Climate Resilience Strategy with European Peer Review

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The Policy Learning Platform hosted a peer review in the Hauts-de-France Region to address their critical policy challenges in enhancing climate resilience, particularly against floods and droughts. Seeking expert insights, the region welcomed recommendations from peers across Europe on governance strategies, conflict mitigation between rural and urban areas, and the use of nature-based solutions. Key Topics Explored in the Peer Review: Governance Strategies: A long-term, strategic approach is essential, moving beyond reactive, event-based policies. Policies should be informed by science and expertise. Effective climate risk governance must be holistic, cutting across silos to involve all levels of government and stakeholders. Building collaborative networks with farmers a...

Oct262024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Hurricanes and Wildfires: How Storms Increase Fire Risk in Pine Forests and Beyond Warns NC State Expert

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Hurricanes often known for their powerful winds and rain, also create conditions that can increase wildfire risk, especially in regions populated by pine trees. According to Robert Scheller, a professor of forestry and environmental resources at NC State, hurricane-force winds can knock down trees and scatter needles, leaves, and branches, leaving behind “fuel” that can later ignite. Pine trees, common in areas like the southeastern U.S., pose a higher wildfire risk due to their flammable resin-filled needles, which decompose slowly, Scheller explained. After a storm, the abundance of dead pine needles and branches on the forest floor creates a phenomenon called fuel loading, where high amounts of combustible material in one area heighten the potential intensity of wildfires. For instan...

Oct252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclone Dana Hits India’s East Coast Massive Evacuations and Restoration Efforts Underway

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Cyclone Dana, which struck India’s eastern coast late Thursday night, brought heavy rains and fierce winds, impacting daily life in Odisha and West Bengal. With extensive civic disruptions, damage to crops, and uprooted trees, over 700,000 residents have been evacuated to shelters in anticipation of the cyclone’s severe effects. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised the state’s successful ‘Zero Casualty’ mission, confirming no fatalities were reported. Here's a concise update on Cyclone Dana’s impact and recovery efforts: •Cyclone Dana’s landfall started just after midnight and continued for nearly 10 hours, heavily impacting Odisha and West Bengal coasts. •In Odisha, close to 600,000 people were evacuated, including 6,000 pregnant women moved to health facilities. •Restor...

Oct252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UN Report World Stalls on 1.5°C Climate Target, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Surge in 2023

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

The latest United Nations report on climate action reveals alarming findings for 2023, showing that the world has made no progress in curbing temperature rise to the critical 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Instead, global greenhouse gas emissions rose by 1.3% compared to 2022, signaling a widening gap between current climate policies and the ambitious goals set under the Paris Agreement. The annual Emissions Gap Report 2024, published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), highlights that despite international pledges, there has been no significant shift in policy implementation to meet the 2030 nationally determined contributions (NDCs). These NDCs, updated every five years, are part of a global effort to limit warming to well below 2°C, with a strong push for the 1.5°C target. ...

Oct242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclone Dana Approaches Odisha and West Bengal: Heavy Rainfall and Evacuations Underway

Breaking News, Disasters

Cyclone Dana is inching closer to the coast of Odisha and West Bengal, bringing with it heavy rainfall and high-speed winds, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early Friday, with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph). The storm is currently positioned 280 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha) and 370 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal) as of Thursday morning. Several districts in both states, including Kolkata, are already experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall as the cyclone approaches. Heavy Rainfall and Wind Alerts The IMD has issued warnings of gale winds reaching speeds of 90-100 ...