November 2024 - Page 2 of 7

Nov252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global Cities Fail to Meet Tree Canopy Goals Despite Abundance of Trees

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

New research has revealed that most global cities, including Melbourne and Sydney, lack adequate tree canopy coverage, even though trees are abundant in urban landscapes. The study, published in Nature Communications, measured over 2.5 million buildings across eight cities using the '3-30-300' rule, a benchmark for sustainable urban nature access. Melbourne and Sydney Fall Short The study found that only 3% of buildings in Melbourne's inner suburbs had sufficient canopy cover, despite 44% of buildings having views of at least three trees. Central Sydney performed slightly better, with 17% of buildings shaded adequately, though 84% of buildings had views of three or more trees. Lead researcher Dr. Thami Croeser from the Centre for Urban Research said urgent action is needed to incr...

Nov232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan and UNDP Join Hands to Build Disaster-Resilient Evacuation Centers in Laos

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Vientiane, November 24, 2024: The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered to construct 12 state-of-the-art evacuation centers in the disaster-prone provinces of Khammouane, Salavan, and Champasack in Laos over the next three years. The initiative, valued at $3.8 million, aims to enhance disaster resilience and foster a culture of preparedness in the region. At the signing ceremony, H.E. Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, Japan's Ambassador to Laos, emphasized the importance of the project: "This initiative not only ensures safety during emergencies but also promotes disaster awareness and preparedness. Japan remains committed to strengthening Laos' resilience as a strategic partner." A Lifeline for Vulnerable Communities The Strengthening Disast...

Nov232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Finds Global Cities Falling Short on Tree Canopy Cover for Urban Health

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

New research analyzing access to urban greenery across eight major global cities, including Melbourne and Sydney, reveals alarming gaps in tree canopy cover, despite the presence of visible trees. The study, published in Nature Communications, applies the ‘3-30-300’ rule, a sustainable cities benchmark, to evaluate urban nature access and its benefits. The '3-30-300' Rule Explained The rule, developed by Dutch urban forestry expert Professor Cecil Konijnendijk, suggests every home, school, and workplace should: Have a view of at least three trees. Be in a neighborhood with 30% tree canopy cover. Be within 300 meters of a park. While most buildings in the study met the "three trees" requirement, almost all cities fell short of the 30% canopy cover benchmark. Key Findi...

Nov222024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Microplastics Found in Clogged Arteries Linked to Increased Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments that infiltrate human tissues, have been detected in arterial plaques, raising significant concerns about cardiovascular health. A groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine explores the association between microplastics in fat-clogged arteries and increased risks of stroke, heart attacks, and death. Led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania, Naples, the study analyzed fatty deposits removed from 257 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to reduce stroke risk. Key findings include: Microplastics Presence: Nearly 60% of the plaques contained polyethylene, commonly found in plastic bags and bottles. Additionally, 12% contained polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in pipes, flooring,...

Nov222024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Solar Orbiter Captures Most Detailed Images of the Sun Yet

Breaking News, Learning & Developments, Space

From a staggering distance of 74 million kilometers, the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter has delivered breathtaking new images of the Sun, showcasing unprecedented details of our closest star. Despite the vast distance, the Orbiter's advanced instruments have captured some of the highest-resolution images ever taken, shedding light on the Sun's magnetic and plasma dynamics. Launched in 2020, the Solar Orbiter is on a mission to unravel the Sun's mysteries, from its solar wind to the complex behavior of its magnetic field and dynamic eruptions like solar flares. Among its objectives is producing detailed, high-resolution imagery of the Sun's surface, a feat it accomplishes using cutting-edge instruments: Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (PHI): A German contribution capturing the Sun's ma...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Stubble Burning and Pollution: ICAR Warns of Irreparable Damage to Soil and Air Quality

Breaking News, Environment

As Delhi continues to choke under hazardous air pollution senior scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have raised alarms about the dual damage caused by stubble burning—not only polluting the air but also depleting vital soil nutrients. Nutrient Loss and Soil Degradation ICAR scientists revealed that burning one tonne of paddy stubble results in a significant loss of soil nutrients, including: 12-13 kg of phosphorus 35 kg of potassium 20 kg of nitrogen Of these, nitrogen is completely lost, while phosphorus is partially recoverable. ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak emphasized that stubble burning harms both the environment and agricultural productivity, stating, “In any form, stubble should not be burnt as it harms everyone.” Rising P...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tamil Nadu Declares Extreme Heat a State-Specific Disaster: A Welcome Move with Caveats

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

In a significant step towards tackling the growing threats of climate change, the Tamil Nadu government officially notified extreme heat as a State-specific disaster in October. This decision broadens the scope of institutional mechanisms to protect those at risk of heat-related health issues or fatalities, offering a safety net for citizens during deadly heatwaves. However, while the move reflects foresight in addressing climate-induced risks, there are critical aspects that warrant closer scrutiny. Expanded Welfare Responsibilities By recognizing extreme heat as a disaster, Tamil Nadu takes on the responsibility to mitigate its effects, aligning with the broader mandate of public welfare. The notification includes proactive measures such as ensuring access to medical care, provi...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Sawmill Sink: A Time Capsule of The Bahamas’ Ancient Past

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

Nestled on Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas, Sawmill Sink a mysterious blue hole has revealed an extraordinary trove of fossils that shed light on the island’s ancient history. For over a decade, beginning in 2005, researchers plunged into the perilous depths of this natural wonder, uncovering secrets from a world long vanished. "This was probably the most important site I'd ever had a chance to get involved with," said David Steadman, curator emeritus at the Florida Museum of Natural History. However, these groundbreaking explorations came to a halt five years ago when a devastating hurricane wreaked havoc on Great Abaco, disrupting the fossil collection efforts and leaving the remaining treasures submerged, possibly forever. Formation of Sawmill Sink Sawmill Sink, like other...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

The Hidden Danger of Asbestos in Everyday Products

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check, Learning & Developments

Asbestos widely used for its heat resistance and durability, has a dark legacy as a carcinogen responsible for mesothelioma, an aggressive and incurable cancer. Its use spanned diverse applications, from construction materials to the fake snow in classic films like The Wizard of Oz and White Christmas. Despite its hazards, asbestos wasn't banned in the UK until 1999, decades after its dangers were established. Today, concerns about asbestos persist not in construction but in cosmetics. Investigations have revealed traces of asbestos in some talc-based products, raising fresh alarms about its hidden risks in everyday items. How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Asbestos is a group of six fibrous minerals, including chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos), that can fr...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Can Cloud Seeding Help Delhi Breathe Cleaner Air?

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

Delhi is grappling with its annual air pollution crisis, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the “severe plus” category, consistently above 450. In response, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in deploying cloud seeding a controversial technique to induce artificial rain and potentially reduce pollution levels. What is Cloud Seeding? Cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain, involves dispersing substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds to stimulate precipitation. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets form, potentially triggering rainfall. The process can be carried out via aircraft, rockets, or ground-based generators. In theory, the rainfall generated could "wa...