April 2025 - Page 3 of 13 - Disasters News

Apr262025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Sudden Swings in Temperature Hit Over 60% of Globe Since 1961, Study Warns of Escalation by 2100

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check

A new global study has found that more than 60% of the planet has likely experienced abrupt “temperature flips” rapid shifts between extreme heat and cold since 1961, with their frequency and intensity projected to increase significantly by the end of the century due to climate change. Published in Nature Communications, the research reveals how these sudden and intense weather swings unlike individual heatwaves or cold spells offer little time for humans, wildlife, and ecosystems to adapt. The impacts can be devastating, from health complications to crop failures and infrastructural stress. One such flip occurred in April 2021 in Europe where temperatures fell dramatically after an unusually warm spell, damaging crops due to frost. These rapid transitions pose risks to both huma...

Apr262025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Fossil Fuel Giants Linked to 1998 India Heatwave, Billions in Economic Damage Traced to Emissions

Breaking News, Climate Actions

A new study published in Nature reveals that five major fossil fuel companies Chevron, ExxonMobil, Saudi Aramco, Gazprom, and BP significantly intensified the 1998 heatwave in India, contributing to massive economic losses and highlighting the direct link between corporate emissions and extreme climate events. How Big Oil Fueled the 1998 Heatwave The 1998 heatwave in India, considered the deadliest in half a century, has now been scientifically linked to human-induced climate change. According to researchers from Dartmouth College in the US, emissions from five of the world’s largest oil and gas companies caused a measurable spike in temperatures increasing the intensity of the five hottest days during that period by 0.08°C. The study found that Chevron alone was responsible f...

Apr252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate Change Increases Disaster Risks Across Globe: Know More

Thoughts & Talks

2024 shattered global temperature records and with it came a surge in natural disasters across the United States. From blazing wildfires in California to catastrophic floods in North Carolina, the link between climate change and intensifying disasters is no longer hypothetical, it's painfully real. According to the latest IPCC report, the frequency and scale of extreme weather events have already exceeded previous predictions. Even if greenhouse gas emissions are curtailed now, disaster risks are locked in due to existing warming. Climate Change: A Growing Disaster Engine Over the past year, America has experienced the brutal reality of climate-driven disasters. These aren’t isolated events; they are interconnected crises, fueled by rising global temperatures, erratic rainfall p...

Apr252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heatwave Grips India: IMD Issues Yellow Alerts Amid Rising Temperatures

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh heatwave warnings for multiple parts of Northwest, Central, and Eastern India including Delhi NCR where temperatures are forecast to touch 43°C. A Western Disturbance may bring some rainfall to select northern areas, but intense heat continues to affect millions across the country. What Is a Heatwave and Why Is It Happening? A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, especially when compared to the usual climate of a region. According to the IMD, a heatwave is declared when the maximum temperature rises to 40°C or more in plains, 30°C in hilly areas, or when it is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal for two or more days. Causes of Heatwave High-pressure systems that trap hot air near the surface. ...

Apr252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Varkala Fragile Cliffs: Caught Between Tourism Dreams & Climate Reality

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check

Kerala popular coastal destination, Varkala, is under threat. While its dramatic cliffs and scenic beaches draw thousands of tourists every year, unregulated construction climate change, and weak enforcement are putting its unique geological landscape at serious risk. Environmentalists and scientists are sounding the alarm as erosion, drainage issues, and illegal infrastructure continue to weaken the fragile cliffs. Varvara’s Allure: A Cliffside Paradise Under Pressure From atop the North Cliff the beach below looks like a postcard. With golden sand and crashing waves, it’s no wonder Varkala has become one of Kerala’s top tourist destinations. The North Cliff buzzes with energy lined with nearly 250 shops eateries, and resorts. But this crowd-pleasing stretch also hides a dangero...

Apr252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heatwave Crisis Hits India: Vulnerable Communities, Economy Suffers

Opinions

Millions of lives and economy are at existential risk due escalating heatwaves in India and across the world. There has been a dramatic increase in the loss of working hours by 50 per cent due to heatwaves in India. What is the primary reason for the deteriorating situation? How can economies be made climate risk-proof? Climate change is this century’s biggest challenge that mankind is faced with as it lacks a concerted response against it. Even the international bodies such as the United Nations have warned that the world will break all records of global warming if we continue with the current response to climate change. It is no more a distant threat but an alarming reality that is killing economies, businesses and people at an unprecedented rate. Every weather and season has started ...

Apr252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

162 Killed in Just 6 Weeks Bihar, UP Worst Hit as Deaths Soar 184%

Breaking News, Disasters

At least 162 people lost their lives in lightning strikes across 12 Indian states between March and April 17, 2025 a shocking 184% jump from the same period last year. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh bore the brunt with April marking the deadliest lightning month in years. 184% Rise in Deaths Compared to 2024 According to data compiled by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Down to Earth (DTE), and state disaster management authorities this March–April period is the most fatal for lightning since 2022. Last year only 57 lightning-related deaths were reported in the same time frame. This year, April alone accounted for 142 deaths five times higher than April 2024. Bihar Epicentre of Lightning Catastrophe Bihar reported an unprecedented 99 lightning deaths 61% of the total...

Apr252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ghana’s Flooding Crisis: Bad Planning Drowns Cities, Kills Livelihood

Breaking News, Disasters

Flooding in Accra Ghana’s capital is worsening each year but it’s not only due to climate change. A new study by urban sustainability experts reveals that poor land use planning and weak regulation enforcement are the real culprits. As more wetlands are overtaken by construction and drains clogged with waste, urgent reforms are needed to protect the city from sinking under its own mismanagement. A growing flood problem in West Africa Urban flooding is becoming a critical issue across the global south. In 2024 alone, more than 4 million people were affected by floods in West and Central Africa. Ghana is among the hardest hit, with major cities like Accra and Kumasi facing annual flood damage. In response to this escalating problem, Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has set ...

Apr242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Severe Heatwave Sweeps Across India, IMD Sounds Alarm Bells

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Telangana & Northern States Critical Situation Under Scorching Heatwave IMD Sounds Orange Alert With mercury soaring past 44°C in many parts of the country India is in the grip of one of the harshest heatwaves this summer. Telangana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other states face intense heat, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue critical weather alerts and public health warnings. In a blazing turn of events a brutal heatwave has swept across Telangana and several other Indian states, pushing temperatures to dangerous highs. The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts in multiple regions warning residents to brace for extreme heat and take all necessary precautions. Telangana is among the hardest-hit with Nirmal recording 44.5°C the state highest so far this ...

Apr242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Green Dragon Awakens: China’s Clean Energy Surge Could Cut Emissions 30% by 2035

Breaking News, Climate Actions

China is on the brink of a climate breakthrough. If it continues its current pace of clean energy development, the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter could reduce emissions by 30% by 2035. With the right 2035 climate targets, China has the power to steer global climate efforts back on track and secure its place as a true environmental leader. China’s Climate Turning Point Amid growing global climate uncertainty, China has a chance to reaffirm its leadership by setting bold science backed climate goals. Experts say a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035, compared to 2023 levels, is within reach if policies align with current clean energy momentum. Power Sector from Coal to Clean The fastest gains can come from electricity. By maintaining its current pace, China could cu...