Breaking News Archives - Page 122 of 209

Mar312025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Africa Vanishing Glaciers Threaten Water Security, Urgent Action Needed

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As the world marks World Water Day 2025 on March 22 under the theme Glacier Preservation, attention turns to the fragile ice formations that sustain millions. Glaciers, often called the "water towers of the world," feed rivers, support ecosystems, and provide essential water for agriculture and livelihoods. However, climate change is accelerating their disappearance, posing a severe threat to global water security. Though Africa is not typically associated with glaciers, it is home to iconic ice caps atop Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mount Kenya (Kenya), and the Rwenzori Mountains (Uganda-DR Congo border). These glaciers, once stable reservoirs of freshwater, are melting at alarming rates. Research by Anne Hinzmann and her team at Friedrich-Alexander University, Germany, shows that ...

Mar312025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate-Driven Disasters Surge in US Urgent Action Needed

Breaking News, Climate Actions

A new analysis of 30 years of FEMA disaster data reveals a sharp rise in climate-related disasters across the United States. The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), in collaboration with CNN, found that 2024 saw 90 major disaster declarations, nearly double the 30-year average of 55 per year. This means the country faced a new major disaster every four days on average. By cross-referencing FEMA data with census records, researchers estimate that 137 million people 41% of the U.S. population were affected by a major disaster or emergency declaration in 2024. These disasters, including tornadoes, wildfires, tropical storms, and floods, highlight the increasing toll of climate change on American communities. "Millions of Americans are being affected by climat...

Mar312025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Extreme Heat Threatens Child Growth in Bangladesh, Study Warns

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The first 1,000 days of life play a crucial role in shaping a child’s future. But what happens when those days are spent in extreme heat? A new study, Extreme Heat Exposure in the First 1000 Days: Implications for Childhood Stunting in Bangladesh, has found a direct link between rising temperatures and childhood stunting. Despite Bangladesh’s significant progress in reducing stunting from 42% in 2012 to 28% in 2019 climate change now poses a serious threat to these gains. Extreme heat, defined as temperatures exceeding historical norms, disrupts critical biological processes. A mere 1% increase in extreme heat days raises the likelihood of stunting by 56%. Exposure after birth has an even stronger impact 67% compared to 28% for in-utero exposure. Babies born to mothers facing high...

Mar312025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Bangkok Skyscraper Collapses After Myanmar Earthquake Rescue Operations Underway

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday triggered a devastating collapse of a 33-storey high-rise under construction in Bangkok over 1,000 km from the epicenter. The incident has raised serious concerns about building safety, with experts questioning the structural integrity of the skyscraper. Rescuers are racing against time to locate and extract those trapped beneath the rubble. So far eight bodies have been recovered, while thermal imaging drones have detected at least 15 people who may still be alive. Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a rapid inquiry into why the high-rise crumbled while other buildings withstood the tremors. The structure was being built as the new headquarters of Thailand’s State Audit Office (SAO), a pro...

Mar302025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Is Delhi Prepared for a Massive Earthquake? Experts Raise Alarm Over Seismic Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

March 30, 2025 – The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has once again raised concerns about Delhi’s ability to withstand a major seismic event. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, where a viral video showed a multi-story building collapsing in seconds, sending shockwaves across the region. With Delhi NCR falling in Seismic Zone 4, experts are questioning whether the national capital is prepared for a similar disaster. How Vulnerable is Delhi NCR? Delhi's geographical location places it in a high-risk earthquake zone, making it extremely vulnerable to seismic activity. According to experts, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake could cause severe destruction, with buildings collapsing, roads cracking, and thousands of lives at risk. A 2020 Ministry of Earth Sciences and Municipa...

Mar302025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Sends 80 NDRF Personnel to Myanmar for Earthquake Relief

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

New Delhi, March 29, 2025 – India is deploying an 80-member National Disaster Response Force( NDRF) team to assist in rescue and search operations in earthquake hit Myanmar where nearly 700 people have died. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Sagaing city on Friday afternoon followed by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock, flattening buildings and causing severe damage in Mandalay and surrounding areas. The disaster has left over 1,700 people injured, with casualties also reported in Thailand. A senior NDRF officer confirmed that the team from the 8th battalion in Ghaziabad, which previously assisted in Turkey’s 2023 earthquake rescue efforts, is carrying specialized equipment for immediate deployment. Depending on the ground situation, more personnel may be sent. This marks In...

Mar292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Braces for Intense Summer as IMD Predicts Doubling of Heatwave Days

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that northwestern parts of the country will likely endure an unusually hot summer, with nearly twice the usual number of heatwave days. Typically, the region experiences five to six heatwave days per season, but this year, the IMD forecasts 10 to 12. Extreme Heat Expected Across West and Central India IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy stated that heatwave conditions will be "slightly above normal," particularly in West and Central India. However, she clarified that this seasonal outlook does not mean every day will be excessively hot. A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures reach at least 40°C in the plains, 30°C in the hills or rise five degrees above the seasonal average. Will 2025 Break Last Year’s Record Heat? Whi...

Mar292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Rising Heat Worsens Water Crisis, Government Efforts and Sustainable Solutions

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

India is grappling with an escalating water crisis worse by rising temperatures with 2024 recorded as the hottest year since 1901. As heatwaves intensified the country saw 733 deaths due to extreme heat according to a report by Heat Watch. The gap between water availability and consumption termed the water gap is increasing at an alarming rate. A study in Nature Communications found that India leads globally in water scarcity, with a baseline shortfall of 24.3 cubic km per year. Under a 1.5°C warming scenario, this gap is projected to increase by 11.1 cubic km annually, further straining resources. The worst-affected basins include the Ganga-Brahmaputra (56.1 cubic km per year) and Sabarmati (52.6 cubic km per year), where water demand far exceeds supply. Government Efforts and Su...

Mar292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Haryana Steps Up Pollution Fight Plans Long-Term Clean Air Project

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Chandigarh, March 29, 2025 – Haryana is tightening its grip on air pollution with a series of strict regulatory actions including industrial closures, heavy fines, and pollution-control initiatives. Environment Minister Rao Narbir Singh, addressing the State Assembly emphasized the government's focus on air quality improvement through inspections, penalties, and awareness campaigns. 480 Industries Shut, ₹35 Crore in Fines The Haryana State Pollution Control Board has been actively inspecting industries, leading to the closure of 480 non-compliant units and the imposition of environmental fines worth ₹35 crore. While these efforts have led to some improvement in AQI, pollution hotspots like Faridabad and Gurugram continue to experience poor air quality. To combat seasonal pollution...

Mar292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

J&K Govt Admits Untreated Wastewater Discharged into Streams, Raising Jhelum Contamination Fears

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The Jammu and Kashmir government has acknowledged in the Legislative Assembly that untreated wastewater from Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Mattan is being discharged into nearby streams, raising concerns about pollution in the Jhelum River, Kashmir’s primary source of drinking water. The disclosure came in a written response from the Housing and Urban Development Department, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on March 11, 2025. The response was given to Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, an MLA from Srigufwara-Bijbehara, who sought details on drainage networks and sewage treatment facilities in these towns. The government stated that municipal bodies and the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) constructed drainage networks, which are interconnected where possible. It claimed that wh...