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In a significant leap for climate science in South Asia Indian researchers have, for the first time tracked continuous high-resolution measurements of greenhouse gases from a high-altitude Himalayan station, uncovering how both nature and human activity shape regional air chemistry. The findings, released by the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), provide a critical dataset that can help fine-tune climate policy and emissions strategies for one of the world most ecologically sensitive regions. From 2014 to 2018, the ARIES team collected data on carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and carbon monoxide (CO) from their atmospheric monitoring station in Nainital, Uttarakhand a vantage point that captures emissions from both the relatively pristine Himalayan envi...

As severe thunderstorms lashed Bihar over a 24-hour period, lightning strikes killed at least 19 people across multiple districts, prompting fresh concerns over the impact of extreme weather. The most affected district, Nalanda, reported five deaths, followed by Vaishali with four. Banka and Patna saw two fatalities each, while Sheikhpura, Nawada, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Jamui, and Samastipur reported one death each, respectively. The Bihar government confirmed the toll on Thursday evening, describing the event as a tragic reminder of the region’s vulnerability during monsoon months. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased. He also directed district administrations to ensure quick disbu...

In a dramatic environmental move China has torn down 300 dams and decommissioned 342 hydropower stations along the Chishui He, or Red River, a major tributary of the upper Yangtze River. The sweeping action, first launched in 2020, is part of a national effort to reverse the damage wrought by decades of unchecked hydropower development and restore aquatic ecosystems in one of China most ecologically vital river systems. The Red River, stretching over 400 kilometers through Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces, was once considered a sanctuary for endemic and endangered fish species. But as China raced to power its economic rise, dam construction surgedfragmenting habitats, choking migration routes, and leaving stretches of the river parched. The destruction of these natural lifelines e...

In a bid to tackle climate disinformation and strengthen global climate action, the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change has launched a powerful call to action ahead of COP30. The initiative, jointly spearheaded by the United Nations, UNESCO, UNFCCC, and ten partner countries including Brazil, Chile, France, and the UK was formally introduced during the G20 Leaders' Summit and is now moving toward its first major showcase at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, this November. At its core, the initiative seeks to unite public institutions, civil society, private companies, and academic bodies under one mission: to combat the spread of climate denialism and misinformation that threatens to derail international efforts to curb the climate crisis. Framed under the COP30 Presiden...

The ancient Parijat tree also known as Kalpavriksh is facing a high risk of extinction, warn scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP). These rare trees, growing in places like Kintoor (Barabanki), Jhusi (Prayagraj), and Sultanpur, are under threat from overexploitation, climate change, and declining rainfall. Some specimens in Barabanki and Jhusi are estimated to be over 800 years old. Parijat trees are being unsustainably harvested for their bark, leaves, fruits, and seeds. Their leaves are used as fodder, vegetables, and flavoring agents, while the bark is valued for rope-making. Their widespread use in culinary products and beverages due to high nutritional value has only increased the pressure on this ancient species. ...

More than 120 lives half of them children have been lost in Pakistan over the past three weeks due to climate-driven flooding and related disasters according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). As monsoon rains intensify, the country once again finds itself on the frontlines of a climate emergency it did little to cause but continues to suffer from disproportionately. The Rising Toll Since June 26, a total of 124 deaths have been reported, largely from house collapses and flash floods, with drowning accounting for over 10% of the fatalities. Hardest hit are the provinces of Punjab (49 deaths) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (38), where rainfall has overwhelmed both rural and urban infrastructure. In Lahore flooding left vast low-lying areas submerged and without electricity...

In a ruling that could redefine the global legal landscape of climate action, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) has issued an unprecedented advisory opinion declaring that climate change constitutes a direct threat to human rights and must be treated as such by states. Released on July 3, 2025, the Court's 234-page opinion formally recognizes the obligation to prevent irreversible environmental harm as a jus cogens norm one of the highest and most non-negotiable principles of international law. This means states are legally bound to act on the climate crisis, placing it on par with prohibitions against genocide and slavery. Legal scholars and environmental advocates have hailed the ruling as the “most progressive and impactful” climate-related pronouncement ever issue...

The Financial Stability Board (FSB), the G20’s financial regulatory arm, has scaled back its climate policy ambitions, despite unveiling a fresh roadmap to assess climate-related financial risks. The move comes as the United States retreats from multiple international groups dedicated to addressing how extreme weather events and climate policies impact global financial stability. In a report presented to G20 finance ministers during a meeting in South Africa, the FSB acknowledged progress made since the launch of its 2021 climate roadmap. It emphasized improved coordination and data sharing among its members but signaled a halt to any significant new policy initiatives. “While many members feel there is a need for more work, some members feel that the work completed to date is sufficien...

South Africa has launched a landmark campaign to rebuild its decimated white rhino population, drawing global attention with a high-tech, decade-long initiative known as the Rhino Renaissance Campaign. Unveiled at Kruger National Park by Minister Dr. Dion George, the plan aims to grow the park’s rhino numbers from just over 2,000 to 12,000, using a combination of modern technology, community engagement, and international partnerships. This ambitious effort comes as part of South Africa’s broader National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, which aligns with the country’s Medium-Term Development Plan. It also serves as a flagship G20 Legacy Project under South Africa’s presidency, with the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” The campaign leverages real-ti...

A powerful storm swept through the northeastern United States on the night of July 14, 2025, unleashing torrential rains that submerged streets, halted transportation, and forced emergency declarations across New York and New Jersey. With rainfall totals reaching 10 to 17 centimeters in just a few hours the event overwhelmed urban drainage systems, stranding vehicles and flooding homes. The National Weather Service reported that up to two inches of rain fell within just 30 minutes making it one of New York City's most intense downpours since 1943. Flash flood watches and warnings were issued from central Virginia to the New York metro region, as the slow-moving system left a trail of waterlogged roads and disrupted public services. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of ...