Breaking News Archives - Page 96 of 135

Nov112024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Climate Change Alters Avalanche Patterns in Switzerland: Wet Avalanches Set to Increase as Snowfall Declines

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

A recent study by Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) expert Stephanie Mayer reveals that less snowfall doesn't necessarily equate to fewer avalanches. Instead, climate change is shifting the nature of avalanche risks in Switzerland, particularly at elevations above 1,800 meters. Mayer’s research indicates that as temperatures rise, dry avalanches are likely to decrease, but they’ll be partially replaced by wet snow avalanches, especially at higher altitudes. These wet avalanches occur when part of the snowpack is moistened by rain or meltwater, making them challenging to control through traditional safety methods, such as artificial triggering. “Closing off endangered areas may be the only solution,” Mayer explains, highlighting the challenges this change pose...

Nov112024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

USC Unveils Breakthrough Low-Cost Wildfire Detection System Using Mobile Phones to Alert Within Seconds

Breaking News, Environment, Idea & Innovations, Tech

In a significant advancement for wildfire detection, researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) have developed an innovative system named FireLoc that leverages everyday mobile phones to detect wildfires within seconds of ignition. This new approach aims to provide critical early alerts, reducing the time needed to identify and respond to fires and potentially saving lives and properties in high-risk wildfire areas. How FireLoc Works: A Low-Cost, Community-Centric Solution FireLoc, presented at the ACM SenSys conference on November 5, employs a network of strategically placed, affordable mobile phones equipped with basic cameras and sensors, all mounted on properties in fire-prone regions. These devices act as early-warning sensors, scanning their surroundings for tel...

Nov92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclone Freddy Shows the Life-Saving Impact of Early Warning Systems in Mozambique

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations, Tech

In a dramatic contrast to Cyclone Idai's devastation in 2019, the powerful Cyclone Freddy, which struck Mozambique twice in 2023, demonstrated the life-saving potential of an Early Warning System (EWS). Mozambique’s preparedness, boosted by United Nations and World Bank support, helped protect communities, saving hundreds of lives and significantly reducing economic damage. This success story showcases how investment in EWS can drastically change outcomes in disaster-prone areas. When Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique in 2019 with winds reaching 195 km/h, it left over 600 people dead and caused catastrophic flooding. The country faced widespread destruction, with estimated damages soaring to US$3 billion. Schools, infrastructure, and critical services were decimated, underscoring the need for...

Nov92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Urgent Call for Climate Services: New WMO Report Shows Critical Gaps in Climate Information Access

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

As climate change intensifies, so does the urgent need for actionable climate services to help communities mitigate, adapt, and build resilience against increasing risks. A recent multi-agency report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) highlights both progress and pressing gaps in the availability of climate information essential for informed decision-making. Despite advancements in some regions, the report warns that investments in climate services fall far short of what’s needed to address today’s unprecedented environmental challenges. Climate Services in the Spotlight The State of Climate Services 2024 report emphasizes that climate services are more essential than ever to help nations adapt to intensifying climate extremes. From planning crop cycles to preparing for...

Nov92024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UN Climate Talks Begin Amid Record Heat and Health Warnings

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment, Thoughts & Talks

With record-breaking heat, extreme weather, and rising health risks, experts warn that climate change poses a grave threat to human health worldwide. As the COP29 negotiations open in Azerbaijan next week marking what could be the hottest year on record climate impacts on human well-being are in sharp focus, particularly given increasing global fossil fuel emissions. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the urgency of climate action, declaring that “climate change is making us sick, and urgent action is a matter of life and death.” Here’s how global warming is already impacting health. Extreme Heat This year is set to be the hottest on record, surpassing previous years and likely marking the first time temperatures exceed 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average. The n...

Nov82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Private Jet Carbon Emissions Surge 46% in Four Years Amid Calls for Regulation

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

A new study reveals that carbon emissions from private jet travel increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023, spotlighting the ultra-luxury industry’s environmental impact and raising calls for regulation. Researchers from universities in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany found that private aviation released 15.6 million tonnes of CO₂ in 2023, often spiking around high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival, World Cup, and climate summits. Despite contributing less than 2% of commercial aviation’s emissions, private jets have a far greater carbon footprint per passenger due to their exclusivity serving just 0.003% of the adult global population, each with an average net worth of $123 million. Many of the 18.7 million private flights tracked in the study were under 500 kilometers, with some...

Nov82024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Bank of England Climate Risk Update Spurs Greener Lending, But Experts Call for Government Action to Ensure Equity

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

The Bank of England has recently strengthened its commitment to climate risk management by updating its collateral framework, particularly focusing on residential mortgage assets. These updates, aimed at reflecting climate risks, not only protect the Bank's balance sheet but also encourage a green shift in commercial banks' lending practices. Experts, however, argue that complementary government policies are essential to ensure fair outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups. The Bank of England’s collateral framework determines the assets commercial banks can use to borrow, setting terms to reflect asset risks. By adjusting the criteria to account for climate-related risks, the Bank has introduced measures with the potential to influence lending decisions and support the UK’s transit...

Nov72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heartwarming Rescue Syrian Volunteers Save Over 1,300 Animals After Devastating Earthquake

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In a remarkable display of compassion and resilience, local volunteers in Syria have saved over 1,300 animals in the aftermath of the catastrophic February 6, 2023, earthquakes that hit northwestern Syria and southern Turkey. Led by Wattar’s team, these dedicated rescuers have worked tirelessly to protect pets left vulnerable by the disaster, bringing hope and healing to both animals and the people who cherish them. As human rescue operations took precedence in the initial days, animal advocates soon stepped in to address the plight of pets left in the rubble. Community support for animal welfare grew quickly, driven by the belief in animals’ connection to natural disaster awareness and the comfort they provide in difficult times. The efforts have not gone unnoticed, with residents rall...

Nov72024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Mysterious Black Balls on Sydney Beaches May Be “Fatbergs” Containing Human Waste and Chemicals

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In mid-October, Sydney beaches were alarmingly littered with black, tar-like balls. Initial suspicions pointed to tar balls from an oil spill, but a detailed analysis revealed a more disturbing source: these black lumps are likely "fatbergs," congealed masses of human waste and pollutants, including chemicals from industrial and domestic runoff. The first sightings appeared on October 16 at Coogee Beach, with subsequent reports from Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama, and Maroubra. Authorities closed the beaches amid concerns of toxic exposure, initially linking the spheres to oil. However, scientific analysis, led by a team from the University of New South Wales and multiple environmental agencies, found that only 30% of the black balls’ carbon content was fossil-based, ruling out oil as the prim...

Nov62024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Mysterious Tessera Terrain on Venus Could Be the Remains of Giant Ancient Impacts

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Space

In the chaotic early days of the Solar System, planets endured a relentless barrage of cosmic collisions. Most of the rocky worlds including Mercury, Mars, and Earth's Moon still bear scars of these ancient impacts in the form of vast craters and impact basins. However, Venus has been a strange outlier, with scientists finding no evidence of large craters over 300 kilometers wide. This missing piece of Venus's violent past has puzzled researchers for years. A recent study now suggests that these long-sought impact structures may indeed exist on Venus but look very different from our expectations. Geologist Vicki Hansen of the Planetary Science Institute and her team propose that a peculiar formation called the Haastte-Baad Tessera could be Venus’s largest and oldest impact structure. Lo...