Climate Actions Archives - Page 48 of 66

Nov202024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Great Barrier Reef Faces Record Coral Mortality Amid Bleaching Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

The Great Barrier Reef, a global icon of marine biodiversity, has suffered unprecedented coral loss, with Australian researchers reporting the highest mortality on record. Surveys conducted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science revealed up to 72% coral mortality across 12 reefs, driven by a summer of extreme weather, including mass bleaching, two cyclones, and flooding. Severe Decline in Northern Reefs In the reef's northern section, a third of hard coral perished the largest annual decline in 39 years of monitoring. Scientists fear similar devastation may have occurred in other parts of the 2,300-kilometer-long reef, known as the world's largest living structure. Mass bleaching occurs when rising sea temperatures force corals to expel the microscopic algae (zooxanthellae)...

Nov182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ethiopia Ranks Among Top Countries Feeling Unthreatened by Climate Change Despite Rising Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

According to the Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll, Ethiopia ranks second globally among countries where a significant proportion of people feel unthreatened by climate change. The poll reveals that 39% of Ethiopians believe climate change is "not a threat at all" to their safety, while 40% see it as a threat, including 16% who regard it as "very serious." Additionally, 21% are unsure whether climate change poses a threat. This perception contrasts starkly with scientific projections about the country's climate future. The UN Development Programme's Human Climate Horizons platform predicts Ethiopia’s average annual temperature could rise from 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75°F) by the century’s end. It also forecasts up to 71 days annually exceeding 35°C (95°F), exacerbating the nation...

Nov182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tonga Strengthens Disaster Preparedness With Tsunami Drills

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

According to our sources Residents of Tonga including students participated in a series of tsunami drills designed to enhance awareness and preparedness for future natural disasters. The drills focused on rapid evacuation and community coordination, crucial skills for the island nation, which is highly vulnerable to tsunamis. These exercises reflect Tonga's commitment to building resilience against climate-induced disasters. Preserving Pacific Heritage: Coconut Leaf Weaving Traditions Across the Pacific, the art of coconut leaf weaving continues to thrive, preserving a centuries-old cultural tradition. This intricate craft holds different meanings for Pacific communities, from practical uses like roofing and baskets to symbolic significance in ceremonies. Efforts to pass on this skil...

Nov182024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi’s Air Pollution Disrupts Flights and Trains Amid Smog Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

Severe smog blanketed Delhi on Monday, reducing visibility and causing significant disruptions to train and flight operations. The worsening air quality, classified as “severe plus,” led to delays across the city’s transportation network. Over 160 flights, including 118 departures and 43 arrivals, were delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport by 8:30 am due to reduced visibility, according to Flightradar24. The airport activated low visibility procedures and issued an advisory urging passengers to stay updated with their airlines about flight statuses. Smog also disrupted train operations, delaying over 28 trains arriving at New Delhi and Anand Vihar Railway stations by two to nine hours. Passengers were seen waiting outside stations amid the confusion. Severe Air Quality Tr...

Nov162024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Suggest That Octopus Could Rule Earth if Humans Disappear

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

As humanity grapples with existential threats like climate change and technological advancements, scientists have pondered a thought-provoking question: which species might dominate the Earth if humans were to vanish? One intriguing answer has emerged the octopus. Renowned for their intelligence and adaptability, octopuses possess a unique combination of traits that could position them as Earth’s future rulers in a post-human world. Their advanced nervous system, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for learning make them unlike most other animals. "Octopuses are among the most intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful creatures on Earth," said Professor Tim Coulson of the University of Oxford. "With their dexterity, curiosity, and ability to communicate, they are in pole position t...

Nov162024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Typhoon Man-yi Nears Philippines Forcing Evacuations Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

The Philippines braces for another powerful storm as Typhoon Man-yi approaches, bringing winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour. Expected to make landfall on Catanduanes Island late Saturday, authorities have initiated mass evacuations, moving hundreds of residents to safer areas. Roberto Monterola, operations chief of the Catanduanes civil defense office, expressed concern over the lack of sufficient evacuation centers. “Some evacuees will need to shelter with neighbors whose homes are built with stronger materials,” he stated, adding that thousands more are expected to evacuate before the typhoon strikes. This comes as the nation is still reeling from Typhoon Usagi, which caused extensive flooding, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure in Kaigan Province earlier this week. Res...

Nov152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

NASA Unveils Sea Level Data to Support Coastal Communities

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Idea & Innovations, Tech

NASA has launched a global sea level change platform to help coastal communities prepare for the rising oceans disrupting livelihoods and infrastructure worldwide. Accessible through the Earth Information Center, the platform offers projections of sea level rise until 2150 and flood risks for the next 30 years, integrating data from ice sheets, ocean monitoring, and climate assessments. Developed in collaboration with organizations like the World Bank, U.S. Department of Defense, and the United Nations, the tool aims to guide critical planning and adaptation strategies. "NASA innovates for humanity," said Karen St. Germain, head of NASA’s Earth Science Division. "This data supports communities in addressing natural hazards and planning for resilience." Rising Faster Than Ever NASA...

Nov152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

COP29 Urges Swift Action on Early Warnings for Extreme Weather

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Thoughts & Talks

Baku, Azerbaijan: A flagship campaign to ensure universal access to life-saving early warning systems is gaining momentum, but vulnerable nations continue to bear the brunt of climate disasters, leaders stressed at COP29. The high-level event spotlighted the UN Secretary-General's Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, which aims to protect everyone from hazardous weather and climate events by 2027. “This year is on track to be the hottest in history, marked by record-breaking heatwaves, rains, and deadly droughts,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Early warning systems are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity and a sound investment, with a ten-fold return.” COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev highlighted that effective early warning systems could avert losses of up ...

Nov152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Strengthening Social Protection: An Urgent Economic and Climate Necessity

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

As climate change intensifies and economic uncertainties mount, robust social protection systems have become essential for resilience and inclusive development. A new report by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) underscores the critical need to address financing gaps to strengthen these systems and safeguard vulnerable populations. Far from being a mere expense, social protection is an investment in people that yields significant socioeconomic returns. Research highlights its role as an economic stabilizer, particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when cash assistance programs and unemployment benefits supported incomes and stabilized aggregate demand. Such measures demonstrate how social protection systems enhance resilience and foster social c...

Nov152024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

ESCAP Says Robust Social Protection Systems Vital Amid Climate Challenges

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments

New Delhi: As climate change and economic uncertainties intensify, robust social protection systems are becoming a necessity, not a choice, warns the Social Outlook 2024 report by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The report highlights a dire need to close financing gaps to safeguard vulnerable populations and build resilience. The Asia-Pacific region currently spends only 8.2% of its GDP on social protection, significantly below the global average of 12.9%. ESCAP cautions that without increased investment, rising poverty driven by climate change, digital disparities, and aging populations could become unavoidable. Social protection is more than a safety net; it’s an investment that stabilizes economies during crises. This was evident during the COV...