Climate Actions Archives - Page 51 of 77

Jan272025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Greenland’s Lakes Transform from Carbon Sinks to Sources Due to Extreme Climate Events

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

A new study has revealed alarming changes in over 7,500 lakes in western Greenland, which have shifted from being carbon sinks to carbon sources due to extreme climatic conditions. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), highlights the profound ecological transformation of these vital ecosystems caused by atmospheric rivers (ARs) and other climate extremes in recent years. In September 2022, a series of atmospheric rivers long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that carry large amounts of water vapor struck western Greenland, causing record-breaking heat followed by rains. These events significantly altered the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the region’s lakes. In addition, the impact of Hurricane Fiona further raised ...

Jan262025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Deadly Threat Lingers as Rain Looms Over Los Angeles Wildfire Zones

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

While firefighters continue to battle wildfires in the Los Angeles area, another danger is fast approaching. Rain expected over the weekend of January 25–26 may help extinguish the flames, but it also carries the risk of triggering deadly debris flows in the burned hillsides. These fast-moving torrents of water, ash, and debris can wreak havoc, destroying homes, infrastructure, and lives in minutes. The phenomenon is not new to California. In 2018, the hills above Montecito, scorched by the Thomas Fire, gave way during a storm, unleashing a devastating debris flow that killed 23 people and damaged over 400 homes. Similar events now threaten wildfire-affected areas near Los Angeles, where experts warn that the conditions for another disaster are already in place. When wildfires scorch...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drones Poised to Revolutionize Weather Forecasting, Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech

As the climate crisis intensifies, accurate weather forecasting has never been more critical. From predicting devastating hurricanes to preparing for record-breaking heatwaves, numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems have become vital in safeguarding lives and livelihoods. However, these systems rely heavily on costly and complex data collection methods, including weather balloons and ground-based stations. A groundbreaking study from Japan has now demonstrated that drones equipped with meteorological sensors could provide a practical and affordable alternative, revolutionizing the way atmospheric data is gathered. Led by Professor Jun Inoue from the National Institute of Polar Research, the research team conducted a two-month field campaign in Tsukuba City to test the feasibility of...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

242M Students Disrupted by Climate Hazards in 2024: UNICEF Report

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

At least 242 million students across 85 countries experienced significant disruptions in their education due to extreme climate events in 2024, according to a new UNICEF report titled Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024. Released on International Day of Education, the report underscores the growing impact of heatwaves, floods, tropical cyclones, and droughts on education, worsening an already critical global learning crisis. Heatwaves were the leading cause of school closures, affecting over 118 million students in April alone. Countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines witnessed widespread school shutdowns, while Cambodia shortened school days due to scorching temperatures. In parts of South Asia, temperatures reached a staggering 47°C...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction: The Need for Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in SFDRR Implementation

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) emphasizes the critical importance of engaging a broad range of stakeholders to reduce disaster risks effectively. While governments have made strides in integrating the framework into national policies, significant gaps in stakeholder involvement, resource allocation, and governance continue to limit its overall impact. Regional intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and collaborative networks play a pivotal role in advancing the SFDRR agenda. These entities facilitate partnerships among civil society, the private sector, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, youth, and marginalized groups, ensuring that disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts are inclusive and community-oriented. Co-Production: Bridging Polic...

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global Disaster Losses Hit $368 Billion in 2024, Underscoring Urgency of Climate Resilience

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

Economic losses from disaster events worldwide surged to $368 billion in 2024, driven by devastating hurricanes, severe storms, and widespread flooding. Hurricanes Milton and Helene caused significant destruction in the United States, while severe convective storms and flooding ravaged parts of Europe. These disasters highlight the critical need for robust adaptation and mitigation measures to protect lives and enhance resilience against climate-driven risks. According to Aon’s latest Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, the escalating impact of climate risks tells two vital stories. Firstly, weather-related disasters and climate risks now influence nearly every aspect of business operations, from selecting facility locations to ensuring employee safety. Secondly, the report emphasiz...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Kerala Unveils KaWaCHaM Advanced Weather Alert System to Combat Climate Disasters

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Tech

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched KaWaCHaM, a state-of-the-art weather alert system aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response in the face of increasing climate emergencies. The system, introduced on January 21, 2025, is considered one of the fastest weather alert mechanisms globally, designed to enhance rescue and rehabilitation efforts during extreme weather events. The system, officially named Kerala Warnings Crisis and Hazards Management System, carries symbolic significance, as the word "KaWaCHaM" translates to "shield" in Malayalam, signifying protection. Developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), the project is part of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project, funded by the National Disaster Management Authority and t...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heatwaves in North America, Europe Could Intensify Twice as Expected Due to Soil Moisture Variations

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A new study has revealed that heatwaves in Eastern North America and Central Europe could become twice as intense as previously predicted, driven by variations in soil moisture. Published in Nature Communications, the research, led by Professor Douglas Maraun at the University of Graz with contributions from the University of Reading, highlights the potential for devastating temperature surges if global warming reaches 2°C. The study warns that extreme heat events in these regions could rise by up to 4°C, significantly outpacing moderate heatwave projections. This alarming trend mirrors the catastrophic heatwaves that hit Canada in 2021, India in 2022, and the Mediterranean in 2023. Reinhard Schiemann, a co-author of the study from the University of Reading, explained "While it’s kno...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Drones Combat Bushfires Australia’s High-Tech Plan to Tame Flames Before They Rage

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech

On a typical summer evening in Australia, a dry lightning storm rolls across parched bushland. With hot, windy conditions forecast for the next day, a single lightning strike could ignite a catastrophic blaze. But thanks to cutting-edge drone technology, such threats may soon be contained before they escalate. This innovative vision, outlined in the federal government's latest roadmap, leverages drones to detect and suppress bushfires early. Equipped with thermal detectors and cameras, drones can spot smouldering roots or smoke trails in remote areas, operating tirelessly through the night. Larger drones armed with fire retardants join the effort, slowing flames until human fire crews take over at dawn. The result? What could have become a devastating megablaze is contained to a few hec...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UNESCO, WMO Unveil 2025 as Year for Glacier Preservation

Breaking News, Climate Actions

UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP), emphasizing the urgency of addressing glacier retreat and its global implications. The initiative was officially launched on January 21, aiming to protect Earth's "water towers" essential sources of freshwater for over 2 billion people. The declaration follows a UN General Assembly resolution from December 2022, marking March 21 as World Day for Glaciers annually. With glaciers covering 700,000 square kilometers and storing 70% of the world’s freshwater, their rapid melting poses severe threats such as water scarcity, rising sea levels, and ecosystem collapse. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the severity of the crisis "In 2023, glaciers su...