Thursday, April 24News That Matters

Climate Actions

UN Report Reveals Alarming Degradation of Global Rangelands, Urges Immediate Action

UN Report Reveals Alarming Degradation of Global Rangelands, Urges Immediate Action

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The United Nations (UN) has released a new report highlighting the alarming degradation of rangelands worldwide. Covering more than half of Earth's land surface, rangelands are crucial ecosystems that sustain billions of people by providing meat, dairy, fiber, and other staple foods. However, the report finds that up to 50 percent of these vital landscapes are now degraded, with previous assessments underestimating the extent of the problem. Poor land management practices, exacerbated by climate change, are identified as the primary drivers of rangeland degradation. These practices include land clearing, mining, overgrazing, soil nutrient depletion, erosion, and wildfires. Conflict and border issues in some regions further contribute to overgrazing, hindering livestock movement and exac...
Study Finds Severe Light Pollution at Major Astronomical Observatories Worldwide

Study Finds Severe Light Pollution at Major Astronomical Observatories Worldwide

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Space
A new study conducted by researchers from Italy, Chile, and Galicia reveals that light pollution is significantly affecting the skies above many of the world's major astronomical observatories. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, emphasizes the urgent need for measures to reduce artificial light contamination to preserve the efficacy of ground-based astronomy. The research team examined light pollution levels at nearly 50 observatories globally, including both large professional facilities and smaller amateur observatories. Utilizing a model that simulates light propagation in the Earth's atmosphere and incorporating night-time satellite data, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of light pollution at these sites. Tra...
IMD Clarifies Temperature Sensor Malfunctions Amidst Heatwave in North India

IMD Clarifies Temperature Sensor Malfunctions Amidst Heatwave in North India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Nagpur: Following reports of record-breaking temperatures, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has clarified inaccuracies due to sensor malfunctions. On May 30, a weather station in Nagpur recorded an unprecedented 56 degrees Celsius. However, the IMD confirmed this was due to a malfunctioning temperature sensor. "The report of 56 degrees Celsius temperature on May 30 is not correct and not declared officially. The nearby functioning AWS at CICR, Nagpur, recorded a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius," stated the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) Nagpur. Similarly, a weather station in Delhi recently recorded 52.9 degrees Celsius, purportedly the highest in the city's history. IMD officials later clarified this reading was due to an "error in sensor or local factor." ...
Heatwaves Break Records Globally With Health Concerns: Delhi’s 52.9°C to Iran’s 66°C Temperature recorded

Heatwaves Break Records Globally With Health Concerns: Delhi’s 52.9°C to Iran’s 66°C Temperature recorded

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
The exceptional temperatures recorded in New Delhi recently have added to the global tally of extreme weather events, highlighting the escalating impact of climate change. On May 29, parts of Delhi experienced temperatures soaring to 52.9 degrees Celsius, the highest ever recorded in India. This extreme event in Delhi is part of a broader pattern of unprecedented heatwaves affecting regions across the globe. In July 2022, the United Kingdom recorded temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius for the first time. A small town in northwest China reached 52 degrees Celsius last year, the highest ever for the country. In 2021, Sicily, Italy, reported 48.8 degrees Celsius, setting a record for Europe. Global Heatwave Incidents Iran experienced an alarming incident last year, where the h...
Hunga Tonga Eruption Unprecedented Climate Impacts Explored in New Study

Hunga Tonga Eruption Unprecedented Climate Impacts Explored in New Study

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Sydney, Australia – The catastrophic eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano on January 15, 2022, not only created a massive tsunami but also sent shockwaves around the globe, triggering a series of environmental consequences that are still being studied. A new paper published in the Journal of Climate sheds light on the extensive and unusual climate impacts of this eruption. Ozone Hole and Unexpected Weather Patterns According to the study, the Hunga Tonga eruption played a significant role in creating last year's exceptionally large ozone hole and contributed to the unexpectedly wet summer of 2024. The eruption's effects are anticipated to influence winter weather patterns for years to come. Typically, volcanic eruptions emit sulphur dioxide, which cools the Earth's su...
Nagpur Records 56°C, Highest Ever Temperature in India

Nagpur Records 56°C, Highest Ever Temperature in India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Nagpur, India – In an unprecedented heatwave, Nagpur has recorded a staggering temperature of 56 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever documented in India. This follows closely on the heels of another extreme temperature event, with Mungeshwar AWS in North-West Delhi recording 52.9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. According to reports by the Times of India, the Nagpur AWS, located in a 24-hectare open agricultural field at PDKV in Ramdaspeth, registered the record-breaking temperature. Additionally, the Regional Meteorological Centre at Sonegaon reported a temperature of 54 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a press statement noting that on Thursday, the highest maximum temperature reported nationwide was 48.3 degrees Celsius at Sri Gangana...
CDRI Launches Major Funding Initiative to Enhance Infrastructure Resilience in Small Island Developing States

CDRI Launches Major Funding Initiative to Enhance Infrastructure Resilience in Small Island Developing States

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has unveiled a substantial funding initiative aimed at bolstering infrastructure resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The announcement was made during the United Nations 4th International Conference on SIDS, held in Antigua and Barbuda. The initiative is open to all 57 SIDS nations and offers a comprehensive package of technical support, knowledge resources, and financial assistance. The goal is to fortify critical infrastructure sectors, including transport, power, telecommunications, water, health, and education, against the escalating threats posed by natural disasters and climate change. "This funding will support SIDS with the knowledge products, tools, and partnerships needed to achieve climate and disas...
Urgency of Tackling Erratic Monsoons and Climate Change in India: Study

Urgency of Tackling Erratic Monsoons and Climate Change in India: Study

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
India's monsoon season is approaching amid a heatwave, with the India Meteorological Department predicting "above normal" rainfall. The monsoon, critical for agriculture and water supply, has become increasingly erratic due to climate change, impacting the economy and livelihoods. Dissecting 40 Years of Rainfall Data As a data scientist, I have analyzed four decades of rainfall data across more than 4,500 Indian tehsils. Our research at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) shows significant changes in monsoon patterns, affecting local preparedness. For instance, historically arid states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and central Maharashtra have seen a 10-30% increase in southwest monsoon rains in the past decade. Conversely, around 11% of tehsils, particularly in the Indo-G...
Delhi Sizzles Near 50°C: Why Such Scorching Heat? When Can We Expect a Respite? FAQs Answered

Delhi Sizzles Near 50°C: Why Such Scorching Heat? When Can We Expect a Respite? FAQs Answered

Breaking News, Climate Actions
Delhi, India - May 29, 2024, 01:23 PM IST: Delhi is experiencing an extreme heatwave, with temperatures soaring to nearly 50 degrees Celsius. Mungeshpur and Narela recorded 49.9°C, followed by Najafgarh at 49.8°C, marking the highest temperatures ever recorded in the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the next two days due to severe heatwave conditions. Why Is Delhi So Hot? Several factors are contributing to the scorching temperatures: Hot Winds from Rajasthan: Hot winds from Rajasthan are affecting Delhi, particularly the outskirts. Open Areas and Vacant Land: Increased radiation in open areas without shade leads to exceptionally high temperatures. Lack of Western Disturbances: The absence of western disturbances, which typically b...
Cyclone Remal Devastates Northeastern States in India: 36 Dead, Widespread Disruptions

Cyclone Remal Devastates Northeastern States in India: 36 Dead, Widespread Disruptions

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
The onslaught of Cyclone Remal has resulted in the tragic loss of 36 lives across four northeastern states in India, with Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, and Meghalaya bearing the brunt of heavy rains and landslides on Tuesday. The severe weather conditions have brought daily life to a standstill across the region, disrupting transportation and utilities. Mizoram: The state suffered the highest casualties, with 27 people killed, including 21 victims of a quarry collapse in Aizawl district. Multiple landslides in the district claimed additional lives and left ten people missing. Disaster management and police officials have recovered 21 bodies from the quarry site located between Melthum and Hlimen, with several more feared trapped under debris. Other fatalities were reported in Salem, Aibawk,...