Sunday, October 12News That Matters

Climate Actions

2024 Declared Hottest Year on Record, Climate Crisis Deepens

2024 Declared Hottest Year on Record, Climate Crisis Deepens

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The year 2024 has officially been declared the hottest on record, surpassing the previous high set in 2023, highlighting the escalating impacts of climate change. Experts warn that this unprecedented temperature rise is a clear indicator of the crisis facing ecosystems, economies, and public health worldwide. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that November 2024 was the second warmest in 123 years, with an average temperature of 29.37°C. The delayed onset of winter has underscored concerns about the far-reaching effects of global warming. Professor S.N. Mishra, a leading climate expert, stated, "Unchecked greenhouse gas emissions are driving us toward catastrophic outcomes. We may breach the critical 1.5°C global warming threshold as early as 2030." The consequence...
Shocking Study Claims Says Arctic Could Be Ice-Free by 2027

Shocking Study Claims Says Arctic Could Be Ice-Free by 2027

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The Arctic is on track to witness its first ice-free day as early as 2027, according to a study published in Nature Communications. Researchers from Colorado University Boulder and the University of Gothenburg revealed that the phenomenon, defined as the reduction of sea ice to less than one million square kilometers, signals a significant turning point in climate change. Arctic sea ice is already melting at an alarming rate of over 12% per decade, compared to its average extent between 1981 and 2010, as per NASA data. Using hundreds of climate simulations, the study predicts that while the first ice-free day may occur within the next 9 to 20 years, the most pessimistic scenario places this milestone just three years away. Once the first ice-free day occurs, it could last anywhere from ...
India’s Cyclone Disaster Management Initiatives and Projects for Safeguarding Coastal Communities

India’s Cyclone Disaster Management Initiatives and Projects for Safeguarding Coastal Communities

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
India with its vast coastline of over 7,500 km, is highly vulnerable to cyclones that often wreak havoc on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. To address these challenges, the country has implemented several forward-looking initiatives aimed at minimizing the impact of cyclones and ensuring the safety and resilience of its coastal communities. These initiatives combine structural improvements, policy reforms, and advanced forecasting systems, underscoring India's commitment to disaster preparedness and mitigation. National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) is a flagship initiative launched to reduce the vulnerability of coastal states and Union Territories to cyclonic disasters. The project takes a two-pronged approach, i...
Arctic May Experience Its First Ice-Free Day by 2027, Study Warns

Arctic May Experience Its First Ice-Free Day by 2027, Study Warns

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments
The Arctic is on the brink of a dramatic environmental shift, with scientists predicting its first ice-free day as early as 2027, according to a study published in Nature Communications. Researchers from Colorado University (CU) Boulder and the University of Gothenburg have raised alarms about this milestone, which signifies sea ice shrinking to an area of 1 million square kilometers or less. Rapid Melting Trends Arctic sea ice is currently disappearing at an unprecedented rate of over 12% per decade, compared to its 1981-2010 average, NASA reports. By analyzing hundreds of climate simulations spanning from 2023 to 2100, researchers found that an ice-free Arctic is almost inevitable within 9 to 20 years, with the worst-case scenario placing this event just three years away. Implic...
Delhi Air Quality Improves to Moderate After 50 Days but ‘Poor’ Forecast Looms

Delhi Air Quality Improves to Moderate After 50 Days but ‘Poor’ Forecast Looms

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
New Delhi: After enduring over 50 days of high pollution Delhi experienced a significant improvement in air quality on Wednesday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 178, categorised as 'moderate.' However the Air Quality Early Warning System predicts a decline to the 'poor' category by Friday. Strong surface winds helped disperse pollutants, offering much-needed relief. Visibility improved and the city's skies appeared clearer, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Out of 38 air quality monitoring stations, most recorded 'moderate' air quality, while eight registered 'poor' and Sri Aurobindo Marg reported 'very poor.' Current Weather Conditions: AQI: 178 ('moderate') on Wednesday, down from 268 on Tuesday. Temperature: Maximum of 28°C (3°C above ...
Greenland Accelerating Ice Melt Could Raise Sea Levels by One Meter by 2100

Greenland Accelerating Ice Melt Could Raise Sea Levels by One Meter by 2100

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet is accelerating at an alarming pace, with the potential to lose between 964 and 1,735 gigatons of ice annually by 2100 under high greenhouse gas emissions (SSP585), according to new research led by the University of Liège. This massive ice loss could lead to a rise in global sea levels by up to one meter, putting millions in coastal regions at risk. The Scale of the Crisis Recent studies, including one published in Geophysical Research Letters, reveal that Greenland currently contributes 25% to global sea-level rise, adding 0.6 millimeters per year. If melting continues unabated, this contribution could surge dramatically by the end of the century. Three regional climate models RACMO, MAR, and HIRHAM offer slightly varying predictions due to di...
Thailand Flooding Death Toll Rises to 25, Heavy Rain Expected to Continue

Thailand Flooding Death Toll Rises to 25, Heavy Rain Expected to Continue

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
The death toll from devastating floods in southern Thailand has climbed to 25, with more than 660,000 homes affected since the deluge began on November 22, according to the country’s disaster management agency. Officials warned of days of continued heavy rain as the Thai weather agency forecast downpours to persist until December 5. The flooding, which has wreaked havoc across Pattani, Narathiwat, Songkhla, and Yala provinces, has displaced over 22,000 residents. The Thai government’s public relations department confirmed the scale of the disaster, which has overwhelmed local communities and left many struggling to rebuild. Among those severely impacted is Suwas Bin-Uma, a chicken farmer from Songkhla, who lost his entire flock of more than 10,000 birds. “I’ve lost at least 3 million...
Mumbai Records Coldest Day in 8 Years at 16.5°C, Warmer Days Expected Ahead

Mumbai Records Coldest Day in 8 Years at 16.5°C, Warmer Days Expected Ahead

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
Mumbai experienced its coldest day in eight years on Friday, with the minimum temperature dipping to 16.5°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This was recorded by the Santacruz observatory, which monitors weather for the city’s suburbs. The Colaba observatory, representing the island city, registered a slightly warmer minimum temperature of 21.4°C. The last time Mumbai saw a colder November day was on November 11, 2016, when the temperature dropped to 16.3°C, IMD scientist Sushma Nair noted. No Cold Wave Alert Despite the drop in mercury, the IMD clarified that there is no cold wave alert for Mumbai or Maharashtra between November 30 and December 3. Temperatures are expected to rise after this period due to changes in weather systems over the Bay of Bengal. ...
Japan Innovates Disaster Preparedness with VR and Interactive Tools

Japan Innovates Disaster Preparedness with VR and Interactive Tools

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech
The devastating torrential rains that struck western Japan in 2018 highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness, especially in Hiroshima Prefecture, where many residents were caught off guard by mudslides and other natural disasters. In response, a range of innovative tools using virtual and augmented reality, as well as interactive games, have been developed to educate and protect communities. VR Brings Disaster Risks to Life in Hiroshima Hiroshima Prefecture, in partnership with Hiroshima University and Tokyo-based disaster prevention company Rikei Corp., has created VR-based materials to simulate natural disaster scenarios. These tools aim to raise awareness of the dangers posed by disasters such as mudslides and heavy rains. By immersing residents in realistic simulati...
Timor-Leste Fight Against Climate Disasters Blend of Technology and Community Action

Timor-Leste Fight Against Climate Disasters Blend of Technology and Community Action

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Tech
Timor-Leste, a small island nation in Southeast Asia, is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, grappling with the devastating impacts of extreme weather. However, a combination of local knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and support from the United Nations is helping its communities better prepare for disasters. In April 2021, catastrophic flash floods swept through Timor-Leste, killing over 30 people and destroying 4,000 homes. Orlalan, a remote village of nearly 6,000 people, was among the worst-hit areas. With limited disaster preparedness, residents were caught off guard as landslides and floodwaters surged. Today, community leaders like Armandina Valentina are driving grassroots efforts to ensure their neighbors are better equipped for the next disaster. She tirelessly educa...