Environment Archives - Page 16 of 18

Mar272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Moon’s Influence on Coral Reef Sounds Reveals Ecosystem Activity: Study says

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A recent study has shed light on how the Moon's movements influence the sounds emanating from coral reefs, providing valuable insights into ecosystem activity. Researchers discovered that as the Moon rises and sets, the soundscape of coral reefs undergoes rapid changes, indicating shifts in ecosystem interactions. Conducted by scientists from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) in the US, the study monitored three different coral reef sites off the west coast of Hawaii. Using hydrophones, they captured one-minute snapshots of the underwater soundscape at regular intervals over two years. The findings revealed that high-frequency pulse train sounds from fish increased during moonlit hours, while low-frequency fish vocali...

Mar172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Aral Sea Catastrophe: ESCAP’s Multifaceted Approach to Environmental Recovery

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In a region marked by stark environmental degradation and socio-economic upheaval, the Aral Sea, once the world's fourth-largest inland sea, stands as a tragic emblem of human-induced catastrophe. Over the past decades, the sea has dramatically shrunk by a staggering 90%, primarily due to extensive water diversion for irrigation and hydropower, exacerbated by the effects of climate change. The consequences are dire, with severe environmental and socio-economic repercussions plaguing the surrounding countries. The Grim Reality: Environmental and Socio-economic Fallout The depletion of the Aral Sea has triggered a cascade of crises, including the loss of water, increased salinity, and the collapse of local ecosystems. These changes have wrought havoc on livelihoods, plunging communitie...

Mar32024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Himalayan Region Faces Prolonged Drought Amidst Escalating Global Warming

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A new study led by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) paints a grim picture for the Himalayan region, warning of enduring drought conditions if global temperatures continue to rise. Published in the journal Climatic Change, the study underscores the escalating risks posed by climate change to both human livelihoods and natural ecosystems. Key Findings: Drought Perils: The study projects that a staggering 90% of the Himalayan region could face prolonged droughts lasting over a year if global warming reaches 3 degrees Celsius. Agricultural Vulnerability: With each degree of warming, agricultural lands across India, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana become increasingly susceptible to severe drought conditions. Over 50% of agricultural land in these nations is ...

Feb292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Record Warmth in North Atlantic Raises Alarm Bells: What It Means for the Planet and Its Inhabitants

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Amidst the wintry chill, an unsettling reality lurks beneath the surface of the North Atlantic waters: they're warmer than ever before. The sea surface temperature in this region, between South Carolina and Spain, is currently running about 2 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the average temperature over the last three decades, marking a record high. Visualizing the data reveals a stark picture: the thick orangey-red line representing 2023 stretches conspicuously above all others on the chart, signaling unprecedented warmth. Even more concerning is the shorter line from 2024, indicating a continued surge in temperature well above historical norms. Brian McNoldy, a climate researcher at the University of Miami, expressed deep concern over this alarming trend, emphasizing its implications...

Feb102024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

ISRO Set to Launch INSAT-3DS Satellite for Enhanced Meteorological Observations

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of its latest meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, on February 17. Scheduled to be deployed aboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14 (GSLV F14), the mission aims to bolster meteorological observations, leading to improved weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities. In a statement released on Thursday, ISRO announced that the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is set to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota at 5:30 pm. This mission marks the 16th flight of the GSLV and is intended to place the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequent maneuvers will position the satellite into a Geo-Stationary Orbit. Designed t...

Feb52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Deadly Forest Fires Ravage Chile, Leaving Dozens Dead and Thousands Displaced

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

In a devastating turn of events, Chile finds itself engulfed in a state of emergency as raging forest fires tear through the central regions of the country, claiming lives, destroying homes, and prompting widespread evacuations. With the death toll climbing and thousands displaced, authorities scramble to contain the infernos amid a sweltering heatwave exacerbating the crisis. The toll of the infernos is harrowing, with at least 64 lives lost and fears mounting that the number will soar as the blazes continue to ravage swathes of land. President Gabriel Boric, addressing the nation, grimly acknowledged, "We know that figure is going to grow, it’s going to grow significantly," underscoring the gravity of the situation. Amidst a Heatwave The fires, ignited two days ago, coincide wit...

Jan252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Delhi’s Air Quality Crosses 400-mark, Centre Monitors Situation Before Imposing Stricter Measures

Breaking News, Environment

January 25, 2024 Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) breached the 400-mark on Wednesday, signaling very poor air quality, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI categories range from 'good' (0-100) to 'severe' (400-500 or above). While the very poor air quality prevailed, the Centre decided to monitor the situation for a day or more before considering stricter measures under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The sub-committee of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed the current air quality scenario, meteorological conditions, and forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Based on the projections that Delhi's average AQI is likely to improve, the sub-com...

Jan142024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Role of Private Sector’s in Green Transition: Highlights of Climate Conference 2024 in Mumbai

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Mumbai, Maharashtra witnessed the Climate Conference 2024 on January 12, 2024, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Themed "Decoding the Green Transition for India," the event focused on the integral role of the private sector, climate tech startups, and institutional investors in mobilizing financial resources and technical capabilities. The conference aimed to leverage government initiatives, involve civil society and communities, and promote innovative climate services and adaptation technologies. Key dignitaries present at the inaugural session included Ms. Leena Nandan, Environment Secretary, Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Mr. K Rajaraman, Chairman, IFSCA, Mr. Mike Hankey, U.S. Consul General, and Mr. Nadir Godrej, Chairman & ...

Jan132024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Study Reveals Major US Atlantic Coast Cities Are Sinking at Alarming Rates

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Thoughts & Talks

A recent study has uncovered a concerning reality for major cities on the US Atlantic coast, including New York City, Long Island, and other coastal regions – they are sinking at a rate of 2mm per year. The sinking land poses significant threats, raising concerns about flooding, long-term viability, and the potential impact on densely populated areas. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, sheds light on the impact of sinking land on major metropolitan areas like Baltimore, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. These coastal cities are already susceptible to flooding, and the additional threat of sinking land amplifies the risks. While the sinking may appear gradual, researchers emphasize that the consequences are real and pose a serious threat to th...

Jan72024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

New York City’s Record Snow Drought Persists Despite Winter Storm: 692-Day Streak Continues

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

New York City's historic two-year snow drought may not end with the current winter storm system. Despite the arrival of the storm passing through the East Coast, as of 7 p.m. Saturday, only 0.2 inches had been recorded in Central Park. The National Weather Service forecasted only 0.8 inches of accumulation before the storm moves out to sea late on Sunday night. The city's 8.5 million residents have not seen more than 1 inch of snowfall in Manhattan's Central Park since February 13, 2022, marking a record-long streak of 692 days. The lack of snow in New York City is considered another sign of how climate change is affecting global weather patterns.