Environment Archives - Page 32 of 46

Nov232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Finds Global Cities Falling Short on Tree Canopy Cover for Urban Health

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

New research analyzing access to urban greenery across eight major global cities, including Melbourne and Sydney, reveals alarming gaps in tree canopy cover, despite the presence of visible trees. The study, published in Nature Communications, applies the ‘3-30-300’ rule, a sustainable cities benchmark, to evaluate urban nature access and its benefits. The '3-30-300' Rule Explained The rule, developed by Dutch urban forestry expert Professor Cecil Konijnendijk, suggests every home, school, and workplace should: Have a view of at least three trees. Be in a neighborhood with 30% tree canopy cover. Be within 300 meters of a park. While most buildings in the study met the "three trees" requirement, almost all cities fell short of the 30% canopy cover benchmark. Key Findi...

Nov222024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Microplastics Found in Clogged Arteries Linked to Increased Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

Microplastics, tiny plastic fragments that infiltrate human tissues, have been detected in arterial plaques, raising significant concerns about cardiovascular health. A groundbreaking study published in The New England Journal of Medicine explores the association between microplastics in fat-clogged arteries and increased risks of stroke, heart attacks, and death. Led by Dr. Raffaele Marfella from the University of Campania, Naples, the study analyzed fatty deposits removed from 257 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, a surgical procedure to reduce stroke risk. Key findings include: Microplastics Presence: Nearly 60% of the plaques contained polyethylene, commonly found in plastic bags and bottles. Additionally, 12% contained polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in pipes, flooring,...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Stubble Burning and Pollution: ICAR Warns of Irreparable Damage to Soil and Air Quality

Breaking News, Environment

As Delhi continues to choke under hazardous air pollution senior scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have raised alarms about the dual damage caused by stubble burning—not only polluting the air but also depleting vital soil nutrients. Nutrient Loss and Soil Degradation ICAR scientists revealed that burning one tonne of paddy stubble results in a significant loss of soil nutrients, including: 12-13 kg of phosphorus 35 kg of potassium 20 kg of nitrogen Of these, nitrogen is completely lost, while phosphorus is partially recoverable. ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak emphasized that stubble burning harms both the environment and agricultural productivity, stating, “In any form, stubble should not be burnt as it harms everyone.” Rising P...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Tamil Nadu Declares Extreme Heat a State-Specific Disaster: A Welcome Move with Caveats

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment

In a significant step towards tackling the growing threats of climate change, the Tamil Nadu government officially notified extreme heat as a State-specific disaster in October. This decision broadens the scope of institutional mechanisms to protect those at risk of heat-related health issues or fatalities, offering a safety net for citizens during deadly heatwaves. However, while the move reflects foresight in addressing climate-induced risks, there are critical aspects that warrant closer scrutiny. Expanded Welfare Responsibilities By recognizing extreme heat as a disaster, Tamil Nadu takes on the responsibility to mitigate its effects, aligning with the broader mandate of public welfare. The notification includes proactive measures such as ensuring access to medical care, provi...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Sawmill Sink: A Time Capsule of The Bahamas’ Ancient Past

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

Nestled on Great Abaco Island in The Bahamas, Sawmill Sink a mysterious blue hole has revealed an extraordinary trove of fossils that shed light on the island’s ancient history. For over a decade, beginning in 2005, researchers plunged into the perilous depths of this natural wonder, uncovering secrets from a world long vanished. "This was probably the most important site I'd ever had a chance to get involved with," said David Steadman, curator emeritus at the Florida Museum of Natural History. However, these groundbreaking explorations came to a halt five years ago when a devastating hurricane wreaked havoc on Great Abaco, disrupting the fossil collection efforts and leaving the remaining treasures submerged, possibly forever. Formation of Sawmill Sink Sawmill Sink, like other...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

The Hidden Danger of Asbestos in Everyday Products

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check, Learning & Developments

Asbestos widely used for its heat resistance and durability, has a dark legacy as a carcinogen responsible for mesothelioma, an aggressive and incurable cancer. Its use spanned diverse applications, from construction materials to the fake snow in classic films like The Wizard of Oz and White Christmas. Despite its hazards, asbestos wasn't banned in the UK until 1999, decades after its dangers were established. Today, concerns about asbestos persist not in construction but in cosmetics. Investigations have revealed traces of asbestos in some talc-based products, raising fresh alarms about its hidden risks in everyday items. How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Asbestos is a group of six fibrous minerals, including chrysotile (white asbestos) and crocidolite (blue asbestos), that can fr...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Can Cloud Seeding Help Delhi Breathe Cleaner Air?

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

Delhi is grappling with its annual air pollution crisis, with Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the “severe plus” category, consistently above 450. In response, Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in deploying cloud seeding a controversial technique to induce artificial rain and potentially reduce pollution levels. What is Cloud Seeding? Cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain, involves dispersing substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds to stimulate precipitation. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets form, potentially triggering rainfall. The process can be carried out via aircraft, rockets, or ground-based generators. In theory, the rainfall generated could "wa...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Century of Climate Change From Discovery to Critical Decisions

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

In September 1933, American meteorologist Joseph Kincer posed a now-crucial question: Is the climate changing? This query marked the beginning of modern efforts to understand humanity’s impact on the planet’s climate. By examining global temperature trends, Kincer concluded the world was warming, though he did not propose a cause. Five years later, in 1938, British engineer Guy Callendar attributed a 0.3°C rise in land temperatures over 50 years to increased carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal. This built upon earlier theories of the greenhouse effect, laying the groundwork for understanding human-driven climate change. Accelerating Warming Today, global climate monitoring relies on a sophisticated network of weather stations, satellites, and forecast models that track chan...

Nov212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Snow to West Coast Bomb Cyclone and Atmospheric River Bring Heavy Rain

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The West Coast's rainy season has arrived with a dramatic start as an atmospheric river carrying tropical moisture collides with a powerful bomb cyclone off the Pacific Northwest coast. This weather duo is unleashing widespread heavy rainfall, strong winds, and mountain snow from Northern California to Washington. On Nov. 19, 2024, heavy wet snow began blanketing mountain regions while bursts of rain battered the coasts of Oregon and Northern California. Winds exceeding 70 mph have been recorded in parts of Washington as the bomb cyclone intensifies offshore. This storm’s strength is driven by the meeting of two potent weather phenomena. The atmospheric river a "river in the sky" transporting moisture from the subtropics feeds the bomb cyclone, a rapidly intensifying low-pressure sys...

Nov202024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Earth’s Magnetic North Pole Drifts Rapidly Towards Russia: Scientists Raise Concerns

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

The Earth's magnetic North Pole is moving toward Russia at an accelerating pace, raising concerns about its impact on navigation systems, technological infrastructure, and even life on Earth. British scientists tracking the pole’s movements report it has shifted 2,250 kilometers from Canada to Siberia and is now traveling at a speed of 50-60 kilometers per year up from just 15 kilometers per year in the 1990s. The magnetic North Pole is critical for modern navigation, including planes, ships, and smartphones, which rely on the Earth's magnetic field for direction. Scientists warn that continued rapid movement could cause compasses to point east of true north by 2040, requiring recalibrations across industries. The British Geological Survey (BGS), which monitors the pole, emphasizes t...