Environment Archives - Page 37 of 47

Sep302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New “Mini-Moon” to Visit Earth: Asteroid 2024 PT5 Set for Brief Stay

Stargazers and space enthusiasts have a new reason to be excited this autumn, as Earth is set to briefly capture a small asteroid, turning it into a temporary "mini-moon" from September 29 to November 25. The asteroid, named 2024 PT5, will be pulled into Earth's gravitational field, sparking interest from the astronomical community. Unfortunately, due to its small size and lack of brightness, the mini-moon won’t be visible to the naked eye or through ordinary telescopes. Asteroid 2024 PT5, measuring about 33 feet wide, hails from the Arjuna asteroid belt and was first detected on August 7 by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Dr. Jennifer Millard, host of the Awesome Astronomy podcast, explained that while the asteroid won’t be visible to amateur astronomers, ...

Sep302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Scientists Unveil New Findings on Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Scientists at the Alikhanyan National Science Laboratory on Mount Aragats have uncovered new insights into a mysterious atmospheric phenomenon known as Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs). Led by physicist Ashot Chilingarian, the research offers a deeper understanding of how thunderstorms affect the Earth's atmosphere and could shed light on larger cosmic processes. TGEs are intense bursts of electromagnetic activity that occur during thunderstorms, where electrons are accelerated to high speeds by strong electric fields. These accelerated electrons produce gamma rays, a type of high-energy radiation, as they collide with atomic nuclei in the atmosphere. The phenomenon has been largely overlooked in previous thunderstorm research, but scientists now believe it plays a significant ro...

Sep292024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Breaking Discovery Earth’s Inner Core May Have an Even Deeper Hidden Layer

Breaking News, Environment

Scientists have uncovered new evidence that suggests Earth's inner core long believed to be a solid iron sphere may actually consist of two distinct layers. This revelation could potentially reshape our understanding of Earth's formation and the events that shaped its early history. "Traditionally, we've been taught that Earth has four main layers: the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core," said Joanne Stephenson, a geophysicist from the Australian National University, in 2021. However, new research led by Stephenson and her colleagues indicates that Earth's inner core is more complex, featuring an additional, even deeper "inner-inner" core. For years, scientists have inferred what lies beneath Earth's surface by studying seismic waves from earthquakes. These waves t...

Sep282024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Extreme Weather Events in South America Triple in Frequency Since 1970

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The frequency of days with extreme heat, dryness, and high fire risk has tripled in certain parts of South America since 1970, according to recent research. The study highlights that while the continent is warming at the same rate as the global average, specific regions are increasingly vulnerable to the co-occurrence of these climate extremes, which pose significant threats to ecosystems, economies, and public health. The most affected areas include the Venezuela-Colombia border, the northern Amazon, and parts of central South America near the Río de la Plata basin. In these regions, the number of days with compounded climate extremes has skyrocketed from fewer than 20 to as many as 70 per year. The variability of these extreme events has also increased from year to year. Impact of ...

Sep272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Links Microplastics to Urinary Tract Health Risks, Urges Global Action

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

A new study has found alarming evidence of microplastic contamination in human organs, challenging previous reports that downplayed the health risks associated with these pollutants. Led by researchers from Bond University, the study reviewed 18 earlier investigations and discovered the presence of microplastics in kidney, urine, and bladder cancer samples, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health. Microplastics tiny plastic particles resulting from the global use and disposal of plastics have already been detected in the air, water, soil, food, and even human tissues. The 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) report claimed that microplastics in drinking water posed no significant risk to human health, but this new research suggests otherwise. Key Findings: Micro...

Sep272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Mumbai Rains Cause Chaos: 4 Dead, Schools Shut, Flights Diverted Amid Heavy Downpour

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Mumbai was battered by incessant heavy rains on Wednesday, leaving the city paralyzed as four people lost their lives, streets flooded, and transport services ground to a halt. The downpour, which has triggered widespread disruptions across the city and surrounding regions, prompted authorities to issue warnings, shut down schools, and divert incoming flights. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Mumbai and Thane, signaling continued heavy rainfall over the next few days, while a red alert was sounded for parts of Palghar, indicating a severe weather threat. Fatalities and Flooding Chaos The torrential rain, which has been pounding the city since the early hours, led to multiple fatalities. A 22-year-old woman, identified as Swapnali Kshirsagar, tra...

Sep252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Slowing Down for a Greener Future: Scientists Propose 15% Reduction in Flight Speeds to Combat Climate Change

Breaking News, Environment

In an unexpected turn of events for the aviation industry, scientists from the University of Cambridge have put forth a compelling argument suggesting that reducing flight speeds by 15% could significantly mitigate the environmental impact of air travel. This proposal, detailed in a recent report, indicates that such a change could lead to a reduction in fuel consumption by 5% to 7%, contributing to a greener aviation sector while potentially adding up to 50 minutes to transatlantic flights. The aviation industry is responsible for approximately 2.5% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. When accounting for non-CO2 effects, this figure rises to around 4%, highlighting the need for immediate action as air travel becomes increasingly accessible. Currently, only about 10% of the global...

Sep252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Research Uncovers Heat Tolerance Variability in Corals Offering Hope for Reef Survival

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A new study has revealed surprising variations in heat tolerance among coral colonies, offering new insights into their potential survival as global ocean temperatures rise. Even corals of the same species, living side by side, exhibit significantly different responses to heat stress, highlighting the complexity of coral resilience. The findings, published today, come as the world grapples with the impact of climate change on coral reefs. With the fourth global mass bleaching event recently declared and the Great Barrier Reef suffering five mass bleachings since 2016, these discoveries are crucial for future conservation efforts. Variable Heat Tolerance in Coral colonies The research focused on the tabular coral Acropora hyacinthus, a species highly vulnerable to heat waves but es...

Sep202024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

New Data Shows Climate Adaptation Urgent as Cities Face Rising Hazards Amid Warming

Breaking News, Environment, Idea & Innovations

With over two-thirds of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2050, new data from the World Resources Institute (WRI) reveals the stark challenges urban areas will face due to climate change. The analysis, focused on the 1,000 largest cities globally, highlights the growing threats from extreme heat, disease, and energy demand, with low-income regions particularly vulnerable. Under a scenario of 3 degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming above pre-industrial levels, cities could endure significantly longer and more frequent heat waves compared to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming. This would trigger skyrocketing demand for cooling and heighten risks from diseases such as dengue and Zika. The report underscores the urgent need for climate a...

Sep192024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Santiago Network Set to Deliver Climate Assistance: Key Guidelines Approved at Bonn Meeting

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The Santiago Network Advisory Board convened for its third meeting in Bonn, Germany, from September 4 to 6, 2024, marking a major milestone in the network’s journey to provide technical assistance to communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate-related loss and damage. During the meeting, the board approved critical guidelines, paving the way for the network to begin its operations. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), addressed the board ahead of the meeting, urging the acceleration of the network's progress. Stiell emphasized the important role of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) as co-hosts of the Santiago network secretariat ...