Environment Archives - Page 41 of 45

May302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Japan Unveils World’s First Wooden Satellite to Launch on SpaceX Rocket

Kyoto: In a groundbreaking achievement, Japanese researchers have developed the world's first wooden satellite. The innovative cuboid craft, designed by scientists at Kyoto University in collaboration with Sumitomo Forestry, is scheduled to be launched aboard a SpaceX rocket in September. Measuring just 10 centimeters (four inches) per side, the experimental satellite, named LignoSat, aims to test the feasibility of using wood as a primary material in space technology. This initiative is driven by environmental concerns, as the wooden satellite is expected to burn up entirely upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, thereby eliminating the risk of creating harmful metal particles that could affect the environment and telecommunications. Key Features and Launch Details The satellit...

May272024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf Calves Massive Iceberg A-83, Signals Ongoing Environmental Shift

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

On May 20th, 2024, Antarctica witnessed yet another significant iceberg calving event as a massive iceberg measuring 380 square kilometers (approximately 147 square miles) broke off from the Brunt Ice Shelf. This event, designated A-83 by the U.S. National Ice Center, marks the third major iceberg calving in the region within the past four years. The separation of iceberg A-83 was captured by two Earth Observation satellites: the European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-1 and NASA's Landsat 8 satellites. These satellites provided radar imaging and thermal data, respectively, allowing scientists to monitor the effects of climate change on remote regions like Antarctica. Routine monitoring of ice shelves by satellites enables scientists to track changes in ice dynamics and structura...

May252024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Seven Kerala Districts Amidst Heavy Rainfall

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns over the persisting heavy rainfall in Kerala by issuing a yellow alert for seven districts. According to the latest forecast, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod are expected to witness significant rainfall, ranging from 6 cm to 11 cm, on Saturday. State Revenue Minister K. Rajan shared alarming statistics, revealing that Kerala has witnessed 11 rain-related deaths from May 9 to May 23. These fatalities include six drownings, two quarry accidents, two lightning strikes, and one house collapse, painting a grim picture of the ongoing weather challenges. In response to the escalating situation, Minister Rajan urged residents to exercise caution and avoid venturing into water bodie...

May232024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

IMD Issues ‘Red’ Alert in Two Districts, High Wave Warning – Key Updates

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Four people lost their lives in Kerala on Wednesday due to rain-related incidents as the state experienced torrential downpours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'red' alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts for Thursday. An 'orange' alert has been declared in other districts. Here are the latest updates: The IMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Kerala on May 24 and May 25, with thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning likely from May 23 to May 26. High waves between 0.4 to 3.3 meters are expected along Kerala's coast from Vizhinjam to Kasaragod until Thursday night. On Wednesday, a 'red' alert was issued in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki. An 'orange' alert was issu...

May212024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Study Finds Microplastics in Human Testes, Raising Concerns About Male Fertility

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

A new study published in the journal Toxicological Sciences has uncovered a worrying presence of microplastics in every human testicle examined. This finding heightens concerns about the potential impact of plastic pollution on male fertility. Comprehensive Analysis of Microplastics Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) conducted a detailed analysis of tissue samples from both dogs and humans. The study, led by Xiaozhong "John" Yu, MD, PhD, MPH, a professor in the UNM College of Nursing, identified 12 types of microplastics in 47 canine and 23 human testes. The results showed that microplastics were present in all samples examined. "Our study revealed the presence of microplastics in all human and canine testes," Yu stated. He emphasized the potential implications for ...

May202024 by Editor Desk1 Comment

Severe Heatwave Grips Delhi: How to Protect Yourself as Temperatures Soar Above 45 Degrees

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

As a severe heatwave grips Delhi and other parts of North India, with temperatures soaring to 45-47 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert. The extreme heat poses significant health risks, including heatstroke, dehydration, and damage to vital organs. It is crucial to take preventative measures to protect oneself from the adverse effects of such high temperatures. High temperatures can overwhelm the body's natural ability to regulate its internal temperature, leading to conditions like heatstroke. Symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature (above 40°C or 104°F), confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Without immediate medical intervention, heatstroke can be fatal. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can also damage the brain, ...

May172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Unexpected Winter Strikes Chile as Autumn Weather Takes a Dramatic Turn

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Chile's capital, Santiago, was in the midst of autumn when an unexpected and extreme weather event occurred, signaling the abrupt onset of winter. Within hours, temperatures plummeted, breaking a 74-year record and catching residents off guard. Climatologists, like Raul Cordero from the University of Santiago, noted that such a rapid shift in weather during the autumn season has not been witnessed since 1950, marking an unprecedented and prolonged winter season. On Thursday morning, the mercury dropped to a chilling one degree Celsius in Santiago, with snow blanketing the surrounding mountains, further emphasizing the severity of the weather anomaly. This sudden change has left scientists worldwide astonished, highlighting it as a dangerous manifestation of climate change and categorizi...

May172024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India’s Strategic Vision for Green Hydrogen Unveiled at World Hydrogen Summit 2024

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Rotterdam, Netherlands – On May 15, 2024, Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India, addressed the World Hydrogen Summit 2024, outlining India's strategic vision and capabilities in renewable energy and green hydrogen production. In his keynote address, Secretary Bhalla emphasized the comprehensive scope of India's National Green Hydrogen Mission, highlighting its components including pilot projects, research and development (R&D) initiatives, and skill development programs. “This holistic approach reflects the government's commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building across the hydrogen value chain. Moreover, the Mission's focus on piloting projects and advancing R&D underscores India...

May162024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

First Cow-to-Human Transmission of Bird Flu A(H5N1) Confirmed in US

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The transmission of the highly pathogenic bird flu A(H5N1) from a cow to a dairy farmer in the US marks a significant development in our understanding of the virus's behavior and potential risks to public health. This event, the first confirmed cow-to-human transmission of the virus, sheds light on its ability to jump from birds to mammals and underscores the importance of monitoring livestock for signs of infection. The case, which manifested as inflammation in the eye rather than respiratory symptoms, was swiftly identified and reported. This prompt response, coupled with the unique presentation of the virus in humans, provides valuable insights into its transmission dynamics and potential impact on human health. The identification of a specific genetic change in the virus associat...

May162024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Monsoon Expected to Arrive in Kerala on May 31, Predicts IMD

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the onset of the southwest monsoon in mainland India for May 31, a day ahead of the usual schedule. This announcement holds significant implications for the country's agricultural sector, food inflation, and rural economy. The forecast suggests that this year's monsoon is likely to be "above normal" at 106% of the long-period average (LPA). The monsoon's arrival is crucial for sustaining nearly 70% of the country's rainfall between June and September. IMD's operational forecasts have been historically accurate, with last year being an exception. Experts attribute this year's forecast to the possibility of the La Nina phenomenon, which typically leads to above-average monsoon rains in India. With 51% of India's farmed area and 4...