Environment Archives - Page 5 of 46

May312025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Glacier Crisis Deepens: Just 24% of Global Ice to Survive If Warming Hits 2.7°C, Warns Study

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Only a quarter of the world’s glacier ice will remain if global temperatures rise to 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels the path the planet is currently on according to a new study published in the journal Science. The findings come as over 50 countries gather in Tajikistan for the United Nations’ first-ever international conference on glaciers, held against the backdrop of alarming global melt rates. The study, conducted by 21 scientists from 10 countries, used eight advanced models to simulate the long-term fate of more than 200,000 glaciers worldwide. The results reveal a stark difference in outcomes depending on the world’s climate action trajectory. Under the current path, with warming expected to reach 2.7°C, only 24 per cent of the 2020 glacier ice mass would survive in the long r...

May302025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Cyclonic Storm Brings Torrential Rain, Squalls Across Eastern and Southern India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A deep depression brewing over the northwest Bay of Bengal made landfall between Sagar Island and Khepupara near Raidighi in West Bengal late morning on May 29, 2025, bringing with it heavy rainfall and squally winds, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed. The system is expected to track north-northeastward, maintain its strength through the evening, and gradually weaken into a depression overnight. Widespread weather disturbances are expected over the next 48 hours, with the northeast and eastern parts of India bracing for intense rainfall and strong winds. Meghalaya is forecast to receive extremely heavy rainfall on May 30, with some areas expected to see more than 30 cm of rain. Assam is also likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall, with accumulations crossing 20 cm ...

May302025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Warming world: 80% chance next five years break heat records

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Fact Check

Europe and the world are heading toward uncharted climate territory. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns there's now an 80% chance that at least one of the next five years will break 2024’s record as the warmest year ever. Even more striking: there’s an 86% chance that at least one of those years will temporarily cross the critical 1.5°C warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement. While these temperature spikes may be short-lived, they’re still troubling. The latest WMO update, produced by the UK’s Met Office, forecasts a 70% chance that the 5-year average from 2025–2029 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels a sharp jump from 47% last year. The report stresses that every fraction of a degree matters, pushing the planet closer to climate tipping points. The Arc...

May292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Flash Floods Shock Drought-Prone Latur Amid Monsoon Onset, IMD Forecasts Under Scrutiny

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The drought-hit city of Latur in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region has been left reeling after a sudden bout of extreme rainfall led to flash floods on May 27, 2025. Independent reports, including from All India Radio and the Press Trust of India, point to cloudburst-like conditions that caught residents and authorities off guard. This severe weather event comes despite the India Meteorological Department (IMD) not issuing specific warnings for heavy rain in Latur or surrounding Marathwada districts in its regular regional bulletins. While the IMD’s Mumbai centre had predicted thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds for May 27, it did not flag extreme rainfall for Latur. The only relevant mention was a general note in the national press release that said “isolated heavy rainfall likely...

May292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global temperatures likely to stay near record highs till 2029: WMO warns of 1.5°C breach risk

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Arctic warming at over three times the global rate; chances of surpassing Paris Agreement threshold reach 86% Global temperatures are expected to hover near record highs over the next five years, according to the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) latest Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update, released May 28, 2025. The findings raise serious alarms about the planet approaching irreversible climate thresholds, particularly with the Arctic heating up at more than three times the global average. Near-term warming trends Between 2025 and 2029, the global average near-surface temperature is projected to range between 1.2°C and 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900 baseline). Critically, the WMO report notes an 86% probability that at least one year in this period will b...

May292025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Dust Storm Blankets Sydney, Triggered by Drought in South Australia

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A thick layer of dust unexpectedly settled over Sydney on Tuesday morning, following a week of heavy rainfall. The sudden haze was the result of a powerful dust storm that began in South Australia's Mid-North region on Monday, highlighting how climate and land conditions in one part of the country can impact regions hundreds of kilometers away. The dust storm formed east of Spencer Gulf around 11am and traveled across western Victoria into New South Wales, reaching Sydney approximately 18 hours later. The event was sparked by a strong cold front passing through drought-stricken areas of South Australia, where dry, exposed soils provided ideal conditions for dust to be picked up and carried long distances. While dust storms are more typical in late spring or early summer, this autumn ...

May282025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Mangrove Forests Over 500 Metres Wide Proven to Cut Wave Energy by 75%, Prompting Policy Rethink

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Fact Check

A global study based on more than 216,000 simulations has found that mangrove forests wider than 500 metres offer far more effective coastal protection than previously assumed. The research, led by the Deltares institute, shows that these broad mangrove belts reduce incoming wave heights by at least 70% regardless of wave intensity, water levels, or local conditions. Using the SWAN (Simulating WAves Nearshore) model, researchers analyzed 15,773 coastal locations worldwide with mangrove cover. From this dataset, 1,000 representative situations were selected to simulate wave reduction performance under a variety of environmental conditions. The results produced tens of millions of data points and highlighted a clear trend: wider mangroves are consistently more effective at weakening wave ...

May282025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Trees in Niger’s Schoolyards Offer Shade, Food, and Climate Education

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Learning & Developments

In the scorching cities of Niamey and Maradi, Niger's two largest urban centers, schoolyards are becoming unexpected green sanctuaries. A recent study of 60 schools has revealed that trees in school compounds are not only cooling overheated classrooms but also serving as tools for education, sources of nutrition, and symbols of resilience in the face of climate change. With rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves across the Sahel region, where temperatures often exceed 45°C, the importance of urban forestry is gaining new recognition. Trees in schoolyards play a critical role in reducing heat stress, creating shaded outdoor learning environments, and improving air quality. In overcrowded or under-resourced schools, these shaded spaces often double as open-air classrooms, offering a c...

May282025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Monsoon Bliss: Early Rains Boost India’s Agricultural Prospects Amid Heavy Downpours

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Kerala experienced an unusually early arrival of the southwest monsoon on May 24, eight days ahead of the usual schedule, marking the earliest onset in 16 years. This early arrival offers a promising start to the agricultural season and relief from recent heatwaves that have affected much of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the monsoon has already begun advancing into Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and parts of the northeast. This early onset allows farmers to start sowing summer crops sooner, with increased soil moisture supporting better crop growth and potentially higher yields. However along with the early arrival, heavy monsoon rains are expected across several regions, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. While these rains are crucial for ag...

May272025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Monsoon Marches On: Heavy Rains, Thunderstorms, and Heatwave Alerts Across India

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The southwest monsoon continues its steady advance across India, reaching more parts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Karnataka including Bengaluru, and the entire northeastern region, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed in its latest update. As monsoon winds sweep in, several regions are bracing for intense rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Here’s a region-wise summary of what to expect in the coming days: West and Central India: Extremely heavy rain is forecast over the Konkan coast, including Mumbai, and ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra on May 26 and 27. Gujarat will see thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50–60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph. Marathwada and parts of Gujarat are likely to receive isolated heavy rain between May 26 and 29. Isolated heavy showers...