Sunday, March 23News That Matters

Tag: climate action

2024 Becomes Hottest Year on Record as WMO Warns of Irreversible Climate Crisis

2024 Becomes Hottest Year on Record as WMO Warns of Irreversible Climate Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning in its latest report, confirming that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded with global temperatures surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. The findings highlight worsening climate conditions, including rising sea levels, record ocean warming, and extreme weather events leading to widespread displacement and economic losses. According to the report, the global mean temperature in 2024 was 1.55 ± 0.13°C above the 1850-1900 average, marking a devastating milestone in human-induced climate change. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the findings as an “urgent warning sign” rather than a definitive failure of the Paris Agreement goals, emphasizing that every fraction of a degree of w...
Global South Takes Lead in Climate Action as Developed Nations Falter

Global South Takes Lead in Climate Action as Developed Nations Falter

Breaking News, Climate Actions
The Global South with nations like India and Brazil at the forefront, is stepping up to take a leading role in global climate action as developed countries struggle to meet their commitments. COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago emphasized this shift in leadership during his visit to India, asserting that emerging economies possess the institutional strength and scientific expertise necessary to drive meaningful climate solutions. Correa do Lago pointed out that the United States' wavering commitment and Europe’s growing defense priorities have hindered the effectiveness of climate initiatives. He argued that while countries in the Global South have large vulnerable populations, their proactive climate policies and international cooperation are setting new standards for environmental le...
India Records Earliest Heatwave and Warm Nights in 2025 Break 125 Year Old Records

India Records Earliest Heatwave and Warm Nights in 2025 Break 125 Year Old Records

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters, Environment
India has recorded its earliest heatwave and warm nights in 2025, marking a concerning trend in rising temperatures. On February 25, 2025, Goa and Maharashtra experienced the first heatwave of the year making it the first time a heatwave has been recorded during winter (January–February) according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). IMD also confirmed that February 2025 was the hottest February in 125 years. The impact of extreme temperatures has been felt in Odisha and Jharkhand which recorded their earliest heatwaves in four years. On March 15 Odisha’s Boudh registered the highest temperature in India, reaching 43.6°C on March 16. Jharsuguda followed with 42°C, while Bolangir recorded 41.7°C. These extreme heat conditions arrived much earlier than in previous years indicatin...
Global Sea Levels Rising Faster Than Expected Warmest Year on Record Pushes Oceans to New Heights

Global Sea Levels Rising Faster Than Expected Warmest Year on Record Pushes Oceans to New Heights

Breaking News, Climate Actions
Global sea levels rose at an alarming rate in 2024 surpassing previous predictions due to an unusual spike in ocean warming and melting land-based ice. According to a NASA led analysis the rate of rise last year was 0.23 inches (0.59 cm) per year, significantly higher than the expected 0.17 inches (0.43 cm) per year. Scientists attribute this sharp increase primarily to the thermal expansion of seawater process where ocean water expands as it warms. In a surprising shift, two-thirds of last year’s sea level rise came from thermal expansion reversing the usual trend where melting glaciers and ice sheets were the dominant contributors. Josh Willis sea level researcher at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California say “The rise we saw in 2024 was higher than we expected, Ever...
Climate Change Pushing Amphibians Beyond their Tolerance  Heatwave Study Warns

Climate Change Pushing Amphibians Beyond their Tolerance Heatwave Study Warns

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
A new study published in Nature has revealed that two per cent of the world’s amphibians are already experiencing temperatures beyond their tolerance limits raising alarms about the impact of global warming on these highly vulnerable species. Researchers studied 5,203 amphibian species and found that 104 are already exposed to overheating in shaded terrestrial conditions. The study warns that if global temperatures rise by 4°C, as many as 7.5 per cent (391 species) could be pushed beyond their physiological limits, significantly increasing the risk of extinction. Amphibians are ectothermic meaning they regulate body heat using external sources. As over 40 per cent of amphibian species are already under threat rising thermal extremes could accelerate their decline. Scientists analyzed...
Coffee Prices Hit Record Highs as Weather Wreaks Havoc on Global Supply

Coffee Prices Hit Record Highs as Weather Wreaks Havoc on Global Supply

Breaking News, Climate Actions
Global coffee prices surged to a multi year high in 2024 rising 38.8% compared to the previous year the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported. The steep increase was driven by extreme weather in key coffee-producing countries causing supply shortages and pushing prices to unprecedented levels. In December 2024 Arabica coffee known for its rich flavor was selling at 58% higher than the previous year while Robusta used in instant coffee saw a staggering 70% price surge. For the first time since the mid-1990s, the price gap between the two varieties narrowed significantly. FAO warned that coffee prices could rise further in 2025 if adverse weather continues to impact major growing regions. Viet Nam the world’s second-largest coffee producer, suffered a 20% drop in production ...
Mexico City Shallow Earthquakes Reveal Unexpected Risks Study Finds

Mexico City Shallow Earthquakes Reveal Unexpected Risks Study Finds

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
A new study has highlighted the surprising strength of ground shaking caused by recent shallow earthquakes in Mexico City, raising concerns about the potential impact of moderate seismic events on the city's buildings. Researchers Miguel Jaimes and Gerardo Suárez from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) have modeled earthquake scenarios to assess possible damage emphasizing the role of local geology in amplifying shaking. Published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, the study analyzed three regions based on past seismic activity: La Magdalena Contreras (2023), San Juan de Aragón (2018), and the Milpa Alta and Juchitepec earthquakes (1995 and 1985, respectively). Their findings suggest that even moderate earthquakes, up to magnitude 5.5, could cause signi...
Study Finds Climate Change Increases Virus Risk from Sewage in Ocean

Study Finds Climate Change Increases Virus Risk from Sewage in Ocean

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
A new study suggests that climate change may be increasing the risk of exposure to sewage-associated viruses in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. The research, conducted by scientists including Jessica Kevill, found that extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and heatwaves can cause untreated sewage to enter natural water bodies, posing a significant health threat. Viruses like norovirus and adenovirus, which cause stomach illnesses, were found to persist in seawater for up to three days in high temperatures and even longer in cooler conditions. On cloudy days, these viruses remained viable for about 2.5 days, while sunlight exposure reduced their survival to less than 24 hours. Scientists warn that with increasing climate-related weather extremes, the risk of sewage contamin...
New Climate Risk Index Reveals Global Inequities in Climate Crisis

New Climate Risk Index Reveals Global Inequities in Climate Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
A newly released Climate Risk Index (CRI) highlights the devastating impact of extreme weather events worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for stronger climate adaptation and risk management policies. Unlike the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), which evaluates countries' mitigation efforts, the CRI ranks 171 nations based on the human and economic toll of climate-related disasters. The 2025 report, published by Germanwatch confirms that lower-income nations bear the brunt of climate change, despite contributing the least to global emissions. Over a 30-year analysis (1993-2022), five of the ten most affected nations were lower-middle-income countries including India, Myanmar, and the Philippines while high-income nations like Italy and Spain also made the list. The year 2022 a...
Board game boosts youth awareness on sea level rise

Board game boosts youth awareness on sea level rise

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check
Can a board game help young people grasp the impact of sea level rise? Researcher Nieske Vergunst from Utrecht University’s Freudenthal Institute explored this question through the Sea Level Game, a strategy-based board game designed to enhance climate awareness. Tested on 117 participants aged 16 to 25, the game divided players into two teams: the Sea Level team, which made choices affecting climate change, and the Solution Level team, responsible for societal responses. The study, published in Geoscience Communication, found that players felt more aware of sea level rise and more confident in their ability to influence it—regardless of their prior science knowledge. Vergunst sees the game as a bridge for climate communication, particularly for those with low science exposure. “Sea ...