environment Archives - Page 3 of 5

Jan262025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Megaberg A23a Threatens Wildlife Haven South Georgia

A23a, the world’s largest iceberg, weighing over a trillion tons, is on a collision course with South Georgia, a remote British island in Antarctica. According to a BBC report, this "megaberg," spanning 3,900 square kilometers about three times the size of New York City is currently just 280 kilometers from the island and is expected to make contact within two to four weeks, depending on ocean currents. A Wildlife Haven at Risk South Georgia, often called a wildlife paradise, is home to large populations of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals. Experts warn that if A23a grounds near the island, fragmented icebergs could block access to vital feeding grounds for years. Marine ecologist Mark Belchier, who advises South Georgia's government, explained the region’s vulnerabili...

Jan242025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heatwaves in North America, Europe Could Intensify Twice as Expected Due to Soil Moisture Variations

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A new study has revealed that heatwaves in Eastern North America and Central Europe could become twice as intense as previously predicted, driven by variations in soil moisture. Published in Nature Communications, the research, led by Professor Douglas Maraun at the University of Graz with contributions from the University of Reading, highlights the potential for devastating temperature surges if global warming reaches 2°C. The study warns that extreme heat events in these regions could rise by up to 4°C, significantly outpacing moderate heatwave projections. This alarming trend mirrors the catastrophic heatwaves that hit Canada in 2021, India in 2022, and the Mediterranean in 2023. Reinhard Schiemann, a co-author of the study from the University of Reading, explained "While it’s kno...

Jan222025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Ghana’s Coastal Erosion Crisis Threatens Communities and Heritage

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

The relentless advance of the sea along Ghana’s coast has not only erased significant portions of its landscape but also consumed key historical sites, leaving communities and livelihoods in jeopardy. Among the losses is the UNESCO World Heritage site once used to hold enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade. Today, only remnants of the fort remain, with 90% of its structure swallowed by the ocean. “In 1907, the erosion started,” recalls James Ocloo Akorli, a historian and caretaker of the fort's remains. “First, it was the coconut trees. Then, the houses went. By 1980, when it was still being used as a prison, the damage was already severe.” The fate of Fort Kongestein in Ada Foah, built in 1783 and integral to the European slave trade, echoes this story. It has been ...

Jan212025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Melting Ice Reveals 5,900-Year-Old Forest in Rocky Mountains

Breaking News, Environment, Learning & Developments

The melting ice of the Rocky Mountains has unearthed a stunning archaeological discovery: a 5,900-year-old whitebark pine forest preserved in remarkable detail. Located on the Beartooth Plateau in Wyoming at an elevation of 3,100 meters well above today’s tree line the discovery offers an unprecedented glimpse into ancient climates while raising pressing questions about the future. The frozen forest, uncovered during an archaeological survey, includes more than 30 well-preserved trees. Whitebark pine, a species that no longer grows at such heights, flourished there during a significantly warmer period in Earth's history. “This discovery offers us a window into past conditions at high elevations,” said Cathy Whitlock of Montana State University. Tree ring analysis and carbon dating re...

Jan202025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Mpox Case Sparks Health Alert in Azerbaijan 22-Year-Old Tests Positive After Travel

Breaking News, Disasters, Environment

Mpox Known as monkeypox viral infection often presenting flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, and a distinctive rash. While the disease is typically mild, severe cases can be fatal, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. Transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. A 22-year-old Azerbaijani citizen has tested positive for mpox after returning from an international trip, according to health authorities. The individual is currently in isolation and receiving medical treatment in Baku, while family members remain symptom-free under observation. The patient had traveled abroad from January 2 to January 11 before reporting symptoms, including fever, weakness, and a rash. Although the specific countries visited...

Jan182025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

UNICEF Report Calls for Resilient Systems to Safeguard Children’s Futures in 2025

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

A new report from UNICEF Innocenti, Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures, offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities children and young people are likely to face in the coming year. This latest edition of the Global Outlook series highlights the critical importance of resilience-building in systems that support children’s rights and well-being. The report paints a picture of a world where progress for children is achievable but warns of setbacks if urgent actions are not taken. UNICEF calls for systems that go beyond immediate service delivery, emphasizing the need for structures that are not only responsive to current challenges but also capable of anticipating future risks. A key focus of the report is the integratio...

Jan162025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

DO NOT DRINK Notice in LA Wildfires Pose Dual Threat High Winds and Water Contamination Risks

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters

As LA wildfires rage on, high winds are expected to worsen conditions, amplifying the destruction and raising new concerns about drinking water safety. Last week, Pasadena Water and Power issued its first-ever "Do Not Drink" notice to a third of its customers, citing the risk of toxic chemicals infiltrating the water supply after infrastructure damage. Although the advisory has since been lifted for most areas, the incident highlights the hidden dangers urban fires pose to water systems. Unlike wildfires in forests, urban fires wreak havoc on critical infrastructure. Andrew Whelton, a Purdue University professor, explains that ash, soot, and debris can enter water systems when pressure drops during a fire. Compounds released from burning synthetic materials are especially harmful, even ...

Jan142025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Global Plastic Waste Crisis Only 9% Recycled, Systemic Change Urged

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

Despite growing awareness of the plastic waste crisis, the world continues to fall short in addressing the problem effectively. According to data from the OECD, only 9% of global plastic waste was recycled in 2023, with the rest either incinerated (19%), mismanaged (22%), or landfilled (49%). The United States, as the world’s largest plastic polluter, recycles a mere 5% of its household plastic waste. Around the globe, plastic waste mismanagement remains a pressing environmental challenge, with much of it ending up in oceans or other ecosystems. Why Recycling Falls Short The illusion of effective recycling hides deeper systemic flaws. The recycling process is hindered by the incompatibility of many plastic types, with only PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) being widely recyclable. Sorting an...

Jan42025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

India Forest Cover Growth Comes at a Cost: Biodiversity Hotspots Face Decline

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, released by the Forest Survey of India, paints a picture of paradoxical progress. While India's total forest and tree cover has shown a marginal increase, the ecological cost is hard to ignore. Biodiversity-rich areas, which are critical for sustaining ecosystems, continue to see worrying declines. India's forest and tree cover now stands at 8,27,357 square kilometres, covering 25.17% of the country's geographical area. Forests account for 21.76% (7,15,343 sq km), while tree cover constitutes 3.41% (1,12,014 sq km). Since the last report in 2021, forest and tree cover has grown by 1,446 sq km, with a modest 0.2% rise in forest cover and a 1.16% jump in tree cover. However, deeper analysis reveals a troubling reality: several states with r...

Dec302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

What Is a Black Moon and How You Can Experience This Rare Phenomenon

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check

As the year comes to a close, skywatchers have the chance to witness a unique celestial event known as the "black moon." This term, though not officially recognized in astronomy, refers to the rare occurrence of a second new moon within a single calendar month. Popular among stargazers and amateur astronomers, the black moon offers a fascinating opportunity to observe the night sky under optimal conditions. When and Where to See It The black moon will occur on December 30 at 5:27 PM ET (2227 GMT) for those in the Americas. For viewers in Europe, Africa, and Asia, the event will take place on December 31, with observers in India able to witness the phenomenon at approximately 3:57 AM on the same day. How Does a Black Moon Happen? A new moon occurs when the moon and the sun share...