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| People in India celebrate Holi, a Hindu festival to mark the arrival of spring (Image credit: NatGeo) |
Thursday, 21 March 2019
In pictures - people celebrating the Holi Festival of Colours
News in brief - Thursday 21st March
Climate change insurance costs rise
With increasing numbers of extreme weather events happening around the world as a result of climate change, the cost of insurance could rise beyond an affordable level; people living in places like California are experiencing rising numbers of severe floods and wildfires and will no longer be able to pay for insurance to cover the costs of the damage
Victims of Cyclone Idai still wait for help
Thousands of people in Mozambique are still waiting for help to arrive as flood waters have created an inland sea; people are quickly running out of clean drinking water and the threat of illness and disease is creeping ever closer
American heatwaves on the rise
US temperature records are showing that hotter heatwaves are now more likely than extreme cold temperature events in the future; over the past 20 years, there have been twice as many high temperature records as cold ones, and this record is looking set to continue
With increasing numbers of extreme weather events happening around the world as a result of climate change, the cost of insurance could rise beyond an affordable level; people living in places like California are experiencing rising numbers of severe floods and wildfires and will no longer be able to pay for insurance to cover the costs of the damage
Victims of Cyclone Idai still wait for help
Thousands of people in Mozambique are still waiting for help to arrive as flood waters have created an inland sea; people are quickly running out of clean drinking water and the threat of illness and disease is creeping ever closer
American heatwaves on the rise
US temperature records are showing that hotter heatwaves are now more likely than extreme cold temperature events in the future; over the past 20 years, there have been twice as many high temperature records as cold ones, and this record is looking set to continue
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
In pictures - suffering caused by Cyclone Idai
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| Flooding and damage in Mozambique caused by Cyclone Idai at the weekend (Image credit: Reuters) |
News in brief - Wednesday 20th March
Cumbrian coal mine goes ahead
Despite protests by conservationists, a new coal mine has been given the go ahead in Cumbria, north-west England; the Woodhouse Colliery was approved as it will bring much needed jobs to the area but it will offset its pollution by building a solar farm nearby to provide for its energy needs
Suffering in Mozambique continues
The chaos caused by Cyclone Idai is resulting in a huge amount of suffering for the survivors living in Mozambique; people are desperate for food, water, clothing and shelter, and are having to bury the dead quickly and often without identifying the bodies first
Pesticides linger on US fruit and veg
Recent analysis has shown that much of the fruit and veg sold in America still contains pesticide residues despite being washed; around 70% of fresh produce sold was found to contain pesticides with kale holding the most
Despite protests by conservationists, a new coal mine has been given the go ahead in Cumbria, north-west England; the Woodhouse Colliery was approved as it will bring much needed jobs to the area but it will offset its pollution by building a solar farm nearby to provide for its energy needs
Suffering in Mozambique continues
The chaos caused by Cyclone Idai is resulting in a huge amount of suffering for the survivors living in Mozambique; people are desperate for food, water, clothing and shelter, and are having to bury the dead quickly and often without identifying the bodies first
Pesticides linger on US fruit and veg
Recent analysis has shown that much of the fruit and veg sold in America still contains pesticide residues despite being washed; around 70% of fresh produce sold was found to contain pesticides with kale holding the most
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
In pictures - drought in Ladybower Reservoir
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| A depleted Ladybower Reservoir; climate change will make sights like this increasingly common (Image credit: BBC) |
News in brief - Tuesday 19th March
Flooding in Mozambique
Cyclone Idai has caused huge areas of Mozambique to become submerged underwater; around 1,000 people are thought to have died after strong winds and heavy rainfall struck the coastal areas at the weekend
Risk of UK water shortages
The Environment Agency is warning that the UK could run out of water within the next 25 years; pressure is being placed on resources because of rising population levels and declining supply due to climate change
The benefits of offshore wind farms
Offshore wind technology in the UK is becoming more cost efficient as turbine designs have rapidly improved; there are currently a significant number of offshore wind farms in shallow seas, but the next step is to look at floating wind farms
Cyclone Idai has caused huge areas of Mozambique to become submerged underwater; around 1,000 people are thought to have died after strong winds and heavy rainfall struck the coastal areas at the weekend
Risk of UK water shortages
The Environment Agency is warning that the UK could run out of water within the next 25 years; pressure is being placed on resources because of rising population levels and declining supply due to climate change
The benefits of offshore wind farms
Offshore wind technology in the UK is becoming more cost efficient as turbine designs have rapidly improved; there are currently a significant number of offshore wind farms in shallow seas, but the next step is to look at floating wind farms
In pictures - whales dying from eating plastic
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| Another whale in Indonesia dies from consuming plastic waste in the ocean (Image credit: BBC) |
Monday, 18 March 2019
News in brief - Monday 18th March
UK flood warnings
Several places around the UK are experiencing rising flood waters after heavy rain at the weekend; people living near the River Ouse and River Dee were advised to check warnings before travelling
Whale found to have eaten 40kg of plastic
A whale in the Philippines was found dead and with 40kg of plastic within its stomach; the plastic was made up of rice sacks and shopping bags, and the incident is being used by conservationists to further highlight the problem of plastic waste in our oceans
School climate strikes spread globally
Around 1.4 million people are thought to have taken part in recent global climate change rallies and protests; more and more people are realising the potential future impacts of global warming and are pressuring governments to take action
Several places around the UK are experiencing rising flood waters after heavy rain at the weekend; people living near the River Ouse and River Dee were advised to check warnings before travelling
Whale found to have eaten 40kg of plastic
A whale in the Philippines was found dead and with 40kg of plastic within its stomach; the plastic was made up of rice sacks and shopping bags, and the incident is being used by conservationists to further highlight the problem of plastic waste in our oceans
School climate strikes spread globally
Around 1.4 million people are thought to have taken part in recent global climate change rallies and protests; more and more people are realising the potential future impacts of global warming and are pressuring governments to take action
Friday, 15 March 2019
In pictures - climate change protests
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| Students in Delhi protest against climate change as part of a global push to raise awareness of the issue (Image credit: AFP) |
News in brief - Friday 15th March
Global climate change protests
Thousands of students across the world have been protesting and holding rallies to raise awareness of the need to address climate change; although governments have made promises and signed up to things like the Paris Agreement which is trying to limit temperature rise, many people feel this is not enough and that more drastic action is needed to reverse the effects of climate change
Oil slick off the French coast
An Italian oil tanker has caught fire off the French coast near La Rochelle; 2,200 tonnes of fuel have spilt into the waters and an oil slick is expected to reach the coastline in the next few days
Plans to artificially cool the earth
Research into solar geoengineering has shown that it may be possible to cool the earth by putting sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere; this would not worsen current weather events such as cyclones and droughts, and only 0.4% of regions would be at risk of more extreme weathers
Thousands of students across the world have been protesting and holding rallies to raise awareness of the need to address climate change; although governments have made promises and signed up to things like the Paris Agreement which is trying to limit temperature rise, many people feel this is not enough and that more drastic action is needed to reverse the effects of climate change
Oil slick off the French coast
An Italian oil tanker has caught fire off the French coast near La Rochelle; 2,200 tonnes of fuel have spilt into the waters and an oil slick is expected to reach the coastline in the next few days
Plans to artificially cool the earth
Research into solar geoengineering has shown that it may be possible to cool the earth by putting sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere; this would not worsen current weather events such as cyclones and droughts, and only 0.4% of regions would be at risk of more extreme weathers
Thursday, 14 March 2019
In pictures - Arctic ice melting more than expected
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| Arctic ice melt is happening at a faster rate than previously projected (Image credit: NASA) |
News in brief - Thursday 14th March
Companies starting to admit plastic levels
Coca-cola is one of the world's biggest companies who has decided to declare its plastic production levels; the company has disclosed it produces 3million tonnes of plastic a year, and there is growing pressure to make it and other companies re-use and recycle plastic much more
Plans for more electric vehicle charging points put on hold
Over 100 councils have put a brake on plans to add more electric vehicle charging points in their areas due to cuts in funding; this has consequences for aims to reduce carbon emissions in urban areas in order to meet pollution targets
Climate change in the Arctic
New research has found that extreme temperature rise is expected in the Arctic even if the emissions levels dictated in the Paris Agreement are reached; this has significant implications for the wildlife living there and coastal flooding around the world
Coca-cola is one of the world's biggest companies who has decided to declare its plastic production levels; the company has disclosed it produces 3million tonnes of plastic a year, and there is growing pressure to make it and other companies re-use and recycle plastic much more
Plans for more electric vehicle charging points put on hold
Over 100 councils have put a brake on plans to add more electric vehicle charging points in their areas due to cuts in funding; this has consequences for aims to reduce carbon emissions in urban areas in order to meet pollution targets
Climate change in the Arctic
New research has found that extreme temperature rise is expected in the Arctic even if the emissions levels dictated in the Paris Agreement are reached; this has significant implications for the wildlife living there and coastal flooding around the world
Wednesday, 13 March 2019
In pictures - the orangutan faces extinction
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| The orangutan is one of the well-known species that faces extinction due to habitat loss from palm oil production (Image credit: BBC) |
News in brief - Wednesday 13th March
Species under threat of extinction
Scientists are mapping out the habitats of thousands of birds, mammals and amphibians that are a the most risk of extinction; 'hotspot' areas tend to be areas of agriculture, urbanisation, roads, railways, night lighting and water ways
Avoidable deaths from air pollution
Studies are showing that toxic air pollution may kill more people globally than smoking; this is yet another piece of evidence that adds to the argument for countries to reduce their pollution levels as it will benefit the health of people as well as the environment
Fine dust covers the whole of South Korea
A blanket of fine dust from air pollution has covered most of South Korea over the past few weeks; schools have been told to use air purifiers and the country is trying to reduce the levels of coal-fired power stations and vehicle use
Scientists are mapping out the habitats of thousands of birds, mammals and amphibians that are a the most risk of extinction; 'hotspot' areas tend to be areas of agriculture, urbanisation, roads, railways, night lighting and water ways
Avoidable deaths from air pollution
Studies are showing that toxic air pollution may kill more people globally than smoking; this is yet another piece of evidence that adds to the argument for countries to reduce their pollution levels as it will benefit the health of people as well as the environment
Fine dust covers the whole of South Korea
A blanket of fine dust from air pollution has covered most of South Korea over the past few weeks; schools have been told to use air purifiers and the country is trying to reduce the levels of coal-fired power stations and vehicle use
Tuesday, 12 March 2019
In pictures - Storm Gareth brings flood warnings
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| Coastal areas have received flood warnings as Storm Gareth approaches (Image credit: The Independent) |
News in brief - Tuesday 12th March
Storm Gareth brings high wind speeds and travel chaos
A weather system over the Atlantic is bringing high wind speeds and heavy rain to many parts of the UK; flood warnings are in place in several areas and people are being advised to check travel news before setting off
New evidence for solar storm found
Scientists have recently discovered new evidence that shows the Earth was hit by a radiation from a powerful solar storm over 2,000 years ago; this new finding is important as it may have implications for technology, aircraft, and the health of astronauts on space explorations
The impact of extraction industries
Extracting resources from the ground, such as fossil fuels and farming, is having a significant impact on the diversity of our wildlife and quality of the environment; as new study has shown that extraction industries contribute to more than half of global carbon emissions and are responsible for 80% of biodiversity loss
A weather system over the Atlantic is bringing high wind speeds and heavy rain to many parts of the UK; flood warnings are in place in several areas and people are being advised to check travel news before setting off
New evidence for solar storm found
Scientists have recently discovered new evidence that shows the Earth was hit by a radiation from a powerful solar storm over 2,000 years ago; this new finding is important as it may have implications for technology, aircraft, and the health of astronauts on space explorations
The impact of extraction industries
Extracting resources from the ground, such as fossil fuels and farming, is having a significant impact on the diversity of our wildlife and quality of the environment; as new study has shown that extraction industries contribute to more than half of global carbon emissions and are responsible for 80% of biodiversity loss
Monday, 11 March 2019
In pictures - small USA farms lost to large scale industry
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| Small scale farms in America are struggling to hold out against large farming corporations (Image credit: CNN) |
News in brief - Monday 11th March
Reducing emissions from the dairy industry
The dairy company 'Arla Foods' is making a promise to cut its carbon emissions to the point of being carbon neutral by 2050; this change will affect 2,000 farms and will trial new technologies such as producing energy from waste manure
Bans on cars waiting outside schools
The government has released new recommendations that suggest cars should be banned from idling outside school gates and that it should be made easier for children to walk or cycle to school; there are concerns over the impact of car emissions on air quality and the affect this can have on children's respiratory health
Industrial farms take over rural America
As large scale farming becomes ever more economically viable, the small scale, family farms of America are being lost to the big corporations; what were once diverse, successful, community-based farmsteads are now remotely-controlled industrial pastures that produce corn and soya to make animal feed for other farms
The dairy company 'Arla Foods' is making a promise to cut its carbon emissions to the point of being carbon neutral by 2050; this change will affect 2,000 farms and will trial new technologies such as producing energy from waste manure
Bans on cars waiting outside schools
The government has released new recommendations that suggest cars should be banned from idling outside school gates and that it should be made easier for children to walk or cycle to school; there are concerns over the impact of car emissions on air quality and the affect this can have on children's respiratory health
Industrial farms take over rural America
As large scale farming becomes ever more economically viable, the small scale, family farms of America are being lost to the big corporations; what were once diverse, successful, community-based farmsteads are now remotely-controlled industrial pastures that produce corn and soya to make animal feed for other farms
Sunday, 10 March 2019
In pictures - oil spill in the Solomon Islands
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| Oil spill pollutes the delicate coral reefs in the Solomon Islands (Image credit: ABC news) |
News in brief - 10th/11th March
Cracks appearing in Scottish nuclear reactor
Hairline fractures have appeared in the bricks of a nuclear reactor in Ayrshire, south-west Scotland; the owners of the power plant (EDF Energy) are seeking permission to restart the reactor, following a safety inspection
Health concerns over use of the herbicide 'Roundup'
Farmers in the USA who have used the herbicide 'Roundup' for decades are now facing serious health issues; the weed-killing manufacturer is being charged with a series of court cases from people who have been diagnosed with various cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, claiming they were not aware of the carcinogenic properties of the chemical before using it on their crops
Oil spill in the Solomon Islands
An oil tanker has run aground on the Kongobainiu reef near Rennell Island in the south of the Solomon Islands, turning the waters black and killing many of the fish; the locals are left with no livelihood as they cannot go fishing in the oily sea and many have no access to clean drinking water either
Hairline fractures have appeared in the bricks of a nuclear reactor in Ayrshire, south-west Scotland; the owners of the power plant (EDF Energy) are seeking permission to restart the reactor, following a safety inspection
Health concerns over use of the herbicide 'Roundup'
Farmers in the USA who have used the herbicide 'Roundup' for decades are now facing serious health issues; the weed-killing manufacturer is being charged with a series of court cases from people who have been diagnosed with various cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, claiming they were not aware of the carcinogenic properties of the chemical before using it on their crops
Oil spill in the Solomon Islands
An oil tanker has run aground on the Kongobainiu reef near Rennell Island in the south of the Solomon Islands, turning the waters black and killing many of the fish; the locals are left with no livelihood as they cannot go fishing in the oily sea and many have no access to clean drinking water either
Saturday, 9 March 2019
In pictures - the endangered red wolf
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| The American red wolf faces extinction under the Trump administration (Image credit: National Geographic) |
Friday, 8 March 2019
News in brief - Friday 8th March
Ash dieback continues to spread
The deadly tree fungus 'ash dieback' is spreading quickly across the United Kingdom; Wales has been particularly badly affected with 80% of woodland now at risk and trees near buildings, roads and railways having to be cut down
Recycling grapes to make gin
Supermarket giant Tesco has found a way to transform grapes (which would otherwise be discarded) into a new brand of gin; the aim is to cut down on food waste as millions of punnet of grapes are sent to landfill everywhere because they either haven't sold or have gone off during transport to supermarket shelves
Saving America's red wolves
Only around 30 red wolves still live in the wild in North Carolina, USA; numbers have dwindled due to people trapping, poaching and shooting these wild animals, and recent plans by the Trump administration state that protected areas will become smaller and there will be no repercussions for shooting wolves on private land in the future
The deadly tree fungus 'ash dieback' is spreading quickly across the United Kingdom; Wales has been particularly badly affected with 80% of woodland now at risk and trees near buildings, roads and railways having to be cut down
Recycling grapes to make gin
Supermarket giant Tesco has found a way to transform grapes (which would otherwise be discarded) into a new brand of gin; the aim is to cut down on food waste as millions of punnet of grapes are sent to landfill everywhere because they either haven't sold or have gone off during transport to supermarket shelves
Saving America's red wolves
Only around 30 red wolves still live in the wild in North Carolina, USA; numbers have dwindled due to people trapping, poaching and shooting these wild animals, and recent plans by the Trump administration state that protected areas will become smaller and there will be no repercussions for shooting wolves on private land in the future
Thursday, 7 March 2019
In pictures - Greenland's melting ice sheets
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| Greenland's ice sheets are melting instead of growing in winter, as rain falls instead of snow (Image credit: Greenpeace) |
News in brief - Thursday 7th March
UK to increase wind power generation
A new deal between the government and wind industry will mean that 30% of the UK's electricity will come from offshore wind farms by 2030; this will create new jobs in areas of coastline such as Norfolk and the north of Scotland, but environmentalists are concerned about where the other 70% of energy will come from and whether it will be environmentally-friendly
Rainfall in Greenland
Scientists have found that increasingly frequent rainfall in Greenland due to a warmer climate is having a detrimental impact on the surface ice; the rain (which should be falling as snow in the Artic winter) is melting the ice and thereby adding to sea level rise, rather than adding to the land ice store as it normally would
The spread of microplastics
Recent studies have shown that microplastics have now spread to every continent and can be found in oceans, rivers, and even groundwater stores and tap water; this plastic can cause harm to animals and humans if ingested, but a greater worry now is the bacteria carried on the plastic itself, which can cause infections such as gastroenteritis
A new deal between the government and wind industry will mean that 30% of the UK's electricity will come from offshore wind farms by 2030; this will create new jobs in areas of coastline such as Norfolk and the north of Scotland, but environmentalists are concerned about where the other 70% of energy will come from and whether it will be environmentally-friendly
Rainfall in Greenland
Scientists have found that increasingly frequent rainfall in Greenland due to a warmer climate is having a detrimental impact on the surface ice; the rain (which should be falling as snow in the Artic winter) is melting the ice and thereby adding to sea level rise, rather than adding to the land ice store as it normally would
The spread of microplastics
Recent studies have shown that microplastics have now spread to every continent and can be found in oceans, rivers, and even groundwater stores and tap water; this plastic can cause harm to animals and humans if ingested, but a greater worry now is the bacteria carried on the plastic itself, which can cause infections such as gastroenteritis
Wednesday, 6 March 2019
In pictures - coastal wetlands act as carbon stores
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| New research has shown that coastal wetlands could become significant stores of carbon (Image credit: NatGeo) |
News in brief - Wednesday 6th March
The role of wetlands in climate change
Researchers have identified coastal wetlands as being potential stores of huge amounts of carbon; as plants die, they decompose and the carbon becomes trapped in the mud rather than releasing it into the atmosphere, making it an excellent carbon store as sea levels rise
Policy review on fracking
The UK's High Court has found that the government's policy on fracking does not reflect what the latest scientific evidence shows; fracking has become a frequently controversial issue due to its high cost and environmental impacts
Wolves to tackle US moose population
The growing moose population in Michigan has become a problem since wolves have not been able to migrate into the area due to melting ice bridges; four wolves have been relocated from Ontario in Canada to a Michigan national park to try and control the number of moose in the area
Researchers have identified coastal wetlands as being potential stores of huge amounts of carbon; as plants die, they decompose and the carbon becomes trapped in the mud rather than releasing it into the atmosphere, making it an excellent carbon store as sea levels rise
Policy review on fracking
The UK's High Court has found that the government's policy on fracking does not reflect what the latest scientific evidence shows; fracking has become a frequently controversial issue due to its high cost and environmental impacts
Wolves to tackle US moose population
The growing moose population in Michigan has become a problem since wolves have not been able to migrate into the area due to melting ice bridges; four wolves have been relocated from Ontario in Canada to a Michigan national park to try and control the number of moose in the area
Tuesday, 5 March 2019
In pictures - Australia's Great Barrier Reef
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| The ecology of Australia's Great Barrier Reef is facing a new threat of marine heatwaves (Image credit: CNN) |
News in brief - 5th March
Impact of farming and forestry on bird species
The number of bird species going extinct has risen dramatically over the last ten years; this loss of wildlife is being attributed to farming (particularly for soy and palm oil) and forestry practices which destroy the habitats of certain birds, leaving them with no where to live
Extreme weather events on the rise in California
With rising temperatures and shifts in climate patterns, California is experiencing increasingly dry winters which are resulting in more intense summer forest fires; scientists have been monitoring rainfall patterns and are recommending that fire management strategies are developed to limit loss of life and property
Heatwaves in the oceans
High pressure weather systems over Australian waters are having a warming effect on the ocean water beneath; the delicate marine organisms that live there have a very small temperature tolerance range and are not able to survive in increasing warm water, putting the whole marine ecology in that area at risk
The number of bird species going extinct has risen dramatically over the last ten years; this loss of wildlife is being attributed to farming (particularly for soy and palm oil) and forestry practices which destroy the habitats of certain birds, leaving them with no where to live
Extreme weather events on the rise in California
With rising temperatures and shifts in climate patterns, California is experiencing increasingly dry winters which are resulting in more intense summer forest fires; scientists have been monitoring rainfall patterns and are recommending that fire management strategies are developed to limit loss of life and property
Heatwaves in the oceans
High pressure weather systems over Australian waters are having a warming effect on the ocean water beneath; the delicate marine organisms that live there have a very small temperature tolerance range and are not able to survive in increasing warm water, putting the whole marine ecology in that area at risk
Monday, 4 March 2019
In pictures - devastating tornado rips through Alabama
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| A series of Category 3 tornadoes have caused catastrophic damage in Lee County, Alabama (Image credit: Fox News) |
News in brief - Monday 4th March
Deforestation in Europe
Large parts of Europe, particularly Poland, are deforesting huge areas of woodland in an effort to make energy from biomass rather than fossil fuels; although more environmentally friendly in some ways, this energy source will still contribute to carbon emissions and(perhaps more worryingly) will upset the ecological balance of some areas making it harder for forest to grow back
Tornadoes strike in Alabama, USA
A series of powerful tornadoes have swept through Lee County in Alabama, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake; wind speeds of over 165mph were recorded and at least 23 people are thought to have died
Wildfires in Victoria, Australia
Lightning strikes in Bunyip State Park have started a fire that has burnt more than 10,000 hectares of land; despite the cooler conditions, 2,000 firefights are working to control the blaze both at ground level and from the air with helicopters dropping water on the worst affected areas
Large parts of Europe, particularly Poland, are deforesting huge areas of woodland in an effort to make energy from biomass rather than fossil fuels; although more environmentally friendly in some ways, this energy source will still contribute to carbon emissions and(perhaps more worryingly) will upset the ecological balance of some areas making it harder for forest to grow back
Tornadoes strike in Alabama, USA
A series of powerful tornadoes have swept through Lee County in Alabama, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake; wind speeds of over 165mph were recorded and at least 23 people are thought to have died
Wildfires in Victoria, Australia
Lightning strikes in Bunyip State Park have started a fire that has burnt more than 10,000 hectares of land; despite the cooler conditions, 2,000 firefights are working to control the blaze both at ground level and from the air with helicopters dropping water on the worst affected areas
Sunday, 3 March 2019
Focus: World Wildlife Day - 3rd March 2019
Today marks the annual celebration of 'World Wildlife Day'. This is a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's plants and animals. This year's theme is "Life below water: for people and planet". It aims to bring attention to the dangers that coastal and marine habitats are facing, particularly from pollution, overfishing and flooding.
Many marine species are under threat from human activities. Many people as well rely on coastal habitats as their means of making a living through fishing or tourism. The more we pollute and destroy our marine habitats, the more we are putting both wildlife and people's livelihoods at risk.
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats. Recent research has shown that the ocean is full of micro-plastics; these are tiny particles of plastic that can travel long distances in ocean currents and end up in the digestive systems of different animals. The other major threat is global warming, or more specifically for the oceans, rising sea temperatures. When water warms, it takes up more space (thermal expansion) meaning that coastal areas are likely to flood. Warm water also increases the rate of ice melt, meaning that the volume of water being added to the oceans is growing. Furthermore, delicate organisms like coral and phytoplankton are very sensitive to changes in temperature. As the oceans warm, these creatures will die, and this will have a catastrophic impact on the ocean's ecosystem.
What can you do?
We can all make small changes in our lives to reduce our energy use and recycle more. Think about your day to day life and what small changes you can make. Be conscious of how much electricity you are using when around the house. Try to choose food in the supermarket which has minimal plastic packaging. If we all make a little change, it can have a big difference.
Find out more at: https://www.wildlifeday.org/about
Many marine species are under threat from human activities. Many people as well rely on coastal habitats as their means of making a living through fishing or tourism. The more we pollute and destroy our marine habitats, the more we are putting both wildlife and people's livelihoods at risk.
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats. Recent research has shown that the ocean is full of micro-plastics; these are tiny particles of plastic that can travel long distances in ocean currents and end up in the digestive systems of different animals. The other major threat is global warming, or more specifically for the oceans, rising sea temperatures. When water warms, it takes up more space (thermal expansion) meaning that coastal areas are likely to flood. Warm water also increases the rate of ice melt, meaning that the volume of water being added to the oceans is growing. Furthermore, delicate organisms like coral and phytoplankton are very sensitive to changes in temperature. As the oceans warm, these creatures will die, and this will have a catastrophic impact on the ocean's ecosystem.
What can you do?
We can all make small changes in our lives to reduce our energy use and recycle more. Think about your day to day life and what small changes you can make. Be conscious of how much electricity you are using when around the house. Try to choose food in the supermarket which has minimal plastic packaging. If we all make a little change, it can have a big difference.
Find out more at: https://www.wildlifeday.org/about
Saturday, 2 March 2019
In pictures - wildfires on Saddleworth Moor
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| Wildfires on Saddleworth Moor rage as temperatures soar in February (Image credit: BBC) |
New in brief - 2nd/3rd March
UK's temperature changes linked to climate change
Temperatures in February in the UK this year were so high that meteorologists are being forced to look again at climate change models; the unseasonably high temperatures (in contrast to last year's freezing cold temperatures) are thought to be part of a wider climate change pattern linked to carbon emissions
Tree removal putting insects under threat
A large number of mature trees have been chopped down and removed in Ireland this week; locals and conservationists are concerned of the impact this may have on the ecosystem as the trees support a vast number of insects who will disappear now the trees have gone
Climate change protests in Germany
On Friday, thousands of students marched through Hamburg to protest against climate change and its impacts; some teachers were critical of students skipping school but the German Chancellor Angela Merkel was supportive of the move
Temperatures in February in the UK this year were so high that meteorologists are being forced to look again at climate change models; the unseasonably high temperatures (in contrast to last year's freezing cold temperatures) are thought to be part of a wider climate change pattern linked to carbon emissions
Tree removal putting insects under threat
A large number of mature trees have been chopped down and removed in Ireland this week; locals and conservationists are concerned of the impact this may have on the ecosystem as the trees support a vast number of insects who will disappear now the trees have gone
Climate change protests in Germany
On Friday, thousands of students marched through Hamburg to protest against climate change and its impacts; some teachers were critical of students skipping school but the German Chancellor Angela Merkel was supportive of the move
Friday, 1 March 2019
In pictures - the British Antarctic Survey Station
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| Halley VI closes again due to uncertainty over ice melt (Image credit: The British Antarctic Survey) |
News in brief - Friday 1st March
British Antarctic Base closes again
The UK's Halley base in Antartica has closed again with scientists having to leave their ongoing experiments behind; the closure is due to uncertainty about nearby ice (the station sits on the Brunt ice shelf) which is starting to break up and may cause a safety issue in the future
Heathrow expansion threatens environment
Plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in London have raised significant concerns over the damage that might be caused by new flights paths; the planes would fly over south-west London disturbing animals that live in areas like Richmond Park, as well as creating noise pollution for people who live there
Rising emissions in Australia
As steel and aluminium production in Australia continues to grow, the energy requirements needed to match this production are also on the rise; although energy use in other sectors such as agriculture has dropped, the production of liquified natural gas has grown by 7.3% which is adding to the country's carbon emissions and not helping it achieve it's greenhouse gas emissions goal
The UK's Halley base in Antartica has closed again with scientists having to leave their ongoing experiments behind; the closure is due to uncertainty about nearby ice (the station sits on the Brunt ice shelf) which is starting to break up and may cause a safety issue in the future
Heathrow expansion threatens environment
Plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport in London have raised significant concerns over the damage that might be caused by new flights paths; the planes would fly over south-west London disturbing animals that live in areas like Richmond Park, as well as creating noise pollution for people who live there
Rising emissions in Australia
As steel and aluminium production in Australia continues to grow, the energy requirements needed to match this production are also on the rise; although energy use in other sectors such as agriculture has dropped, the production of liquified natural gas has grown by 7.3% which is adding to the country's carbon emissions and not helping it achieve it's greenhouse gas emissions goal
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