Life in Oymyakon, Russia's "Pole of Cold", is a testament to human resilience. This remote village has a population of 107 students and residents who face extreme temperatures, with lows reaching -67.8°C (-90°F) in winter. The Kolyma highway, built by political prisoners, runs through the area, serving as a reminder of the region's complex history. Despite challenges, the community hopes to receive financial assistance for infrastructure development.
AstraZeneca reportedly considers cutting UK jobs if biodiversity drug levy is introduced, amid industry concerns over sharing profits from genetic code discoveries.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/25/astrazeneca-uk-jobs-biodiversity-drug-levy
New oilfield discoveries may soon become stranded assets, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The agency predicts that peak oil will be reached by the end of this decade due to increasing demand for electric vehicles. In 2022, 20% of global car sales were electric, with a projected rise to nearly 50% by 2030. This shift is expected to lead to decreased oil demand and new oilfields becoming unprofitable investments.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/oct/25/weatherwatch-will-new-oilfields-become-stranded-assets
Greenpeace Deploys Giant Puzzle at COP16, Urging Climate Action
The environmental organization Greenpeace has set up a giant 8.5x8.5-meter puzzle in the Pan-American Park, Cali, Colombia, to highlight the urgent need for climate action and biodiversity conservation. The puzzle features illustrations of Colombian species, with banners displaying messages "Nature does not wait" and "Action for Nature Now". This initiative is part of International Day against Climate Change, aiming to raise awareness about the devastating effects of climate change on biodiversity.
As climate change continues to worsen, experts warn that environmental disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. In South America, for instance, fires are transforming forests into carbon emitters rather than carbon sinks, with up to half of the Amazon potentially hitting a tipping point by 2050 due to water stress, land clearance, and climate disruption.
While some may rely on promises of help based on economic development, Indigenous intellectuals like Ailton Krenak suggest that this approach is merely a "confidence trick" that perpetuates exploitation. Instead, they advocate for learning from the present and taking responsibility for our actions.
Hamburg, Germany's greenest city-state, has signed a binding agreement to protect its natural spaces. The "green network" makes up nearly 10% of the state's area, and the new contract ensures that at least 30% of the land remains untouched nature reserves or conservation areas. This compromise balances housing development with environmental protection.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its latest Emissions Gap Report, warning that if countries do not take rapid action to cut rising climate pollution emissions, the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C will be missed. The report highlights the urgent need for countries to increase their ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The US power grid has seen a significant growth in battery capacity, with over 20 gigawatts installed in the past four years. This is equivalent to the output of 20 nuclear reactors and has helped maintain renewable energy during weather conditions that interfere with wind and solar production. California and Texas have been leading the way in this growth, with massive batteries helping manage clean yet intermittent solar and wind energy.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/24/power-grid-battery-capacity-growth
A recent storm in the US highlighted the importance of accurate weather forecasting and the disproportionate impact of extreme weather events on vulnerable communities. Dr. James Marshall Shepherd, a meteorologist, emphasized that excessive rainfall is often the deadliest aspect of hurricanes, not wind speed. He also noted that climate change is affecting hurricane intensity and rapid intensification. Shepherd stressed that it's crucial to move away from focusing solely on category numbers and instead prioritize warnings about heavy rainfall.
Source: https://e360.yale.edu/features/james-marshall-shepherd-interview
New research warns that biodiversity is declining even faster within protected areas, despite global efforts to conserve nature. The study found that nearly a quarter of the world's most biodiverse land is within protected areas, but the quality of these areas is decreasing at a rate 1.3 times faster than outside them. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of conservation practices and highlights the need for more stringent protections.
The world is on the brink of overshooting the 1.5C climate target, a threshold set in the Paris Agreement. According to recent reports, even temporarily exceeding this limit will lead to severe weather events, heatwaves, and floods. The consequences of overshoot are far-reaching, including the potential collapse of the Greenland ice sheet, melting permafrost, and rising sea levels.
A remarkable discovery was made in Marys Creek State Forest, Queensland, where a carpet python was found with a freshly killed platypus in its mouth. Plant enthusiast Darren Williams and his companion Elliot Bowerman stumbled upon the unusual encounter while exploring the area. The two-meter long snake had its jaw firmly clasped around the platypus before they moved on to avoid disturbing the snake.
Community comes together in Asheville, North Carolina after Hurricane Helene devastation. Residents organized communal cookouts using food from their freezers and grills to share meals and support each other during the recovery process.
Renowned Danish political scientist Bjorn Lomborg recently appeared on Bill Maher's US cable show Real Time, sparking controversy over his claims about climate change and the Great Barrier Reef. Lomborg stated that pollution and overfishing are the reef's biggest threats, not climate change. However, experts disagree, citing rising ocean temperatures as the primary cause of coral bleaching events.
Breaking news! The "Mekong ghost" fish, a giant salmon carp thought to be extinct since 2005, has been rediscovered in Cambodia. Scientists have confirmed the presence of three individuals caught between 2020 and 2023 in the Sesan River. This megafish can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh over 60 pounds. The Mekong basin is home to many endangered species, including giant catfish and freshwater stingrays. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this imperiled species.
Source: https://e360.yale.edu/digest/mekong-giant-salmon-carp-rediscovered
Climate experts warn about the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which could have devastating consequences for the planet. According to recent research, AMOC is weakening and a tipping point exists. While some scientists argue that extreme scenarios should not be discussed due to alarmism concerns, others believe it's crucial to consider these risks in assessing future climate change impacts.
As one expert states, "If it had been like that for centuries, then river and sewer systems would be adapted to take up that water. But because we are not used to that, there are disasters." This highlights the importance of considering long-term adaptation and risk assessment when dealing with climate change.
The consequences of an AMOC collapse could include massive flooding, sea-level rise, and increased risks for certain regions like Norway and Scotland. It's essential to address these concerns by limiting global heating as close to 1.5C as possible, sticking to the Paris agreement, and reducing fossil fuel emissions.
Labour is considering a proposal to make solar panels optional for new homes in England, rather than requiring them. This move would weaken low-carbon regulations and may discourage housebuilders from equipping homes with solar panels. The plan, which was revealed by the Guardian, has raised concerns among experts and environmental campaigners.
Cricket for Climate, a player-led movement, is gaining momentum in Australia and globally. Pat Cummins, an Australian cricketer, started the initiative four years ago after experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions by installing solar panels at junior and grade clubs, while also promoting sustainable practices and community engagement. Cricket for Climate has partnered with Cricket Australia and other organizations to scale up its efforts.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/23/cricket-for-climate-pat-cummins-australia-the-spin
A remarkable story of coexistence has been unfolding in Barekuri, Assam, where villagers and hoolock gibbons have lived side by side for generations. The endangered species, found only in a few places worldwide, has formed an unusual bond with the local community. A new Guardian documentary, "Guardians of the Gibbons," sheds light on this unique relationship and the threats looming over their survival.
India's only ape species, the hoolock gibbon, is on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, deforestation, and industrial catastrophe. The villagers of Barekuri have coexisted with the gibbons for over a century, but their fragile ecological balance is under threat. Researchers are working with local farmers like Mohit Chutia to study human-gibbon interactions and develop conservation efforts.