** Drought Hits Southern Africa, Disrupting Hydropower Supply and Economy
A severe drought has drained Lake Kariba to near-record lows, affecting the power supply in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The lake's water levels are crucial for hydropower generation, which accounts for a significant portion of both countries' energy needs. As a result, daily power cuts have become common, with some areas experiencing up to 21 hours of darkness.
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** The rise of eco-poetry highlights the need for creative expression in addressing climate change, but its impact remains a topic of debate. As the UN climate conference begins, poets are using their work to bring attention to the crisis and inspire hope. However, the effectiveness of poetry in driving change is uncertain.
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** UK Travel Habits Face Urgent Overhaul for Net Zero Target
Researchers emphasize need for alternative travel options to reduce carbon emissions, citing Britain's slower return to pre-pandemic car and air travel usage. Europe-wide research shows Britons are more willing to reduce car and air travel than many other Europeans.
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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/nov/08/britons-greener-travel-net-zero-target
Climate talks in Baku, Cop29, are set to take place next month. Countries will discuss strengthening their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) ahead of the 2024 deadline. Some nations aim to announce updated NDCs at Cop29, while others will submit theirs early. The focus remains on achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century.
UN Secretary-General warns of catastrophic climate breakdown, urging immediate action and drastic greenhouse gas emissions cuts. The world is underestimating the risk of climate tipping points, such as Amazon rainforest collapse and Greenland ice sheet melting, Guterres says. Governments must take decisive action on phasing out fossil fuels entirely and increasing financing for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Nature campaigners in the UK are calling for taxpayers to take stakes in forest and peatland projects, arguing that profits from carbon credits should be shared with the public. The Revive Coalition, a group of Scottish land reform and conservation charities, claims that current policies are failing to restore nature quickly enough due to overgrazing and deforestation.
"World leaders gathering at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan are urged to take decisive action on climate finance. The conference aims to address record temperatures and rising emissions by agreeing a new finance goal to support climate action in developing countries. Greenpeace is calling for a robust financial commitment to help communities least responsible for the climate crisis."
Climate change forces indigenous community relocation in Panama. The Guna people on Gardi Sugdub island moved to a new town due to rising sea levels, raising concerns about preserving their traditions and culture.
Valencia Region Hit by Devastating Floods, Sparking Debate on Climate Crisis and Governance.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/06/warn-valencia-government-flooding
** Women play vital role in protecting nature, but face barriers and discrimination. Efforts are being made to support their work and ensure they receive a fair share of resources and funding.
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"Heartbreaking photos reveal drastic Arctic glacier retreat over the past century, highlighting urgent need for climate action and ocean protection."
** The 29th annual United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP29) is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024. The event aims to address global climate change through collaboration and agreement on key issues such as securing a new climate finance goal. Previous COPs have seen increasing urgency due to worsening climate impacts, with experts emphasizing the need for immediate action to limit global heating to 1.5°C.
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Source: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/71155/cop29-need-know-annual-global-climate-summit/
** The UK Labour Party aims to achieve a clean energy target by 2030, with plans for onshore windfarms, offshore wind, and solar power expansion. A new report estimates that a significant increase in renewable energy capacity is needed to meet this goal.
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Scientists have discovered a record-breaking feeding frenzy in Norway, where over 2 million Atlantic cod consumed 10 million capelin fish. Researchers used acoustic imaging and a new technique to identify the species based on swim bladder sound patterns. The massive group of capelin drew the attention of cod, leading to a feeding frenzy that stretched for miles.
The study's findings were published in Communications Biology, highlighting the importance of understanding marine ecosystems and how warming waters may impact fish populations. While the current capelin population remains high, researchers warn that stress on the species could lead to dramatic consequences.
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Source: https://e360.yale.edu/digest/cod-capelin-norway-feeding-frenzy
** Spain's devastating floods lead to widespread destruction and political bickering in Valencia region.
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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/05/valencia-political-bickering-spain-floods
** Photographer documents alarming glacier melt in Svalbard, highlighting urgent need for climate action.
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Women in Bolivia's Huanuni town are forced into informal mining due to lack of employment opportunities, despite the risks and challenges involved. Many work underground or sort through discarded mine tailings, facing environmental hazards, income inequality, and gender-based violence.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/nov/05/women-mining-tin-bolivia-huanuni
A new report from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) has found that clean power by 2030 is not only achievable but also desirable for the UK. The report, which backs Labour's policy on the matter, highlights the benefits of a transition to renewable energy sources, including cheaper and more secure electricity for households.
The government has committed to delivering clean power by 2030, with plans to build windfarms, solar farms, and new grid infrastructure across the country. This move is expected to create well-paid jobs in the UK's industries and boost economic growth.
Multiple organizations, including business leaders at the CBI and trade unions like Prospect, have expressed support for the mission to achieve clean power by 2030. The report provides conclusive proof that this goal is not only achievable but also desirable for the country.
A report by Britain's National Energy System Operator (Neso) suggests that the country can become a net exporter of green electricity by 2030, with no extra cost. The report outlines two pathways to achieve this goal: one relying heavily on renewable energy projects and another emphasizing nuclear power and carbon capture technology. Neso recommends urgent action to streamline the planning process and increase transmission network capacity. The government has pledged to make sweeping changes to the planning system to meet its clean energy mission.
New research reveals that treatment plants designed to clean up leachate liquid waste from landfills actually increase levels of banned toxic chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS. Leachate is a key source of forever chemicals, which can take thousands of years to break down and are linked to health risks like cancer. Experts urge the UK government to regulate all PFAS as one group to tackle pollution.