Europe set to bake under extreme heat for weeks
Temperatures across the globe are predicted to break records and exacerbate wildfires as the dire consequences of climate change become more apparent with each passing year. At present, thousands find themselves trapped in the inferno that’s gripping the Mediterranean. This is expected to last for weeks as global temperatures soar and...
Current in Planet
Japan to release radioactive water into ocean
The Japanese government plans to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean, but the plan doesn’t come without controversy. On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded, triggered a massive tsunami along Japan’s Pacific coastline. The incident...
How global cooperation could curb Turkmenistan’s ‘super emissions’
Turkmenistan’s significant methane emissions continue to haunt it as COP28 approaches. However, international cooperation might just be the push the nation needs for climate action. In July 2022, NASA launched The Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT), an instrument that can observe our planet from space. EMIT’s mission is...
Nearly half of US tap water contains forever chemicals says study
The US Geological Survey has completed a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s tap water quality. Alarmingly, it found that 45% of samples were contaminated with harmful forever chemicals.
Apparently, we’ve yet another annoying boon for the bottled water industry.
The US Geological Survey has just released the details of its
China poised to hit clean power target five years early
China is reportedly on track to almost double its wind and solar power capacity and shatter the central government’s ambitious 2030 goal of 1,200 gigawatts way ahead of schedule. ‘China is making strides,’ says Martin Weil, a researcher at Global Energy Monitor (GEM). The NGO, which tracks operating utility-scale wind and...
Deforestation surges despite Cop26 pledge
An area the size of Switzerland was cleared from Earth’s most pristine rainforests last year, suggesting that world leaders’ commitment to halt their destruction by 2030 is failing. Last year, an area of tropical rainforest the size of Switzerland was felled. This is according to a damning new report by the...
Why is New York City’s air so orange?
New York City is currently shrouded in thick, orange smog, with stage performances cancelled and sports games postponed. It is the result of Canadian wildfires that have worsened due to the climate crisis. Tens of millions are under air quality alert in the US, as smoke from Canadian wildfires travels southward and covers New York City. The smog will persist for at least several days, leaving city goers in an...
Climate scientists warn Arctic Ocean could be ice-free by 2030
Even with our most concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, climate scientists say Arctic ice sheets could melt completely by 2030. This is far earlier than anyone had previously thought possible. Over the last few decades, the year-round survival of large ice sheets in the Arctic has been a universal reference point for how severe global warming has become. Many scientists believe that a complete disappearance of sea ice at...
Tracking environmental progress on World Oceans Day
For World Oceans Day, we are rounding up significant milestones from the last year that are dedicated to caring for and protecting our planet’s oceans and seas. 70% of our planet's surface consists of oceans. It makes sense, then, that the survival of undersea ecosystems and the myriad of incredible species that live in and around them is crucial to the health of all living beings on Earth. Our oceans play a...
How are political disputes shaping the Arctic’s future?
With its vast resources becoming increasingly accessible, Arctic exploitation has caused notable geopolitical unrest. Nestled within the territories of eight different countries, the Arctic Circle is home to a population of 4 million people. Yet, it is the allure of the region's vast untapped resources that has captivated the ambitions of nations globally. The Arctic is home to major reserves of oil and natural gas, promising significant energy reserves for...
