Zero-degree line at record height amid EU heatwaves and fires
Climate scientists typically use weather balloons to monitor the threshold for warming air. In Switzerland, the latest balloon climbed a record 5,300 metres before temperatures fell to zero degrees. We just keep on breaking records for the wrong reasons. Amid a backdrop of late summer heatwaves and raging wildfires across Europe,...
Current in Planet
Morocco’s wildfires are destroying its forest cover
Morocco, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, is facing wildfires that are wreaking havoc on its forest cover. The wildfires in Morocco have inflicted severe damage on its forest cover, leading to the loss of countless hectares of pristine woodland. Forests are not only vital carbon sinks, absorbing...
Cheaper flights trump greener railways in Europe
A new study has found that – on average – a flight is cheaper than a train journey in Europe. Here’s what that means for the climate crisis. If you live in Britain, you’re well aware of the daylight robbery that is rail travel. Travelcards aside, you’re likely to drop...
Understanding the specifics of the discomfort index
The level of discomfort a person feels in varying levels of heat and humidity is known as the ‘discomfort index’. Increasing global temperatures are contributing to stress, job losses, and an alarming rise in gender-based violence. A meteorological term used in line with weather forecasting, the 'discomfort index', is a...
Scientists turn dead flies into biodegradable plastic
According to new research, the hard shells of insects – an abundant resource that otherwise goes to waste – can be used to engineer a type of eco-friendly material which is circular and doesn’t persist in the environment. Plastic pollution is a huge problem. With 30 million metric tonnes of the stuff being...
Climate change impacts reportedly making cholera outbreaks worse
The bacteria behind one of history’s deadliest diseases is thriving again due, in-part, to the increased frequency of extreme weather. Outbreaks in 2022 were reportedly up 50% on yearly averages. Last year, some 200,000 Malawians were displaced by two tropical storms in a single month and around 60 people died....
Scientists are scrambling to save Florida’s dying coral reefs
The waters off the coast of Florida have hit ‘hot tub levels’ of warmth. This has caused bleaching to occur on natural coral reefs and has completely obliterated those planted by reef restoration organisations. What happens next? It’s virtually impossible to ignore news about heat waves engulfing our planet right now. Although people have been coming up with creative ways to stay cool in unrelenting temperatures, a dip in the ocean...
What’s happening to Antarctic sea ice?
It’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere, when sea ice typically forms around Antarctica. This year, however, that growth has been stunted, hitting a record low by a wide margin. It’s deep winter in Antarctica, the time of year that the continent is shrouded in darkness and surrounded by millions of square miles of frozen ocean. According to a recent study, however, there is significantly less sea ice in...
Spain harnesses the power of horses to tackle uncontrollable wildfires
Free-roaming horses might seem like unlikely aides in the face of such a challenging foe, but ecologists believe they have a critical role to play in mitigating future wildfire risks. Thousands are currently trapped in an inferno that’s gripping the Mediterranean. This is expected to last for weeks as global temperatures soar and records continue to break. In Spain, which has been sweltering since early July in highs of 45°C, wildfires have...
G20 nations fail to reach agreement on cutting fossil fuels
A crunch G20 meeting in India has resulted in complete failure. There is still no consensus on how fossil fuels should be phased down and disputes continue over the goal to triple the capacity of renewables by 2030. Climate experts and ecological outfits have been exasperated by the foot dragging of official bodies and their inability to take urgent action against global warming. As has been the case too often, a...
