Tropical forest loss hit a record high in 2024, with 26,000 square miles vanishing—an area comparable to Ireland. Fires, fueled by the worst Amazon drought on record, were the primary cause, surpassing deforestation for agriculture. This alarming trend, described as "frightening" by researchers, could push the Amazon towards...
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a busier-than-usual 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes (3-5 major). Warmer sea temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions contribute to this prediction. However, staffing cuts under the Trump administration raise concerns about NOAA's ability to accurately track...
New research reveals that penguin guano, rich in ammonia, significantly contributes to cloud formation in Antarctica. The ammonia reacts with sulfur gases from phytoplankton, increasing aerosol particles which promote cloud formation. These clouds act as insulation, reducing surface temperatures and slowing sea ice melt. Researchers measured ammonia levels...
Global deforestation reached record highs in 2024, with over 6.7 million hectares of tropical forests lost, primarily due to wildfires and agricultural expansion. This surpasses previous losses and contradicts 2021 pledges by over 140 countries to end deforestation by 2030. The increase is linked to rising temperatures and...
A new study warns of potential sea level rises of 8-12 inches per decade in some areas, exceeding coastal communities' adaptation capabilities. Researchers suggest that the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming limit might be insufficient to prevent a worst-case polar ice sheet meltdown. A more ambitious target, closer to...
Tropical forests experienced record-breaking destruction in 2024, losing 67,000 sq km—an area nearly the size of Ireland. Fires, fueled by drought and exacerbated by climate change, surpassed agricultural land clearing as the primary cause, particularly impacting the Amazon. This unprecedented loss released 3.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, equivalent...
A new analysis reveals that Colorado oil and gas companies have injected at least 30 million pounds of undisclosed chemicals into the ground since July 2023, violating a state transparency law. Chevron is the largest offender, with over half of the non-compliant wells. Environmental groups express concerns about...
World Bee Day highlighted the plight of bees globally, with experts emphasizing the need for greater protection. In Cologne, Germany, approximately 400,000 bees in urban rooftop hives continued their work, unaware of the threats to their survival. Scientists cite insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change, and lack of diverse...
Two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, and 12 dolphins are stranded at the closed Marineland Antibes in France after a relocation to Spain was blocked. A video showing algae in their tanks sparked international concern. While Marineland maintains the algae are harmless and the animals are well-cared for, NGOs disagree,...
Even if the ambitious 1.5C global warming target is met, scientists warn of potentially devastating sea-level rise of several meters over centuries. This is due to continued melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, whose response to temperature changes takes centuries. Current observations and models show accelerating ice...
