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At 1034 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares had increased by 0.9 percent, bringing its gains for the year up to 5.3 percent. Although the index's performance so far this year is weaker compared to the 14 percent gains seen at this time in 2006, European shares have rebounded by 9.5 percent from a low point in August when concerns over credit market issues were at their peak. France Telecom's shares surged by 6.5 percent following the announcement of strong results, which also lifted Vodafone by 4 percent, making the telecoms sector the top performer in Europe. ABB, a Swiss engineering group, saw a 3.7 percent increase after reporting an 86 percent rise in quarterly earnings due to high demand for power generation infrastructure. Additionally, French company Alstom's shares rose by 5.6 percent as Lehman Brothers raised its target price for the stock. While it has been anticipated that earnings growth would slow down this quarter after a strong period, many companies have reported robust numbers. "The earnings season could reassure investors and the results have had a positive impact on sentiment," said Gerhard Schwarz, head of global equity strategy at Unicredit in Munich. However, there is a trend of increased selectivity and it is still too early to predict if earnings growth in Europe will slow down less than in the United States. Daimler, a German auto group, reported third-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations, causing its stock to rise by 1.5 percent. U.S. durable goods orders and new home sales data are expected later in the day, with financial markets already factoring in a 100 percent chance of a cut in U.S. interest rates next week. Earlier data from the Ifo economic research institute showed a decline in its German business climate index in October, as anticipated." In European markets, London's FTSE 100, Frankfurt's DAX, and Paris's CAC-40 all saw gains of more than 1 percent. European stocks have experienced a rollercoaster ride, recovering after a 13 percent drop in one month from mid-July, thanks to cuts in the Federal Reserve's discount and main funds rates. However, the recovery has been vulnerable to negative news regarding banks' exposure to credit market issues, with the European benchmark falling one week for every week it has gained in the 14 weeks since mid-August. U.S. stocks rebounded on Wednesday amid speculation of an imminent cut in the discount rate. UBS's forex strategists noted on Thursday that while the Fed has not confirmed anything, the anticipation of a further easing move to alleviate market stress has increased due to concerns about earnings and credit market problems. Merger and acquisitions, which have been a significant factor in the recent bull market, continued to drive up stock prices. Rexel, a French electrical supplier, saw an 8.5 percent increase in its shares after announcing plans to split Dutch competitor Hagemeyer with privately held Sonepar, causing Hagemeyer's shares to drop by 3.3 percent. Generali's stock rose by 5.7 percent, following a 2.6 percent increase the previous day, after British fund Algebris criticized the Italian insurer's corporate governance and called for changes. Additionally, Spanish bank Santander's shares rose by 1.6 percent as the company reported higher than expected net profit for the first nine months of the year. | null |
Scientific investigation has uncovered a long-standing error in ocean temperature measurements, revealing that the world's seas are warming and rising at a faster rate than previously believed. An international team of scientists discovered the error in data from a common probe known as an XBT, after analyzing millions of ship-based measurements dating back to 1950, with a focus on data from 1960 onwards. By correcting the error and applying a complex statistical analysis to sea temperature data, the team determined a global estimate of ocean warming in the top layers down to 700 meters, as well as the speed at which oceans are rising. According to team member Catia Domingues, the rate of ocean warming from 1961 to 2003 is approximately 50 percent higher than previously reported. John Church, another author of the report, had suspected inaccuracies in historical data due to discrepancies with results from climate and ocean models. "We have adjusted our observations and as a result, the models now align much better with the observations," stated Church, a senior research scientist at the climate center. By comparing XBT observations with research ship data in a statistical manner, one can estimate the errors associated with XBTs. This is important because oceans hold over 90 percent of the heat in the planet's climate system and can help mitigate the impacts of climate change, explained Domingues. As water warms, it expands, leading to rising sea levels along with run-off from melting glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Church's team estimated a global average surface warming of 0.4 degrees Celsius between 1961 and 2003, with seas rising an average of 1.6 millimeters per year during this time period. Since 1993, sea levels have been rising at a rate of more than 3 mm per year due to increased consumption of fossil fuels. Previously, XBTs were commonly used by commercial vessels to measure ocean temperatures, but they have been largely replaced by satellites and permanent probes. XBTs were disposable instruments that were thrown overboard with a wire attached to measure temperatures as they sank. A miscalculation in the instrument's fall through the water column could result in errors in depth and temperature readings. To address this issue, Susan Wijffels and her colleagues developed a mathematical formula to correct the errors. When looking at a broader range of global ocean temperature data, it became evident that the data aligned more closely with widely used computer models that predict climate and ocean behavior due to global warming. This discovery has increased confidence in the accuracy of these models for future projections, as well as indicated that sea level rise is tracking towards the higher end of projections. The latest global assessment by the U.N. Climate Panel suggested that sea levels could potentially rise by up to 80 cm by 2100 if carbon dioxide levels are not controlled. | null |
However, throughout the United States, the elevations of various structures, landmarks, valleys, hills, and other features are set to change in relation to average sea level. Many of these locations will become shorter, with some areas in the Pacific Northwest expected to decrease by up to 5 feet and parts of Alaska by 6 1/2 feet, as stated by Juliana P. Blackwell, the director of the National Geodetic Survey. Seattle, for example, is projected to be 4.3 feet lower than its current elevation. This shift is due to the fact that height is relative to a specific reference point, and geodesists, who study the Earth's shape, size, gravitational field, and position in space over time, are updating this reference point, known as the vertical datum, from which height measurements are taken. It is an extremely challenging math and physics project that will take fifteen years to complete. According to Chris Rizos, president-elect of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, the United States' efforts in this project are significant. The project, known as "height modernisation," is part of NOAA's broader initiative to accurately determine the country's position on Earth. The new National Spatial Reference System, which includes height, latitude, longitude, and time, is expected to be implemented in 2022 or 2023. This system will replace outdated reference systems from the 1980s that were less precise due to outdated technology. The discrepancies in elevation become more pronounced when traveling diagonally from the southeast to the northwest of the country. The only region in the United States projected to maintain its current elevation or experience a slight increase is the southern tip of Florida. According to Blackwell, there is a noticeable shift that results in all the inaccuracies in our vertical network being concentrated in the northwest. The concept of height has always been linked to pride. Blackwell mentioned that some residents of Colorado are concerned that a few of their mountain peaks may no longer meet the criteria for boasting rights under the revised elevation standards. “They are very proud of how high these things are, and I know that it’s going to be a bit of a disappointment if they start to be a little bit shorter than previously thought,” she stated. She mentioned that she is uncertain about the exact new measurements of Colorado’s peaks. In Beaumont, Texas, residents are dealing with the unsettling news that certain areas have sunk so much since the last height calculations that they now fall within the floodplain. Consequently, some property owners may need to obtain flood insurance to protect against potential losses, according to Daniel R Roman, chief geodesist at NOAA. “They were not happy to learn that the heights had changed,” he explained, “because when they conduct floodplain mapping, they assume, ‘Well, I’m at this height — it hasn’t changed.’” The US has been measuring its elevation since 1807, when President Thomas Jefferson established the Survey of the Coast, a precursor to the National Geodetic Survey, to map the waters and coasts of the Eastern Seaboard. The survey was the first scientific organization in the nation that was not military-related. Its goal was to improve the safety of shipping. As the country grew in the westward direction, so did the measurement process, with surveyors using the coast as a reference point for sea level to determine elevation. Metal bench marks were placed in the land by surveyors as they journeyed, detailing the height above sea level at each point, frequently on a mile-by-mile basis. Individuals wanting to measure the height of a structure or hill would do so in relation to the bench mark and ultimately, to sea level. Geodetic levelling, also known as the process, was meticulous and costly. The objective was to ensure that elevations were consistently measured nationwide over time, rather than each region having its own method. For instance, if engineers from different states were constructing a bridge spanning state boundaries, they needed to ensure that it would align in the center. By 1900, geodesy had advanced significantly. Geodesists no longer relied on a coastline as a substitute for sea level; instead, they created a model that accurately depicted sea level using tide readings. Since then, the height reference has been adjusted five times - in 1903, 1907, 1912, 1929, and 1988. The 1988 model is currently the standard in the US and Mexico. However, the 1988 version did not provide accurate information for California and parts of Texas and North Carolina due to significant movement in the crust caused by tectonic plate activity and extraction of oil, gas, and water from beneath the ground. To address this issue, geodesist David B Zilkoski, former director of the National Geodetic Survey, suggested utilizing technologies like GPS from the global navigational satellite system. GPS is very effective in determining your location in a two-dimensional system, such as at a specific intersection. However, it can also provide your location in a three-dimensional world, including the height above sea level. In the mid-1990s, the idea of using GPS to modernize height measurements became popular due to its affordability and simplicity. Satellites and GPS measure height in relation to a smoothed-out mathematical representation of the Earth's shape known as an ellipsoid. Imagine a basketball being compressed at the top and bottom. However, there was a significant complication. Geophysicist James L Davis from Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in New York pointed out that GPS technology is not well-equipped to account for gravity. This topographic research is being conducted in the Glacier Bay region of Alaska, as reported by The New York Times. A geodesist places importance on gravity, as it affects the measurement of height by determining the strength and direction of gravity's pull based on the density of the terrain below. Height is not just a measurement of distance above the ground, but is connected to gravity and the distribution of mass. Geodesists prefer to use the term "height" over "elevation" due to this relationship. Davis mentioned that in public lectures about gravity, a significant portion of the discussion is focused on changing the audience's perspective on the concept. As a result, relying solely on GPS for height measurements could be significantly inaccurate. If an engineer were to lay pipe using only GPS data without considering local variations in gravity, the water may not flow as intended. However, incorporating highly detailed measurements of the gravitational field into GPS height calculations is a challenging task. In 2007, the National Geodetic Survey initiated a major project called GRAV-D, aimed at redefining the American Vertical Datum by taking gravity readings into account. Geodesists will use this data to create a model that accurately represents average sea level worldwide, including on land. Due to the varying pull of gravity across different locations, a model known as the geoid is shaped like a lumpy potato. All measurements of height will now consider this model. According to Blackwell of the National Geodetic Survey, once the new height system is implemented, people will discover unexpected uses for it. She referenced "The Jetsons," a futuristic animated show from the 1960s where characters traveled around in small spacecraft in their cities. The technology used in the show, such as the ability to quickly and accurately calculate heights and other positional coordinates, was previously unimaginable. Today, the importance of accurate navigation in three dimensions is increasing due to the prevalence of drones, self-driving cars, and remotely operated aerial systems. Despite advancements in calculating the shape of the Earth by geodesists, human activities such as global warming are altering the planet by melting glaciers and ice sheets, causing a shift in mass from land to ocean and ultimately changing sea levels and elevations. The change in mass is also impacting the planet's configuration. According to Davis from Columbia University, the mass on Earth's surface is causing it to change shape. Essentially, human activity through climate change is changing gravity on a global scale by altering the atmosphere and moving mass around, resulting in a significant amount of mass being affected. Scientists like Davis are currently working to better understand and calculate the impact of human activity on the Earth's geoid shape and rotation. They are focused on measuring changes in the Earth's shape, mass in glaciers, and predicting future events based on these factors. This research represents a shift from historical concerns about Earth's shape to more pressing questions about its changing state and potential future impacts. | null |
The study, published online in Nature Geoscience, conducted by an international team of geoscientists, reveals how recent volcanic activity in Panama and Costa Rica may provide insights into the formation of continents billions of years ago. While many scientists believe that all of the planet's continental crust was created during a specific period in Earth's history, the research suggests that "juvenile" continental crust has been generated throughout Earth's history. Senior study author Esteban Gazel, an assistant professor of geology at Virginia Tech, stated that the discovery challenges the previous assumption that all continental crust has been continuously recycled. The Galapagos islands were formed by the melting of the oceanic crust, which recreated conditions similar to those of the ancient Achaean period, providing the necessary element for the creation of continental crust. Researchers found that the lavas erupted about 10 million years ago had a composition similar to continental crust. They also observed seismic waves traveling through the crust at speeds similar to those in continental crust around the world. The western Aleutian Islands and the Iwo-Jima segment of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc system are other examples of recently formed juvenile continental crust. This study raises questions about the global impact of newly formed continental crust on the evolution of continents and life itself. One instance of this is when the Central American land bridge was formed, causing the seaway to close. This altered ocean circulation, separated marine species, and significantly influenced the planet's climate. Gazel stated, "We have discovered a significant aspect of Earth's evolution." | null |
According to scientists, modern humans may have migrated from Africa to Arabia much earlier than previously believed, by up to 65,000 years. The migration was likely due to environmental factors rather than technological advancements. Researchers discovered ancient tools at the Jebel Faya site in the UAE which suggests a direct route from Africa to Arabia was taken, rather than through the Nile Valley or the Near East as previously thought. The findings from this study could lead to a reevaluation of how modern humans spread globally. The stone tools found at Jebel Faya were dated using luminescence dating to be between 100,000 and 125,000 years old. Hans-Peter Uerpmann from Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen, who headed the study, stated that the quality of the tools indicated they were not made in the Middle East, but rather resembled tools made by early humans in east Africa. This suggests that people were able to leave Africa without any significant cultural advancements. The study, published in Science, proposes that environmental factors like sea levels played a more crucial role than technological advancements in enabling migration. By analyzing sea-level and climate-change data from around 130,000 years ago, the researchers determined that the Bab al-Mandab strait between Arabia and the Horn of Africa would have been narrower due to lower sea levels, providing a safe passage out of Africa before and during the last interglacial period. Uerpmann suggested that during low tide, it is possible that modern humans crossed the straits by walking or using rafts or boats. Previous beliefs that the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula would have prevented an exodus from Africa are challenged by a new study indicating that Arabia had become more hospitable during the last interglacial period, with increased water sources and vegetation. While the timing of modern humans leaving Africa has been debated, previous evidence pointed to the exodus occurring along the Mediterranean Sea or Arabian coast approximately 60,000 years ago. | null |
UN scientists stated that an increase in heat waves is almost certain, along with heavier rainfall, more floods, stronger cyclones, landslides, and more intense droughts across the globe in the coming century due to the Earth's warming climate. The IPCC urged countries to create disaster management plans to deal with the rising risk of extreme weather events caused by human-induced climate change. The report, released in Uganda, provides varying probabilities for extreme weather events based on future greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, but the overall trend indicates a likely increase in extreme weather. The report highlighted that warm daily temperature extremes are expected to become more frequent and intense globally, and that the length, frequency, and intensity of heat waves are also likely to increase. According to one emissions scenario, a 1-in-20 year hottest day is expected to occur every 1-in-2 years by the end of the 21st century in most regions, with the exception of very high latitudes. Heat waves are projected to increase in intensity by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius by the mid-21st century and by about 2 to 5 degrees Celsius by the late 21st century, depending on the region and emissions scenario. Delegates from nearly 200 countries will convene in South Africa starting on November 28 for climate talks, with the most likely outcome being modest steps towards a broader agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to combat climate change. Despite global efforts to curb CO2 emissions, experts warn that current pledges are insufficient to prevent the planet from warming beyond 2 degrees Celsius, which could lead to more extreme weather events and challenges in food production. Global carbon emissions increased significantly last year, setting a new record following a period of economic recession. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that heavy precipitation events will likely become more frequent in the 21st century, particularly in high latitudes and tropical regions. The IPCC defines "likely" as a two-thirds probability or higher. The report also suggests there is a moderate level of confidence that this trend will result in increased local flooding in certain areas, although the impact on river floods is uncertain due to complex causes. It is expected that tropical cyclones will become less frequent or remain the same, but those that do form are anticipated to be more severe. The report warned that heavy rainfalls from tropical cyclones are expected to rise due to ongoing warming. The report also expressed concern about the likelihood of increased maximum wind speeds in tropical cyclones, as well as rising sea levels, particularly for small island nations. Additionally, the report highlighted the worsening of droughts, which are a major concern for feeding a growing global population. The global population recently reached 7 billion and is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations. The likelihood of droughts worsening in the 21st century is moderately certain, as a result of decreased precipitation and/or increased evapotranspiration. This is expected to occur in various regions including southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, central Europe, central North America, Central America and Mexico, northeast Brazil, and southern Africa. Additionally, there is a strong possibility that landslides will be caused by diminishing glaciers and permafrost connected to climate change. | null |
A study published in the journal Environmental Research found that parts of China, India, Europe, and the northeastern United States are suffering a disproportionately high number of deaths - around 8.7 million annually - attributed to fossil fuels. This research provides the most detailed assessment of premature deaths due to fossil-fuel air pollution to date. In comparison, a previous study in 2017 estimated 4.2 million annual deaths from all outdoor airborne particulate matter, including dust and smoke from agricultural burns and wildfires. Eloise Marais, an expert in atmospheric chemistry at University College London and a co-author of the study, noted that while their findings are not unique in showing the impact of air pollution on health, they were surprised by the large estimate they obtained. Previous research had difficulty distinguishing pollution from burning fossil fuels from other sources of harmful particulates, such as wildfires or dust, based on satellite data and ground observations. Researchers from three British universities and Harvard University aimed to address the issue by utilizing a high-resolution model to identify the specific pollutants individuals were inhaling in a particular location. As concerns mount regarding the impact of burning fossil fuels on climate change, the authors expressed their desire that the study, which utilized data from 2018, would encourage governments to hasten the transition to cleaner energy sources. Co-author Joel Schwartz, an environmental epidemiologist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, stated, "We aim to highlight the health risks associated with fossil fuel combustion in hopes of urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize the shift towards alternative energy sources." | null |
Conservationists have reported that around 6,000 rare Irrawaddy dolphins, residing in the freshwater regions of Bangladesh's Sundarbans and nearby Bay of Bengal waters, form the largest population of these endangered sea mammals in the wild. The Wildlife Conservation Society unveiled this finding at the First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui, noting that previous known populations of Irrawaddy dolphins were only in the low hundreds. Dr. Steven Sanderson, president of the Wildlife Conservation Society, expressed optimism about the discovery, stating that it gives hope for protecting not only the dolphins but also other endangered species and their habitats. The study was conducted by authors including Brian Smith, Rubaiyat Mansur Mowgli, Samantha Strindberg from the Wildlife Conservation Society, and Benazir Ahmed from Chittagong University in Bangladesh, in an area where marine mammal research has been limited. Despite the discovery of a large population of Irrawaddy dolphins, the authors caution that these animals are facing increasing threats from accidental entanglement in fishing nets. Two dolphins were found during the study that had become entangled and drowned in fishing nets, a common occurrence reported by local fishermen. The Irrawaddy dolphin, Orcaella brevirostris, can grow up to eight feet in length and is found in large rivers, estuaries, and freshwater lagoons in South and Southeast Asia. In Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River, these dolphins are known for engaging in "cooperative fishing" with humans, where they assist fishermen by herding schools of fish towards their nets. This mutually beneficial relationship allows the dolphins to easily prey on the cornered fish and those that escape the nets as they are pulled from the water by the fishermen. In 2006, WCS assisted in creating a protected area along the Ayeyarwady River to protect the endangered mammal population. The WCS, based in New York, is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and Forests in Bangladesh to establish a protected area network for Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The conservation group emphasizes the importance of funding to maintain these efforts, as well as their ongoing work to research the impact of climate change on the habitat, promote sustainable fishing practices, and create local ecotourism projects. | null |
A recent study revealed that the diminishing ice and snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere is reflecting less sunlight back into space than previously thought, potentially contributing to global warming. Satellite data from 1979 to 2008 showed that Arctic sea ice, glaciers, winter snow, and Greenland's ice were reflecting less energy back to space. This decrease in reflection exposes darker ground or water, which absorb more heat, leading to a reduction in the cooling effect. The study estimated that ice and snow in the Northern Hemisphere now reflect an average of 3.3 watts per square meter of solar energy back to the upper atmosphere, a decrease of 0.45 watt per square meter since the late 1970s. Mark Flanner, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan and lead author of the study, explained that this reduction in the cooling effect is causing the planet to absorb more solar energy. He stated that the decrease in reflected solar energy due to warming is more significant than what is predicted by current climate models. The research, conducted by a US-based team and published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that the cryosphere, which includes ice and snow-covered areas, is more sensitive to and influential in driving climate change than previously thought. The exposure of more ground and water to sunlight leads to increased heat absorption, accelerating the melting of nearby snow and ice. The shrinking of Arctic sea ice over the past few decades is primarily attributed to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as burning fossil fuels. It is projected that Arctic sea ice could completely disappear during summers later in this century, which would have negative impacts on indigenous hunting cultures, polar bears, other wildlife, and contribute to global climate change. Flanner emphasized that drawing conclusions about the future rate of melting, such as Arctic sea ice, from the study's findings is impossible due to the limited 30 years of data. He stated that climate is influenced by various factors, with the study only focusing on one aspect. Other factors to consider include the presence of more clouds in a warmer world, which reflect sunlight, and increased water vapor that traps heat in the atmosphere. The study projected that for every one degree Celsius rise in temperature, there would be a decrease in solar energy reflected out to space from the Northern Hemisphere's snow and ice ranging from 0.3 to 1.1 watts per square meter. Temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere have increased by approximately 0.75 degrees Celsius over the last 30 years. The study did not examine the Southern Hemisphere, where Antarctica has more ice but is colder and shows less evidence of warming. "On a worldwide level, the Earth absorbs solar energy at a rate of roughly 240 watts per square meter annually. The Earth would be darker and absorb an extra 3.3 watts if it weren't for the cryosphere in the Northern Hemisphere," according to Flanner. | null |
In a study published in Environmental Research Letters, researchers stated that peat bogs, which are wetlands containing high levels of carbon from decaying vegetation accumulated over centuries, could play a crucial role in helping the world reach climate goals such as limiting postindustrial warming to 2 degrees Celsius as outlined in the 2015 Paris agreement. Alexander Popp, a senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, highlighted the importance of protecting and restoring peatlands, as achieving certain greenhouse gas emission targets would be extremely challenging or nearly impossible without these efforts. Despite covering only 3% of the global land area, peatlands contain vast amounts of carbon, roughly double the amount found in the world's forests, making them valuable resources in the fight against climate change. When undisturbed, carbon in untouched bogs remains wet and preserved. However, if a bog is drained for farming or other purposes, the carbon begins to oxidize and is released into the air as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. This cycle can last for hundreds of years. It is currently believed that drained peatlands around the world release the same amount of carbon dioxide each year as the entire aviation industry. Additionally, dried peat is highly flammable, and peat fires have the potential to rapidly release large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. During September and October 2015, Indonesia experienced peat fires due to the drainage of bogs for palm oil plantations and other reasons, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide at a rate higher than that of all the fossil fuels burned in the European Union. Restoring dried peatlands by allowing them to become wet once again could prevent further carbon dioxide release and eliminate the risk of fires. "Rewetting them is crucial for achieving mitigation goals," Popp stated. Most climate change mitigation strategies predict that by the end of the century, land use, including forests and agriculture, will act as a carbon sink, storing more carbon than it releases, which will help slow global warming. The researchers pointed out that many pathways do not consider emissions from degraded peatland. When they included peatland data in their land-use model, they discovered that land use would release more carbon dioxide than it stored. By protecting pristine wetlands and restoring 60% of degraded ones, land use could become a net carbon sink again. Mike Waddington, a peat researcher at McMaster University, praised the study for making a strong argument in support of peatland restoration, noting that peatlands are highly effective in storing carbon despite their small size. He emphasized the significance of peatlands in regulating the global climate. The study pointed out that in current efforts to change land use to help the climate, such as planting trees, peatlands are often seen as disposable. Waddington stated that the focus is usually on planting trees to store carbon, but there is a misconception that drained peatlands should be planted with trees, when in fact an intact bog has a greater capacity for carbon storage. Peat bogs are typically dried out by digging ditches, leading to water drainage. Some peatlands are also drained to extract peat for horticulture or fuel, in addition to being converted to croplands or tree plantations. Waddington stated that draining a small portion of a peatland and extracting peat can turn the entire system into a source. Restoring the peatlands could involve blocking ditches or building berms to maintain saturation. The study revealed uncertainty in cost estimates for protecting and restoring peatlands, but the fundamental conclusion remained the same. Waddington described this as an easily achievable task. Copyright 2020 The New York Times Company. | null |
Researchers believe that even though the Earth's soils currently contain 2.4 trillion tonnes of gases in the form of organic carbon, there is potential for more. According to a study published in the Nature journal by scientists from the US and Scotland, implementing some changes in agricultural practices could create space for an additional 8 billion tonnes. Geoscientist Dave Reay from Edinburgh University emphasizes the importance of utilizing soils as a key ally in the fight against climate change, stating that improved management can significantly increase their capacity as carbon storage. For too long, the potential of using data to address climate change through effective soil management has been overlooked. Issues with accurately measuring and reporting data have hindered progress in this area. However, with the increasing availability of big data on soils globally, as well as advancements in understanding and modeling, the time has come for soil management to take center stage in the fight against climate change. Researchers have long recognized the significant role soils play in climate change and have studied factors that influence a soil's ability to store carbon. They have also tested climate models to assess emissions from soils. They have tested methods for preserving soil carbon and have consistently warned about the organic carbon stores in permafrost. They have also found that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions align with the expansion of global agriculture thousands of years ago. Scientists estimate that land use may be responsible for around 25% of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with agriculture directly contributing between 10% and 14%. They argue that since soils contain three times more organic carbon than is present in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, improved management of the Earth's land could also help decrease emissions. The key is to avoid harming healthy ecosystems, as unmanaged forests and grasslands are effective at storing carbon. When wetlands are drained for agriculture, they release soil carbon, but when restored, they can absorb carbon. There are sustainable agricultural practices that can help conserve carbon while still producing food. Farmers can grow crops with deeper roots, use charcoal-based composts, and utilize efficient practices for their specific crops and land. Tools like the 'Cool Farm Tool' can assist farmers in monitoring and reducing emissions from their land. The researchers suggest that a combination of different strategies, such as better crop rotation, low tillage, land restoration, and agroforestry, could have a significant impact on improving soil health. This comprehensive approach, referred to as the "all-of-the-above" approach, could help soils retain a large portion of the emissions released annually from the burning of fossil fuels. By working together with scientists, government officials, and implementing new methods, these strategies have the potential to make a substantial difference. | null |
A new report, the Global Deserts Outlook produced by the UN's Environment Programme, highlights the increasing pressures faced by desert ecosystems due to climate change, high water demand, and tourism. The report emphasizes that deserts have significant economic benefits if managed properly, contrary to the perception of them being barren wastelands. The authors recommend reducing water-intensive agricultural practices in these regions to ensure sustainable management of resources. Desertification is the focus of World Environment Day activities on Monday, with various initiatives taking place around the world. Ecologists are planning to plant trees to combat erosion and deliver educational talks in schools. In Mauritius, a group is planting vegetation on dunes to protect beaches, while activists in Australia are collecting computer parts for recycling. In Zambia, a "Miss Environment" beauty pageant is being held, and in Vadodara, India, local schools are being encouraged to plant trees and build sandcastles to raise awareness about deserts and desertification. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan highlighted the link between poverty, unsustainable land management, and climate change in turning drylands into deserts. Despite concerns, some positive changes are expected in the next 50 years. New economic opportunities are emerging in places like Arizona and the Negev Desert in Israel, with shrimp and fish farms providing environmentally friendly livelihoods for locals. Desert plants and animals are being recognized as valuable sources of new drugs and crops. Some experts believe that deserts could play a role in combating global warming, with the potential for a large area in the Sahara to capture enough solar energy to meet the world's electricity needs. However, many desert regions are projected to face drier conditions in the future, and the melting glaciers that sustain deserts in South America are causing problems. The consequences of human activity are still causing challenges. Both the United States and the United Arab Emirates are experiencing a growing population in desert cities, leading to increased strain on limited water supplies. Mountainous regions in deserts are especially at risk, with their wildlife and ecosystems in danger of disappearing within the next 50 years if immediate action is not taken. | null |
The WWF reported that around 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds, and 51 million frogs were affected by the severe bushfires in Australia. The fires, which destroyed over 11 million hectares of land, were considered one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history. The research conducted by the University of Sydney was the first of its kind to analyze the impact of the bushfires on animals across the entire continent, providing valuable insights for other nations to learn from. The overall number of animals affected by the destruction of their habitats has increased, as they now struggle with a lack of food and shelter or the need to move to already occupied habitats. Researchers attribute the rise in animal casualties to a broader assessment of the total affected area, rather than solely focusing on the most impacted states. Australia experienced one of its worst bushfire seasons from September 2019 to March 2020, following years of drought that left the bush unusually dry, resulting in 34 human fatalities and the loss of nearly 3,000 homes. | null |
Begum's family, in a desperate attempt to protect their limited belongings, secured their sole suitcase to their home, a rudimentary shelter made of bamboo and banana leaves built after the previous destructive flood in the region just two years prior. When the floodwaters rose, the house became isolated in muddy waters, forcing the family to prepare meals on a raised dry area nearby. Unfortunately, tragedy ensued when Begum left her one-year-old daughter, Lamia Khatun, on a higher patch of land while she washed clothes in the floodwaters on Tuesday. However, the water levels continued to rise. Begum, age 32, recounted how she returned to find that the woman was no longer there, and hours later they discovered her lifeless body. In southern Asia, over 4 million individuals have been severely impacted by monsoon floods, resulting in the destruction of homes, villages, and structures. The monsoon season, typically from June to September, is crucial for South Asia's agricultural economy but has recently brought cyclones and catastrophic floods, leading to the displacement of millions in low-lying areas, especially in Bangladesh. Last year, the United Nations reported that at least 600 people were killed and over 25 million were affected by flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. In 2017, over 1,000 individuals lost their lives in floods in South Asia. The heaviest rainfall occurred in northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal. The Southeast Asia Flash Flood Forecast System, associated with the United Nations, reported on this. The flooding in Bangladesh began in late June and is expected to continue, affecting more areas. Enamur Rahman, the Bangladeshi minister for disaster management, described the situation as the worst in decades. Hundreds of thousands of families have been stranded, leading to the opening of over 1,000 emergency shelters. Rahman stated that all available resources were being utilized to combat the catastrophe. Researchers predict that this year's rains and floods will last longer, posing a threat to Bangladesh's land as sea levels rise due to climate change. This could displace up to 18 million people in a country with a population of over 160 million. India has also been severely affected, with floods hitting states like Assam, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal, causing at least 85 deaths and impacting over 3 million individuals. In Assam, Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage site home to the vulnerable one-horned Indian rhinoceros, has been completely flooded. Authorities reported that over 50 animals perished in the flood, however some wildlife was saved. With over a dozen rivers and tributaries exceeding the danger level, rescue efforts have been conducted in at least 22 districts in Assam. In Nepal, 67 individuals have been confirmed dead and 40 are still unaccounted for, as per the National Emergency Operation Center. This is on top of the monsoon rains that have affected Bangladesh. A country with a population of 165 million, Bangladesh is constantly plagued by flooding due to its low-lying and densely populated areas. In Jamalpur, located in the north, the flood situation has reached a critical point, as rivers are flowing well above the danger level. Muneeb-ul-Islam, a 42-year-old resident of the area, mentioned that he has lost his home multiple times in the past decade, leaving him with only the clothes on his back. Along with his wife and three children, Muneeb-ul-Islam is part of the more than 1 million people in Bangladesh who have been displaced or rendered homeless by the floods. Feeling as though they have done something wrong, Muneeb-ul-Islam expressed that this will be the third time in recent years that his family will need to start over from scratch. Begum, who tragically lost her 1-year-old child, shared that her life has been completely devastated by the disaster. She has relocated to a nearby shelter, which is a school building, where hundreds of people are crowded together. There is a significant concern about the coronavirus spreading in such tight living conditions. Begum's family expressed that they were not given sufficient warning about the severity of the flooding. "I will never return to our previous home," she stated, "The water has taken everything from us." | null |
Ocean scientists are calling on governments to invest billions of dollars by 2015 in a new system to monitor the seas and provide alerts for various threats such as tsunamis and acidification caused by climate change. They argue that improved oversight would have significant economic benefits by helping to understand the impact of activities like over-fishing and changes in weather patterns. A scientific alliance known as Oceans United will be presenting this request to governments meeting in Beijing on Nov. 3-5 to discuss a goal set at a 2002 U.N. Earth Summit to establish a new monitoring system for the planet's health. Jesse Ausubel, a founder of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) which leads the alliance, emphasized the urgency of measuring the changes occurring in the world's oceans. POGO stated that establishing a global ocean monitoring system would require $10 to $15 billion initially, with an additional $5 billion in yearly operating expenses. Tony Knap, a leader of POGO, mentioned that currently, between $1 and $3 billion is allocated for ocean monitoring. Knap acknowledged that the proposed funding may seem excessive during a time of financial constraints, but emphasized that it could prevent even greater losses. In Japan, officials believe that the $100 million investment in subsea cables for earthquake and tsunami monitoring, connected to an early warning system, could prevent 7,500-10,000 out of 25,000 projected fatalities in the event of a major undersea earthquake. Knap stressed that while the cost of installing the cables may seem high, the potential savings in terms of lives saved make it a worthwhile investment. New funding could support the expansion of current projects, such as satellite monitoring of ocean temperatures, tracking devices on marine animals, and tsunami warning systems in certain countries. Ausubel compared these advancements to the historical benefits of lighthouses and navigation aids, emphasizing the importance of investing in modern technology to address current environmental challenges, such as ocean acidification caused by carbon dioxide emissions. It could become more challenging for creatures like lobsters, crabs, shellfish, corals, and plankton to create their protective shells, leading to consequences for other sea life. | null |
Sony Ericsson has appointed Bert Nordberg as the new chief executive to replace Dick Komiyama, who will retire at the end of the year. Nordberg, who currently heads Ericsson's US technology division, is tasked with leading the struggling cellphone maker back to profitability and increasing its market share, which has fallen below 5 percent. Nordberg plans to focus on increasing market share, restoring profitability, ongoing restructuring, and developing popular products in the coming years. Nordberg, who is currently the Executive Vice President at Ericsson and leads the company's Silicon Valley business, expressed his confidence in the support from both parent companies and believes that achieving profitability is not far off. Sony CEO Howard Stringer will take over as the new board chairman on October 15, replacing Carl-Henric Svanberg, who will become chairman of BP Plc in January. Analyst Neil Mawston from Strategy Analytics noted that these management changes indicate Sony and Ericsson's commitment to working together, which will be reassuring for Sony Ericsson's employees and customers. Among the top five cellphone vendors, Sony Ericsson experienced the biggest decline in sales from the first quarter. The research firm Gartner reported that Sony Ericsson's market share has dropped to 4.7 percent globally, due to missing out on mobile phone trends such as full keyboards, Internet browsing, and navigation. Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, stated that Sony Ericsson's new CEO, Nordberg, faces major decisions in restructuring the company's mobile software strategy and reducing reliance on mid-tier feature phones to improve profitability. Nordberg plans to revamp the firm's product portfolio to include stronger offerings in smartphones, as Sony Ericsson is currently known for focusing on music and imaging in their phones. "In this field, successful products are essential," he stated. Nordberg has been employed by Ericsson since 1996, after previously working with companies such as Data General Corp. and Digital Equipment Corp. In July, Sony Ericsson reported a pre-tax loss of 283 million euros ($400 million) and predicted a challenging remainder of the year, anticipating a market contraction of at least 10 percent. "I believe this is a result of the need for a fresh start, some new energy. Additionally, Sony Ericsson has struggled in performance over the past year and a half," noted Greger Johansson from Redeye. At 12:14 GMT (8:14 a.m. EDT), Ericsson's shares were trading at 66.90 crowns, which was a decrease of 0.5 percent. This performance was better than the DJ Stoxx European technology index, which was down 1.7 percent. | null |
China's space agency is set to reach a significant milestone on Wednesday as the spacecraft Tianwen-1, launched in July, will attempt to orbit Mars. If successful, China plans to send a lander and rover to the red planet later this year, potentially joining NASA's missions already studying the Martian surface. According to China, Tianwen-1 is expected to arrive at Mars on Wednesday. The China National Space Administration and state media have not given detailed information about the mission. The agency is known for being secretive about its missions, but has been more open recently, including providing live coverage of the Chang'e-4 mission to the moon. The Tianwen-1 spacecraft was launched in July, taking advantage of a close approach between Mars and Earth during their orbits around the sun. This enables a relatively brief journey between the two planets. The spacecraft has used its engines multiple times to adjust its course and properly approach Mars. The most recent engine firing took place on Feb 5, with the probe sending back images of Mars from a distance of around 1.3 million miles. On Wednesday, the engine will be activated again to use up much of the spacecraft's remaining fuel in order to slow down significantly and be captured by Martian gravity. It will orbit Mars at a safe distance along with other robotic explorers before attempting a landing on the surface. The history of space travel is full of failed missions to Mars, such as a Chinese mission in 2011 that never left Earth's orbit due to a failed Russian rocket. Some spacecraft have also encountered issues while preparing to enter Martian orbit, like NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999, which burned in the Martian atmosphere due to a navigation error involving unit conversion. In 1992, NASA's Mars Observer spacecraft lost communication just days before reaching Mars, possibly due to a fuel line issue. The Soviet mission Mars 4 in 1974 also faced challenges when its retro rockets failed to fire. Landing on Mars is a difficult task, and the question remains: when will China successfully land on Mars? Their orbiter is equipped with a lander and a rover, which will face the challenging journey to the planet's surface. China has announced plans to land on Mars in May, with the specific location being Utopia Planitia. This area, which was previously visited by NASA's Viking 2 lander in 1976, is believed to have been impacted by a meteor. The Tianwen-1 mission aims to study the distribution of ice in this region, which could be crucial for potential human colonization efforts on Mars. Landing on Mars is a dangerous process due to the high speed at which spacecraft descend and the thin atmosphere that offers little resistance. Air resistance continues to create high levels of heat which must be either absorbed or dissipated. Several Soviet, NASA, and European missions have failed upon landing, with NASA being the only organization to successfully land intact multiple times. The Chinese spacecraft will spend several months orbiting Mars to assess systems and select a safe landing location. If the landing is successful, the rover will require a name. Following nominations from individuals in China, a group of experts has chosen 10 semifinalists. Among them are Hongyi, named after a term in Chinese representing ambition and persistence; Qilin, a mythical hoofed creature in Chinese culture; and Nezha, a young deity known for being a protector of rebellious youth. Additionally, China has been making significant strides in space exploration, with recent accomplishments including a mission to Mars launched in July, as well as the successful Chang’e-5 mission in November which collected lunar samples and returned them to Earth for further study by scientists. The most recent collection of moon rocks, the first since the Soviet Union's mission in 1976, was obtained by China's Chang'e-4 mission, which landed on the far side of the moon and is still operational with its Yutu-2 rover exploring the lunar surface. In 2021, the first robotic probe to reach Mars was the Hope orbiter from the United Arab Emirates, which will study the red planet's atmosphere to enhance scientists' understanding of Mars' weather patterns. The third recent arrival to Mars will be Perseverance, NASA's latest rover. It was launched in July after the other two spacecraft and will go directly to the planet's surface on Feb. 18 without orbiting Mars. Similar to Curiosity, NASA's fifth rover on Mars, Perseverance has different scientific instruments and will investigate the Jezero crater, a former lake where scientists hope to find evidence of ancient Martian microbial life. Additionally, the mission will include the first attempt to fly a helicopter in the thin Martian atmosphere. NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will be deployed by the rover shortly after landing. It will then conduct a series of test flights in the thin Martian atmosphere to show that exploration of Mars can be done both on the ground and in the air. In addition to Ingenuity, there are currently six orbiters around Mars studying the planet from space. Three spacecraft were sent to Mars by NASA: Mars Odyssey, which was launched in 2001, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which was launched in 2005, and MAVEN, which departed Earth in 2013. Europe has two spacecraft currently in orbit around Mars. The Mars Express orbiter was launched in 2003, and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter was launched in 2016 in collaboration with Russia's space program. India also has a spacecraft orbiting Mars, the Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, which was launched in 2013. Additionally, there are two American missions operating on the surface of Mars. Since 2012, Curiosity has been actively exploring, accompanied by InSight since 2018, which has been investigating marsquakes and other internal characteristics of Mars. Unfortunately, the Opportunity rover, a third American mission, ceased operations in 2019 due to a dust storm draining its power. | null |
According to scientists, satellite images have revealed that a large portion of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in Antarctica is collapsing due to rapidly increasing temperatures in the area. The collapse has affected an area of about 160 square miles, as reported by the University of Colorado's National Snow and Ice Data Center. The Wilkins Ice Shelf is a vast expanse of floating ice covering approximately 5,000 square miles, situated on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, around 1,000 miles south of South America. Lead scientist Ted Scambos described the event as ice blocks crumbling and falling into the ocean, causing the shelf to shatter completely rather than breaking off in pieces. These types of occurrences are rare, but we aim to gain a better understanding of them as they can result in the complete disappearance of the ice shelf," Scambos explained. He mentioned that a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently being held up by a thin strip of ice. If this last "ice buttress" gives way, approximately half of the total ice shelf area could be lost in the near future. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan also expressed concern, stating that "This shelf is hanging by a thread." Scambos explained that a section of the ice shelf exposed to the ocean is breaking apart in a familiar pattern seen in other places over the last decade or so, with the cause being attributed to climate warming. The collapse was first observed on Feb. 28 through satellite images, showing a large iceberg measuring 25.5 by 1.5 miles falling away from the ice shelf's southwestern front, leading to a rapid disintegration of the interior. A plane was dispatched to capture photographs of the disintegrating shelf. According to Scambos, the ice shelf has been stable for several hundred years, but recent exposure to warm air and ocean waves has triggered its breakup. Over the last 50 years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to any other place on Earth, as stated by scientists. The increase in greenhouse gases and alterations in atmospheric circulation around Antarctica are believed to be the main factors causing this warming. While the summer melt season in Antarctica is concluding, experts do not anticipate immediate further disintegration of the ice shelf. However, come January, scientists will be monitoring closely to see if the ice continues to break apart. | null |
The Australian report stated that global warming is happening at a faster rate than originally anticipated due to rapid economic growth leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions since 2000. According to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), emissions from burning fossil fuels have been increasing by about 3 percent annually since 2000, compared to 1 percent during the 1990s. CSIRO scientist Mike Raupach explained that the accelerated growth in emissions is due to the fact that more carbon is being burned per dollar of wealth created globally. This has resulted in climate change progressing more quickly than previously predicted by studies conducted in the 1990s and early 2000s. Raupach collaborated with an international team of experts to analyze global carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption through the Global Carbon Project. According to the report, nearly 8 billion metric tons of carbon were released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide globally in 2005, compared to just 6 billion metric tons in 1995. Raupach explained that as countries go through industrial development, they go through a phase of heavy and often inefficient use of fossil fuels. Efficiency improves as development progresses, but eventually levels off. Developed countries like Australia and the US have reached this leveling-off stage, while developing countries like China are still in the intensive development stage. The report from CSIRO stated that since the industrial revolution, the United States and Europe have contributed over 50 percent of global emissions over two centuries, while China's contribution is less than 8 percent. The report stated that the 50 least-developed countries have contributed less than 0.5 percent of global emissions over the span of 200 years. The average carbon emissions per person annually in Australia and the United States exceeds 5 tons, while in China, it is 1 ton. Raupach emphasized the importance of considering both current and historical emissions when negotiating global emissions reductions. He stressed that emissions reductions must be achievable and fair to be effective. The CSIRO report discovered that Australia has one of the highest per capita emissions in the world, mainly due to the country's heavy reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity and the use of cars and trucks for transportation. According to Raupach, this indicates that Australia still has a long way to go in terms of reducing emissions to achieve CO2 stabilization. The report also noted that Australia's improvements in energy efficiency have not been as rapid as those in other developed countries. Like the United States, Australia has not signed the Kyoto Protocol, arguing that it is not effective as it does not include binding targets for big developing nations like India and China. Both countries have called for a global scheme to replace the Kyoto Protocol. China is the second largest producer of carbon dioxide in the world, following the United States. Talks on the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol have not yet begun in earnest, as India and China are against mandatory targets and are calling for wealthy nations, particularly the United States, to make significant cuts in emissions. | null |
Scientists have concluded that the fish bones examined belonged to creatures that died in spring when a massive asteroid collided with Earth. The extinction event marked the end of the reign of dinosaurs and occurred just over 66 million years ago off the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Despite the mass extinction that followed, it has been difficult to find fossils directly linked to the meteor impact. In 2019, palaeontologists discovered a mass graveyard of creatures that died shortly after the collision in southwestern North Dakota. Even though North Dakota was located approximately 2,000 miles away from where the meteor struck, the seismic waves caused an earthquake-like event with a magnitude of 10 or 11 which resulted in water being displaced from lakes and rivers, leading to the death of fish. Tektites, which are small glass beads ejected into the atmosphere by the impact, fell from the sky. Scientists spent years studying the site, called Tanis, which is part of the fossil-rich Hell Creek formation spanning four states. While an article in The New Yorker portrayed Tanis as a treasure trove of fossil discoveries, the initial scientific paper provided limited details, focusing on the geological context. Thanks to new scientific findings, the fossils now offer valuable insights into the catastrophic event that was previously difficult to interpret. "It is incredible that we are able to identify an event that occurred 66 million years ago, pinpointing it to a specific time of the year," stated Stephen L Brusatte, a palaeontologist at the University of Edinburgh who was not part of the study. He described it as a top-notch detective story. Animals in the Northern Hemisphere, including those emerging from hibernation or giving birth, may have been more at risk of extinction. On the other hand, animals in the Southern Hemisphere, preparing for autumn, may have been better protected from the sudden climate change. "Being able to hibernate could have increased your chances of survival," During mentioned during a telephone news conference organized by Nature. Brusatte agreed that if one were able to isolate themselves in a burrow or seek shelter underwater, it could be beneficial. He believed that this could aid in understanding the extinction patterns and processes. During first learned about Tanis in 2017 during a talk by Jan Smit, an expert on dinosaur extinction at Vrije University in Amsterdam, where she was studying for her master's degree. She was fascinated by the North Dakota fossil discoveries and immediately reached out to Smit about conducting isotopic analysis on the fish bones. She contacted Robert DePalma, the palaeontologist leading the investigation at Tanis. She traveled to North Dakota in August 2017 and spent 10 days at the site, excavating fossils of six fish: three sturgeon and three paddlefish. In the lab, thin slices of bone were taken from the lower jaws of the paddlefish and from the pectoral fin spines of the sturgeon. These slices showed alternating light and dark lines that indicated seasonal changes in growth rate, similar to tree rings. The outermost part of the bones revealed that the fish became more active and grew faster after winter. During suggested that the fish likely perished in April, rather than summer, based on the fluctuations in carbon isotopes in their bones, which indicated lower levels of plankton in the water. This evidence, along with the presence of tektites in the fish's gills but not their digestive tract, supports the conclusion that the fish died in the spring. Jeroen van der Lubbe, a paleo-climatologist and co-author of the Nature paper, noted that there are multiple lines of evidence pointing to this conclusion. "They were unable to continue swimming," During stated. "They died right away." DePalma and another group of scientists conducted a separate analysis on fish fossils and reached nearly identical findings, as reported in Scientific Reports last December. ©2022 The New York Times Company. | null |
Bird enthusiasts are excitedly reporting that there is an increasing number of snowy owls migrating from the Arctic to the lower 48 states this winter. This migration has been described by a leading owl researcher as "unbelievable." Thousands of these large, white birds have been seen across the country, from Idaho to Massachusetts, foraging in farmlands, perching on rooftops, gliding over golf courses, and flying over shorelines. While some snowy owls do migrate south from their Arctic breeding grounds each winter, it is rare for so many to travel so far, especially during large-scale migrations known as irruptions. Denver Holt, who has been studying snowy owls in the Arctic for 20 years, described the event as "unbelievable" and "the most significant wildlife event in decades." Holt and other experts on owls suggest that the unusual behavior of snowy owls migrating farther south than usual may be connected to the abundance of lemmings, a key part of their diet during breeding season. Last year's high lemming population likely led to a rise in owl numbers and larger broods, with some pairs hatching up to seven chicks compared to the usual two. This increased competition for food in the Far North may have caused younger, male owls to migrate south in search of resources. Research on the owls is limited due to the inaccessibility and harsh conditions of their habitats in northern Russia and Scandinavia. The increase in snowy owl sightings has attracted birdwatchers from Texas, Arizona, and Utah to the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, benefiting local economies but also leading to overcrowding in parks and wildlife areas. This influx of owls has sparked widespread public interest across different demographics. Some sites have reported sightings of malnourished owls, indicating a potentially negative aspect to their migration. Holt reported that an owl that arrived at an airport in Hawaii last November was intentionally shot and killed in order to prevent potential collisions with aircraft. He mentioned that snowy owl populations are thought to be decreasing, potentially due to a shifting climate that has reduced the availability of vegetation like grasses that lemmings depend on. The recent increase in snowy owl sightings this winter, reaching as far south as Oklahoma, is still not fully understood. Holt stated that while there are many theories, concrete evidence is lacking. | null |
An ancient underground water basin the size of Libya in Australia, known as the Great Artesian Basin, is crucial for the country to avoid a water crisis due to climate change and drought. This vast basin covers 1.7 million sq km and holds 65 million gigalitres of water, making it one of the largest artesian groundwater basins globally. It is slowly replenished by rain filtering through porous sandstone rock, with 1 million megalitres added annually. According to hydrogeologist John Hillier, the basin could potentially meet Australia's water needs for 1,500 years if fully utilized. He and other experts caution that the water supply in the basin is at risk due to declining artesian pressure, which causes water to come to the surface through bores and springs. If the artesian pressure drops too low because of excessive water extraction, the ancient water source may become inaccessible except through expensive pumping. Some parts of the basin are as deep as 3 km from top to bottom, lying up to 2 km below ground. The basin, formed between 100 and 250 million years ago, is made up of alternating layers of water-bearing sandstone aquifers and non-water-bearing siltstones and mudstones. Water from the basin is obtained through bores and is the sole source of water for mining, tourism, and grazing in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee states that the underground water from the basin contributes A$3.5 billion (US$2.4 billion) annually to various industries such as farming, mining, and tourism. The mining and petroleum sector uses 31,000 megalitres of water from the basin each year for production processes, including at BHP-Billiton's Olympic Dam mine in South Australia. BHP-Billiton plans to increase its water usage significantly to double production, drawing extra water from the basin and a new desalination plant. Xstrata Plc is also considering the basin as a water source for a large thermal coal mine in Queensland that would produce 20 million tonnes annually for 30 years. The pastoral industry is the largest consumer of water, using 500,000 megalitres annually to irrigate some of Australia's most productive farmlands. Angus Emmott, who owns a cattle property in central Queensland, depends on basin water during droughts. He believes that the bores are essential for the social and economic value of the region. With climate change, the reliance on the Great Artesian Basin will increase, so it is important to use the water efficiently and avoid wastage. Since it was first utilized in 1878, around 87 million megalitres have been extracted from the basin, with up to 90 percent of it being wasted. Due to decreasing water pressure, over 1,000 natural springs have disappeared and one-third of the original artesian bores are no longer flowing. The extraction of ancient basin water into the atmosphere is also contributing to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, releasing 330,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. A 15-year project called the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability project, which began in 1990, aims to preserve the water supply and the hydraulic pressure needed to access it. Currently, there are about 3,000 bores that release water into 34,000 km of open bore drains, with 90 percent of the water evaporating due to the outback heat. However, more than 1,052 bores have been regulated and many kilometres of open drains have been removed, with pipelines being installed instead, saving 272 gigalitres of water per year. Farmers are now using technology such as mobile phones, satellite, and computer imaging to fence off bores and control livestock access to bores and bore flows. According to Emmott, this change in land management has led to improved pasture and stock management. The capping and piping program has also prevented issues such as bogging of domestic animals, maintenance costs of drains, and soil salination. Farmers and scientists emphasize the importance of sustainable usage of the Great Artesian Basin to prevent a future water crisis due to increased demand on basin water. Emmott emphasized the importance of taking care of communities, as it is crucial for their existence. A $17 million sustainability report on the Great Artesian Basin will focus on ensuring water for future mining, pastoral, and environmental development. The increase in mining activity in the basin due to the global commodities boom has raised concerns about securing groundwater allocations for economic development. Andy Love from Flinders University will lead the study on this issue. Love stated that finding a balance between development and environmental protection is essential, but it cannot be achieved without a better understanding of how much groundwater can be extracted safely. | null |
Since 1500, over 320 terrestrial vertebrates have gone extinct and the populations of remaining species have declined by an average of 25 percent. This decline is also seen in invertebrate animal life. The lead researcher, Rodolfo Dirzo, attributes this current die-off to human activity, resulting in what he calls an "Anthropocene defaunation" era. Globally, 16 to 33 percent of vertebrate species are threatened or endangered, with large animals facing the highest decline rate. This has led to an increase in rodents and disease-carrying ectoparasites in areas with high human population density. Invertebrate animals like beetles, butterflies, spiders, and worms have also decreased by 45 percent in the past 35 years due to habitat loss and climate disruption. These losses could have negative impacts on our daily lives. Dirzo recommended that promptly decreasing rates of habitat destruction and overexploitation would be beneficial, but these strategies must be customized to specific regions and circumstances. He pointed out that extinction is not just the disappearance of a species but also the loss of important ecosystem functions that animals contribute to. This information was shared in an article published in the journal Science. | null |
In 2010, Musa Ibrahim made history as the first Bangladeshi to raise the national flag at the top of Mount Everest. Additionally, Bangladeshi scientists achieved a significant milestone by sequencing the jute genome. However, the year was marred by a decline in Dhaka stocks and allegations of fund siphoning against Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Despite these challenges, the scaling of Mount Everest by Musa Ibrahim on May 23 was a momentous occasion for Bangladeshis, marking a dream fulfilled. Musa, the president of the North Alpine Club, is originally from Lalmonirhat and has studied at both Dhaka University and BRAC University. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina announced in parliament on June 16 that Bangladeshi researchers, led by Dr Maqsudul Alam from Dhaka University's biochemistry and biotechnology departments, have successfully sequenced the genome of jute. This discovery is expected to help improve jute fiber and allow jute to grow in harsh weather conditions caused by climate change. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus faced controversy as he was accused of diverting millions of dollars from Grameen Bank funds without informing Norwegian donors and trying to cover up the issue. On November 30, the Norwegian state television NRK broadcasted a documentary titled 'Caught in Micro Debt' by Danish investigative journalist Tom Heinemann, which brought the fund transfer issue to light 12 years after it happened. bdnews24.com was the first to report on the story in Bangladesh on December 1. Yunus called a press conference on Sunday to address the debate surrounding the 'channelled fund'. Grameen Bank, on the other hand, stated that the issue had been resolved by the Norwegian government and the bank in 1998. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other leaders from the ruling party criticized the Grameen Bank chief and initiated investigations. The ship MV Jahan Moni was recently hijacked by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea near the Indian coast of Kochin on December 5th. The ship, which has 26 Bangladeshis on board including 25 crew members, has been taken to the Somali coast. The government is being urged to negotiate with the pirates and pay ransom for the safe return of the ship and its crew. Relatives of the detained crew members are urging the government to take prompt action to secure their release. Two weeks ago, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni stated to the press that no government should negotiate ransom payments. The ship's owner has reported ongoing discussions with Somali pirates. In contrast, Somali pirates recently freed a German ship after receiving a $5.5 million ransom. The vessel had been seized in May. Stalkers are targeting women with sexual harassment, leading to tragic incidents that have made headlines in newspapers. The violence began with the death of college teacher Mizanur Rahman in October, followed by the killing of Chanpa Rani Bhowmik and the suicide of Rupali Rani in subsequent weeks. The government, under pressure from the High Court, took action by amending laws to allow for the trial of stalkers in mobile courts, which began operating in early November. The sudden drop in share prices at the end of the year caused chaos in the country's financial market. Interest in investing in the capital market increased due to several records of exchange. Investors drove up share prices until the general index at the Dhaka Stock Exchange suddenly plummeted in the second week of December, losing over 500 points in just one hour, shortly after reaching an all-time high. Frustrated and angry investors took to the streets twice in the last month as the market showed signs of decline. On December 8 and 19, protesting investors threw objects at the police as the market experienced a record drop in a single hour and the highest fall in a single day. The country recently adopted a comprehensive education policy for the first time, which was approved by the cabinet on May 31 and parliament on Dec 7. Despite protests from Islamic parties claiming reduced opportunities for religious education, the government denies these allegations and is focused on implementing the policy. Under the new policy, primary education will be extended to class VIII and the Secondary School Certificate exam will be eliminated. The policy will bring changes to textbooks and exam systems, as well as modernize madrasa education. Anthrax caused panic when at least 500 people were affected in multiple districts. The government declared a red alert and began large-scale cattle testing nationwide, including in border areas where foreign cattle enter. The demand for cattle meat dropped suddenly, but the government declared the country anthrax-free in early October. Butchers claimed that poultry traders intentionally caused panic to make profits. Livestock state minister Abdul Latif Biswas supported their claims and stated that the government will look into the issue. The national carrier, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, came to a standstill on Oct 26 due to a strike called by pilots. The strike, led by younger pilots, was called off after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Oct 29, saving the airline from shutting down. Biman suspended four pilots, including the acting president and general secretary of the pilots' association BAPA, on Oct 25. The BAPA made a quick decision to go on strike in protest of a decision. That same evening, 53 pilots called in sick. On October 20, the 116-member BAPA group issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Biman to address their 5-point demand, which included canceling the order to raise the retirement age of pilots from 57 to 62 years. The pilots also warned that they would not fulfill any duties beyond their contract with Biman if their demands were not met. | null |
A study has found that inflation, particularly in food prices, and climate change are posing significant challenges for Bangladesh in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The 'Social Watch Report 2010', launched by Dhaka-based research arm Unnayan Shumunnay, also highlighted debt servicing, poor revenue collection, and a decrease in foreign direct investment as additional obstacles. According to the study, Bangladesh has remained at a low ranking of 61 in the Basic Capabilities Index (BCI), which considers child mortality, maternal child health, and education, over the past decade. In comparison, Pakistan has shown notable progress, moving from 55 to 65 in the same period. Nepal and India have both made progress, while Sri Lanka leads the region with a score of 99. The report indicates that MDGs are still seen as political goals, as shown by the fact that global defense spending exceeds aid to developing nations by 49 percent. In order to achieve MDGs worldwide by 2015, it would require $100-120 billion annually, which is less than 0.5 percent of the global GDP, according to a Social Watch study. Citing research from Jubilee Netherlands, the study suggests that Bangladesh would require $7.5 billion in annual assistance— five times more than its current level—to meet the MDGs. Discussing climate change, the study notes that despite being a minor polluter, Bangladesh is heavily impacted by climate change. According to the report, the country's greenhouse gas emissions make up less than 0.2% of the global total. Social Watch warns that climate change will present significant obstacles to the country's goals of increasing economic growth and reducing poverty. | null |
Researchers are equipping elephant seals and self-propelled water gliders with monitoring devices to uncover the mysteries of the oceans and enhance knowledge of the effects of climate change. Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing heat and redistributing it globally, as well as absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, mitigating the speed of climate change. However, scientists emphasize the importance of expanding a worldwide monitoring system, with the Southern Ocean between Australia and Antarctica being particularly significant. The Southern Ocean serves as a significant reservoir for human-produced carbon emissions and is a driving force behind the Earth's climate system. "To comprehend the pace of climate change, it is crucial to grasp the ocean processes such as the speed at which it can store heat and carbon," stated Susan Wijffels, an oceanographer and group leader at Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS). Speaking to Reuters from a climate conference in Hobart, Tasmania, she emphasized that the ocean's actions impact the rate at which the climate system operates and the localized climate change patterns. Researchers also aim to enhance their knowledge of natural ocean cycles that influence terrestrial weather in order to enhance long-term forecasts for agriculture and urban water management. IMOS brings together scientists from Australian universities, research institutions, as well as from the United States, Asia, and Europe. With recent funding, the team plans to equip around 100 elephant seals to gather data from the depths surrounding Antarctica. A small device with an antenna is attached to the heads of seals in order to measure temperature, salinity, and pressure while the animals are diving for food. In addition, self-propelled gliders approximately 2 meters long will be used in the waters around Australia to collect data at depths of up to 1,500 meters. These gliders, equipped with wings and a rudder, are capable of remaining at sea for extended periods of time and can be operated remotely. The main focus of this research is the sea ice surrounding Antarctica, where traditional self-propelled measurement devices, known as Argos, struggle to function effectively due to their need to surface regularly to transmit data to satellites. Argos devices are cylindrical in shape and can descend to depths of up to 2 km. Thousands of Argos have been sent out worldwide, with new models being created to detect breaks in sea ice and transmit data. Wijffels noted that the oceans beneath the ice are not well observed by current systems, and there is evidence suggesting that heat from the ocean may be contributing to the destabilization of ice shelves in Greenland and Antarctica. If all the ice in Greenland were to melt, it could raise sea levels by 7 meters (23 feet), scientists warn. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide are causing oceans to become more acidic, which is impacting the ability of sea creatures to form shells. There is concern that this increased acidity could hinder the ocean's ability to absorb carbon. The program also seeks to enhance monitoring of significant currents around Australia that transport heat globally, including through the Lombok Strait near Bali in Indonesia, using deep-ocean moorings. While such measurements are more prevalent in the North Atlantic, there is a significant lack of data in the Southern Hemisphere, according to Wijffels. | null |
Study leader Jianzhi "George" Zhang, a professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology, expressed confusion regarding the loss of the umami taste in penguins, as they are fish eaters. Despite the expectation that penguins would possess umami receptor genes, they do not. Zhang believes this sensory change may be linked to ancient climate cooling events in Antarctica, where penguins originated. The study found that all penguin species lack functional genes for sweet, umami, and bitter tastes, with umami and bitter taste receptor genes becoming pseudogenes in Adelie and emperor penguins. Non-penguin birds, on the other hand, have genes for umami and bitter tastes but lack sweet taste receptors. The researchers suggest that the loss of umami and bitter tastes in penguins likely occurred in their common ancestor around 37 million years ago, during periods of dramatic climate cooling in Antarctica. The study will be published in the journal Current Biology. | null |
However, it is all a coincidence and will result in some chaos. NASA has chosen SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, to build the spacecraft that will transport astronauts to the moon in the future. In the meantime, a 4-ton upper stage of a SpaceX rocket launched seven years ago is expected to collide with the moon on March 4, as reported by amateur astronomers. The impact is anticipated for 7:25 am Eastern time, with some uncertainty in the exact timing and location. Bill Gray, creator of Project Pluto, a collection of astronomical software, stated that the rocket fragment will definitely hit the moon. Gray stated that it is highly likely that the object will collide as predicted, possibly within a few minutes and a few kilometers of the estimated time and location. Throughout the Space Age, various man-made objects have been launched into space with no expectation of return, such as Musk's Tesla Roadster launched by SpaceX in 2018. However, some of these objects do come back into view, as evidenced in 2020 when a mysterious object was discovered to be a part of a rocket launched in 1966 during NASA's Surveyor missions. Gray has been monitoring a specific piece of SpaceX debris that helped launch the Deep Space Climate Observatory in 2015. The observatory, known as DSCOVR, was originally intended for Earth observation under the name Triana, backed by Al Gore. After being stored for years, it was repurposed to provide early warning of solar storms. Today, it captures images of Earth from space and occasionally captures the moon passing in front of the planet. Typically, the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket is safely disposed of in Earth's atmosphere after delivering its payload to orbit. The upper stage of the rocket used all its fuel to send DSCOVR on its way, resulting in it being in a high, elongated orbit around Earth that could potentially lead to a future collision. The motion of the Falcon 9 stage is influenced by the gravitational pull of Earth, the moon, and the sun, as well as pressure from sunlight. While debris in low-Earth orbit is closely monitored for safety reasons, more distant objects like the DSCOVR rocket are often overlooked. Gray claims to be the only person tracking these distant objects. While many spacecraft have crashed on the moon, this seems to be the first instance of something from Earth unintentionally heading towards the moon. On January 5, a rocket stage passed within 6,000 miles of the moon, causing its trajectory to potentially intersect with the moon later on. Gray reached out to amateur astronomers to observe the object as it flew past Earth in January. Peter Birtwhistle, a retired IT professional living near London, was one of the volunteers who responded to the request. The Great Shefford Observatory, equipped with a 16-inch telescope, tracked a rocket stage as it swiftly passed through the sky. Birtwhistle noted the speed of the rocket and made observations to determine its trajectory, predicting an imminent impact. Astronomers will have an opportunity to observe the rocket once more before it moves beyond the moon's orbit. Ultimately, it is expected to collide with the far side of the moon, where it will be hidden from view on Earth. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter by NASA will not be able to witness the impact as it happens, but it will fly over the expected impact area later on and capture images of the newly formed crater. Mark Robinson, a professor at Arizona State University, who is in charge of the Orbiter's camera, predicts that the impact of 4 tons of metal traveling at 5,700 mph will create a crater 10 to 20 meters wide. This will provide scientists with valuable information about what lies beneath the moon's surface, with the advantage of knowing the exact size and time of the impact unlike with meteor strikes. India's Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, also in orbit around the moon, may also be able to take pictures of the impact site. Other spacecraft traveling to the moon in the coming year may have an opportunity to observe the impact location, provided they do not unintentionally create additional craters. | null |
Suzanne Becker, the general manager of the boutique Henry Howard Hotel in the Lower Garden District, expressed disappointment at how the delta variant affected their August. Despite this setback, the hotel was finally expecting a full house after weeks of low occupancy. Many hotels in the area were fully booked for holiday weekends, allowing them to charge higher room rates. Becker had high hopes for a successful period ahead. However, the cancellation of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in October due to rising coronavirus cases resulted in the loss of many reservations. Despite the challenges faced by hotels due to the delta variant, they were eagerly anticipating Labor Day in New Orleans. Robert LeBlanc, owner of the Chloe boutique hotel, mentioned that Labor Day is a popular time in the city. His hotel was fully booked and he had more restaurant reservations for large parties compared to late July. The French Quarter was expected to be bustling with visitors for Southern Decadence, also known as "gay Mardi Gras." Beaux Church, who manages three gay bars in the French Quarter, scheduled twice as many bartenders as usual for the busy weekend. Despite having enough staff, he was confident that they would leave with a lot of tips. He believed that the weekend would help them recover from the losses they suffered during COVID-19, enabling them to catch up on rent and pay off extra credit card debt. However, Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana, causing devastation and forcing his bartenders to evacuate to other cities. As a result, The Henry Howard Hotel, along with many others, is now vacant. Southern Decadence has been canceled once more. Even Cafe Lafitte in Exile, a gay bar known for being open 24 hours a day, even during Hurricane Katrina, has been forced to close because they cannot turn on the lights, air conditioning, or margarita machine. With many still without power in the city and surrounding areas assessing damage, New Orleans' tourism industry, a key economic driver, is once again facing challenges. Tony Leggio, a Southern Decadence organizer, expressed concern that Ida may deter visitors long-term, similar to the impact Hurricane Katrina had in 2005 when tourist numbers dropped by over 60 percent. It wasn't until 2010 that the number of visitors returned to pre-Katrina levels. Kelly Schulz, a spokesperson for New Orleans & Company, emphasized that Hurricane Katrina did not have the same impact on New Orleans as it did on other parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Since the city did not experience flooding, the tourist infrastructure remained intact. Schulz expressed hope that tourists would return once power is restored. However, some argue that the city may be better off without large crowds due to the high number of COVID cases and low vaccination rates. Researchers have attributed the explosive coronavirus outbreak in the city to Mardi Gras celebrations in February 2020. However, restaurant owners, hotel managers, and event planners believe that they could have accommodated visitors if the storm had not disrupted their plans. The city now requires proof of vaccination or a recent coronavirus test, along with masks, to enter most businesses. Visitors seemed to appreciate these rules as they provided a sense of safety when moving forward with events, according to Amanda Price, an event planner in New Orleans. Traditionally, Labor Day weekend is not a popular time for weddings in the city, especially during the active hurricane season. However, this year many couples were determined to host weddings that had previously been canceled due to the pandemic and restrictions on large gatherings. "It has been extremely hectic," stated Cayla Contardi, a resident of Austin, Texas and one of Price's clients who was looking for a fresh start. Saturday, September 4th marked her third wedding date. Initially planned for June 20, 2020 in Tucson, Arizona, the event was intended to be a 120-person affair in a ballroom in the French Quarter, with all guests either recovered from COVID or fully vaccinated. On Saturday afternoon, Contardi received devastating news that her husband's family in New Orleans and St Tammany Parish, located about 50 miles north of the city, were evacuating their homes. Despite being informed by the hotel on Monday that her wedding guests could no longer stay due to severe damage, she struggled to come to terms with the cancellation of her wedding. Contardi mentioned having a beautiful dress she had owned for three years and stated she would not plan a wedding for a fourth time. Labor Day had traditionally been a profitable weekend for restaurants in New Orleans, according to Nina Compton, the chef of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro, who mentioned that food was being wasted as a result of the situation. She mentioned that usually many people visit the town for a big celebration before school begins, and she was expecting a busy week this year. However, when she saw the storm approaching, she realized that it would not be the case. What has been most difficult for her to accept is that while people across the state are facing hardships, restaurants are having to discard a lot of perfectly good food. She explained that it is challenging to donate food to those in need because they may not have the means to cook it. She shared this sentiment as she finished cleaning out the walk-in fridge at Compère Lapin. She had found a buyer for the produce but the milk and fresh pasta were going to be thrown away. James Doucette, the general manager of Meals From The Heart Cafe, expressed regret over the waste as well. In an email, he mentioned that the storm is another challenge they have to overcome, and his team is currently displaced. Alon Shaya, the founder of Pomegranate Hospitality, also noted that it's not just the loss of weekend tourists that will harm the restaurant industry, but also the impact on longer-term visitors due to the storm. Students had recently come back to Tulane University, which had been beneficial for his restaurant, Saba, located about a mile away. However, the university has now decided to postpone classes for at least another month. This sudden change of plans is a familiar feeling for the hospitality industry in New Orleans. At the beginning of the pandemic, business was so poor that almost half of the city's restaurants and one-third of its hotels closed indefinitely. But as more people received the vaccine and started to come back to New Orleans, optimism began to rise. During the spring, business for Church, who oversees a diner and three French Quarter gay bars, reached a new high in 2018. However, the arrival of the delta variant led to a drastic decline in revenue on Bourbon Street. Church mentioned that his bars went from making $10,000 a night to $1,000 practically overnight. He believes that the drop in tourists was due to his staff enforcing rules requiring proof of vaccination and masks, which he fully supports. Despite the challenges, Church was optimistic about the upcoming weekend due to clear communication from the Southern Decadence festival regarding requirements. Edgar Chase IV, also known as Dooky, manages two Dooky Chase restaurants, one near the airport and one in the Treme neighborhood, and described the recent business fluctuations as a roller coaster ride. It was supposed to be a successful weekend for his team, but they had to evacuate instead. He expressed that during these times, his main concern is not about money, but rather about providing comfort to people. He believes that the hospitality industry should prioritize offering solace to those affected. | null |
Deforestation is a well-known cause of temperature increases in local areas, but a new study published on Tuesday suggests a broader impact on monsoon rains. In addition to releasing carbon dioxide, deforestation alters the amount of reflected light and atmospheric moisture, affecting plant transpiration. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore utilized a model to simulate atmosphere circulation, photosynthesis, transpiration, ocean surface warming, and ice melt. The authors aimed to understand the effects of large-scale deforestation on monsoon rainfall, conducting three experiments in tropical, temperate, and high-latitude regions by removing all trees. Deforestation in cooler climates has altered atmospheric circulation, causing monsoon rains to shift southward. This has led to a decrease in precipitation in the northern hemisphere monsoon regions, including East Asia, North America, North Africa, and South Asia, and an increase in rainfall in the southern hemisphere monsoon regions, such as South Africa, South America, and Australia. The study suggests that deforestation in mid- and high-latitudes can have a greater impact on tropical rainfall than deforestation in tropical regions. The South Asian monsoon region would be the most affected, experiencing an 18 percent decrease in precipitation over India. The authors emphasize the importance of considering remote impacts on rainfall when evaluating the climate benefits of tree planting initiatives in deforested areas. The research pointed out that the amount of land dedicated to growing crops and raising livestock has risen on a global scale, going from 620 million hectares in the 1700s to 4,690 million hectares in 2000. This now accounts for about a third of the world's total land surface area. | null |
The Qatar 2022 supreme committee stated that they had always planned to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup in the summer, but are open to hosting in the winter if necessary. They are prepared to host the event in either season, as their planning will not be affected. Fifa President Sepp Blatter mentioned that any request to change the timing of the event would need to come from Qatar. The organizers have invested resources in proving that the cooling technology for the stadiums will work, and plan to continue developing the systems regardless of the timing of the event. Their commitment to this project is based on the legacy it will provide for Qatar and other countries with similar climates. "It will allow for sports to be played year-round," it stated. "This technology can be used not only in stadiums or sports facilities, but also in public spaces to ensure outdoor activities can be enjoyed regardless of the weather." | null |
The Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft captured compelling images that indicate the possible existence of liquid water on Mars, sparking excitement among scientists who are curious about the planet's potential to support life. Researchers recently observed changes in the walls of two craters in Mars' southern hemisphere, which they believe were caused by water flowing downhill in the recent past. This discovery has reignited speculation about the possibility of past life on Mars, as water is essential for supporting life on Earth. Scientists have confirmed the presence of water on Mars in the form of ice and water vapor, as well as geological features that suggest water may have carved them in the past. Kenneth Edgett, a scientist involved in the research, described their findings as a "squirting gun" for evidence of liquid water currently on Mars. By comparing images taken seven years apart, the scientists also discovered 20 new craters caused by space debris. Despite the planet's frigid and nearly airless surface, water appeared to have flowed down two gullies in recent years, although it would quickly freeze or evaporate. The images suggested that there may be liquid water underground in some areas close enough to the surface to occasionally seep out. The bright deposits seen in the images, although not directly showing water, appeared to be left by material carried downhill inside the crater by running water, sometimes maneuvering around obstacles and leaving finger-shaped marks diverting from the main flow. While the water could be acidic, briny, carrying sediment, or slushy, it definitely contained H2O, according to Edgett. He also mentioned that each flow was equivalent to "five to 10 swimming pools of water." Michael Meyer, the head scientist of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, stated that the recent observations suggest that water still flows sporadically on the surface of Mars, providing the most compelling evidence so far. Meyer raised important questions about how this occurs and whether it could indicate a potential habitat for life. Some scientists believe that Mars may have supported primitive life forms in the past, as it is the only planet in our solar system besides Earth with a relatively hospitable climate. Previous missions have also discovered evidence of abundant water on Mars at some point in its history. The scientists admitted that the images provided only circumstantial evidence, not proof, and suggested that the features could have been caused by dry dust moving down a slope. They raised questions about the source and abundance of the water and its potential use in future missions to Mars. The researchers first discovered the gullies in 2000, but this was the first time they had found newly deposited material apparently carried by liquid water. NASA recently announced that it had lost contact with the Mars Global Surveyor after a ten-year mission mapping the planet's surface, monitoring its climate, and searching for signs of water. | null |
Two new reports released by the U.S.-based Rights and Resources Initiative warned that the increasing demand for food, fuel, and wood due to the world's population growth from six to nine billion will have a detrimental impact on the world's remaining forests. The reports highlighted the potential for a significant increase in deforestation, which could contribute to global warming and create conflicts with indigenous forest dwellers. Co-author Andy White emphasized the urgent need to address this issue, stating that failure to do so will result in more deforestation, conflicts, carbon emissions, climate change, and reduced prosperity for all. RRI is a global coalition of environmental and conservation NGOs focusing on forest protection, management, and the rights of forest peoples. A report by White stated that without a significant increase in agricultural productivity, an area equivalent to 12 Germanys will need to be cultivated by 2030 to meet food and biofuel demands. This land is likely to be in developing countries, mostly currently forested. The second report, "From Exclusion to Ownership", highlighted that governments in developing countries still claim ownership of most forests but have not adequately protected the rights and tenure of forest dwellers. It emphasized that those who rely on forests for their livelihood are typically the best stewards of the forests and their biodiversity. RRI pointed out that governments are not effectively stopping industrial encroachment on indigenous territories. The organization's report highlighted the expansion of soy and sugar cane cultivation for biofuels in Brazil, which is projected to increase to 128 million hectares by 2020, mostly through deforestation in the Amazon. Ghanaian civil rights lawyer Kyeretwie Opoku emphasized the importance of addressing inequalities by involving forest communities in decision-making processes related to industry and conservation. | null |
However, before it can proceed, it must participate in a scavenger hunt in the Australian outback. This weekend, fragments of an asteroid will touch down in a desolate area close to Woomera, South Australia. These fragments are being transported to Earth by Hayabusa2, a robotic spacecraft sent into space by JAXA, Japan's space agency, in 2014 to investigate an asteroid called Ryugu, which is a dark, carbon-rich rock slightly over half a mile in width. The success of this mission and the scientific data it generates will enhance Japan's reputation as a key player in deep space exploration, alongside NASA, the European Space Agency, and Russia. JAXA currently has a spacecraft orbiting Venus to study the planet's harsh climate and is working with the Europeans on a mission headed towards Mercury. In the future, Japan plans to retrieve rocks from Phobos, one of Mars' moons, and support NASA's Artemis program to send astronauts to the moon. However, the immediate challenge will be locating a small capsule containing asteroid samples in the dark, spread out over hundreds of square miles in a remote region 280 miles north of Adelaide. Shogo Tachibana, the lead investigator analyzing the Hayabusa2 samples, described the area as isolated and difficult to access. A team of over 70 people from Japan has gathered in Woomera for the capsule recovery operation, taking advantage of the vast open space provided by the Australian military testing grounds. The return capsule, which separated from the main spacecraft 12 hours prior to landing, was approximately 125,000 miles away from Earth. JAXA plans to broadcast the capsule's landing live at 11:30 am Eastern time on Saturday (pre-dawn hours on Sunday in Australia). The capsule is expected to touch down shortly before noon. Makoto Yoshikawa, the mission manager, mentioned in an interview that there is a margin of error of about 10 kilometres (approximately 6 miles) in predicting where the capsule will reenter the atmosphere. Once the capsule reaches an altitude of 6 miles, it will deploy a parachute, and its drift during descent will further contribute to the uncertainty. Yoshikawa stated that the landing location is determined by the wind conditions on the day of reentry. The search area could potentially span 60 miles. The path of the superheated air from the reentering capsule and the radio beacon will assist the recovery team. However, the mission will be significantly more challenging if the beacon or parachute malfunctions. Additionally, there is a sense of urgency surrounding the operation. The team's goal is to retrieve the capsule, conduct an initial analysis, and transport it back to Japan within 100 hours. Despite the capsule being sealed, there is concern about Earth air seeping in slowly. Tachibana mentioned that there is no perfect seal. Once the capsule is located, it will be airlifted by a helicopter to a laboratory established at the Australian air force base in Woomera. At the lab, an instrument will remove any gases that may have been released by the asteroid rocks during reentry. Yoshikawa mentioned that the scientists are interested in detecting any helium particles from solar wind that may have struck the asteroid and become trapped in the rocks. The presence of these gases would confirm that Hayabusa2 effectively gathered samples from Ryugu, with at least 0.1 grams required for a successful mission. The team is optimistic that the spacecraft retrieved several grams of samples and will start analyzing them in Japan. In approximately one year, some of the samples collected by Hayabusa2 will be shared with other scientists for further research. The spacecraft arrived at the asteroid in June 2018 and conducted a series of increasingly complex investigations. This included dropping probes onto the surface of Ryugu, creating a hole in the asteroid to study its interior, and making two descents to collect small pieces of the asteroid. This task proved to be more difficult than anticipated due to the large number of boulders on the surface. Masaki Fujimoto, deputy director general of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, noted that small celestial bodies like Ryugu were previously overlooked by planetary scientists focused on studying planets. He mentioned that minor bodies may not seem important, but they are crucial for understanding planetary systems. By studying water trapped in minerals from Ryugu, scientists may learn if Earth's ocean water came from asteroids and if carbon-based molecules helped form the building blocks for life. NASA will receive part of the Ryugu samples, in addition to rocks and soil from another asteroid collected by the OSIRIS-Rex mission. This space probe has been studying a carbon-rich asteroid named Bennu and will return to Earth next spring, delivering its samples in September 2023. Despite similarities, Ryugu and Bennu have differences in appearance and surface characteristics. The rocks on Ryugu seem to have less water compared to others. The significance of these similarities and differences will only be understood once scientists conduct a more detailed study of the rocks. Harold Connolly, a geology professor at Rowan University, mentioned that lessons learned from the Hayabusa2 mission will be helpful in analyzing the OSIRIS-Rex sample. He finds the similarities and differences between the two missions intriguing. Connolly plans to travel to Japan next summer to participate in the analysis of the Ryugu samples. Hayabusa2 is not Japan's initial planetary mission. The name of the mission, Hayabusa2, suggests a connection to a previous mission that collected samples from the asteroid Itokawa. However, the earlier mission faced technical challenges. JAXA's Akatsuki spacecraft, currently orbiting Venus, also had difficulties but was eventually restored to a scientific mission. In contrast, a Japanese mission to Mars in 2003 failed. Despite sharing a similar design to its predecessor, Hayabusa2 has experienced almost flawless operations. Yoshikawa, the mission manager, stated that there are no major issues, only minor ones. He mentioned that the team thoroughly analyzed the failures of Hayabusa and made necessary changes, as well as conducted multiple rehearsals to prepare for any potential challenges. Compared to NASA missions, Japanese missions typically have smaller budgets and fewer instruments. Hayabusa2's cost is under $300 million, while OSIRIS-Rex's price tag is around $1 billion. Delivering the Ryugu samples is not the conclusion of the Hayabusa2 mission. After the return capsule was released, the main spacecraft changed course to avoid a collision with Earth, narrowly missing by 125 miles. It is now heading towards another asteroid, a small one known as 1998 KY26, which is only 100 feet in diameter but rotates quickly, completing one rotation in less than 11 minutes. Hayabusa2 will use two flybys of Earth to propel itself towards KY26, with an expected arrival in 2031. Along the way, the spacecraft will conduct various astronomical experiments, and it still has one last projectile that could be used to test the surface of the asteroid. | null |
A group of seven researchers has warned of the urgent need for action to prevent a catastrophic threat to civilization as they published a commentary in the journal Nature ahead of the COP25 climate change summit in Madrid. The researchers emphasized that irreversible changes to the Earth's environmental systems are already underway, putting us in a state of planetary emergency. They identified a global tipping point as the threshold beyond which the planet's systems pass the point of no return, citing examples such as the loss of the Amazon rainforest, accelerated melting of ice sheets, and thawing of permafrost. The scientists warned that such a collapse could result in 'hothouse' conditions that would render some areas uninhabitable. They stressed that the time left for intervention to prevent tipping has likely shortened significantly, while achieving net zero emissions would require at least 30 years. The team, led by Timothy Lenton, professor of climate change and Earth system science at the University of Exeter, identified nine areas where tipping points are currently occurring. A file photo shows a boat and a bicycle on the dried lake Poopo in the Oruro Department, Bolivia, affected by climate change on Dec 16, 2017. These tipping points include the destruction of the Amazon, reduction of Arctic sea ice, coral reef die-offs, melting of ice sheets in Greenland and West Antarctica, thawing of permafrost, destabilization of boreal forests, and a slowdown of ocean circulation. The scientists believe these events are interconnected and changes in one area will impact others, leading to a worsening 'cascade' of crises. Regional warming is causing Arctic permafrost to thaw, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This warming has also led to insect disturbances and fires in North American boreal forests, potentially changing some regions from a carbon sink to a carbon source. Researchers have found that the climate is more sensitive than previously believed, with the possibility of a global tipping point. Last year's research analyzed various regime shifts, including the collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet and the transformation of rainforests into savannas. The text suggests that surpassing tipping points in one system can heighten the likelihood of surpassing them in other systems. A photo shows an offering to Kota Mama on a dried lake affected by climate change in Bolivia. The concept of a climate tipping point has been around for 20 years, introduced by the IPCC, which stated that major disruptions would occur if global warming surpassed 5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Climate scientists have stated that data from the two most recent IPCC reports in 2018 and September 2019 indicate that tipping points could occur with as little as 1 to 2 degrees Celsius of warming. Currently, global average temperatures are approximately 1 degree Celsius higher than they were during the pre-industrial era, and they are continuing to increase. | null |
The yen reached a historic low against the euro and remained close to a four-year low against the dollar on Friday due to expectations of low Japanese interest rates. Meanwhile, oil prices stayed high at over $61 per barrel. Despite Germany's Ifo business sentiment survey showing a bigger drop than anticipated, the euro only slightly declined against the dollar, while Bunds rose. The survey did not change the belief that euro zone interest rates will increase next month. Japanese exporters benefited from the weak yen, boosting the Nikkei average to a seven-year high, while European stocks were affected by concerns over Iran's nuclear program and weakness in banking stocks. The euro briefly hit a record high of 159.63 yen before dropping to around 159.25 yen, with traders predicting it would soon exceed the 160-yen mark. The dollar traded around 121.40 yen after reaching 121.63 yen for the second consecutive day, close to the highest level since December 2002. The recent increase of 25 basis points in Japanese interest rates to a 10-year high of 0.5 percent has not stopped the yen from weakening against major currencies, as rates in Japan are still lower compared to other developed countries. According to Ronnie Steadman from Lloyds TSB Financial Markets, the rise in short-term rates in Japan will not deter Japanese investors, especially households, from buying foreign bonds and stocks for better returns overseas. Investors have also taken significant short positions against the Japanese currency through carry trades, borrowing yen to invest in higher-yielding assets elsewhere. The New Zealand dollar, which has high yields, reached a 14-month high against the yen on Thursday. Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui reiterated on Friday that rate increases will occur gradually. Germany's Ifo research institute reported a decrease in the business climate index to 107.0 in February from the previous month's 107.9. Despite this decline, analysts still predicted that the European Central Bank would likely raise rates to 3.75 percent in March. The euro was down 0.1 percent at $1.311 at 1015 GMT. Following the Ifo reading, Euro zone bonds rebounded and yields on the benchmark 10-year Bund decreased by 3.2 basis points to 4.066 percent. Meanwhile, oil prices rose above $61 a barrel due to a sharp drop in US gasoline stocks and concerns about Iran's nuclear program, with US crude reaching $61.40 a barrel. It reached $61.49 earlier, its highest point since Jan 2. Iran stated it would not show any weakness regarding its nuclear program, following the UN nuclear watchdog's announcement that Tehran had not met the deadline to suspend uranium enrichment. In early trading, European shares declined due to concerns about Iran and weakness in banking stocks, despite strong results from industrial companies and higher commodity prices. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was down 0.16 percent at 1,537.54 points, with slight decreases in British and French indexes and minimal change in Germany's. Japan's Nikkei rose 0.44 percent to a seven-year high, driven in part by gains in exporters like Canon Inc benefiting from the weak yen. The increase was moderated by a decrease of up to 29 percent in Sanyo Electric Co. following news that it was under investigation by regulators and had failed to report over $1 billion in losses, according to a newspaper. The MSCI All-Country World Index stood at 380.93, up 0.05 percent. | null |
According to an annual study, global carbon emissions increased significantly in 2007, with developing nations like China and India now responsible for more than half of the world's carbon dioxide output. The Global Carbon Project's report reveals that carbon dioxide emissions from human activities have been growing at a rate four times faster since 2000 compared to the 1990s, despite efforts to reduce emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. The burning of fossil fuels has been a major factor contributing to this increase. The report also predicts that India will soon surpass Russia to become the world's third largest emitter of CO2. The executive director of the Global Carbon Project noted that for the first time, developing countries are now emitting more carbon into the atmosphere than developed nations. He stated to Reuters that China is now the leading emitter of emissions, accounting for 60 percent of all growth in emissions. The United States followed as the second largest emitter. The International Council for Science, which oversees national academies of science, supports the project. Professor Barry Brook from the University of Adelaide in Australia warned that the rapid increase in emissions could lead to quicker global warming than previously projected, with CO2 concentrations possibly reaching 450 ppm by 2030 rather than 2040. At the current moment, the level of CO2 is just slightly above 380 parts per million. Regardless of the exact date, reaching 450 ppm of CO2 will result in a 2 degrees Celsius increase in global temperature, leading to a series of disastrous consequences. The Global Carbon Project was established in 2001 to study changes in the Earth's carbon cycle, including both man-made and natural emissions, as well as how carbon is absorbed by sinks like oceans and forests. Canadell, a member of the project, stated that they analyze data from CO2 samples collected worldwide and national emissions reported to the United Nations. He highlighted the significant increase in emissions between 2000 and 2007, which was unprecedented and occurred despite international efforts to combat climate change. Currently, only 37 wealthy nations are bound by the Kyoto Protocol, the primary global agreement aimed at addressing global warming, to reduce emissions starting in 2008. However, the first phase of Kyoto is set to end in 2012 and does not require developing countries to limit their emissions. The United Nations is leading negotiations to extend Kyoto beyond 2013 and develop a solution that encourages all countries to commit to reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. A recent report has labeled this situation as a "wake-up call," noting that atmospheric CO2 levels reached 383 parts per million in 2007, a 37 percent increase from pre-industrial levels and the highest level in the past 650,000 years. The report also stated that the annual growth rate of atmospheric CO2 was 2.2 ppm in 2007, up from 1.8 ppm in 2006. Professor Matthew England, joint director of the University of New South Wales Climate Change Research Centre, stated that the recent data regarding increasing carbon dioxide emissions should serve as a significant alert to industry, business, and politicians. Canadell mentioned that the credit crisis is likely to reduce emissions growth, but emphasized that the economic downturn will only lead to a slight decline in emissions unless major countries like China, India, Russia, and Japan suffer as much as the United States. | null |
This year, scientists are emphasizing the importance of focusing on another powerful greenhouse gas - methane - in order to prevent catastrophic global warming. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report on Monday urging countries to reduce methane emissions quickly and significantly in addition to reducing CO2 emissions. This plea may create concerns for countries that are transitioning to natural gas as a cleaner alternative to coal, as well as for countries with significant agriculture and livestock industries, particularly cattle. Despite both methane and CO2 contributing to atmospheric warming, they are not equivalent in terms of their impact. A methane molecule has a greater immediate warming impact compared to a CO2 molecule, but CO2 lingers in the atmosphere for hundreds of years while methane disappears within two decades. The recent IPCC report emphasizes the importance of reducing methane emissions, with expert Durwood Zaelke stating that cutting methane is the most effective and rapid strategy for mitigating global warming. The urgency to address methane emissions is due to the fact that the current global temperature is already 1.1C higher than the preindustrial average, largely because of emissions released since the mid-1800s. The report suggests that if pollution had not reflected some of the sun's radiation back into space, the world would have experienced an additional 0.5C of warming. As the world moves away from fossil fuels and addresses air pollution, the disappearance of aerosols could lead to a spike in temperatures. Quickly reducing methane emissions could counteract this effect and improve air quality, according to Maisa Rojas Corradi, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Chile and author of the IPCC report summary. Methane emissions are responsible for about 30% of global warming since the pre-industrial era, as stated by the United Nations. The IPCC had not previously discussed the impact of methane, aerosols, and other short-lived climate pollutants. Jane Lubchenco, deputy director for climate and environment at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, highlighted the immediate benefits of significant reductions in methane in a recent report. The report also emphasized the positive impact on human health from improved air quality. Mark Brownstein, senior vice president of energy at Environmental Defense Fund, urged countries to implement aggressive methane reduction plans in oil and gas production. He noted that addressing methane emissions from landfills and energy companies may be easier than tackling large-scale agricultural methane due to the lack of scaled-up replacement technology. The EU and the United States are planning to introduce stricter regulations on oil and gas companies to monitor and report methane emissions, with the US expected to unveil regulations by September. These regulations are more stringent than those issued by the Obama administration but subsequently rolled back by former President Donald Trump. The US and the EU together represent over a third of global natural gas consumption. Countries like Brazil and Russia, which lack strict regulations on oil and gas production or agriculture, are also likely to be significant methane emitters, according to IPCC co-author Paulo Artaxo. He noted that quantifying methane leakage from gas and oil wells is a challenging task. If countries do not actively search for it, they will not discover it. Certain environmental organizations and government authorities are advocating for a worldwide agreement on methane, similar to the Montreal Protocol that addressed ozone depletion. This agreement could initially focus on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, as they already possess the technology to reduce these emissions, according to Armond Cohen, executive director of the Clean Air Task Force, a climate technology group based in Boston. Cohen stated that controlling methane emissions is not a complex task and does not require any new or unusual technology. "So, we should begin from that point." | null |
The mammoth structures proposed by scientists would enclose the North Sea, protecting tens of millions of Europeans from rising sea levels caused by climate change. The urgency of the crisis is reflected in the scale of the project, which is outlined in a paper published in the American Journal of Meteorology. The estimated cost of the project is between $250 billion to $550 billion, which the authors suggest could be covered by Northern European countries. Some experts are skeptical about the feasibility of damming the North Sea, suggesting that building defenses along the coastline may be a better solution. The scientists behind the proposal view it as a warning and hope it serves as a wake-up call for global leaders to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions to avoid drastic measures like damming the North Sea. If carbon pollution continues to rise, sea levels could exceed 40 inches by 2100, forcing millions of people to become climate refugees. Coastal cities like San Francisco and Manila are still experiencing the effects of rising sea levels today. A proposal to build massive barriers across the North Sea has been suggested as a response to the urgency of the climate crisis, with the potential to protect millions of Europeans from the threat of sea level rise. According to a report by Climate Central, by 2050, approximately 150 million people in low-lying coastal cities could be at risk of being submerged. The proposed dams would be much larger than existing barriers and would require a significant amount of resources to construct. The ecological impact of such a project would be substantial, potentially affecting marine life and the fishing industry. However, as sea levels continue to rise, drastic measures may be necessary to protect coastal communities. The Netherlands, a country that has experience in managing flood risks, recognizes the challenges that come with such ambitious projects. When discussing the potential for a significant rise in sea levels, he emphasized that finding solutions is not straightforward. The proposal to construct two massive barriers connecting Norway to Scotland and France to England was seen as a response to the pressing climate crisis, with the aim of protecting millions of Europeans from the threat of rising waters. | null |
Researchers in the United States have discovered that some flu strains may originate in the country and then migrate to warmer climates. This challenges the previous belief that most flu strains came from China and Southeast Asia. A team from the University of Michigan, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Florida State University found that certain flu strains in North America do not disappear at the end of flu season; instead, some travel to South America and beyond. This migration pattern may have been observed during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. Trevor Bedford of the University of Michigan, along with his colleagues, discovered that China and Southeast Asia are major players in the influenza A migration network, but temperate regions, particularly the USA, also play a significant role. Their study, published in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS Pathogens, involved analyzing genetic sequences from seasonal flu viruses collected worldwide between 1998 and 2009. By creating a family tree of the viruses, they gained new insights into the flu virus, which may require public health officials to adjust their strategies for combating the flu. For instance, the overuse of antiviral drugs like Roche AG's Tamiflu could lead to drug resistance if flu strains persist in the United States. Bedford stated that their research revealed that South America primarily receives flu strains from North America. As a result, they suggest creating a vaccine based on North American strains rather than using the same vaccine as the rest of the world. The team also emphasized the importance of tracking flu strains more effectively to better understand their origins and spread globally. Bedford highlighted the need for global surveillance, as flu strains can originate from various regions, not just Southeast Asia. The United States diagnosed the first cases of H1N1 swine flu. Its origins are still unknown, but genetic testing indicates that it likely came from pigs and had been present for a long time before being discovered. | null |
Scientists have strong evidence that the warming of the ocean in the last four decades is connected to the carbon dioxide released by industries, according to a wire service report. Researchers in the US compared the increase in ocean temperatures with climate models and concluded that human activity is the most probable reason. They predict that this warming will significantly affect regional water supplies in the coming years. The study details were presented at a scientific conference in Washington DC, where the team explored various scenarios to explain the oceanic changes, but none of them were sufficient. Dr Barnett stated that greenhouse warming was the key factor in accurately predicting temperature changes in the oceans, with a 95% statistical confidence. Researchers believe this is conclusive evidence that human activities are causing global warming. The team warns that climate change will have a significant impact on regional water supplies in the near future. In areas like the South American Andes and western China, accelerated glacier melting could leave millions without enough water during the summer. Dr Barnett explained that if snow melts earlier and societies are unable to capture all the water, water shortages could occur in the summer months. The Scripps researcher emphasized the importance of political leadership in order to prevent a global disaster. They expressed hope that the United States could be steered in the right direction, stressing the need to identify and address global warming-related challenges worldwide in order to effectively address them. | null |
It has been revealed that Elon Musk's SpaceX is not responsible for potentially causing a crater on the lunar surface, as previously reported. Instead, it is believed that a piece of a rocket launched by China's space agency may be the cause. Bill Gray, the developer of Project Pluto, recently announced that the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was on a trajectory that could intersect with the path of the moon. This rocket had launched the Deep Space Climate Observatory for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in February 2015. Gray had been monitoring this rocket part for years, and in January, it passed within 6,000 miles of the moon's surface. The moon's gravity then altered its path, potentially causing it to crash on a subsequent orbit. Reports from amateur astronomers who saw the object pass by Earth once again confirmed that it was heading towards an impact inside Hertzsprung, an old crater that is 315 miles wide. However, an email received on Saturday from Jon Giorgini, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, changed the situation. Giorgini oversees Horizons, an online database that can provide information on the locations and orbits of nearly 1.2 million objects in the solar system, including approximately 200 spacecraft. When a Horizons user asked Giorgini about the likelihood of the object being part of the DSCOVR rocket, he decided to investigate further. He discovered that the orbit did not match the trajectory of DSCOVR and reached out to Gray. Gray initially believed he was correct, but then searched through his past emails to recall when the object was first observed in March 2015, approximately a month following the launch of DSCOVR. The majority of new objects identified in space are typically asteroids, and this object was also initially thought to be one. It was labeled as WE0913A. However, it was discovered that WE0913A was orbiting Earth, not the sun, indicating that it likely originated from Earth. Gray suggested that it could be part of the rocket that launched DSCOVR. Subsequent data showed that WE0913A passed the moon two days after DSCOVR's launch, confirming the identification. Gray now understands his mistake in assuming DSCOVR was headed towards the moon for a gravity assist, when in fact it was launched on a direct path that did not involve the moon, as Giorgini pointed out. Gray admitted that he regretted not reviewing the information before making his January announcement. After Jon Giorgini brought it to his attention, it was evident that he had made a mistake. SpaceX did not provide a comment on the matter, but it is likely that they have not been monitoring the rocket stage in question. Typically, the second stage of a Falcon 9 is disposed of by burning up in the atmosphere, but in this instance, the rocket needed all its propellant to deliver DSCOVR to its intended location. However, the second stage, which was not powered or controlled, was in an orbit that was not likely to pose a threat to any satellites, and it was probably not being monitored by anyone. Gray expressed a wish for the organizations responsible for launching these boosters into high orbits to publicly disclose information about what they are sending up there and where it is going, rather than leaving it up to him to investigate. Gray then began investigating other recent launches, particularly those headed towards the moon, in an attempt to determine the identity of the object. "There are not many launches in that category," Gray noted. The top contender for the mission was a Long March 3C rocket that was responsible for launching China's Chang'e-5 T1 spacecraft on October 23, 2014. The spacecraft circled the moon before returning to Earth, releasing a small return capsule that landed in Mongolia. This was a test run for the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, which successfully collected moon rocks and dust for analysis on Earth. By running a computer simulation of the orbit of WE0913A in the past, it was determined that it would have passed close to the moon on October 28, just five days after the Chinese launch. Furthermore, data from a cubesat attached to the third stage of the Long March rocket closely matched that of WE0913A, according to Gray. "It is a case that could probably be presented to a jury for a conviction," stated Christophe Demeautis, an amateur astronomer in northeast France, as more observations this month have slightly adjusted the prediction of the object's impact on the moon. The crash is still expected to occur at about 7:26 am Eastern time, without any chance of missing the moon. However, because the impact will be on the far side of the moon, it will not be visible from Earth's telescopes or satellites. The whereabouts of the Falcon 9 part, specifically the DSCOVR second stage, are still being investigated, according to Gray. It is believed that the object ended up orbiting the sun instead of the Earth, making it currently out of sight. There have been cases of old rocket pieces reappearing, such as a mystery object discovered in 2020 that was part of a rocket launched in 1966 for NASA's Surveyor missions to the moon. | null |
According to the secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), oceans are becoming more acidic at a rate 100 times faster than any change in acidity seen in the last 20 million years. This rapid change is not allowing enough time for evolutionary adaptation within biological systems. A major study released on Monday in collaboration with the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) at Bella Convention Centre in Copenhagen, where climate talks are taking place, highlights the impact of oceans absorbing a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from human activities. This absorption by the oceans helps to prevent atmospheric CO2 levels from rising significantly higher and mitigates the effects of global climate change. The absorption of atmospheric CO2 has caused the oceans to become more acidic, with predictions suggesting a 150% increase in acidity by 2050. Ocean acidification is a long-lasting and irreversible process that can only be mitigated by urgent global reductions in CO2 emissions. Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the convention, stressed the importance of addressing this issue in the global climate change debate, highlighting the alarming ecological scenarios and adverse impacts on marine biodiversity described in a CBD study based on analysis of over 300 scientific literatures. The study reveals that as ocean acidification continues to rise, around 70 percent of cold water corals, which serve as important habitats and food sources for commercial fish species, will be at risk of being exposed to corrosive waters by the year 2100. | null |
According to a NASA survey, approximately 1,000 asteroids large enough to cause catastrophic damage if they collided with Earth are currently orbiting nearby. This survey, known as Spaceguard, was initiated by Congress in 1998 with the goal of identifying 90 percent of objects near Earth that are at least 1 km in diameter. The survey has been completed, with 93 percent of the objects identified. Astronomer Amy Mainzer announced these findings at the American Geophysical Union conference in San Francisco. Using NASA's retired WISE telescope, scientists also discovered around 20,500 smaller asteroids near Earth, a significant increase from previous estimates of 36,000 to 100,000 objects with a diameter of about 100 meters. Mainzer informed Reuters that although the likelihood of an impact is low, asteroids still have the potential to cause significant damage. About 65 million years ago, an asteroid or comet estimated to be between 5 and 10 km in diameter collided with Earth, resulting in climate changes that led to the extinction of dinosaurs and other species. Mainzer emphasized that an object of that size could have devastating consequences for life on Earth. Currently, scientists are analyzing archived WISE data to identify potentially hazardous objects that come close to Earth's orbit. As of now, there is no strategy in place for how to respond if an asteroid was found to be heading towards Earth. | null |
On Tuesday, the planet Venus crossed in front of the sun in a slow manner, marking the final visible transit from Earth for the next 105 years. Transits of Venus occur in pairs, spaced eight years apart, with over a century between cycles. During this recent transit, Venus appeared as a small black dot moving slowly across the sun's northern hemisphere. Many people watched the six-hour and 40-minute event online through various websites offering live video feeds from different locations around the world. The Prescott Observatory in Arizona provided close-up views of the transit, showing a potential solar flare forming just below the sphere of Venus. Tuesday's transit, which marked the completion of a pair of transits that occurred in 2004 and 2012, started at 6:09 p.m. EDT (2209 GMT). Observers on all seven continents, including Antarctica, had the opportunity to witness at least some portion of the transit. Even astronauts on the International Space Station were able to view the event. Space station flight engineer Don Pettit expressed his excitement about the transit, stating that he had been preparing for it and brought a solar filter specifically for the occasion. The focus is not solely on beautiful images. Various scientific experiments were organized, including research that could aid in the discovery of habitable planets outside of our solar system. Telescopes like NASA's Kepler space telescope are currently being utilized to locate extrasolar planets that transit in front of their host stars, similar to Venus passing in front of the sun. Scientists planned to study Venus's thick atmosphere during its transit to develop methods for studying atmospheres of other planets. Analyzing Venus's atmosphere could also provide insights into the differences between Earth and Venus, despite their similar size and distance from the sun. Venus has a very thick atmosphere, 100 times denser than Earth's, composed mainly of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The planet's surface temperature reaches a scorching 900 degrees Fahrenheit (480 degrees Celsius), with fast-moving clouds of sulfuric acid causing acid rain at speeds of 220 miles per hour. Despite being known as the goddess of love, Venus is not a planet one would want to get too close to, according to an astronomer on Slooh.com. Scientists are studying Venus' climate to gain insight into potential changes in Earth's atmosphere. In past transits of Venus, scientists determined the size of the solar system and the distance between the sun and planets. The upcoming transit on Tuesday will be the eighth since the telescope was invented, and the last until December 10-11, 2117. This transit will be the first to occur with a spacecraft at Venus, with observations from Europe's Venus Express probe being compared to those made by various telescopes, including NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the joint US-European Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and Japan's Hinode spacecraft. | null |
Every strong and adaptable plant variety plays a crucial role in a resilient seed system that is essential for agriculture, the very foundation of a strong food system. The unpredictable seed-catalogue season of 2020 highlighted the importance of resilience not only for seed company employees but also for their customers. The lessons learned from the chaotic year of unprecedented sales can help pave the way for a smoother 2021 gardening season, which officially kicks off this month with the arrival of new catalogues. Sales skyrocketed by up to 300% immediately after a national emergency was declared on March 13, following the World Health Organization's pandemic declaration just two days earlier. The sudden surge in orders took many by surprise, including Joshua D’errico, marketing coordinator for Johnny’s Selected Seeds, who noted the unprecedented spike in sales compared to the company's 47-year history. "We initially believed it was just a minor issue, but it turned out to be more serious than we thought," stated Heron Breen, an R&D manager at Fedco Seeds, a company that has been serving gardeners in the Northeast since 1978. Breen mentioned that they received a warning from colleagues at other companies about the high demand for seeds. As larger companies became overwhelmed, smaller suppliers like Fedco Seeds also experienced a surge in orders. Fulfilment operations were strained, leading many suppliers to temporarily suspend sales to catch up. Requests for catalogues and online searches for growing advice also increased significantly. However, both large and small sellers have reassured home gardeners that they are well stocked, and there are no significant seed shortages beyond the usual variations that can occur in any farming year. It might seem contradictory to those who saw "out of stock" labels on many product pages last spring, but the issue was often not a lack of seed availability. According to Andrea Tursini, the chief marketing officer of High Mowing Organic Seeds, the problem was more related to a shortage of workers to pack the seeds into packets in time to meet the increased demand. This happened at the end of their usual peak season when they are not typically packing a large volume of seeds. Adding to the challenge was the need to staff up safely and adhere to pandemic guidelines, as well as dealing with employee burnout. As a result, seed companies have been working tirelessly to improve their systems, even sacrificing summer breaks to keep up with demand. Before home gardeners dive into browsing their catalogues, it is important for them to refine their shopping processes. It is recommended to study the catalogues rather than just using them for shopping purposes. Having a variety of seed catalogues, whether in print or online, can be beneficial as each catalogue has its own specialties. Reading variety descriptions can be very informative, as they highlight the diverse traits that can be found in a single crop. For example, some broccoli produces one large head, while others, like Piracicaba, do not form heads but instead grow smaller florets over time. Seed catalogs not only provide information on when and how to sow seeds, but also offer expert advice on which varieties are best suited for different conditions, such as summer heat. This knowledge can help gardeners plan and sow their crops at the appropriate times, resulting in a continuous harvest of lettuce for salads, for instance. The availability of digital resources, such as Johnny's Grower's Library, has further enhanced the educational support provided by seed companies. According to D'errico, there has been a significant increase in visits to this online resource. It is important to refrain from making impulsive purchases when it comes to seed-shopping and garden planning. Take inventory of existing seeds to avoid buying duplicates and wasting money. While it's okay to occasionally indulge in trying new things, it's crucial to understand the principles of succession planting before making any orders. Do you want to improve your personal seed security? Purchase open-pollinated varieties instead of hybrids and save their seeds for 2022. Be prepared to adjust, like a seed. Even with all the planning, companies cannot predict how many new gardeners from last season will reorder or if more will join in 2021. Despite the uncertainty, at least one aspect remained consistent from 2019 to 2020, according to D'errico. At Johnny's Selected Seeds, the top 12 crops that were preferred by home gardeners remained consistent, albeit in a slightly different ranking. Among the top four crops, including zinnias, bush beans, heirloom tomatoes, and hot peppers, the order did not change. However, both sellers and buyers should be prepared to adjust their choices. Tursini, from High Mowing Organic Seeds, recommended being flexible. For example, if the Cherry Bomb tomato is out of stock, consider trying a different variety of cherry tomato. You may discover one that you prefer even more. Furthermore, it is advisable to order seeds early without panicking, as suggested by a gardening expert quoted in the article. This sentiment is also reiterated by Breen from Fedco Seeds, who emphasizes the importance of mindful garden planning over preparing for a dystopian scenario. The companies mentioned in the article, such as Johnny's Selected Seeds and High Mowing Organic Seeds, are known for growing and breeding their own stock. Other notable farm-based companies in the Northeastern region include Hudson Valley Seed, Turtle Tree Seed, and Fruition Seeds. Prairie Road Organic Seed, based in North Dakota, is known for producing cold-adapted beans and tomatoes. The Pacific Northwest is known for its favorable climate for seed farming, leading to the establishment of several exceptional companies such as Adaptive Seeds, Siskiyou Seeds, Uprising Seeds, and Wild Garden Seed. For gardeners looking for heat-adapted seeds for Southeastern gardens or those interested in trying okra and greasy beans, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and Sow True Seed are recommended. Companies catering to tough growing conditions include Redwood Seed Co. in Northern California, High Desert Seed and Gardens in high-altitude Colorado, Native Seed/SEARCH in arid Arizona, and Snake River Seed Cooperative in Idaho. Seed Savers Exchange, based in Iowa, is a national resource dedicated to preserving heirloom varieties. Some of the items in its collection were obtained from Glenn Drowns, who is associated with Sand Hill Preservation Center in Iowa. The ordering process is done through traditional mail rather than online shopping, but the variety of items available is impressive. | null |
Scientists reported that bacteria consumed almost all of the methane released from BP's broken wellhead in the Gulf of Mexico last year, preventing it from contributing to climate change. Despite the loss of about 1 million tons of dissolved oxygen, the bacteria's consumption of methane did not lead to a life-threatening low-oxygen condition. This finding is important for climate scientists, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. Similar to carbon dioxide, methane is produced by both natural and human activities, including the petroleum industry. Following the BP blowout in April 2010, methane was not being consumed in and around the wellhead for two months, causing concern among scientists that it could linger in the water and eventually reach the atmosphere, potentially contributing to climate change by trapping heat. Researcher Valentine noted that large-scale methane releases in the past have warmed the climate, and he and his colleagues are investigating the role bacteria may have played in those instances. The BP oil spill was an accidental experiment that demonstrated how specific bacteria that feed on methane multiplied rapidly as the methane spread through the underwater plume from the damaged well. The highest consumption of methane likely occurred in late July and early August. Other organisms were responsible for consuming different hydrocarbons such as ethane and propane released during the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. The methane-eating bacteria were the last to join the feast of hydrocarbons, and based on previous observations, scientists were unsure if they could effectively consume the methane. Despite expectations of slow methane consumption, the bacteria population proved to be up to the challenge, much to the surprise of the scientists. The scientists suggested that if bacteria were able to consume a significant amount of methane, they may also be able to absorb other large-scale deep ocean methane releases. Last month, the US government filed a civil suit against BP and its partners for the damage caused by the spill. The White House commission on the oil spill stated on Wednesday that BP and its partners' cost-cutting decisions played a role in causing the spill. | null |
A group of scientists stated that even slight changes in the sun's energy output can significantly affect global weather patterns, such as the intensity of the Indian monsoon, and these impacts can be predicted years in advance. The sun goes through an 11-year cycle marked by changes in the number of sunspots emitting energy bursts. The difference in energy between a solar maximum and minimum is only about 0.1 percent, but understanding how this minor variation impacts the world's climate has been a major challenge for meteorologists. Through analyzing a century of weather data and using complex computer models, an international team of scientists led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the United States demonstrated that even a small increase in the sun's energy can enhance wind and rainfall patterns. Julie Arblaster, a co-author of the study published in Science, emphasized that the sun's output during the 11-year solar cycle has long been known to influence the global climate system. The researchers have discovered how small variations can be amplified, leading to cooler sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and increased off-equatorial rainfall. They found that during times of strong solar activity, the upper atmosphere heats up in the tropics, altering wind patterns and increasing tropical rainfall. Additionally, increased sunlight during solar maximum slightly warms ocean surface waters in the subtropical Pacific, where clouds are usually minimal. This increased heat causes more evaporation, resulting in more water vapor. The additional moisture is transported by trade winds to the typically wet regions of the western tropical Pacific, leading to increased rainfall. Forecasts suggest that sea surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific will slightly decrease, resembling a La Nina event. La Nina, the opposite of El Nino, brings wetter conditions to the western Pacific and drier conditions to parts of South America. The Indian monsoon and other regional climate patterns are primarily influenced by the movement of air in the tropics and subtropics. Solar-cycle predictions can assist meteorologists in estimating variations in circulation patterns, sea surface temperatures, and regional weather patterns. NCAR scientist Gerald Meehl, the study's lead author, emphasizes the interconnectedness of the sun, stratosphere, and oceans in influencing events like winter rainfall in North America. Understanding the solar cycle's role can provide valuable insight for predicting regional weather patterns in the coming decades. The sun is currently in a quiet phase following a solar minimum at the end of last year, with the next solar peak anticipated in May 2013, as reported by the Space Weather Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the United States. Brad Carter, a senior lecturer in physics at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia, believes that the paper provides valuable insight into the potential link between solar activity and climate effects. He emphasizes that while solar activity may have some impact on climate, it should not be seen as the sole explanation for global warming in recent years. For more information, visit www.swpc.noaa.gov/SolarCycle/. | null |
At least 14 individuals lost their lives due to rising floodwaters in basements. A tornado in southern New Jersey destroyed a row of houses. There are reports of drivers being stuck since Wednesday evening, with over 200,000 residences in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania still lacking electricity. States of emergency have been announced throughout the area. The heavy rain on Wednesday, totaling over six inches in a short period, transformed streets and subway stations into waterways, leading to emergency responders using boats to rescue individuals stranded on car roofs and in flooded residences. Numerous individuals on trains and subways had to be evacuated. The rain that fell recently broke previous records set by Tropical Storm Henri just 11 days earlier. This highlights the warnings from climate scientists that such storms are becoming more common due to a warmer planet, where increased heat leads to more water in the air and allows storms to strengthen quickly and become larger. While the skies are clearing, many of the city's subway lines are still not fully operational, as well as commuter rail services in the region. Although airports are open, numerous flights have been cancelled. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and some rivers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are still experiencing rising water levels. In New York City, individuals who lost their lives due to the storm ranged in age from a 2-year-old boy to an 86-year-old woman, according to the police. In Queens, some individuals tragically drowned in basement apartments due to a network of makeshift and often illegally converted living spaces. City officials in Elizabeth, New Jersey reported five deaths in an apartment complex, while another death occurred in Passaic, New Jersey where the Passaic River overflowed. A record-breaking 3.15 inches of rain fell in Central Park in just one hour on Wednesday, surpassing the previous record of 1.94 inches. The National Weather Service, struggling to convey the severity of the situation, issued a flash flood emergency in New York City for the first time. In Bergen County, the most populous county in New Jersey, County Executive James Tedesco, a former firefighter, stated on Thursday that the area was experiencing nearly complete devastation, one of the worst he had ever seen. The remnants of Ida continued to move across parts of southern New England, with the system located near eastern Long Island, New York, moving northeast at 28 mph toward Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with maximum sustained winds of 28 mph as of 5 a.m. Thursday. Following heavy rain overnight, more rain was expected in parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where flash flood warnings were issued. The weather service warned of the potential for rare high-impact flooding in southern New England. The rain had already led to flash flooding in various areas such as small creeks, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses as well as other low-lying areas, according to the weather service. Although the rain was starting to move away, there were still numerous flooded roads in southern New England. The Weather Service in Boston mentioned that it will take some time for the water to go down in these areas. They advised people not to try to cross any flooded roads and to turn around instead. Rhode Island has experienced two tropical storms, Henri and Elsa, making landfall during this hurricane season. Text = The New York Times Company owns the copyright for the year 2021. | null |
Computer simulations of global weather patterns will eventually be able to provide forecasts accurate to within a few kilometers, which will help in predicting the impact of dangerous weather events. However, it may take 20 to 40 years for this level of accuracy to be achieved as computer capabilities continue to advance. Alan Thorpe, director general of the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stated that in the future, climate models could potentially offer resolution down to a few kilometers, providing valuable information on climate variability. These models are computerized representations of the Earth's climate system, using physics and intricate equations. Models like this can be utilized for predicting weather, comprehending the climate, and forecasting climate change. The accuracy of the results produced by a model with a very detailed resolution depends on the capacity of the computer. Thorpe mentioned that some climate models are now reaching a resolution of 100 km, compared to approximately 300 km a decade or so ago. He stated that global weather picture models are already being run at a resolution of 16 km, indicating that the science and models exist to address the issue of high resolution, but the necessary computer power is lacking. Thorpe also noted that acquiring a top-of-the-line supercomputer could cost up to 200 million pounds, which is roughly 7 percent of the UK's annual science budget of 3 billion pounds. Thorpe emphasized the importance of recognizing the impact of climate change and allocating resources accordingly. Some experts caution that the most severe effects of climate change may occur between 2030 and 2050. Criticism has been directed towards certain climate models for their lack of accuracy and ability to predict extreme events far in advance. ECMWF scientists are specifically studying tipping points in the climate system, where rapid and potentially irreversible changes could occur. These non-linear behaviors are of particular concern and require careful attention. He stated that the exact number of those tipping points is still unknown. If all the science budget were dedicated to studying these questions, progress could be quicker, but research is currently being conducted in these areas. It is predicted that some tipping points will occur in the next few decades, such as the disappearance of summer Arctic sea ice or the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. | null |
Earlier this month, a research facility near Ukraine's national seed bank was damaged, according to Crop Trust, a non-profit organization established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The facility and Ukraine's seed bank are both located in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, which has been heavily bombed by Russian forces. The cause of the damage is unknown, but Crop Trust mentioned that the research facility was hit, without providing further details for security reasons. This incident highlighted the risk faced by the seed bank, as only 4% of the seeds stored there, which is the tenth largest in the world, have been backed up. "Seed banks serve as a form of insurance for humanity, providing the necessary resources to develop new plant varieties that can withstand various challenges such as drought, pests, diseases, and extreme temperatures," stated Stefan Schmitz, the executive director of Crop Trust, in an interview with Reuters. The potential destruction of Ukraine's seed bank is seen as a significant loss. Efforts to contact the seed bank director, the Ukrainian academy of science, and the Russian defense ministry for comment on the damage were unsuccessful. Researchers depend on the genetic diversity stored in seed banks to cultivate plants that are resilient to climate change and diseases." They have become increasingly crucial in ensuring that enough food is produced each season to feed 7.9 billion people, especially as extreme weather patterns become more common worldwide. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, two major grain exporters, has contributed to food price inflation and the risk of food shortages, leading to protests in developing countries that rely on Ukraine's grain exports. The war in Syria has highlighted the importance of seed backups, with the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway playing a key role in providing replacement samples of wheat, barley, and grasses to researchers in Lebanon after a seed bank in Syria was destroyed. The Svalbard vault, located in an Arctic mountainside, houses over a million seed samples. 4% of Ukraine's 150,000 seeds, which represent more than 1,800 crops, are included in this collection. The Crop Trust, based in Germany and the only international organization dedicated to preserving crop diversity, has provided funding for Ukraine to duplicate these seeds. However, challenges related to security, logistics, the ongoing war, and natural cycles have made it difficult to expedite the process. It is estimated that only about 10% of Ukraine's seeds could be replicated within a year, as they must first be planted, grown, and harvested before duplicates can be extracted and sent to Svalbard. While one option is to send the entire collection to Svalbard without duplication as an emergency measure, this may not be feasible during wartime. The seeds from Syria originated in the Fertile Crescent, where settled farming is believed to have begun, and Ukraine holds a significant role in agriculture as well. Grethe Helene Evjen, a senior adviser at the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, stated that agriculture in Ukraine dates back to prehistoric times and many of the country's seeds are unique. She mentioned that the ministry is willing to assist Ukraine in duplicating and storing all of its seeds at Svalbard, but has not yet been contacted by Ukrainian authorities. | null |
Scientists have found links between a warming planet and hurricanes, heat waves, and droughts, suggesting that climate change may have influenced these events. However, the connection between tornadoes and climate change remains uncertain. Despite ongoing research on tornado trends and behavior, the role of climate change in tornadoes is still not fully understood. Researchers continue to have unanswered questions about the relationship between climate change and tornadoes. Tornadoes are created within large rotating thunderstorms when there is a combination of specific temperature, moisture, and wind conditions. The instability of the air causes cold air to move over warmer humid air, creating an updraft as the warm air rises. Changes in wind speed or direction within the clouds can cause the air to start spinning. Tornadoes, like hurricanes and earthquakes, are evaluated using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, which ranges from 0 to 5. The tornado that swept through northeast Arkansas, Tennessee, and western Kentucky recently was approximately three-quarters of a mile wide, with wind speeds reaching 158 to 206 mph, classifying it as at least an EF3 tornado. Surveyors typically assess tornadoes based on the extent of damage to various structures since directly measuring the winds in a tornado is difficult. By examining if the damage is limited to missing roof shingles or involves entire sections of roofs or walls, scientists can determine the wind speeds and assign a rating to the tornado. Researchers have observed a trend of tornadoes occurring in more frequent clusters in recent years, and there appears to be a shift eastward in the region known as tornado alley in the Great Plains where most tornadoes typically occur. The total amount of tornadoes each year remains constant at approximately 1,200. Tornadoes in December are rare in the United States, as they usually occur in the spring. The tornadoes on Friday could have been caused by high wind shear, which typically peaks in the winter, and warmer than usual weather. The question of whether climate change is the cause is raised. The ingredients necessary for tornado formation include warm, moist air near the ground, cool dry air higher up, and wind shear, which refers to changes in wind speed or direction. Climate change may affect these factors differently, with some potentially increasing while others do not. According to Brooks from NOAA, as the planet warms and the climate shifts, these factors may not all change in the same way. For example, while overall temperature and humidity may rise, wind shear may not increase. Brooks emphasized that without sufficient wind shear to create rotation, the strength of the energy in the air becomes irrelevant. The small size of tornadoes makes it difficult to model them accurately, hindering scientists' ability to attribute extreme weather events to climate change. Tornado records are limited compared to other types of events, possibly due to their localized nature and reliance on eyewitness reports to the National Weather Service. This indicates that smaller or unobserved tornadoes might go unreported. ©2021 The New York Times Company. | null |
As they neared publication, they had a lingering concern. Their research showed two very different outcomes for ocean life in the next three centuries depending on greenhouse gas emissions. The study's title seemed to only focus on the negative aspects, so they added a word to emphasize that the bleak future they described could still be prevented. On Thursday, an article titled "Avoiding Ocean Mass Extinction From Climate Warming" was published in Science. This new research highlights the critical moment that humanity is currently facing, where decisions about greenhouse gas emissions will have a significant impact on the future of life on Earth. Despite the fact that the worst consequences may seem distant, if pollution from fossil fuels continues to increase as projected in the high emissions scenario, warming could lead to a level of ocean species loss by 2300 comparable to the five mass extinctions that have occurred in Earth's history, including the one that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. Penn, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton, described the moment he first saw a graph comparing past extinctions to future forecasts as more of an "oh, my God" moment than a sudden realization. Scientists have found that reducing emissions to comply with the upper limit of the Paris climate agreement could decrease ocean extinction risks by over 70%. If this goal is achieved, climate change would result in a 4% loss of species by the end of the century. According to Deutsch, our choices have significant consequences, and while transitioning from coal to wind and solar energy could prevent the worst-case scenario, the continued use of oil and gas is causing the world to fall behind in meeting lower-emission targets. The recent research expands upon the previous work of Deutsch and Penn, who developed a computer simulation outlining the most severe extinction event in Earth's history around 252 million years ago. Referred to as "the Great Dying," this event resulted in the loss of over 90% of species in the oceans. The primary cause was global warming, brought about by volcanic eruptions, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels in the oceans and causing fish to perish from heat stress, lack of oxygen, or both. The computer model showed a higher rate of extinctions at the poles compared to the tropics, a finding that was supported by the fossil record. The scientists used a complex model to predict the impacts of global warming caused by human activity, considering factors like sunlight, clouds, ocean and air currents, and chemical reactions between heat, oxygen, water, and air. They also studied how fish habitats might shift and estimated survivability thresholds. The study focused on warming and oxygen loss, but warned that ocean acidification and other effects could exacerbate species loss. The ocean has historically helped mitigate climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide and trapped heat from human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The provision of that service has had consequences. The ocean experienced its highest temperature and lowest oxygen levels last year since humans began recording data. The changes in the ocean's chemistry are currently endangering fish, and coral reefs are deteriorating rapidly. Deutsch frequently hears questions about how much trouble we are in. "If we fail to take action, we are in serious trouble." Countries have not yet taken the necessary measures to prevent devastating climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently warned that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels is in jeopardy. The International Energy Agency has urged countries to halt new fossil fuel projects, but this has not happened. The situation has been further complicated by calls for increased drilling following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Scientists feel like the ignored protagonists in the movie "Don't Look Up," where a comet represents the urgent threat of climate change. Just like in the film, the world is at a critical juncture, with current generations having a significant impact on the future. Deutsch stated that with great power comes great responsibility, emphasizing the need to consider future generations and all other life on the planet. Pippa Moore, a marine science professor at Newcastle University, praised the study for its thoroughness and warned that without action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, marine ecosystems could face significant changes and extinction events.Brad Plumer contributed to the reporting. | null |
A group of US economists has stated that China is emitting more carbon dioxide (CO2) than previously thought, which will hinder global efforts to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gases. China is the world's second-largest CO2 emitter, with some studies suggesting it may have already surpassed the United States. The report may lead to increased pressure for China to commit to mandatory emissions reductions, a step it has so far resisted. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, and UC San Diego have predicted that China's CO2 emissions will increase by at least 11 percent annually between 2004 and 2010, significantly higher than previous estimates used by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The article is being released at a time when energy and environment ministers from the top 20 greenhouse gas emitting nations are getting ready to meet in Japan to discuss climate change, clean energy, and sustainable development. These countries, including the United States, China, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa, are responsible for about 80 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. There is increasing pressure on these nations to come to an agreement to stop and reverse the rising levels of CO2 emissions, which are the main cause of global warming. According to U.S. researchers mentioned in the article, China is expected to see a 600 million metric ton increase in CO2 emissions by 2010 compared to 2000 levels. This increase from China alone would outweigh the 116 million metric ton reduction in carbon emissions that all developed countries combined pledged to achieve under the Kyoto Protocol during its first commitment phase from 2008 to 2012. According to the text, China is not required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 2008-2012 as part of the Kyoto agreement. However, China, along with almost 190 other countries, agreed in Bali in December to participate in two years of discussions led by the United Nations to develop a global agreement to combat emissions starting in 2013. The researchers analyzed pollution data from 30 provinces in China and the country's official emissions data to gain a more detailed understanding of CO2 emissions up to 2004. Maximillian Auffhammer, an assistant professor at UC Berkeley, had anticipated that China's power generation efficiency would improve as income per person increased, which would slow the growth of CO2 emissions. However, the data showed that emissions growth was actually exceeding expectations, making it much more challenging to achieve the goal of stabilizing atmospheric CO2 levels. According to the report, one of the issues was the decision to allow provinces more control over constructing power plants after 2000. Wealthier coastal provinces opted for modern, clean-burning technology while poorer interior provinces chose outdated Soviet technology from the 1950s. Richard Carson, an economics professor at UC San Diego, highlighted the problem of long-lasting power plants locking provinces into higher emissions levels than expected. China is now facing the consequences of having many inefficient and polluting power plants. | null |
Supporters of a worldwide agreement to prohibit nuclear testing announced on Tuesday that they will use US President Barack Obama's efforts towards disarmament to advance their cause at the United Nations this month. Obama has expressed his backing for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has not been enacted because nine countries, including the US, have not ratified it due to their significant nuclear activities. Morocco's ambassador to international organizations in Vienna, Omar Zniber, emphasized the importance of strengthening the non-proliferation regime during a press conference. Morocco and France are working together to encourage nuclear-armed countries like India, Pakistan, and North Korea to sign the treaty, while countries such as Egypt, Iran, and Israel have also not ratified it yet. Senior officials from states in the CTBT and the UN Security Council will convene at the United Nations in New York on September 24-25 to discuss the treaty, marking the first time in ten years that the United States will participate in such discussions. George W. Bush, Obama's predecessor, did not prioritize nuclear diplomacy and arms control, and the US Senate has not ratified the treaty since 1999, during the Clinton administration. At that time, US politicians argued that there was no foolproof way to ensure compliance with the treaty, but proponents now claim that verification technology has significantly advanced. Obama has pledged to make renewed efforts to gain Senate ratification of the treaty. His administration and Russia have emphasized the importance of eliminating nuclear arsenals worldwide, starting with their own countries. The upcoming UN talks will coincide with a special meeting of the Security Council on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, which will be led by Obama. Tibor Toth, executive secretary of the CTBT implementing agency, believes that while the US-Russian commitment to gradual disarmament is significant, achieving a global test ban pact is also possible in the current diplomatic climate. He stated that there is a renewed support for multilateralism and nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, and that there should be tangible results from these efforts. This treaty is the most promising in terms of achieving something significant. Approximately 180 countries have agreed to the treaty and about 150 have officially approved it. However, it will not be effective until all nine nuclear states sign and approve it. If the United States agrees to the treaty, advocates believe it will encourage other countries to do the same. | null |
The new projections, based on advanced computer models and a thorough review of recent extreme heatwaves, are more concerning than the findings of the UN climate scientists from last year. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report stated that heatwaves are very likely to become more frequent and intense this century. Monthly heat extremes in summer are already affecting five percent of the world's land area, with this number expected to double by 2020 and quadruple by 2040, according to a study published in Environmental Research Letters. The tropics will be most impacted by increased heatwaves, followed by regions such as the Mediterranean, Middle East, parts of western Europe, central Asia, and the United States. Without reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is projected that by the end of the century, the coldest summer months in many areas will be hotter than the hottest temperatures experienced today. The IPCC attributes the rising temperatures and extreme weather events to heat-trapping gases, primarily from burning fossil fuels. Nearly 200 governments have agreed to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and are working towards a deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2015. Global average surface temperatures have already increased by 0.8C since the Industrial Revolution. | null |
US scientists announced on Wednesday that nearly 75 percent of the oil from the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico has disappeared. According to the report "BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Budget: What Happened to the Oil?", 25 percent was removed through burning, skimming, and direct recovery from the wellhead. Another 25 percent evaporated or dissolved naturally, while 24 percent was dispersed into small droplets. The remaining oil is either on or just below the water's surface, washed ashore, or buried in sand and sediments at the sea bottom. Unified Command, which consists of government and private efforts, has addressed 33 percent of the spilled oil. The report discovered that 17 percent of the oil was collected directly from the wellhead, while 5 percent was burned, 3 percent was skimmed, and 8 percent was dispersed using chemicals. The remaining 74 percent was removed through natural processes. Carol Browner, energy and climate change adviser to President Barack Obama, expressed optimism on ABC's "Good Morning America" show, stating that the majority of the oil seems to have disappeared according to initial assessments by scientists. She also emphasized that this development is seen as a significant milestone. | null |
China is set to complete a new research station in Antarctica next year, according to state media reports on Sunday. The station will be located on Dome A, the highest point on the continent at 4,093 meters above sea level. The expedition to build the main structure of the station will begin in November, with completion expected by January. The station will be used for scientific research, including studying the ice core dating back 1.2 million years and exploring geological evolution, global climate changes, and astronomy in the region. This development comes as several nations are making their case for territorial claims in Antarctica before the United Nations. Chile, Argentina, and Britain are all disputing certain areas of the continent, as there is a rising interest in the potential for mineral exploitation in both the North and South Poles. However, these claims are currently only theoretical due to Antarctica being safeguarded by a treaty from 1959 that prohibits any mineral exploitation on the continent, with the exception of scientific research. | null |
The countries were classified into four regions: North and South America, northern and western Europe, southern and eastern Europe, and Non-Americas and non-Europe. Data was not available from India or China. Lead author Carlos Nordt from the University of Zurich stated that despite country-specific differences, there was a strong link between unemployment and suicide rates in all four regions. The study revealed that a changing unemployment rate had an impact on both genders and various age groups equally. After the 2008 crisis, there was a short-term increase of 5,000 suicides. It was found that around 46,000 suicides were associated with unemployment that year. Nordt explained that this was nine times higher than the excess suicides linked to the economic crisis. The study also found that the impact of unemployment on suicide was greater in countries with lower pre-crisis unemployment rates. The researchers believe that investing in programs that help people enter the workforce and promote a healthy work environment is crucial, especially in countries with lower unemployment rates. These findings suggest that suicide prevention strategies should address the negative impact of unemployment during both economic stability and recessions. The study was published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal. | null |
At 1034 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares increased by 0.9 percent, bringing its total gains for the year to 5.3 percent. Although this year's performance is weaker compared to the 14 percent gains seen in 2006 at this time, European shares have still risen by 9.5 percent from a low point in August when concerns about credit market issues were at their peak. France Telecom saw a notable increase of 6.5 percent after announcing strong results, which also positively impacted Vodafone by 4 percent, making the telecommunications sector the top performer in Europe. ABB, a Swiss engineering group, experienced a 3.7 percent rise in its stock price due to an 86 percent increase in quarterly earnings driven by high demand for power generation infrastructure. Additionally, French competitor Alstom saw a 5.6 percent increase as Lehman Brothers raised its target price for the stock. While there were expectations of slower earnings growth this quarter following a strong period, many companies have reported robust numbers. Gerhard Schwarz, head of global equity strategy at Unicredit in Munich, stated that the earnings season could reassure investors, with results exceeding expectations and having a positive impact on sentiment. However, there is a trend of increased selectivity, and it is too early to determine if earnings growth in Europe will slow less than in the United States. Daimler, a German auto group, reported third-quarter earnings that surpassed forecasts, leading to a 1.5 percent increase in its stock. On the macroeconomic front, U.S. durable goods orders and new home sales data are expected later in the day, with financial markets already anticipating a 100 percent chance of a cut in U.S. interest rates next week. Earlier data from the Ifo economic research institute showed a slight dip in its German business climate index for October, in line with market expectations. In European markets, London's FTSE 100, Frankfurt's DAX, and Paris's CAC-40 all increased by more than 1 percent. European stocks have experienced a rebound after a 13 percent drop in one month from mid-July, with help from cuts in the Federal Reserve's discount and main funds rates. However, the recovery has been vulnerable to negative news about banks' exposure to credit market issues, and the European benchmark has fallen for one week for every week it has gained in the 14 weeks since mid-August. U.S. stocks also saw a recovery on Wednesday following speculation of a upcoming cut in the discount rate. UBS's forex strategists noted on Thursday that the Federal Reserve has not confirmed any market speculation, but with risk sentiment showing signs of stress after several disappointing earnings reports and concerns about credit market problems resurfacing, expectations for another Fed easing move have increased significantly. Merger and acquisitions, which have been a significant factor in the recent bullish market trend, continued to drive up stock prices. Rexel, a French electrical supplier, saw an 8.5 percent increase in its shares after announcing plans to divide Dutch competitor Hagemeyer with Sonepar. Hagemeyer's shares, on the other hand, dropped by 3.3 percent. Generali's stock rose by 5.7 percent, following a 2.6 percent increase the day before, as British fund Algebris criticized the Italian insurer's corporate governance and called for changes. Santander, a Spanish bank, also saw a 1.6 percent increase in its shares after reporting higher-than-expected nine-month net profit. | null |