A beluga whale known as ‘Hvaldimir’, who had previously been found wearing a harness with Russian markings, has been discovered dead in Norway. The whale, believed to have been trained by the Russian Navy, had been tracked by a Norwegian NGO for years. The cause of his death is currently unknown.
Brazil’s Amazon rainforest saw a record number of fires in August, driven by a severe drought exacerbated by climate change and human activity. The number of fire hotspots doubled compared to the previous year, reaching the highest level since 2010.
Despite a generally favorable monsoon season with above-normal rainfall across India, certain regions, particularly key rice-producing states, have experienced significant rain deficiencies. This uneven distribution of rainfall has impacted rice production and the overall market, while Delhi recorded record-breaking rainfall in August.
Gabon’s military junta has relaxed logging restrictions on the rare and highly valued kevazingo tree, allowing harvesting under specific conditions. This decision comes after the previous government outlawed kevazingo cutting in 2018 due to rampant trafficking. The new regulations aim to promote sustainable logging practices and economic development in forest regions.
Following severe flooding in Vadodara, Gujarat, authorities and volunteers rescued nearly 40 crocodiles from residential areas. The floods, caused by heavy rainfall, resulted in the Vishwamitri river overflowing and displacing many animals. The rescue operation, which also included other animals like snakes, cobras, and turtles, showcased the challenges of handling crocodiles and the importance of collaboration between the forest department and local communities.
The Delhi government is considering a range of measures to combat winter pollution, including artificial rain, a work-from-home policy, and restrictions on vehicle use. The plan, which is still under discussion, aims to address the severe air quality issues that plague the capital during the winter months.
Hvaldimir, a beluga whale that gained global attention for its unusual harness, has been found dead in Norway. The whale, nicknamed ‘the spy whale’ by netizens, was spotted with a harness labeled ‘equipment’ from St. Petersburg, leading to speculation about its potential use in Russian reconnaissance. Despite his friendly nature, Hvaldimir’s death has saddened many, including the organization that cared for him.
Chennai’s Tambaram Corporation is facing a growing problem of tree waste accumulation due to a lack of functional shredders. This has resulted in unattended piles of branches, creating both aesthetic and safety concerns for residents. The corporation plans to address the issue by repairing existing shredders and investing in new ones, but the situation highlights the need for proactive waste management strategies for green waste.
A damaged Greek oil tanker, the Sounion, is set to be towed by tugboats on Sunday after being ablaze in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil and rigged with explosives, poses a significant environmental risk. Its salvage operation involves inspecting the ship’s condition and deciding whether it can be towed to a port or if its cargo needs to be transferred.
The Met Office, Met Éirean, and KNMI have released their list of storm names for the 2024/25 season, honoring three weather pioneers: James Stagg, Lewis Fry Richardson, and Mavis Hinds. The names aim to raise awareness and help people prepare for potential severe weather.
