Results for: Climate Change

The share of electricity generated by coal and gas in the UK has plummeted to a record low of just 2.4%, marking significant progress towards the goal of a zero-carbon electricity system. In 2024, there have already been 75 half-hour periods when fossil fuels accounted for less than 5% of power demand, compared to only 5 such periods in 2022. The decline in fossil fuel usage is driven by the increasing deployment of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, as well as the retirement of coal plants and a reduction in the share of electricity generated by gas.

Toronto is exploring the possibility of daylighting, a process of uncovering buried waterways, to revitalize the city and mitigate climate change impacts.

Despite the severity of climate change and its potential impact on global security, it has received insufficient attention in political discussions worldwide. A study in South Africa reveals that while climate change ranks among the top 10 priorities for voters, politicians have not adequately addressed its urgency. The study found that the majority of South Africans are concerned about climate change, with their primary fears being the negative effects on living conditions, food availability, and water scarcity. Additionally, they believe that investing in climate action is essential for the country’s future prosperity and well-being.

Beavers, known for their damming abilities, play a critical role as ecosystem engineers. Despite conflicts with humans, such as blocking culverts, their dams provide ecological benefits. Scientists recognize beavers’ potential in water purification, ecosystem health, and climate change mitigation. By understanding their ecological significance, we can strive for peaceful coexistence with these furry neighbors.

In an unprecedented move, 58% of shareholders in Australian oil and gas giant Woodside have rejected the company’s decarbonization plans, marking the largest investor uprising against a major emitter’s climate approach. Environmental activists and large investors criticized Woodside’s targets as insufficient and urged the board to align its business with international efforts to mitigate global warming. The vote, though non-binding, is a significant blow to Woodside’s board, who spent two years engaging with shareholders to improve its strategy.

El Niño has subsided, bringing an end to its profound impact on global weather patterns. However, its lingering effects and the influence of climate change continue to pose significant challenges worldwide. From droughts and heatwaves to wildfires and crop failures, the phenomenon has left devastating consequences in its wake.

Bengaluru experienced its second hottest April day ever recorded, further amplifying the city’s severe water crisis. The intense heat wave has put a strain on the city’s resources, exacerbating the ongoing water shortage that has gripped the region.

Researchers have assessed the global burden of stroke attributable to non-optimal temperatures and the implications of climate change. In 2019, over half a million stroke deaths and 9.42 million DALYs were attributed to non-optimal temperatures globally, with males having a higher burden than females and countries with high-middle SDI consistently showing the highest burden. The analysis revealed that population growth and aging increased the stroke burden, but epidemiological changes reduced it. Low temperatures contributed more to stroke deaths and DALYs than high temperatures worldwide in 2019, but high temperatures may increase in the future. SDI-related health inequalities of high temperature-attributable stroke burden were substantial, with higher SDI countries having a higher burden. Ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage attributable to non-optimal temperatures were the major contributors to stroke deaths and DALYs.

Several leading Indian companies, including Adani Green Energy, Sun Pharma, and Adani Energy Solutions, have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions in the coming decades. These companies recognize the urgency of addressing climate change and are committed to playing their part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The American Lung Association’s (ALA) latest report reveals a significant increase in particle pollution levels in the United States, with millions of people experiencing harmful air quality. The report is a comprehensive analysis of air pollution data from 2020-2022 and includes grades for both short-term and annual average particle pollution levels. Key findings include:
1. Spike in Particle Pollution: The report highlights a sharp increase in particle pollution spikes, with 65 million people living in areas that experienced unhealthy levels. This is the highest number reported in 14 years and a clear indication of the impact of climate change on air quality.
2. Annual Particle Pollution: More than 90 million people live in counties where year-round particle pollution levels exceed the new national air quality limit. This is a significant increase compared to last year’s report and shows that millions more people are breathing unhealthy air.
3. Health Impacts: Fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5, can cause severe health problems, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer. The increase in particle pollution levels poses a significant threat to public health.
4. Ozone Pollution: While ozone pollution has generally improved across the nation, more than 100 million people still live with unhealthy ozone levels. Warmer temperatures driven by climate change make ozone formation more likely and more difficult to clean up.
5. Cleanest Cities: The report also recognizes the nation’s cleanest cities, which have experienced no high ozone or particle pollution days and rank among the lowest for year-round particle pollution levels.
The ALA urges the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set stricter national limits on ozone pollution to protect public health and drive cleanup efforts. The full report is available at [website link].