Results for: Climate Change

The Scottish government coalition between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Scottish Greens has collapsed after SNP leader Humza Yousaf ended the Bute House Agreement. The decision came amid growing tensions between the two parties over climate change and transgender healthcare policies. The Greens will now vote on the future of the powersharing deal, but the SNP has already ended the agreement, which had given the SNP a majority in the Scottish Parliament and brought the Greens into government for the first time in the UK.

Steelhead trout are undertaking their spawning run in Thunder Bay, Ontario, attracting anglers to the city’s urban fishing destinations. However, sustainable fishing practices are crucial due to the impact of climate change on fish populations. Fishermen like Ben Gill emphasize catch and release to preserve the health of the ecosystem and maintain the fishery for future generations. Experts caution that while Lake Superior’s fishery and Thunder Bay’s river systems are currently managed effectively, climate change may necessitate adjustments to regulations to protect cold-water species.

The United Arab Emirates experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years on April 15, 2023, causing widespread flooding and damage. Dubai was particularly hard-hit, with the rains killing at least one person, damaging homes and businesses, disrupting air travel, and bringing the city to a standstill. The government has announced $544 million to repair the homes of Emirati families, and a ministerial committee has been assigned to assess infrastructure damage and propose solutions.

As India braces for a potential heatwave, the government has ordered all gas-based power plants to be operational from May 1 to June 30 to meet the anticipated increase in power demand. The move aims to avoid a repeat of last September’s record high demand of 243 gigawatts, which is projected to reach 260GW this summer. Despite the growing concerns over climate change, India’s National Electricity Plan estimates a surge in domestic coal consumption and production in the coming years.

Climate change is having a significant impact on the transmission of malaria, a deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Experts warn that rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are creating more favorable conditions for the mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite, leading to an increase in cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria claimed the lives of an estimated 608,000 people in 2022, and there were 249 million new cases. A recent Lancet study showed that an increase in temperatures could enable the malaria parasite to develop faster and escalate the transmission and burden of malaria, potentially putting millions more people at risk.

Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria and dengue, are on the rise due to global warming, posing a significant threat to more than half of the world’s population by the end of the century. Experts warn that these outbreaks are spreading to new regions, such as parts of northern Europe, and impacting areas with limited immunity and unprepared healthcare systems. The UK has witnessed a surge in imported malaria cases, with over 2,000 confirmed in 2023. Globally, dengue cases have increased eightfold in the past two decades, reaching over five million in 2019. Researchers emphasize the need to curb carbon emissions and improve disease surveillance to mitigate the risks and prepare communities for potential epidemics.

Despite advancements in malaria prevention and treatment, the disease remains a significant threat in Africa, particularly among children under 5. Climate change, increasing drug and insecticide resistance, and socio-economic factors are contributing to the ongoing burden of malaria in the region.

Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Africa, with millions of cases and deaths each year. Despite progress made in some areas, challenges such as drug resistance, inadequate funding, and climate change are hindering efforts to control the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 11 of the 12 countries with the highest malaria burden are in Africa, and children under 5 account for 80% of deaths. Climate change is also contributing to the spread of malaria, as mosquitoes are able to survive in new areas due to rising temperatures.

Despite international divisions over its strict rule, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has initiated discussions on the urgent issue of climate change. The country faces mounting challenges with extreme weather events and environmental disruptions, compounded by its vulnerability to climate change. The talks mark a shift in approach, acknowledging the need for collaboration to address these challenges.

At an Earth Award ceremony, environmental justice advocate Dr. Robert Bullard highlighted the decades-long efforts of grassroots organizations and frontline communities in advancing environmental justice. Dr. Bullard emphasized the need to center the experiences of those most affected by climate change in finding solutions and emphasized that the movement is far from over, despite progress made since the landmark case he supported in 1979.