Results for: Climate Change

Sand and dust storms are becoming increasingly frequent and severe around the world, causing significant impacts on human health, agriculture, infrastructure, and economies. Deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, and climate change are major factors contributing to this trend. The United Nations estimates that two billion tonnes of dust are emitted annually, and at least 25% of global dust emissions are due to human activities. Dust storms can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, and cardiovascular disease. In northern Africa, sand and dust storms are linked to outbreaks of meningitis. Economic losses from sand and dust storms can be substantial, with infrastructure damage, disruption of transportation and trade, and reduced agricultural productivity contributing to the costs. Mitigation measures include land restoration, forecasting tools, and early warning systems. The Chinese government’s “Green Great Wall” project, which aims to plant 100 billion trees by 2050, is an ambitious effort to combat desertification and reduce dust emissions. Scientists are also developing AI tools to predict storms and minimize their impacts.

Rising levels of heavy metals, including copper, zinc, and sulfate, have emerged as a significant concern for mountain streams in Colorado. The increase in these metals is particularly alarming as it coincides with the ongoing effects of climate change. Scientists believe that warming temperatures are leading to increased sulfide weathering, which introduces more metals into streams. The study’s findings raise concerns about the potential impacts on ecosystems and communities dependent on these mountain streams for water.

Cloudera, the data company for trusted enterprise AI, announced the winners of its first-ever Climate and Sustainability Hackathon. The competition, hosted in collaboration with AMD, a high performance and adaptive computing company, invited data scientists from across the globe to develop end-to-end Accelerated Machine Learning Projects (AMPs) focused on solving the many environmental challenges facing the world today. AMPs are fully built, end-to-end data science solutions that can be deployed with a single click directly from Cloudera or accessed and built via public GitHub repositories. The unique, open-source community offers a comprehensive framework for building, deploying, and monitoring business-ready machine learning applications instantly. To facilitate swift, powerful computations and breakthrough innovations, Hackathon participants were granted access to Cloudera machine learning, powered by AMD hardware, to develop their own AMPs. Cloudera provided guidance on the types of climate challenges participants were welcome to address—including improving carbon stock calculations, advancing climate-smart agriculture, and addressing the global water crisis.

Nearly half of China’s major cities are facing the risk of subsidence, which could lead to devastating flooding. The threat is compounded by climate change, which is accelerating sea level rise. Experts warn that if left unaddressed, subsidence could displace millions of people and destroy infrastructure. A map shows the fastest-sinking areas.

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have slowed down in recent months, leading some to question the future of the industry. However, there are several reasons to believe that demand for EVs will pick up again soon. One reason is that the recent slowdown is partly due to cyclical factors, such as the post-pandemic spending spree and rising interest rates. Another reason is that the cost of EVs is coming down, making them more affordable for consumers. In addition, the number of charging stations is increasing, making it easier to own and operate an EV. Governments can also do more to speed up the EV revolution by allowing Chinese carmakers into their markets. Overall, the future of EVs looks bright, despite the current slowdown.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has issued a stark warning about the potential environmental impact of a second term for former President Donald Trump. According to a report published by the Carbon Brief website, Trump’s return to power could add 4 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions to the U.S. atmosphere by 2030. This would lead to an estimated $900 billion in global climate damages and put the U.S. on track to miss its international climate commitments by a wide margin.

Californians voted for Proposition 1 in 2014 to invest in climate-resilient water projects. However, the Sites Reservoir Project, which is set to receive $900 million in public funding, would primarily benefit wealthy farmers, increase water rates for low-income households, and cause significant environmental damage to fish, water quality, and the climate. Multiple organizations are suing to stop the project, and the State Water Board should redirect the bond funds to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly projects.

California is seeking to join other states in enshrining environmental rights in its constitution, empowering citizens to hold the government accountable for protecting a healthy environment. Supporters believe it is crucial in addressing environmental challenges like air pollution, contaminated water, and climate change. However, business interests oppose the amendment, fearing increased lawsuits and obstacles to development. The amendment’s passage requires approval from two-thirds of lawmakers and a simple majority of voters.

In collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Weather Service (NWS) has introduced a groundbreaking heat risk system to effectively communicate the severity of hot weather conditions. This color-coded system includes a new magenta tier, representing extreme heat with prolonged duration and limited overnight relief, beyond the existing red tier. The system also offers a seven-day extreme weather forecast, enabling the public to proactively prepare for heat events.

Extreme heat scorched the Philippines on Wednesday, leading to the suspension of in-person classes in thousands of schools and warnings to limit outdoor activities. The heat index, accounting for humidity, is expected to reach the “danger” level of 42 degrees Celsius or higher in many areas, including the capital Manila. The extreme heat is attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which has exacerbated the typically hot and dry conditions from March to May. The Department of Education reported that nearly 6,700 schools suspended classes due to the heat, and temperatures are expected to intensify in the coming days.