Results for: Climate Change

Mumbai’s respite from humid conditions is short-lived, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts another surge in temperatures to over 37 degrees Celsius this weekend. The city is likely to witness a gradual increase in temperatures from Saturday, potentially reaching 39 degrees Celsius by Monday, close to another heatwave. Despite these extreme conditions, no heatwave warning has been issued yet by IMD, as a heatwave alert is triggered only when temperatures exceed 37 degrees for two consecutive days in coastal areas or 40 degrees in interior regions. This spike follows a record-breaking heatwave last week, where temperatures hit 39.7 degrees on April 16, marking the hottest April day in Mumbai in over a decade.

World Penguin Day, observed annually on April 25th, recognizes the significance of penguin species worldwide. Adelie penguins’ migration north marks the beginning of this day, highlighting the importance of research and conservation efforts. The day serves as a reminder of the threats these unique birds face, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. By shedding light on their vulnerabilities, World Penguin Day aims to protect these endangered species and safeguard their habitats for future generations.

Trudi Warner, a 63-year-old climate protester, has been cleared of contempt of court charges by a High Court judge. Warner had been accused of “deliberately targeting” jurors before a trial by holding a sign outside the courthouse that reminded them of their right to acquit defendants. Justice Pushpinder Saini ruled that Warner’s actions did not constitute a crime, as jurors have the right to reach verdicts based on their conscience and she did not interfere with their access to the court.

California will open its first new state park in a decade, Dos Rios, this summer. The 1,600-acre park, located in the Central Valley, will offer opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and, in the future, swimming and boating. The park’s opening coincides with the announcement of new targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions on natural lands, including reducing wildfire risks, expanding forest cover, and restoring wetlands. These targets aim to move the state closer to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

Stop Food Waste Day, observed on April 24, 2024, aims to highlight the pressing issue of food waste and inspire sustainable food consumption practices. It serves as a reminder of the preciousness of food resources and the importance of reducing waste to combat climate change and hunger.

Devastating floods have recently inundated the United Arab Emirates (UAE), resulting in significant damage and disruption. Satellite images taken before and after the deluge reveal the severity of the flooding, which was triggered by an unprecedented amount of rainfall within a short period. The capital city of Abu Dhabi and areas surrounding Dubai were particularly hard hit, with floodwaters visible along major thoroughfares and residential neighborhoods. While the storms have largely subsided, the country continues to grapple with the aftermath, raising concerns about the role of climate change in fueling such extreme weather events.

California will open its first new state park in a decade, Dos Rios, this summer. The park will provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and eventually swimming and boating. Along with the park’s opening, the state has announced targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on natural lands. These targets include reducing wildfire risks, expanding forest cover, and restoring wetlands.

Methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, are a significant contributor to global warming, and California has set the standard for regulating these emissions from landfills. New research reveals that methane emissions from landfills are 40% higher than previously estimated, and CARB has the opportunity to update its regulations to implement stronger management practices to address this issue. Landfills are a major source of methane emissions, and California has made significant progress in reducing these emissions through diversion programs and landfill gas capture systems. However, further action is needed to meet the state’s ambitious methane reduction targets.

Uttarakhand has faced a significant number of forest fires this year, with 477 incidents reported as of now. The fires have ravaged over 379.4 hectares of forest land, predominantly in the Kumaon region. Authorities are monitoring satellite alerts and implementing swift action to combat the blazes. Forest fires have become an annual occurrence in Uttarakhand, primarily during the mid-February to mid-June period, due to soaring temperatures and dry vegetation.

Private companies are lagging far behind their publicly listed counterparts when it comes to addressing net zero emissions, according to a new study. Only half of the world’s 100 largest private firms have set a net zero or emissions reduction target, compared with the vast majority (82) of the 100 largest publicly-owned firms. This is despite a growth in climate and ESG regulation around the world, which is increasingly requiring companies to disclose their climate impacts and take action to decarbonize.