Results for: Climate Change

A new report by Copernicus and WMO highlights the devastating impacts of flooding in Europe in 2023, with one-third of rivers exceeding the ‘high’ flood threshold and 16% surpassing the ‘severe’ mark. Extreme rainfall events fueled by climate change were behind many of the worst floods, particularly in Italy, Slovenia, Greece, and the UK. The report also emphasizes the potential for run-of-river hydropower as a form of renewable energy, with above-average precipitation in Europe increasing its viability. However, droughts also affected parts of Europe, underscoring the diverse hydrological impacts of climate change.

Indian spiritual leader and environmental campaigner Sadhguru warns that humans could become extinct if the world doesn’t take significant action to combat climate change. He emphasizes the importance of revitalizing soil health as a primary step in mitigating climate change and calls for governments to prioritize ecological regeneration.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reported that 89% of the 2,431 glacial lakes identified in the Himalayas between 2016 and 2017 have expanded significantly since 1984. This expansion is a worrying sign, as it can lead to cascading consequences in the lower regions due to warming temperatures and melting glaciers. Long-term satellite data reveals that many glacial lakes have more than doubled in size, with some even growing 1.5 times their original size. The study highlights the importance of understanding glacial lake dynamics for environmental impact assessment and risk management in glacial environments.

A recent report by the International Labor Organization (ILO) reveals the alarming threat posed by extreme heat to global workers. Statistics from 2020 indicate that over 2.4 billion workers face some level of heat exposure, a figure that has risen since 2000. This excessive heat contributes to approximately 22.87 million occupational injuries annually, resulting in 18,970 fatalities and over 2 million disability-adjusted life years. Additionally, the report associates 26 million cases of chronic kidney disease with heat-related work conditions.

A new study reveals that half of the global area scorched by fires annually is attributed to deliberately set and controlled burns rather than wildfires sparked by lightning, accidents, or arson. This finding suggests that the projected increase in wildfire-affected areas due to climate change may be underestimated by current computer models.

India has experienced increased heat wave frequency in recent years, leading to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing heat wave alerts. Despite variations in definitions, the IMD uses specific criteria based on maximum temperature deviations to identify heat waves. Advances in data collection and numerical weather prediction models have significantly improved forecasting accuracy by up to 88% within 24 hours. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model has been found to be particularly effective in predicting heat waves in India.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will lead a delegation to the Vatican Climate Summit, focusing on climate resilience and energy governance. The summit, hosted by Pope Francis, will bring together leaders, scientists, and community organizations to address the challenges of climate change.

Earth Day stands as a beacon of hope, urging individuals and organizations to unite for environmental preservation. By embracing sustainable practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering innovation in renewable energy and green technologies, businesses and societies can secure a healthier future for all. Companies like Avinya Industrial & Logistic Parks, Routematic, and others are exemplars in this endeavor, inspiring the global community to work together for a sustainable and prosperous tomorrow.

The global waste to energy market is expected to witness steady growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Europe is at the forefront of this market, with significant investments in waste-to-energy technologies. This market offers a solution to managing waste streams, transforming them into valuable energy sources, and mitigating environmental impact.

Electric vehicles (EVs) play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to gas-powered vehicles. Transitioning to EVs can result in a 30% to 50% decrease in these emissions. Oregon is committed to combating climate change and has adopted Clean Cars Standards to promote the adoption of EVs. The state’s green energy grid, which is transitioning away from fossil fuels, further enhances the environmental benefits of EVs.