Environment

Thursday, October 15th 2020 - 09:49 UTC
Pandemic restrictions reflected an unprecedented fall in greenhouse gas emissions

Covid-19 pandemic restrictions saw an unprecedented fall in greenhouse gas emissions in the first half of 2020 – larger than during the 2008 financial crisis and even World War II – experts said on Wednesday.
Wednesday, October 14th 2020 - 09:26 UTC
Ozone hole over Antarctica peaks at 24 million square kms, the highest for the last decade

The annually occurring ozone hole over the Antarctic is one of the largest and deepest in recent years. Analyses show that the hole has reached its maximum size. The 2020 ozone hole grew rapidly from mid-August and peaked at around 24 million square kilometers in early October. It now covers 23 million km2, above average for the last decade, and spreading over most of the Antarctic continent.
Wednesday, October 14th 2020 - 08:57 UTC
Climate change emergencies and consequences forecasted to double by 2030, UN report

In the wake of heat waves, global warming, forest fires, storms, droughts, and a rising number of hurricanes, the UN weather agency is warning that the number of people who need international humanitarian help could rise 50% by 2030 compared to the 108 million who needed it worldwide in 2018.
Friday, October 9th 2020 - 09:55 UTC
After rejecting Mercosur trade deal on climate demands, EU parliament votes to drastically cut greenhouse gases by 2030

European Union lawmakers have backed a plan to cut greenhouse gases by 60% from 1990 levels by 2030, hoping member states will not try to water the target down during upcoming negotiations.
Friday, October 9th 2020 - 09:30 UTC
Drone captures a white shark circling a surfer off the Australian coast

A dramatic close encounter between Australian world championship surfer Matt Wilkinson and a shark off the east coast of the country was captured by a drone, showing the shark circle him, close in, and then dart away from his feet.
Thursday, October 8th 2020 - 08:31 UTC
Record heatwave in Midwest and south Brazil, with warning of hyperthermia risk

Inmet (National Meteorological Institute) has issued an alert for the risk of death from hyperthermia due to the heatwave affecting several regions of Brazil. The agency alert is valid until Thursday (8) or Friday (9), depending on the location.
Wednesday, October 7th 2020 - 09:55 UTC
Paraguay declares national emergency as forest fires rage across Chaco

Paraguay’s Congress declared a national emergency as forest fires raged, burning vast swaths of the Chaco dry forest, home to sprawling cattle ranches, jaguars and many indigenous tribes.
Saturday, October 3rd 2020 - 08:30 UTC
Energy companies appeal a climate change damages lawsuit which reaches US Supreme Court

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear an appeal by energy companies including BP PLC, Chevron Corp, Exxon Mobil Corp, and Royal Dutch Shell PLC contesting a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore seeking damages for the impact of global climate change.
Friday, October 2nd 2020 - 09:00 UTC
IAATO Antarctic fellowship for a scientist to research micro-plastic in aquatic systems

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP), have announced one of the recipients of the Antarctic Fellowship 2020.
Thursday, October 1st 2020 - 09:25 UTC
Bolsonaro blasts Biden for “disastrous and unnecessary” comments on the Amazon rainforest

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro lashed out Wednesday at Joe Biden for the US Democratic presidential candidate's “disastrous and unnecessary” comments on the destruction of the Amazon rainforest in his first debate with Donald Trump.