Record Levels of Planet-Heating Pollutants in 2023, Warns WMO

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the concentration of planet-heating pollutants reached record highs in 2023. Carbon dioxide levels rose to 420 ppm—51% higher than pre-industrial levels—driven by persistent fossil fuel burning, wildfires, and reduced carbon absorption by trees. Methane and nitrous oxide levels also surged, rising to 1,934 ppb and 336.9 ppb, respectively.

The WMO warns that we are “off track” to meet the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting warming to 1.5°C. Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that every ppm rise has real impacts, from stronger wildfires to warmer oceans, potentially triggering climate feedback loops.

Though emissions growth has slightly slowed, atmospheric concentrations continue to climb, echoing conditions from millions of years ago when temperatures were 2-3°C higher and sea levels were 10-20 meters above today’s levels. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

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Melting Arctic Ice Threatens Global Ocean Circulation, Study Warns

A new study warns that the warming climate in polar regions could significantly disrupt global ocean circulation. Research led by Mohamed Ezat from the iC3 Polar Research Hub reveals that past increases in freshwater from melting Arctic sea ice likely caused significant cooling across northern Europe by altering ocean circulation. With the Arctic projected to experience ice-free summers by 2050, the findings highlight the fragility of the Earth’s climate system.

The Nordic Seas, crucial for oceanic heat transport, have a far-reaching impact on weather patterns. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, echoes recent concerns from scientists that climate change poses a severe risk of altering Atlantic ocean circulation, potentially causing irreversible damage. Read More

News Credit: Phys.org

Picture Credit: Karine Nigar Aarskog / UiT The Arctic University of Norway

How the Richest 1% Worsen Hunger, Poverty, and Climate: Oxfam Report

A new Oxfam report reveals that the carbon emissions of the world’s richest 1% are worsening hunger, poverty, and excess deaths. Driven by luxury yachts, private jets, and investments in polluting industries, their consumption also makes it harder to limit global warming to 1.5°C. If everyone emitted CO₂ like the average billionaire, the remaining carbon budget would be exhausted in under two days.

Oxfam’s analysis calls for taxing the super-rich to reduce excessive consumption, fund clean energy transitions, and support those most affected by climate change. The report also notes that the 50 wealthiest billionaires emit more carbon in three hours than the average Briton does in a lifetime, with their private jet flights and yachts releasing emissions equivalent to centuries of an average person’s carbon footprint. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

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Earth’s Water Cycle in Crisis: A Historic Imbalance Unfolds

Humanity has disrupted the global water cycle for the first time in history, fueling a water crisis that threatens economies, food production, and livelihoods, according to a report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. Decades of poor land use and water mismanagement, combined with human-driven climate change, have put unprecedented stress on the water cycle.

The water cycle, which moves water around Earth through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, is now off balance. Nearly 3 billion people face water scarcity, crops are failing, and cities are sinking as groundwater levels drop. Without urgent action, the crisis could endanger more than 50% of global food production and reduce countries’ GDPs by 8% by 2050, with the poorest nations facing even more significant losses.

The report highlights the overlooked importance of “green water”—moisture in soils and plants—alongside “blue water” in lakes, rivers, and aquifers. Disruptions to the water cycle are closely linked to climate change, as deforestation and wetland destruction reduce carbon sinks, further accelerating global warming and drying out landscapes. The report emphasizes that people need about 4,000 litres of water per day for a dignified life, far more than what most regions can provide from local sources. Read More

News Credit: CNN

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Social Media Threatens Rare Wildlife with Extinction: The Dangerous Impact of Viral Exposure

With its impressive size, striking plumage, and rowdy displays, spotting a capercaillie is a dream come true for many bird enthusiasts. However, only about 530 of these large woodland grouse remain in the wild in Scotland, mainly in the Cairngorms National Park.

Conservationists are caught between raising awareness of the species’ perilous state and discouraging people from seeking them out. Despite it being illegal to disturb capercaillies during their breeding season (March to August), the allure of a prestigious sighting or photograph has led many to ignore these regulations.

In 2022, 17 people were found at or near the “lek”—the area where male birds gather to compete for female attention—according to Carolyn Robertson, project manager of the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project. That same year, a birdwatcher was caught on camera disturbing six capercaillies, causing them to flee the breeding site. Though the individual was arrested, he was only given a verbal warning, by which time the damage was likely already done.

Even brief disturbances can determine whether or not the birds breed, explains Robertson. Such disruptions raise stress levels, and there’s a high chance that the capercaillie didn’t return to the lek that morning or even for days, affecting their chances of successful breeding. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

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“Trees of Hope: Sycamore Gap Saplings to Take Root Across the UK”

The illegal felling of the Sycamore Gap tree brought an outpouring of grief, anger, and distress, but now, a year later, its custodians hope to transform this tragic loss into a beacon of hope.

The National Trust and Northumberland National Park have launched a new initiative, inviting the public to apply for one of 49 saplings grown from the iconic tree. These young trees will be planted in publicly accessible spaces across the UK that hold special meaning for individuals and communities, fostering connections and commemorating the legacy of the Sycamore Gap.

Henshaw Primary School, the nearest to the original tree’s location, will receive one of the saplings, as will each of the UK’s 15 national parks, ensuring they are placed in some of the country’s most beautiful and cherished landscapes. Read More:https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/sep/27/trees-of-hope-sycamore-ga

News Credit: Guardian

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Clean Power Alliance Named Top U.S. Green Power Provider by National Renewable Energy Laboratory for Second Consecutive Year

Clean Power Alliance (CPA), California’s largest Community Choice Aggregator, has once again achieved the prestigious top ranking in the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 2023 Utility Green Power Rankings for the second consecutive year.

The NREL’s annual rankings highlight the top green power providers across the country, including Investor-Owned Utilities, Publicly Owned Utilities, and Community Choice Aggregators like CPA.

Deborah Klein Lopez, CPA Board Chair and Agoura Hills Council member expressed her excitement: “Being recognized again as the leading green power provider nationwide is a testament to the trust our customers place in us to drive renewable energy adoption. Choosing green power is setting a path toward a more sustainable future for our region, state, and country.”

Last year, CPA secured the number one spot with 3,570,040 megawatt hours (MWh) in green power sales. This year, CPA continues its lead with 3,471,973 MWh, while the number of green power customers grew to 898,517, up from 881,572 the previous year. Read More

News Credit: MORNINGSTAR

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Global Heating Doubled Chances of Extreme Rain and Deadly Floods in Europe

A recent study has found that planet-heating pollution doubled the likelihood of the extreme rainfall that hit central Europe in September, leading to deadly floods across countries from Austria to Romania. Researchers from World Weather Attribution (WWA) revealed that global warming intensified the four days of rain, making it at least 7% stronger. This resulted in flood volumes that were twice as likely compared to a world without human-caused climate change.

Storm Boris stalled over the region and unleashed record-breaking rainfall, transforming calm streams into raging rivers. The floods devastated homes and claimed two dozen lives. However, researchers noted that improved flood defences and disaster-response measures helped reduce casualties compared to similar events in 1997 and 2002. They emphasized the need for better warning systems, flood defences, and a halt to rebuilding in flood-prone areas to prevent future disasters. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

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California’s Groundbreaking Bill: A Mandate for Fast Fashion Recycling to Combat Closet Clutter and Landfill Waste

Imagine parting with your favourite pair of jeans after years of wear. Instead of tossing them, you might sell, donate, or swap them. But you are responsible for ensuring they don’t end up in a landfill.

A new California bill could change that, shifting the burden to clothing producers. The Responsible Textile Recovery Act would require manufacturers to fund and implement a statewide recycling program. Californians could drop off unwanted or damaged textiles at thrift stores or collection sites for sorting and recycling.

With textile waste in the U.S. exceeding 17 million tons in 2018 and 85% ending up in landfills, this bill represents a crucial step toward reducing fashion waste and holding brands accountable for their products. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

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Spain Pushes for Hydrogen Leadership with Major Investments and 2030 Green Energy Targets

Spain is emerging as a leader in green hydrogen, leveraging its renewable energy strengths. Over 50% of its electricity comes from wind and solar. By 2030, Spain aims to achieve 11 GW of electrolyzer capacity, the highest target in the EU, though current projections estimate 5 GW.

Additional government subsidies will be crucial for Spain to meet its goal. Spain’s favourable conditions and strong policies make it one of the most cost-effective regions for green hydrogen production. Key projects, like the Puertollano green hydrogen plant and BP’s investment in the Castellón refinery, signal promising growth, with the potential to reach 2 GW of capacity by 2035. Read More

News Credit: SOLARQUARTER