Japan panel says 'megaquake' probability up to 82%
The probability of a megaquake in Japan in the next 30 years has marginally increased, a government panel said Thursday, with a 75-82 percent chance of it happening. The Earthquake Research Committee said it has increased its estimate of the probability to between 75 and 82 percent from between 74 and 81 percent previously.
Kazakhstan says part of Aral Sea has nearly doubled in volume
Kazakhstan said on Monday the northern part of the Aral Sea had nearly doubled in volume since 2008, a rare environmental success story in a region plagued by pollution. Since 2008, the volume of water in the northern, smaller part of the sea has increased by 42 percent and reached 27 billion cubic metres (950 billion cubic feet), the Central Asian republic's water resources ministry said.
At least 10 dead in Brazil landslides
Landslides triggered by torrential rains in southeast Brazil's Minas Gerais state have resulted in at least 10 deaths, including an eight-year-old boy. Over 80 millimetres of rain in Ipatinga caused significant destruction. One person remains missing, while rescue teams continue their search efforts. Governor Romeu Zema expressed solidarity with the victims.
French-led group in major deal for water-short Jordan
Jordan, one of the world's driest countries, signed an agreement on Sunday with French-led investors to build one of the world's largest desalination plants. In 2013, Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians signed a memorandum of understanding on that project, which included plans to build a desalination plant at the Red Sea.
From snowstorms to infernos: A week of climate crisis disrupt American lives
The week showcased extreme weather contrasts across America.Initially, numerous regions in the United States experienced severe blizzards and prolonged freezing temperatures, attributed to increasingly frequent jet stream deviations. Subsequently, California faced devastating wildfires, with strong winds propelling flames through drought-affected areas, resulting in Los Angeles' most severe wildfire incident on record.The situation intensified when leading meteorological organisations verified that 2024 surpassed all previous temperature records globally. More concerning was the announcement from four of six monitoring agencies that Earth had exceeded a crucial warming limit for an entire year, a threshold considered vital for preventing severe climate change impacts.Scientists indicate this intense week of weather extremes exemplifies the ongoing climate emergency, with similar events expected to continue.
Was 2024 hottest year ever on Earth? Weather agencies reveal shocking details
Earth's average temperature in 2024 reached a record high, surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement. This increase, linked to fossil fuel emissions and El Nino impacts, is the first full-year breach of this benchmark. Experts warn about the long-term implications, emphasizing urgent action against climate change.
What to know about wildfires raining embers onto Los Angeles area
At least five people have died and over 1,000 structures have been destroyed by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the fires led to extensive evacuations and poor air quality. The Palisades Fire is notably the most destructive in LA history, burning 25 square miles and affecting many homes and businesses.
Efforts to cut unwanted light pollution in New Mexico win praise
DarkSky International acknowledges Franklin Mountain Energy's efforts in reducing light pollution at oil sites in New Mexico, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The lighting retrofits improve workplace safety and reduce electricity consumption. New Mexico is updating its 1999 law to combat increasing light pollution and protect night skies.
Earthquake rocks Tibet-Nepal border: People run out of buildings as walls collapse
Massive earthquake of 7.1 magnitude strikes Tibet-Nepal border; at least 30 killed
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes near the Tibet-Nepal border, killing at least nine people. It causes building collapses and shakes regions across Bihar and North India. The quake's epicentre is in Tibet, about 93 km from Lobuche, Nepal. Two aftershocks were also recorded.
