A mix of science and tradition helps restore relics in China's Forbidden City
Experts say US weather forecasts will worsen as DOGE cuts mean fewer balloon launches
The National Weather Service is cutting back weather balloon launches or eliminating them entirely at eight northern locations due to staffing issues, impacting forecast accuracy as severe weather season approaches. Scientists and former NOAA officials warn these reductions will degrade weather forecasting, increasing risks of severe weather events.
Make progress on deforestation pledge, nations urged before COP30
Civil society groups and academics urged governments Thursday to take actual steps toward fulfilling a stalled pledge to end deforestation before this year's UN climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon. In 2025, governments must take bold action to get on track, the coalition of nearly 40 non-governmental organisations, think-tanks and forest research bodies said in a document outlining policy proposals.
Too much water: Gold rush, climate change submerge Bolivian village
Navigating a makeshift raft between drifting furniture and submerged cars, Rafael Quispe steers through his village in western Bolivia, where the streets were turned into rivers two months ago. Quispe, 54, is himself a miner and also used to run a bar out of his home.
Earths hottest decade on record as CO levels hit unprecedented high, says UN report
The past decade has been the hottest on record, with 2023 marking the warmest year ever, according to a UN report. Rising carbon dioxide levels, record ocean temperatures, and extreme weather events signal a worsening climate crisis. The report attributes global heating mainly to human activities and warns of severe consequences. Amidst policy rollbacks by the Trump administration, experts and activists urge immediate action to curb emissions and transition to clean energy.
Oil spill in Ecuador river brings emergency declaration
An oil spill in northwestern Ecuador has turned a river black, prompting authorities to declare an environmental emergency amid unprecedented damage and to order residents to ration drinking water, officials said. The spill, believed caused when a landslide ruptured a major oil pipeline, has turned waters black in a section of the Esmeraldas River, in the province of the same name.
With 13 of 20 most polluted cities, India ranks 5th globally
India ranked as the fifth most polluted country worldwide in 2024, with Byrnihat in Meghalaya being the most polluted metropolitan area globally. High pollution levels are linked to rapid industrialisation and unregulated emissions. Despite some improvement, Delhi remains the most polluted capital, and India's cities continue to exceed WHO PM2.5 guidelines.
