Ever since his first hard-won sightings of African manatees, award-winning marine biologist Aristide Takoukam Kamla has been devoted to protecting the little known and at risk aquatic mammals. Takoukam Kamla set up the African Marine Mammal Conservation Organisation which has five laboratories including in the lakeside fishing village of Dizangue.
Related news
A long-abandoned Papua New Guinea mine once operated by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto poses environmental and safety concerns for nearby communities, who live under the threat of landslides, a new report shows. Australia's Human Rights Law Centre, which helped organise legal action against Rio Tinto, said communities continued to live with the "devastating impacts of the mine".
The UN biodiversity conference in Rome will resume to finalize critical decisions on financing and resource mobilization. The goal is to raise and effectively distribute significant funds to preserve global biodiversity, building upon commitments made in previous accords despite financial challenges.
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.
Rich nations' unfulfilled promises on climate finance might force developing countries to reconsider climate targets. The Economic Survey highlights India's vulnerability and advocates focusing on adaptation over emission mitigation. Key measures include climate-resilient seeds, urban resilience, early warning systems, mangroves, sea walls, and water management. Developed countries falling short of their commitments make low-carbon transition challenging.
Physicist Stephen Hawking's predictions about Earth's future resurface as NASA warns of existential threats like climate change and overpopulation. Hawking urged action to colonize other planets to ensure humanity's survival, highlighting climate change, nuclear war, pandemics, AI, and asteroid impacts as key dangers. NASA emphasizes urgent action to mitigate irreversible climate damage.
India's peak power demand surged by 41 per cent during the summer months of 2023, driven by rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves, a new report by Climate Trends has found.
Australian birds are changing shape due to rising temperatures. Over 100 species show smaller bodies and larger beaks, aiding heat dissipation. Long-term warming increases beak size, but short-term heatwaves cause both body and beak shrinkage, possibly due to food scarcity. While adaptation is evident, its impact on survival remains uncertain, raising concerns about species unable to adapt.
Planetary Technologies in Nova Scotia uses magnesium oxide to reduce carbon dioxide via the ocean, backed by $1 million from Elon Musk's foundation, despite debate over potential ecological impacts. Ocean-based carbon removal strategies show promise but face challenges, including scaling efforts to influence global warming and ensuring environmental safety.
Heavy rains in Chennai resulted in waterlogging at 134 locations, causing major roads and seven subways to be closed for traffic. The Greater Chennai Corporation deployed 1,686 motor pumps to clear the water. Relief centres were set up, and thousands of personnel and volunteers are on standby for rescue operations.
Japan has set new decarbonization targets, aiming to cut emissions by 60 per cent by 2035 and 73 per cent by 2040 from 2013 levels. The updated energy plan boosts renewables to 40-50 per cent by 2040 while reviving nuclear power, targeting 20 per cent of energy supply. However, nuclear expansion faces safety concerns and slow regulatory processes. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is monitoring plant restarts, including at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, amid local opposition.