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Showing posts with the label climate

Africa Demands a New Approach to Global Climate Action Through Science and Finance

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A Call for Science-Driven Climate Action in Africa The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) have emphasized the urgent need to reframe global climate action. Their focus is on ensuring that this effort is driven by scientific evidence and is responsive to the increasing vulnerability of the African continent to climate change. At the 13th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AGN Chair Richard Muyungi highlighted the importance of placing African science at the forefront of climate strategies. He stressed that the continent can no longer rely solely on externally developed data and models for its climate action plans. "African science must take center stage in guiding climate action and adaptation," Muyungi stated. He also called for a shift towards needs-based climate finance, which would better address the specific challenges faced by African nations. Muyungi pointed out ...

Hottest Summer on Record Sparks Insect Surge

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Rising Pest Problems in Britain Linked to Climate and Hygiene Britain is currently experiencing a significant increase in pest infestations, with reports of wasps, spiders, cockroaches, and bedbugs surging after what is expected to be the hottest summer on record since 1884. The combination of warmer weather and declining hygiene standards has created ideal conditions for these pests to thrive, leading to a dramatic rise in infestations across homes and gardens. Pest control companies have reported a major increase in demand for their services, with some firms needing to hire additional staff to manage the growing workload. According to data from Rentokil Pest Control, there has been more than double the number of infestations this year compared to 2024. This trend is expected to continue for years to come, as experts warn that the impact of climate change will likely exacerbate the problem. Paul Blackhurst, from Rentokil Pest Control, highlighted the alarming rise in wasp activity,...

Does Hot Weather Ruin Your Mood? Science Says Yes

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Understanding the Emotional Impact of Rising Temperatures As global temperatures continue to rise, more people are experiencing a decline in their emotional well-being. A recent study has revealed that extreme heat not only affects our physical health but also significantly impacts our mood and overall sentiment. This growing concern highlights the need for a deeper understanding of how climate change influences human emotions on a global scale. The Study and Its Findings Researchers from MIT and other institutions around the world conducted an extensive analysis of social media data to track the emotional responses of individuals during periods of extreme heat. By examining over 1 billion social media posts from more than 150 countries, they were able to map out the correlation between temperature and mood. The study, published in the journal One Earth, found that when temperatures exceed 35°C, there is a noticeable drop in collective mood, particularly in lower-income countries. ...

Ethiopia Advances Global Climate Action With Creative Solutions

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Ethiopia's Leadership in Climate Change Mitigation Ethiopia is making a significant impact on the global stage when it comes to mitigating climate change. The country is actively implementing and expanding both nature- and technology-based solutions, as highlighted by officials during recent discussions. This commitment is evident through various initiatives and programs that are shaping the nation's approach to environmental sustainability. Climate Week 2025: A Platform for Global Collaboration Ethiopia is hosting Climate Week 2025 (CW2), an event that brings together global and continental leaders to advance Africa's climate agenda. This platform serves as a crucial opportunity for dialogue and collaboration, focusing on strategies to address the pressing issue of climate change. During the opening event, Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa (PhD) emphasized that Ethiopia's climate actions are guided by its 10-year development plan and the homegrown econ...

SU Launches 'Marka-e-Haq' Monsoon Plantation Drive for Independence Day

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Environmental Initiative Marks Independence Day Celebrations at Sindh University As part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and national pride, Sindh University's Area Study Center Far East and Southeast Asia, in collaboration with Inner Wheel District 327, organized a monsoon plantation drive. The event, held on Friday, was themed 'Marka-e-Haq and Green Sindh University Initiative' and was conducted as part of the broader celebrations for independence day. The initiative was officially launched by the Vice-Chancellor of Sindh University, Prof. Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khoumbati, who planted the first sapling. This symbolic act set the tone for the day, highlighting the importance of environmental responsibility and community involvement in creating a sustainable future. Several key figures from the university and the Inner Wheel District 327 also participated in the planting activity. These included the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professo...

A turning point for climate justice

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The International Court of Justice's Groundbreaking Advisory Opinion on Climate Change The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a historic advisory opinion on July 23, addressing the obligations of states regarding climate change. This decision marks a significant milestone in international environmental law and has been hailed as a major victory for global efforts to combat climate change. The case was initiated by Vanuatu and later supported by 132 countries, leading to a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly that referred the matter to the ICJ. The UN General Assembly posed two key questions to the court: first, what are the obligations of states under international law to protect the climate system and other parts of the environment from human-caused greenhouse gas emissions? Second, what are the legal consequences for states that cause significant harm to the climate system through their actions or omissions? This advisory opinion is historic fo...

Australia's Coral Crisis: Record Loss in Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef Faces Severe Challenges The Great Barrier Reef, one of the most iconic natural wonders on the planet, has experienced a significant decline in live coral cover over the past year. According to a recent report by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, this marks the largest annual drop in coral cover recorded in the reef's history. Despite this alarming trend, scientists emphasize that the reef is still worth preserving and protecting. Unprecedented Heat Stress and Bleaching Events The primary cause of the decline is attributed to extreme heat stress, which led to one of the most severe coral bleaching events ever documented. This event occurred in early 2024 and was driven by record-high ocean temperatures. The impact was widespread, with the northern and southern regions of the reef being hit the hardest. Coral cover in these areas dropped by between one-quarter and one-third after years of gradual recovery. The report highlights that the current bl...