Chris Infotainment

A cold gust sent shivers through Hong Yen as she opened her apartment balcony in Binh Phu Ward, HCMC, at 6 a.m. on Friday. She checked her phone and saw the temperature had dropped to 17 degrees Celsius. She went back inside to find a sweater that she usually wears only when visiting her husband’s hometown in Nghe An Province during the Lunar New Year. "Last night we turned off the air conditioner and slept under thick blankets but it was still cold in the morning. My seven-year-old said it felt like winter," the office worker said. Before sending her two children to school, she made them drink warm honey lemon water and wear hats and face masks. She also placed a few lozenges in their backpacks to prevent sore throats. On Friday morning, cold air spread into southern Vietnam, lowering temperatures in HCMC to 17-19 degrees Celsius. Weather apps showed that the perceived temperature in some areas was even lower, marking the city’s lowest level in the past 10 years. Locals...

Addressing Food Insecurity Through Innovative Agricultural Strategies The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has called on the government and agricultural stakeholders to focus on climate-smart, digital, and gender-responsive innovations in agricultural extension. His message is clear: these approaches are essential for addressing food insecurity in Nigeria. Prof. Ahmed highlighted the growing impact of climate change on Nigeria's agricultural landscape. He cited reports from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) that show erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, flooding, and an increase in pest attacks across various states. These challenges are not only threatening crop yields but also disrupting traditional farming practices. To combat these issues, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the role of extension officers as "frontline defenders." They must translate scientific research into practical, u...

Addressing Food Insecurity Through Innovative Agricultural Strategies The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, has emphasized the urgent need for government and agricultural stakeholders to focus on climate-smart, digital, and gender-responsive innovations in agricultural extension. These strategies are crucial in addressing the persistent issue of food insecurity in Nigeria. Prof. Ahmed highlighted that climate change is already significantly disrupting Nigeria's rainy seasons. According to reports from the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), there have been erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and an increase in pest attacks across various states. He warned that without immediate action, these challenges could further exacerbate food shortages and economic instability. The Role of Extension Officers In his speech at the 2025 National Agricultural Extension Review and Planning Meeting, organized...

Ongoing Desert Locust Outbreak in Mauritania and Southern Morocco The desert locust outbreak continues to affect Mauritania and the southern provinces of Morocco, with hopper groups, bands, and small swarms persisting throughout November. According to the latest report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), these locusts have been moving northward, posing a significant threat to agricultural areas in the region. By November 24, Morocco had already treated more than 4,184 hectares to combat the infestation. The report highlights that isolated and scattered immature and mature adults were observed near Tiznit and Guelmim, indicating that the problem is not confined to one area. This widespread presence of locusts underscores the need for continued monitoring and intervention. Potential for New Breeding Cycles FAO warns that as winter rains intensify, conditions across southern Morocco could lead to the formation of a new generation of locusts. If left unchecked, this coul...

Rising Presence of Tropical and Subtropical Insects in South Korea Recent discoveries of new insect species on domestic islands have revealed a significant shift in the ecological landscape of the Korean Peninsula. More than half of these newly identified insects are classified as "tropical and subtropical," indicating a rapid transition from a temperate to a tropical and subtropical climate. The Honam National Institute of Biological Resources shared this information on the 19th, stating that between 2021 and 2024, out of 45 unrecorded insect species discovered through initiatives like the "Island and Coastal Bioresource Survey and Discovery Project," 25 were tropical or subtropical insects. The remaining 20 species were categorized as temperate or cold-climate insects. "Unrecorded species" refer to those that are known to exist in other countries but have been found for the first time in South Korea. This classification highlights the growing diversi...

Victor Zhao, a 36-year-old Chinese national who has lived in London with his family for six years, is increasingly concerned about the rising cost of heating. He shared, “Last winter, our heating bills ranged from 180 to 200 pounds (approximately 340,000 to 380,000 Korean won) each month. However, we recently received a notice from our supplier indicating that prices might increase further this year. We haven’t even used the heating yet and are relying on electric mats, but I’m deeply worried about what will happen when it gets colder,” he added. Europe is now experiencing its fourth winter since the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the energy market. Despite claims by various countries that they have secured enough natural gas reserves to handle the cold, anxiety remains widespread. “This Winter Will Be Cold” Forecast Shakes Markets According to Bloomberg on the 10th, European and American climatologists, including the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), have p...

Hong Kong experienced its coldest autumn temperature to date on Wednesday, with the Hong Kong Observatory recording 13.2 degrees Celsius at its headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui around 6 a.m. The cold snap was attributed to an intense northeast monsoon, which has significantly lowered temperatures across the region. The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) reported that temperatures were about one to two degrees lower in parts of the New Territories. On Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak, the mercury dropped to 3.2 degrees Celsius at 6 a.m., according to the Observatory. This marked a notable drop in temperature compared to previous days. The weather conditions have also led to extremely dry air. At 10:30 a.m., relative humidity was recorded at 35 per cent, and the Red Fire Danger warning signal was in effect, indicating an extreme fire risk. This level of dryness is unusual for this time of year and has raised concerns among local authorities. The Observatory predicted “mainly cloudy and c...

Unseasonably Cold Weather Sweeps Across the UK A significant drop in temperatures is expected across parts of the UK this week as emergency services continue to manage the aftermath of Storm Claudia. The country has experienced a sudden shift in weather, with freezing Arctic air sweeping through, making Saturday night the coldest recorded since March. Temperatures plummeted to -7C in Tulloch Bridge in the Highlands on Saturday night, marking the lowest reading since March 20, according to the Met Office. This cold snap is forecast to persist over the next few days, with snow and ice possible following a period of above-average temperatures. Dan Holley, the Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist, explained that as Storm Claudia retreats to the south, high pressure to the north-west will drive a cold northerly flow from the Arctic across the UK. This will bring much colder conditions than recently experienced, although generally drier, with risks of wintry hazards such as snow an...

Climate Threats and Vulnerability of Children in Nigeria Nigeria is among the most vulnerable countries when it comes to children facing climate-related risks, yet it remains one of the least equipped to address these challenges. A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund highlights the alarming situation that children in Nigeria are experiencing due to environmental threats. The report, titled “The Nigerian Child 2025,” reveals that systemic gaps in infrastructure, policy, and emergency response leave children exposed to the devastating effects of natural disasters. These gaps have significant consequences, especially for the most vulnerable population—children. Nigeria is increasingly affected by climate change, with rising occurrences of floods, droughts, desertification, and extreme heat. These environmental pressures not only disrupt daily life but also have long-term impacts on children's health, education, and overall well-being. The report states, “Nigeria is...

Weather Conditions on the Day of the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test On the day of the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test, which is scheduled for the 13th, there will not be a severe cold wave. However, a significant daily temperature variation is expected. Examinees are advised to prepare by wearing multiple thin layers of clothing when heading to their test sites. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the strong north winds that have been affecting the region in recent days are expected to weaken by the afternoon of the 12th. As a result, temperatures will gradually rise and return to near-average levels. On the 13th, the day of the test, temperatures are projected to be slightly above the average for this time of year. Temperature Forecast for the 13th On the morning of the 13th, the lowest temperatures are expected to range from 0°C to 11°C. During the day, temperatures are anticipated to reach between 15°C and 20°C. This means that mornings will be some...

Weather Forecast for the Weekend and Early Week Saturday, the 25th, will see mostly cloudy conditions across the country. Rain is expected in certain areas, particularly on Jeju Island. The weather is expected to remain relatively mild throughout the weekend, but a return of colder temperatures is anticipated starting from Monday, the 27th. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), South Korea will be affected by a continental high-pressure system moving from northeastern China toward the West Sea (Yellow Sea) on Saturday. This system is expected to bring rain to areas around Jeju Island and the southern coastal regions of North Gyeongsang Province. Inland areas of North Gyeongsang Province and other regions are also likely to experience rain during the afternoon. Given the likelihood of rain showers in many inland areas, it is recommended to carry a small umbrella if planning to engage in outdoor activities. Precipitation levels are expected to vary: less than 5 m...

Lagos and Eko Atlantic City Partner to Address Coastal Challenges Lagos State Government has partnered with Eko Atlantic City to transform coastal challenges into opportunities for economic growth and sustainability, furthering the state’s efforts to diversify its blue economy. This collaboration highlights a commitment to addressing the pressing issues of climate change and coastal degradation while fostering innovation and development. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced this initiative during a news conference in Lagos. The event took place ahead of the 2025 International Climate Change Summit, which will focus on the theme “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation.” The summit is scheduled to take place from November 6 to 7. Wahab emphasized that the summit will prioritize strategies to enhance Lagos’ resilience against climate and coastal challenges. He stated, “Lagos, as a coastal megac...

Changing Weather Patterns in the Himalayas Clear skies, calm winds, and a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks draped in snow – that is what autumn hikers on Mount Everest have come to love. But that seems to be changing. Meteorologists say that the monsoon now stretches into autumn, which is traditionally mountain tourism season. During this delayed tail end of the monsoon, they have recorded at least one episode of extreme rainfall almost every year for the past decade, with mountain weather becoming dangerous. Last weekend, a shock blizzard stranded hundreds of tourists near the eastern face of Everest for days in freezing temperatures at an altitude of more than 4,900m (16,000ft). Nearly 600 trekkers were guided to safety by the end of Tuesday, according to Chinese state media. One person had died from hypothermia and altitude sickness, but the others were reportedly in good condition. This was on the Tibetan side, but something similar had unfolded on the Nepal side, where a South...

Recognizing the Heroes and the Urgency of Climate Action Super Typhoon Ragasa has not only tested the resilience of Hong Kong but also brought to light the courage and dedication of its unsung heroes. Among them are the sampan captains who risked their lives to rescue people swept out to sea, the anonymous workers in boilersuits who worked tirelessly to clear fallen trees and restore normalcy, and the staff at cha chaan tengs who continued serving hot meals to hungry residents despite the chaos. These individuals have shown remarkable bravery and commitment, often putting their own safety aside to help others. However, their heroism raises an important question: Do we bear any responsibility for placing their lives in danger? The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as stronger typhoons, rising sea levels, and storm surges, are clear indicators of climate change. If we fail to take meaningful action to address this global crisis, our admiration for thes...

Understanding Genetic Adaptations of the Turkana People An international team of scientists has uncovered fascinating insights into how the Turkana people of northern Kenya have genetically adapted to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. These findings, published in a leading scientific journal, reveal that thousands of years of natural selection have shaped unique physiological traits that allow this community to endure extreme heat, water scarcity, and limited vegetation. The research was conducted under the Turkana Health and Genomics Project (THGP), which involves multiple institutions including the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI), Vanderbilt University, and the University of California, Berkeley. This collaborative effort brings together expertise from various disciplines, such as genomics, anthropology, and biology, while working closely with local communities. Key Findings and Genetic Insights One of the most signi...

A British Woman's Journey to Simulate Life on Mars A British woman is preparing to spend the entire year in a simulated environment that mimics the conditions of Mars, without ever leaving Earth. Laura Marie, from Devon, will spend 378 days in a replica of Martian conditions at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. This unique experience is part of a research initiative aimed at gathering data for future human missions to the Red Planet. Laura, an airline pilot who moved to the United States in 2016, was one of six selected out of 8,000 volunteers to participate in this mission. The experiment involves growing crops, testing technology destined for Mars, and walking around in the 3D-printed Mars Dune Alpha habitat, which spans 158 square metres (1,700 sq ft). The main crew of four—Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, Matthew Montgomery, and James Spicer—are set to enter the experiment on October 19. Laura is one of two 'alternate' participants, ready to step in if needed. D...

Ethiopia's Leadership in Climate Action and the Role of South-South Cooperation Ethiopia has emerged as a global leader in climate action, demonstrating a strong commitment through various initiatives and policies. The country's efforts have not gone unnoticed, with international figures praising its contributions to environmental sustainability. One such figure is Thomas Asare, Assistant Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), who commended Ethiopia for its proactive approach to addressing climate challenges. Ethiopia recently hosted the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the African Union. This event took place from September 8 to 10, 2025, and brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical climate issues affecting the continent. The summit highlighted Ethiopia’s role as a central player in shaping the future of climate action in Africa. One of Ethiopia’s most notable achievements is the Green Legacy I...

Understanding the Global Variability in Aging A recent study has uncovered that the rate at which people age varies significantly depending on where they live. Researchers have identified several key factors, including social inequality, political instability, and air pollution, as major contributors to accelerated aging. This discovery highlights the complex interplay between environmental, social, and political conditions and their impact on human health and longevity. The research was conducted by the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at Trinity College Dublin. It analyzed data from 160,000 individuals across 40 countries. The study employed the Exposome analysis framework, which examines how various environmental and lifestyle factors influence the aging process. This approach allows scientists to assess the cumulative effects of external exposures throughout a person's life. What is the Exposome? The term "Exposome" combines "exposure" and "chro...

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 ...

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,...