One million species at risk of extinction, UN report warns
The bonds that hold nature together may be at risk of unraveling from deforestation, overfishing, development, and other human activities, a landmark United Nations report warns. Thanks to human pressures, one million species may be pushed to extinction in the next few years, with serious consequences for human beings as well as the rest of life on Earth.
What’s the future for Sri Lanka’s ‘lost’ population of whales?
Flocking tourists are making it less of a safe place for these stunning animals.
Tapping fresh water under the ocean has consequences
Coastal communities may consider using offshore groundwater resources as populations increase and the limited freshwater resources are degraded by overuse and pollution, but new research suggests tapping into them could lead to adverse impacts onshore.
Strong winds are supersizing the ocean’s biggest waves
Strong winds are driving the ocean’s biggest waves to dizzying new heights. The University of Melbourne researchers behind the work, published April 25 in the journal Science, say the supersized waves could compound the effects of rising sea levels, leading to more frequent flooding and accelerated coastal erosion.
Indonesia plans to relocate its capital from Jakarta
Indonesia plans to move its capital city from Jakarta, according to the country’s planning minister. Jakarta is home to more than 10 million people according to the United Nations, with an estimated 30 million in the greater metropolitan area. The nation is prone to flooding and is sinking at an alarming rate.
Preventing collapse after catastrophe
As the impacts of climate change escalate, ecosystems will likely undergo events that will disrupt entire populations. In marine ecosystems, anthropogenic warming has subjected organisms to elevated temperatures, oxygen loss, and acidification. The increased frequency and severity of catastrophic events may inhibit a population’s ability to recover and, in turn, may spur collapse.
Melting permafrost in Arctic will have $70tn climate impact – study
The release of methane and carbon dioxide from thawing permafrost will accelerate global warming and add up to $70tn (£54tn) to the world’s climate bill, according to the most advanced study yet of the economic consequences of a melting Arctic.
South Florida beach town getting emergency sand infusion
Sand-starved Dania Beach is getting an emergency infusion of that gritty stuff that gets washed away every year. Sand by the truckload is being brought in and deposited on the northern half of the beach near the pier.
Greenland ice melting four times faster than in 2003
Greenland is melting faster than scientists previously thought – and will likely lead to faster sea level rise -thanks to the continued, accelerating warming of the Earth’s atmosphere, a new study has found.