climate

Recent findings have highlighted that human-induced climate change has made the recent heatwaves across Europe up to 4°C hotter in many cities. This alarming increase has pushed temperatures into perilous levels, endangering thousands of vulnerable individuals. A rapid study conducted by over a dozen researchers from five European institutions concludes that the impact of global warming likely resulted in a significant rise in heat-related fatalities compared to what we would have seen otherwise. As the temperatures soared…

In a striking development, over one-third of the residents of Tuvalu—a small Pacific nation facing an imminent threat from rising sea levels—have applied for a pioneering climate visa to migrate to Australia. This information comes from official figures as the community grapples with the impacts of climate change. Tapugao Falefou, Tuvalu's ambassador to the United Nations, expressed his surprise at the overwhelming interest, stating, "I was startled by the huge number of people vying for this opportunity." The small…

The European Commission is preparing to propose an innovative approach to achieving the European Union's climate goals for 2040. According to a document reviewed by Reuters, the Commission plans to allow carbon credits purchased from other countries to contribute toward these ambitious targets. On July 2, the Commission will unveil a legally binding climate target for 2040, marking a significant step in reducing net emissions across the bloc. Initially, the EU aimed for a 90% reduction in net emissions compared to 1990…

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has officially reported a devastating toll of 100 lives lost due to the relentless floods that have ravaged the region. This heart-wrenching figure may continue to rise, as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. How much more sorrow can a community endure? Tragically, the majority of the deceased are from the OR Tambo District, a key area that has suffered immensely. Among those lost, 37 children—22 of whom…

In a startling update, over 60 leading scientists have sounded the alarm on climate change, highlighting alarming trends in carbon pollution, sea-level rise, and global heating. "We are navigating uncharted territories," they emphasize. According to their peer-reviewed findings, greenhouse gas emissions linked to fossil fuel consumption and deforestation reached a staggering high in 2024, averaging an unprecedented 53.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually over the past decade. To put this into perspective, that's a monumental…

As global temperatures rise, we are increasingly confronted with the reality of climate change. According to the European Union's climate monitoring service, last month marked the second warmest May on record, both on land and in our oceans. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the average surface temperature of our planet dipped just below the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels—almost matching the May record set last year. In the oceans, the average surface temperature…

The recent tumultuous weather has wreaked havoc in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, leaving behind a trail of destruction that no one anticipated. Over 80 homes have been obliterated, and more than 500 families are grappling with the aftermath. The chilling scenes painted by heavy snowfall, fierce winds, and violent hailstorms in KZN speak volumes about nature's unpredictable fury and its impact on fragile infrastructure. Power outages ripple through communities, leaving them in darkness and uncertainty. Meanwhile, the…

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has authorized the culling of 50 elephants within the Save Valley Conservancy, a decision framed as a necessary measure to address the growing issue of overpopulation. This announcement was confirmed by ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo, who stated that the required permits for this management exercise have been duly issued. An extensive aerial survey conducted in early 2024 painted a stark picture: Save Valley Conservancy is home to an astonishing 2,550…

The Africa Carbon Support Facility: A Step Towards Sustainable Growth In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, the Africa Carbon Support Facility (ACSF) emerges as a beacon of hope for African nations. Currently in its design phase, this initiative boasts two pivotal components aimed at reshaping the landscape of carbon trading on the continent. How can a simple concept like carbon credits catalyze monumental change? Let's dive deep into this transformative endeavor. The first component of ACSF is…

The Human Cost of Climate Change: A Call to Action Amid the chaos of a flooded neighborhood in Wadajir district of Mogadishu, Somalia, a family navigates the turbulent waters that have engulfed their home. This heartbreaking scene symbolizes a much larger crisis—a crisis that has resulted in severe consequences for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Recent findings from The Independent reveal that extreme weather, driven by the climate crisis, has cost impoverished nations an alarming $156 billion (£116…