Environmental Impact
- All
- News
- Videos
- Web Stories
-
2024 Marks Earth's Hottest Year Ever, Surpassing Critical 1.5 degree Celsius Warming Limit
In 2024, Earth recorded its hottest year ever, surpassing the critical 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold for the first time in history. This significant temperature increase has been linked to intensified weather events, rising sea levels, and widespread environmental damage. The year saw an alarming rise in climate-related disasters, with the U...
-
Here's How Environmental and Physical Traits Shape Bird Sounds Across Habitats
A global study of over 100,000 bird sound recordings reveals how environmental and physical factors shape bird communication. Birds adapt their calls in response to habitat noise, with species in noisy areas producing higher-pitched sounds for better visibility. Physical traits like body size and beak shape also play a significant role in sound fre...
-
PFAS Chemicals Harm Freshwater Turtles in Australia, New Research Finds
Recent studies have highlighted the alarming effects of PFAS (forever chemicals) on freshwater turtles in Australia. The research, led by environmental biochemist David Beale and his team, discovered that PFAS exposure is causing serious health issues in both adult turtles and their hatchlings. The chemicals accumulate in key organs like the liver,...
-
Nepal Halts Helicopter Services in Everest Region After Protests
Nepal's airlines have halted helicopter flights to the Everest region after locals angry at the environmental impact and loss of income from trekkers threatened landing sites, aviation officials said Monday.
-
Crystal-Based Cooling Technology Could Offer Sustainable Solution for Fridges and Air Conditioners
A new crystal-based cooling technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of refrigerators and air conditioners. The unique plastic crystals absorb heat under pressure, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants. However, challenges remain, such as the extreme pressures required for operation. Experts expr...
-
Biodegradable Microbeads Could Replace Plastic Exfoliants in Skincare Products
A new biodegradable microbead has been developed as a potential replacement for plastic exfoliants in skincare products. These polymer-based beads break down into molecules resembling sugars and amino acids, making them environmentally safe. When tested on pig skin, the beads demonstrated superior performance in removing permanent marker and eyelin...
-
Permafrost Thawing Could Accelerate Climate Change, Here’s What It Means
Permafrost, a frozen layer rich in organic matter, is degrading due to rising temperatures. By the end of the century, researchers predict significant thawing, releasing carbon into the atmosphere. In a study by Zhengzhou University and Purdue University, thawing scenarios under two climate pathways (SSP126 and SSP585) project the release of up to ...
-
World's Largest Iceberg A23a Resumes Journey North After Months of Stagnation
A23a, the largest iceberg in the world, has begun moving again after being trapped in a vortex near the South Orkney Islands. Weighing nearly a trillion tonnes and twice the size of Greater London, the iceberg has been stuck in the Weddell Sea for over three decades. Now on its way north, scientists are studying its potential environmental impacts,...
-
ispace and Magna Petra Collaborate for Sustainable Helium-3 Extraction from Moon
ispace and Magna Petra have joined forces to pioneer sustainable helium-3 extraction from the moon's regolith. Helium-3, a rare isotope critical for energy and technology applications, could be a game-changer for Earth. Magna Petra plans to use environmentally conscious methods to extract and transport the isotope. The initiative aligns with ispace...
-
What To Know About Eco-Anxiety
Understanding eco-anxiety, its effects, and ways to address it is crucial for managing mental health while promoting positive environmental action.
-
Arctic Ocean Likely to Experience Ice-Free Day by 2027, Study Warns
A study published in Nature Communications predicts the Arctic Ocean could face its first ice-free day as early as 2027, marking a critical environmental milestone. Conducted using 11 climate models and 366 simulations, the research highlights the urgent need for emission reductions. The loss of sea ice in the Arctic exacerbates global warming thro...
-
Environmental Impact of ISS Deorbit in 2031 Raises Concerns on Oceans and Atmosphere
The International Space Station (ISS) is set for a controlled deorbit in 2031, with plans to disintegrate over the South Pacific's remote Point Nemo. While NASA’s approach aims to reduce risks, concerns have been raised about the environmental impacts. Researchers highlight potential effects on Earth’s upper atmosphere, which remain poorly unde...
-
California Announces Plan to Protect Joshua Trees from Wildfires and Climate Change Threats
A new plan released by California's Department of Fish and Wildlife outlines strategies to protect Joshua trees from threats including wildfires, human development and climate change. The plan includes land conservation, wildfire management and relocation of trees where necessary. It aims to safeguard the species for the future amid rising temperat...
-
Ocean Acidification Study: Carbon Emissions Driving Deeper Chemical Changes in Oceans
A study in Science Advances by researchers from ETH Zurich highlights the escalating depth of ocean acidification, driven by carbon emissions since the industrial era. By 2014, acidification had penetrated to an average depth of 1,000 metres, with some regions affected as deep as 1,500 metres. Using a 3D model, the study explores the altered marine...
-
NASA Partners with Microsoft For Earth Copilot AI to Simplify Access to Complex Earth Data
NASA, in collaboration with Microsoft, has introduced Earth Copilot, an AI-powered tool designed to simplify access to complex Earth science data. This tool is aimed at reducing the technical barriers that prevent non-experts from effectively navigating NASA’s vast geospatial datasets. Earth Copilot allows users to ask questions about environment...
-
2024 Marks Earth's Hottest Year Ever, Surpassing Critical 1.5 degree Celsius Warming Limit
In 2024, Earth recorded its hottest year ever, surpassing the critical 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold for the first time in history. This significant temperature increase has been linked to intensified weather events, rising sea levels, and widespread environmental damage. The year saw an alarming rise in climate-related disasters, with the U...
-
Here's How Environmental and Physical Traits Shape Bird Sounds Across Habitats
A global study of over 100,000 bird sound recordings reveals how environmental and physical factors shape bird communication. Birds adapt their calls in response to habitat noise, with species in noisy areas producing higher-pitched sounds for better visibility. Physical traits like body size and beak shape also play a significant role in sound fre...
-
PFAS Chemicals Harm Freshwater Turtles in Australia, New Research Finds
Recent studies have highlighted the alarming effects of PFAS (forever chemicals) on freshwater turtles in Australia. The research, led by environmental biochemist David Beale and his team, discovered that PFAS exposure is causing serious health issues in both adult turtles and their hatchlings. The chemicals accumulate in key organs like the liver,...
-
Nepal Halts Helicopter Services in Everest Region After Protests
Nepal's airlines have halted helicopter flights to the Everest region after locals angry at the environmental impact and loss of income from trekkers threatened landing sites, aviation officials said Monday.
-
Crystal-Based Cooling Technology Could Offer Sustainable Solution for Fridges and Air Conditioners
A new crystal-based cooling technology could significantly reduce the environmental impact of refrigerators and air conditioners. The unique plastic crystals absorb heat under pressure, providing a climate-friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants. However, challenges remain, such as the extreme pressures required for operation. Experts expr...
-
Biodegradable Microbeads Could Replace Plastic Exfoliants in Skincare Products
A new biodegradable microbead has been developed as a potential replacement for plastic exfoliants in skincare products. These polymer-based beads break down into molecules resembling sugars and amino acids, making them environmentally safe. When tested on pig skin, the beads demonstrated superior performance in removing permanent marker and eyelin...
-
Permafrost Thawing Could Accelerate Climate Change, Here’s What It Means
Permafrost, a frozen layer rich in organic matter, is degrading due to rising temperatures. By the end of the century, researchers predict significant thawing, releasing carbon into the atmosphere. In a study by Zhengzhou University and Purdue University, thawing scenarios under two climate pathways (SSP126 and SSP585) project the release of up to ...
-
World's Largest Iceberg A23a Resumes Journey North After Months of Stagnation
A23a, the largest iceberg in the world, has begun moving again after being trapped in a vortex near the South Orkney Islands. Weighing nearly a trillion tonnes and twice the size of Greater London, the iceberg has been stuck in the Weddell Sea for over three decades. Now on its way north, scientists are studying its potential environmental impacts,...
-
ispace and Magna Petra Collaborate for Sustainable Helium-3 Extraction from Moon
ispace and Magna Petra have joined forces to pioneer sustainable helium-3 extraction from the moon's regolith. Helium-3, a rare isotope critical for energy and technology applications, could be a game-changer for Earth. Magna Petra plans to use environmentally conscious methods to extract and transport the isotope. The initiative aligns with ispace...
-
What To Know About Eco-Anxiety
Understanding eco-anxiety, its effects, and ways to address it is crucial for managing mental health while promoting positive environmental action.
-
Arctic Ocean Likely to Experience Ice-Free Day by 2027, Study Warns
A study published in Nature Communications predicts the Arctic Ocean could face its first ice-free day as early as 2027, marking a critical environmental milestone. Conducted using 11 climate models and 366 simulations, the research highlights the urgent need for emission reductions. The loss of sea ice in the Arctic exacerbates global warming thro...
-
Environmental Impact of ISS Deorbit in 2031 Raises Concerns on Oceans and Atmosphere
The International Space Station (ISS) is set for a controlled deorbit in 2031, with plans to disintegrate over the South Pacific's remote Point Nemo. While NASA’s approach aims to reduce risks, concerns have been raised about the environmental impacts. Researchers highlight potential effects on Earth’s upper atmosphere, which remain poorly unde...
-
California Announces Plan to Protect Joshua Trees from Wildfires and Climate Change Threats
A new plan released by California's Department of Fish and Wildlife outlines strategies to protect Joshua trees from threats including wildfires, human development and climate change. The plan includes land conservation, wildfire management and relocation of trees where necessary. It aims to safeguard the species for the future amid rising temperat...
-
Ocean Acidification Study: Carbon Emissions Driving Deeper Chemical Changes in Oceans
A study in Science Advances by researchers from ETH Zurich highlights the escalating depth of ocean acidification, driven by carbon emissions since the industrial era. By 2014, acidification had penetrated to an average depth of 1,000 metres, with some regions affected as deep as 1,500 metres. Using a 3D model, the study explores the altered marine...
-
NASA Partners with Microsoft For Earth Copilot AI to Simplify Access to Complex Earth Data
NASA, in collaboration with Microsoft, has introduced Earth Copilot, an AI-powered tool designed to simplify access to complex Earth science data. This tool is aimed at reducing the technical barriers that prevent non-experts from effectively navigating NASA’s vast geospatial datasets. Earth Copilot allows users to ask questions about environment...
