Tropical Cyclone Narelle forecast to intensify in strength as it barrels towards NT
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Very destructive winds gusting up to 195km/h are forecasted with the storm expected to intensify before it makes landfall again Get our breaking news email, fr…
Delhi's maximum temperature down 15°C in 9 days; cleanest air in 6 months
Times of India – World
· India
Delhi experienced winter-like conditions with rain and overcast skies, pushing the maximum temperature to 21.7°C, the lowest for March in six years. Air qualit…
Thousands ordered to evacuate as Hawaii hit by severe flash floods
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Officials warn some residents could be trapped by rising waters as Wahiawā dam on Oahu ‘may collapse at any time’Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get …
Arizona desert town breaks record for hottest March temperature in US history
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Martinez Lake, about 145 miles west of Phoenix, reached 110F (43.3C) on Thursday amid scorching south-west heatSign up for the Breaking News US email to get ne…
Mexico’s monarch butterfly population jumps 64%, offering hope for at-risk species
The Guardian – World
· Europe
The insects covered its largest area since 2018, despite threats from habitat loss, climate crisis and pesticidesThe population of monarch butterflies in Mexic…
‘Yes to fields of wheat, no to fields of iron’: how the world’s greenest country soured on solar
The Guardian – World
· Europe
In Denmark, the spread of solar panels in rural areas has become a divisive issue among voters, especially in rural areasIn one telling of the story, the golde…
Why Philippines struggles to tap its US$1 trillion mineral wealth
South China Morning Post – World
· China
As the Philippines forms partnerships with several countries to harness its potentially huge wealth of critical minerals, analysts have called for a coherent r…
Weather tracker: Unseasonal storms hit parts of Pakistan and India
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Karachi particularly badly affected with 18 people killed, more than 50mm of rain and winds gusting up to 60mphUnseasonally wet weather struck southern Pakista…
Heatwave scorching US west ‘virtually impossible’ without climate crisis, say scientists
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Unseasonably warm and even dangerous temperatures this week were up to 30F above average for the time of yearThe record-breaking heatwave scorching the US west…
People in North Yorkshire town found to have ‘alarming’ levels of toxic Pfas chemicals in blood
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Exclusive: Testing in Bentham, home to UK’s highest recorded Pfas levels, finds one in four have blood levels in greatest risk categoryAlarming levels of toxic…
Vietnam accelerates shift to ethanol fuel as Iran war drives up energy prices
The Hindu – World
· India
Fuel prices in Vietnam have surged since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began three weeks ago, with gasoline prices up 50% and diesel prices rising 70%, accordi…
Record-breaking heatwave grips western US at tail end of winter
South China Morning Post – World
· China
A punishing heatwave has been gripping the western United States, with parts of the region logging record temperatures - even though it was still winter.
A des…
Historic March heatwave in US west shatters high-temperature records
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Some highs in California, Nevada and Arizona recorded at 25-35F above normal, with widespread alerts and closuresStates across the US south-west recorded blist…
NSW will continue to green-light coalmine expansions – ignoring a warning from its own climate agency
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Minns Labor government criticised over strategy as no new mines have been proposed for several yearsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet o…
Tropical Cyclone Narelle poised to hit far north Queensland as ‘high-end’ category four storm
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Authorities warn of strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and coastal storm surgeHow did global heating fuel Tropical Cyclone Narelle?Follow our Australia news li…
Why Iran’s Attack on an Energy Hub in Qatar Spooked Investors
The New York Times – World
· US
Lasting damage to Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export plant, would have big consequences for the global energy market.
The prospect of making trash useful is always fascinating to me. Whether it’s used batteries, solar panels, or spent nuclear fuel, getting use out of something…
Blooming marvellous: Tokyo’s cherry blossom season officially begins
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Tokyo’s meteorologists declared the start of the much-loved cherry blossom season in the Japanese capital on Thursday, as residents prepare to host outdoor pic…
‘Eerily silent’: Cape York residents batten down the hatches ahead of Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s arrival
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Residents of Coen and surrounding towns in far north Queensland spent Thursday sandbagging, stockpiling food and preparing for power outages ahead of possible …
Prolonged Iran war could have ‘serious’ impact on food prices, says UN’s FAO
South China Morning Post – World
· China
The United Nations has warned the conflict in the Middle East is sending shock waves from the fertiliser industry to food prices, as countries across the north…
Delhi-NCR hit by sudden rainstorm, yellow alert issued — what to expect today
Times of India – World
· India
Delhi-NCR experienced a dramatic weather shift with intense storms on Wednesday followed by lighter showers Thursday morning. The India Meteorological Departm…
Call for review over how Hong Kong manages wild boars and buffaloes
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Animal rights groups have urged Hong Kong authorities to review their culling strategy for wild boars and to install animal bridges and other measures to reduc…
Tropical Cyclone Narelle to make landfall in far north Qld on Friday as category four storm, bringing 200km/h winds
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Massive storm tracking a path to Queensland coast, which intensified offshore Thursday morning to category five, fuelled by warm waters in Coral SeaFollow our …
Damaged Russian tanker carrying natural gas floats into Libyan waters
The Guardian – World
· Europe
‘Serious risk of major ecological disaster’ as vessel drifts for weeks after being struck by suspected drone attackA severely damaged Russian tanker carrying l…
England should give over 7% of land to nature and renewables to meet environmental targets, data shows
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Government’s first published land use framework maps how land is used and how it can be adapted to meet changing needsAbout 7% of England’s land – an area roug…
Global EV uptake expected to accelerate as Iran war causes worldwide petrol price hikes
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Turbulence in the global oil market caused by the war in Iran revealed a quiet shift that could reshape global energy security: the rapid rise of electric vehi…
China to help Cuba with solar energy amid US oil blockade and total power outage
South China Morning Post – World
· China
China is offering solar energy to Cuba, an old ally left without power amid the US oil embargo, in a show of strength for Chinese renewable-energy credentials …
Hong Kong to test new campsite booking system amid overcrowding, litter concerns
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Hong Kong could introduce pilot schemes for booking campsites in the city before the National Day holiday in October, as authorities revealed that 32 people we…
As War Chokes Natural Gas Supply, Asia Turns Back to Coal
The New York Times – World
· US
Across Asia, a sharp drop in liquefied natural gas supplies is pushing major importers back toward coal, undermining L.N.G.’s long-held role as a stable energy…
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Tropical Cyclone Narelle forecast to intensify in strength as it barrels towards NT
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- **Cyclone Narelle** brings destructive winds (up to 195km/h) and major flooding risks in Katherine, with emergency warnings urging residents to shelter indoors.
- **Evacuations** of 150 people from Numbulwar and sandbag preparations are underway, while government payments and medical teams are deployed for disaster response.
- **Flood forecasts** predict severe river rises in Katherine and Daly River catchments, with communities reeling from prior flooding and preparing for potential devastation.
- **Queensland** faces power outages and isolated communities due to raging rivers, while authorities caution against prolonged rain and coastal hazards.
Delhi's maximum temperature down 15°C in 9 days; cleanest air in 6 months
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Kushagra Dixit covers environmental issues, wildlife conservation, climate change, agriculture, human rights, and scientific research.
- Focuses on river contamination, particularly the Yamuna, and its ecological impact.
- Investigates air pollution and urban waste management challenges.
- Highlights interconnected effects of these issues on public health and wellbeing.
Thousands ordered to evacuate as Hawaii hit by severe flash floods
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Heavy rains caused severe Oahu flooding, triggering rescues of 230+ people and potential $1bn in damage, with flash floods and dam risks.
- Dam levels near critical capacity (84ft/25.6m), rising 5ft in 24 hours, raising fears of failure amid ongoing rain.
- Over 5,500 evacuated; hundreds of homes damaged, with emergency access hindered by flooded roads and stranded residents.
- Flood warnings persist, with a weaker storm forecast, and historical dam collapse risks highlighted amid ongoing threats.
Arizona desert town breaks record for hottest March temperature in US history
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Martinez Lake, Arizona, hit 110°F (43.3C), breaking the U.S. March record, surpassing a 1954 Texas record and tying with California’s North Shore.
- Phoenix and Las Vegas set March records, with Phoenix’s 105°F (40.6C) marking its earliest 100+°F day in 40 years.
- Scientists link this heatwave to climate change, stating global heating made such extreme events four times more likely.
- Southwest temperatures remain 20–30°F above normal through Friday, with warnings of heat illness risks and trail closures.
Mexico’s monarch butterfly population jumps 64%, offering hope for at-risk species
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Monarch butterfly population in Mexico rose 64% this winter, reaching 2.93 hectares—largest since 2018, despite habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides.
- Conservation efforts have reduced illegal logging in key reserves, but avocado farming and organized crime threaten forest habitats.
- Legal battles persist over U.S. protections for monarchs, with groups urging action to prevent extinction amid political delays.
- Scientists warn that current habitat levels are below survival thresholds, highlighting urgent need for global cooperation.
‘Yes to fields of wheat, no to fields of iron’: how the world’s greenest country soured on solar
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Denmark's rural areas resist solar panels, framing them as urban overreach damaging farmland and property values.
- Right-wing parties like Denmark Democrats leverage climate issues to rally rural voters against solar expansion.
- Local councils in Denmark cancel solar projects, prioritizing wind/biogas while opposing photovoltaic farms.
- Solar's economic viability faces challenges, including low sunlight and grid congestion, complicating renewable growth.
Why Philippines struggles to tap its US$1 trillion mineral wealth
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Philippines lacks a roadmap for mining growth, keeping it a 'second-tier mineral economy'.
- Partnership aims to build a Filipino-led industry for resource processing and high-skilled jobs.
- Focus on strengthening global hi-tech supply chain position through local resource utilization.
- Environmental Secretary highlights collaboration to boost economic and technological competitiveness.
Weather tracker: Unseasonal storms hit parts of Pakistan and India
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- **Severe storm in Pakistan/India**: Karachi saw 50+mm rain, 60mph winds, 18 deaths from collapses, flooding, and power outages; structural failures and lightning caused casualties.
- **Agricultural concerns**: Unseasonal rain disrupted harvests in Gujarat/Rajasthan, with farmers reporting crop damage and yield risks.
- **Western US heatwave**: Record-breaking temperatures (42.2°C in Indio) due to a heat dome, with Phoenix and Denver facing extreme warmth above seasonal averages.
- **Atmospheric anomalies**: A stationary high-pressure system and meandering jet stream trapped warm air, intensifying the heatwave across the U.S. Midwest and Southwest.
Long before Trump: How US policy has harmed the environment for decades
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Environmental groups sue EPA over Trump's rollback of the 2009 "endangerment finding," a key legal basis for climate regulations.
- Trump isn’t the first president to harm the environment; past leaders like Roosevelt and Reagan also enacted damaging policies.
- Removing the finding risks public health by enabling older, dirtier infrastructure and increasing pollution and emissions.
- Trump’s deregulatory actions are seen as the most extreme anti-environmental policies in U.S. history, prioritizing fossil fuel interests.
Heatwave scorching US west ‘virtually impossible’ without climate crisis, say scientists
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Record-breaking heatwaves in the U.S. West (up to 30°F above average) linked to climate change, making such events four times more likely now.
- Scientists found heatwave would have been 1.4°F cooler in 2016, but 4.7°F cooler in preindustrial times, underscoring climate’s role.
- Heatwave expected to spread, with 100 cities possibly breaking March records, and heat as the deadliest extreme weather in the U.S.
- Economic impacts include ski resort closures, and warnings that the threat is immediate, demanding urgent policy action.
People in North Yorkshire town found to have ‘alarming’ levels of toxic Pfas chemicals in blood
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- **Alarming Pfas levels**: Testing in Bentham found 23% of 39 residents had blood Pfas levels exceeding 20 ng/ml, with one person at 405 ng/ml—over 200x the US risk threshold.
- **Health risks linked**: Pfas, linked to cancers and infertility, were detected in residents and former workers, with some reporting reproductive issues and mental health struggles.
- **Debated interpretations**: Angus Fire disputes high levels as "unusual," citing lack of UK guidelines, while experts warn of community exposure via airborne emissions.
- **Community exposure**: Environment Agency report suggests Pfas from factory tests could spread via air, affecting residents through smoke and contaminated food/gardens.
Vietnam accelerates shift to ethanol fuel as Iran war drives up energy prices
Source: The Hindu – World
·
- Vietnam will adopt E10 gasoline (10% bioethanol) from April 2026, accelerating its plan to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
- Fuel prices surged 50% (gasoline) and 70% (diesel) due to Iran conflict disruptions, straining energy security.
- Directive promotes EV incentives, renewable energy expansion, and phasing out 20–60W incandescent bulbs by Q3 2026.
- Government aims to mitigate energy price volatility and enhance sustainability through policy reforms.
Record-breaking heatwave grips western US at tail end of winter
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Arizona's Martinez Lake hit 43.3°C, the highest March temp in US history.
- Previous record of 42.2°C was set in Texas (1954) and tied in California.
- Extreme heat advisory issued for southern CA and Arizona, warning of dangerous conditions.
- Multiple locations, including Thermal and Cathedral City, reached 42.2°C, per NWS.
Why Pakistani farmers are suing two German companies for deadly 2022 floods
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Pakistani farmers sue RWE and Heidelberg Materials for emissions linked to 2022 floods, alleging climate harm in a German court despite no local operations.
- Case argues global emissions impact Pakistan, aiming to redefine corporate climate liability in legal and political contexts.
- Inspired by a Peruvian lawsuit, it highlights transnational climate litigation, with Germany’s supply chain law aiding accountability efforts.
- RWE denies claims, calling it a policy shift, while Pakistani unions support the lawsuit as a justice campaign for climate victims.
Historic March heatwave in US west shatters high-temperature records
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- US Southwest (Calif., Nev., Ariz.) hit 25-35°F above normal, with record March temps and heat alerts. NWS warns of extreme risks and shattered daily records.
- Phoenix set March record for overnight low 69°F, with daytime highs expected to hit 105°F. NWS says 105°F days are rare, last seen 40 years ago.
- National parks (White Sands, Grand Canyon) under extreme heat warnings; trails closed, hiking advised to avoid 10am-4pm.
- Heatwave to persist through Sunday, with NWS predicting 10°F record breaks. Cooling expected next week, with LA temps dropping to 80°F.
NSW will continue to green-light coalmine expansions – ignoring a warning from its own climate agency
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- NSW Labor government allows coal mine expansions but rejects new greenfield projects, citing balance between energy security and emissions targets.
- Net Zero Commission warned coal expansions conflict with emissions goals, but government defends strategy as market-driven.
- Critics argue policy ignores community impacts and methane pollution, with EPA rules to curb emissions facing backlash for being diluted.
- Coal remains key to NSW economy, though global demand is declining, with calls for phased-out support and cleaner energy transition.
Desperate for food drought-stricken Kenyans turn to the gingerbread tree
Source: BBC News – World
·
- **Drought devastates Turkana**: Lotkoy Ebey lost 45 goats as pasture dried up; rains are uneven and insufficient to reverse two failed seasons, worsening food and water shortages.
- **Regional crisis escalates**: 26 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia face extreme hunger; Turkana’s dry riverbeds and barren grazing lands highlight severe livestock and food losses.
- **Desperation drives survival**: Communities rely on dangerous wild fruits and scavenging; aid has dwindled, leaving families like Ebey’s to endure hunger with no immediate relief.
- **Limited response efforts**: Authorities acknowledge urgent needs, but resources are scarce; agencies like the Red Cross and UN are struggling to meet demands amid delayed rainfall and stretched supplies.
US states file lawsuit challenging Trump’s revocation of climate finding
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Trump's administration revoked the 2009 "endangerment finding," a key basis for climate regulations.
- 23 states, cities, and groups sued, arguing it harms public health and undermines environmental protections.
- The move was criticized as a major deregulatory action favoring fossil fuels over climate action.
- Legal challenges seek to reinstate the finding, citing risks to health, costs, and avoidable deaths.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle poised to hit far north Queensland as ‘high-end’ category four storm
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Cyclone Narelle weakened to Category 2 after landfalling in Queensland as a Category 4 storm, with destructive winds up to 150 km/h and a second landfall expected in the NT on Saturday/Sunday.
- Queensland Premier praised limited damage as “incredibly good news,” though reports of roof losses, fallen trees, and flooding were noted.
- Climate change fueled Narelle’s intensity via record-high ocean temperatures, risking further flooding in already-saturated NT regions.
- Authorities warned of combined threats: strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and coastal inundation due to rising sea levels and high tides.
Iran’s strike on Qatar gas facility will reduce supply for 3 to 5 years
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Iran's strike on Qatar's gas facility will cut 17% of LNG exports for up to five years, officials say.
- Damage could disrupt global energy supplies, affecting Europe, Asia, and beyond.
- The attack is a major blow to the global energy market, reducing Qatar's export capacity.
- Officials estimate the impact will last 3–5 years, impacting key energy markets.
Nuclear's cleanup cost threatens the expansion dream
Source: Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
·
- Countries are racing to build new nuclear reactors but face massive challenges decommissioning old ones, with Lubmin in Germany costing €10 billion and expected to finish in 2040s.
- Decommissioning involves complex, slow processes like removing radioactive materials, decontaminating structures, and managing waste, often exceeding initial budgets.
- Global decommissioning costs could reach trillions, burdening taxpayers, due to factors like contamination, storage gaps, and outdated safety standards.
- Only two countries have permanent nuclear waste storage, highlighting urgent infrastructure needs as reactors worldwide approach retirement.
Why Iran’s Attack on an Energy Hub in Qatar Spooked Investors
Source: The New York Times – World
·
- Attack on Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG plant caused global oil/gas prices to spike, raising fears of deepening Middle East war's impact on energy crisis.
- Qatar blames Iran for attack following Israeli strike on South Pars gas field; damage unclear but spooked investors, with repairs taking months.
- Ras Laffan, Qatar's key LNG facility, supplies ~20% of global LNG and underpins its status as a major energy exporter.
- Damage to Ras Laffan could disrupt global energy markets, threatening stability and supply chains.
Why the world doesn’t recycle more nuclear waste
Source: MIT Technology Review
·
- Spent fuel reprocessing is complex, costly, and not fully effective, with France leading global efforts via the La Hague plant using PUREX to extract uranium and plutonium.
- Reprocessing reduces waste volume but faces challenges like MOX fuel’s high heat output and contaminated uranium separation, complicating geological storage.
- France prioritizes energy independence through reprocessing, despite economic costs, while uranium supply isn’t limited, making recycling less economically viable.
- Japan’s delayed reprocessing plant and emerging advanced tech may reshape future nuclear waste management, though long-term research is needed for broader adoption.
Could Iran war trigger the next global food shock?
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Iran war disrupts global supply chains, impacting energy and food sectors as Strait of Hormuz blockage strains logistics.
- Supply chain strain raises costs for factories and supermarket goods worldwide, affecting businesses and consumers.
- UN warns 45 million more could face acute hunger, pushing global total above 319 million.
- Prolonged Iran conflict escalates global economic pressure, worsening food and energy crises for millions.
Iran war escalation sets key gas sites, and the world's energy prices, ablaze
Source: NBC News – World
·
- Israel attacked Iran's South Pars gas field, triggering retaliation against Gulf energy sites, risking global economic shocks via soaring energy prices and shortages.
- Leaders urged a moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure, while U.S. considers easing sanctions to stabilize oil prices amid escalating tensions.
- Oil prices spiked to over $119/barrel; experts warn long-term damage to infrastructure may keep prices elevated, altering market expectations.
- Iran bombed Qatar's LNG facilities and Saudi/Kuwaiti refineries, causing significant damage; Qatar faces potential contract voids and prolonged recovery.
Get Ready for a Year of Chaotic Weather in the US
Source: Wired
·
- 2025 saw fewer climate disasters in the U.S., but a record-breaking West heatwave is expected, breaking temperature records and worsening drought conditions.
- Prolonged heatwave threatens snowpack, critical for Western water supply, risking severe impacts on rivers like the Colorado and fire season.
- A strong El Niño is likely, potentially causing extreme weather shifts, including wetter conditions in the Southwest but increased wildfire risks from dry thunderstorms.
- Human-driven climate change amplifies natural events like El Niño, heightening heat and drought impacts, and straining water rights negotiations in drought-affected regions.
Blooming marvellous: Tokyo’s cherry blossom season officially begins
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Cherry blossoms bloomed five days earlier than average, possibly due to low rainfall and extended winter sunshine.
- Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the bloom, noting it’s the most common Somei Yoshino variety.
- Officials theatrically counted blossoms in front of spectators to officially mark the event.
- Broadcasters highlighted the bloom since Thursday, drawing public attention to the seasonal phenomenon.
‘Eerily silent’: Cape York residents batten down the hatches ahead of Tropical Cyclone Narelle’s arrival
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Residents in Coen, QLD, prepared for a potential category 5 cyclone by sandbagging, stockpiling food, and readying for power outages and communication blackouts.
- Coen lacks purpose-built shelters; residents face risks due to aging buildings and calm-before-the-storm conditions.
- Lockhart River community, with prior cyclone experience, removed debris and ensured safe sheltering despite no dedicated cyclone shelters.
- Cooktown coordinated evacuations, urging boat owners to secure vessels or seek shelter as the storm approached.
The Weather Is Getting Wilder, and Some See a Dire Signal in the Data
Source: The New York Times – World
·
- Climate change acceleration debated, with new research showing warming rate nearly doubled in last decade.
- Scientists agree extreme weather impacts are intensifying faster than models predicted, including storms, ocean warming, and ice melt.
- Michael Mann highlights key impacts like extreme weather, hurricane intensification, and sea level rise exceed model predictions.
- US faced extreme heat, blizzards, and severe storms, showing accelerating weather patterns even in winter.
Prolonged Iran war could have ‘serious’ impact on food prices, says UN’s FAO
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Middle East war disrupts global oil and agriculture, impacting spring planting in countries like China.
- Crisis escalation risks higher fertiliser prices, worsening food costs worldwide.
- Fertiliser prices projected 15-20% above normal if conflict persists.
- Persian Gulf nations (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman) supply 30-35% of urea and 20-30% of ammonia globally.
Delhi-NCR hit by sudden rainstorm, yellow alert issued — what to expect today
Source: Times of India – World
·
- TOI City Desk is a dedicated team reporting on urban life, governance, culture, and local issues across Indian cities.
- They provide real-time updates on city developments, ensuring readers stay connected to urban happenings.
- The team focuses on delivering comprehensive, timely news to inform and engage readers about cityscapes.
- TOI City Desk is a trusted source for local stories shaping urban experiences and governance in India.
Call for review over how Hong Kong manages wild boars and buffaloes
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Activists urge Hong Kong to revise culling policies and adopt measures like animal bridges to reduce human-wildlife conflict after recent boar and buffalo incidents.
- Urban expansion, including the Northern Metropolis project, is eroding wildlife habitats, worsening human-wildlife clashes and endangering animals.
- Authorities euthanized eight wild boars in a residential area and a buffalo hit by a car, highlighting inadequate urban planning and road safety for wildlife.
- The 2021 shift to euthanasia over relocation sparked debate, while lack of safe wildlife crossings on roads remains a critical issue.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle to make landfall in far north Qld on Friday as category four storm, bringing 200km/h winds
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, now Category 5, is expected to hit far north Queensland Friday morning with 250km/h winds, marking the first Category 5 storm in Cape York since 1899.
- Evacuations, school closures, and emergency preparations are underway as the storm threatens widespread damage, flash flooding, and power outages.
- Warmer Coral Sea temperatures and favorable winds fueled rapid intensification, making Narelle one of the strongest systems in living memory for affected regions.
- The storm will cross the Gulf of Carpentaria and Top End, potentially making a third landfall next week, with historical comparisons to past Category 5 storms like Yasi and Marcia.
Fears of early summer recede, wet spells likely in North till March-end
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Heatwave in March threatened early, prolonged summer in north India.
- Rising temperatures halted, easing summer concerns.
- North India faces delayed summer season impact.
- Climate shifts may influence regional weather patterns.
Australia news live: Cyclone Narelle builds to category four storm as it nears Queensland coast; Iranian footballers arrive home
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- **Cyclone Narelle** now a category 5 storm, expected to hit Queensland 3 hours earlier with wind gusts up to 295km/h, causing severe structural damage.
- **Australia’s growth forecasts** downgraded, with fuel prices and global supply chain issues highlighted as key economic risks.
- **Unemployment rose** to 4.3% in February, while legionnaires’ disease and fuel price investigations added to public health and regulatory concerns.
- **Bradley Murdoch** refused to reveal Falconio’s body location during his final hospital visit, while a plane crash in WA left one injured.
Damaged Russian tanker carrying natural gas floats into Libyan waters
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Damaged Russian tanker, part of a "shadow fleet" to evade sanctions, drifted into Libyan waters after a suspected drone attack, posing ecological risks.
- Italy, France, Malta, Spain, Greece, Cyprus warned EU Commission of "imminent" ecological disaster due to vessel's drift.
- Italian agency reports 90 tonnes of oil and LNG onboard, risking sea contamination and gas dispersion.
- Russia claims attack by Ukrainian drones from Libya, but denies involvement in resolving the crisis.
Forty years after the last one was poached rhinos are back in the wild in Uganda
Source: BBC News – World
·
- Rhinos return to Uganda's Kidepo Valley after 40 years, with two southern white rhinos reintroduced as part of a population restoration plan.
- Poaching eradicated rhinos in Kidepo by 1983, leading to their extinction in Uganda; UWA aims to revive the species.
- A secure sanctuary with fencing, monitoring, and ranger facilities is in place to protect the rhinos.
- Poaching remains a threat, driven by demand for rhino horns in Asia, despite legal efforts to combat illegal trade.
England should give over 7% of land to nature and renewables to meet environmental targets, data shows
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- UK's first land use framework allocates 7% of England’s land (≈2.5x Cornwall) to nature, forests, and renewables to meet environmental targets, balancing food production and housing.
- Housing near train stations will get a "default yes," with flood mitigation features required; farmers may shift to forestry/wetlands via incentives, not coercion.
- Framework prioritizes peatland restoration, multi-use land (e.g., grazing with renewables), urban nature reserves, and updated agricultural land classifications.
- Emphasizes food security, safeguarding productive farmland, and integrating nature recovery with housing/energy planning under climate resilience goals.
An Abandoned Russian Tanker Is Drifting at Sea. Will Anyone Stop It?
Source: The New York Times – World
·
- Russian tanker *Arctic Metagaz* drifted after a drone attack in March, with a damaged hull posing an environmental threat to the Mediterranean.
- No country has acted to secure the vessel, as it lies beyond national waters and lacks clear responsibility.
- Russia blames Ukraine for the attack, while EU nations urge coordination to prevent a major ecological disaster.
- The ship, part of Russia’s shadow fleet, carries 700 tons of fuel and LNG, drifting near Libya amid unresolved risks.
Global EV uptake expected to accelerate as Iran war causes worldwide petrol price hikes
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- China’s EV sales exceeded 50% in 2025, potentially saving $28B annually on oil imports at $80/barrel.
- EVs are cost-competitive with petrol cars, offering stability against oil price volatility.
- Europe’s 26% EV penetration in 2025 could save ~$8B yearly on oil imports.
- Report emphasizes EVs as a strategic choice for reducing energy import risks and costs.
China to help Cuba with solar energy amid US oil blockade and total power outage
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- China will intensify support for Cuba’s energy crisis, aiding 10.9 million without power through renewable projects.
- Ambassador Hua emphasized Latin America’s sovereignty, rejecting the notion of it being a geopolitical backyard.
- 5,000 solar kits and 49 solar parks are being developed, with more planned by 2028.
- Cuba’s solar power output surged from 5.8% to over 20% of total generation this year.
Not just energy: How the Iran war could trigger a global food crisis
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Fertiliser shortages threaten global food security due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions, impacting 20% of world oil and gas trade, which also routes key fertiliser exports.
- Gulf fertiliser plants face shutdowns or reduced output, with Qatar, India, Bangladesh, and the US experiencing supply cuts and price surges (up 40% for urea).
- Asian nations like India, Brazil, and China rely heavily on Gulf fertiliser exports, critical for their major crops, risking reduced yields and food shortages.
- Disruption during spring planting season exacerbates risks, with potential price hikes and supply gaps threatening global food stability amid prior shortages from Ukraine and China’s export controls.
Kenya’s ‘drought amid plenty’
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Kenya faces drought despite recent rains, highlighting a paradox of 'drought amid plenty'.
- Northern regions, including Turkana, remain parched with limited relief.
- Reporter Catherine Soi covers the crisis from Turkana.
- Article by Al Jazeera English highlights regional disparity in rainfall.
Hong Kong to test new campsite booking system amid overcrowding, litter concerns
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- 32 people, mostly non-locals, prosecuted for littering in Sai Kung parks during Chinese New Year.
- Hong Kong plans to trial campsite bookings and fees by October to reduce overcrowding and litter.
- Greenpeace urged long-term solutions after overtourism caused campsite capacity to exceed ninefold.
- Pilot schemes aim to test management methods and inform future long-term strategies for country parks.
As War Chokes Natural Gas Supply, Asia Turns Back to Coal
Source: The New York Times – World
·
- Middle East war disrupts LNG supplies, reducing global supply by 20% and threatening Asia’s energy networks.
- Asian nations like Japan and Thailand are shifting to coal due to shortages and soaring LNG prices.
- LNG’s role as a bridge fuel is undermined as demand for coal rises amid energy insecurity.
- Shell forecasts Asia to drive 85% of global LNG demand growth by 2050, up from 422 million tons in 2025.
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