IMD issues fresh heatwave alert for Mumbai on Friday and Saturday
Times of India – World
· India
Mumbai braces for another heatwave as the India Meteorological Department issued a warning for Friday and Saturday, following three days of intense heat earlie…
Kerosene, coal return as cooking options as energy supplies from West Asia remain disrupted
Times of India – World
· India
Petroleum ministry officials said that the govt has allocated 48,000 kilolitres (kl) of additional kerosene to states, in addition to the regular quota of one …
Iran war: Experts warns bombing oil infrastructure in Iran to leave lasting environmental damage
Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
· Europe
The fallout from fighting in the Middle East, from burning oil refineries to sunken ships, threatens lasting repercussions for the health of the region's peopl…
Jalaun’s handmade paper: Fabric waste, GI craft, and distant markets
Your Story
· India
In Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district, the town of Kalpi has built a distinctive handmade paper industry where discarded fabric waste is turned into thick
Germany to adjust heating law to allow fossil fuels
Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
· Europe
Fossil fuel prices are rising in response to global conflicts and military actions. Still, Germany is revising its policy for heating private homes to focus le…
Welsh Water to pay £44.7m after ‘unacceptable’ sewage works failings
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Proposed package comes after regulator finds ‘serious and unacceptable breaches’ in how company operatesWelsh Water is to pay a proposed £44.7m after the indus…
Ant smuggling rises in Kenya as Chinese national caught with 2,238 insects at airport
South China Morning Post – World
· China
A man was arrested with more than 2,200 live garden ants in his luggage at Nairobi’s main airport this week amid a rise in cases of smuggling of the insects…
How the Iran war could trigger a fresh food crisis
Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
· Europe
The Iran conflict is driving up energy and fertilizer costs, raising alarms over a return of food inflation. Farmers are bracing for resource shortages that co…
‘Beggars belief’: calls for federal intervention after extension to ‘carbon bomb’ open-cut coalmine approved by Queensland government
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Hail Creek is responsible for about 20% of Australia’s coalmine methane, while only producing 1% of the country’s coalFollow our Australia news live blog for l…
Why Indonesia’s waste-to-energy goal may not be ‘quick fix’ for landfill crisis
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Indonesia’s appointment of two Chinese companies to run waste-to-energy (WtE) projects in two cities, an initiative of President Prabowo Subianto to reduce mou…
Quit fossil fuels to stem deadly floods in Brazil’s coffee heartland, say scientists
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Global heating linked to rising risk of extreme rain that causes devastating landslides and rising coffee pricesThe record floods that have brought death and d…
The scale of northern Australia’s record-breaking floods revealed in data and maps
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Some river levels are still increasing after parts of Queensland recorded their highest three-day rainfall totalsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest…
Arctic sea ice heading for one of lowest winter peaks on record: Report
Times of India – World
· India
Arctic sea ice is nearing a historic low winter peak. This trend signals accelerating global warming. The shrinking ice threatens polar ecosystems and wildlife…
Australian governments subsidising fossil fuel use by more than $30,000 a minute, analysis finds
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Australia Institute data finds state and federal subsidies for coal, gas and oil products increased 10% in past year, growing at a faster pace than funding to …
Reaching net zero by 2050 ‘cheaper for UK than one fossil fuel crisis’
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Climate change committee finds move to renewable energy would also bring health, economic and security benefitsAchieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050 will …
Sale of rat poisons could be restricted to protect Australian wildlife
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Regulator recommends rodenticides be removed from Bunnings and supermarkets shelves and sold only to licensed professionalsFollow our Australia news live blog …
15 years after Fukushima disaster, Japan struggles with rising maintenance costs
South China Morning Post – World
· China
Japan on Wednesday marked 15 years since a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck the country’s northeastern areas, triggering the world’s worst nuclear dis…
Hawaii braces for powerful kona storm bringing heavy rain and strong winds
The Guardian – World
· Europe
State’s governor declared emergency as islands face extreme weather and Big Island volcano Kilauea eruptsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newslett…
‘My lovely distraction’: live stream of kākāpō – world’s fattest parrot – and her chicks captivates New Zealand
The Guardian – World
· Europe
More than 100,000 people have tuned in to watch ‘kākāpō cam’, which captures a rare flightless bird sleeping, tidying her nest and fighting off intrudersOn an …
El Nino may hit India's monsoon, hotter months ahead, says WMO
Times of India – World
· India
- Vishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at *The Times of India*, specializing in environment, climate change, agriculture, and clean energy policy.
- He tracks India…
Musk’s xAI wins permit for data center’s makeshift power plant despite backlash
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Billionaire’s artificial intelligence company gets approval to run 41 methane gas turbines at its ‘Colossus 2’ in MississippiElon Musk’s artificial intelligenc…
Hundreds of homes in Bundaberg at flood risk as river forecast to peak at 7.6 metres
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Thousands of residents in Queensland regional hub could be isolated for days after Burnett River burst its banksGet our breaking news email, free app or daily…
WHO warns of toxic ‘black rain’ in Iran after strikes on oil facilities
South China Morning Post – World
· China
The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday that the “black rain” and toxic compounds in the air in Iran after strikes on oil facilities could cause respir…
Villagers on Principe, the ‘African Galapagos’, to be paid for protecting the ecosystem
The Guardian – World
· Europe
A billionaire is funding a sustainable development project on the west African island that makes the local population stewards of its futureAt the crumbling co…
Musk’s xAI wants to build power plant in Mississippi but why residents are not happy
Times of India – World
· India
Elon Musk's xAI faces local opposition in Southaven, Mississippi, over plans for a natural-gas-burning power plant to fuel its data centers. Residents cite noi…
Death Valley bursts into superbloom for first time in a decade
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Travelers are flocking to the famously arid desert covered in a blanket of pink, purple and yellow wildflowers After a winter of record rainfall, a superbloom …
Millions in England to pay higher water bills after suppliers appeal
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Anglian, Southern, Wessex and South East allowed to raise charges more than originally permitted by watchdogBusiness live – latest updatesMillions of household…
Cancer Haunts Neighbors of Canada’s Oil Sands Wastelands
The New York Times – World
· US
Though high rates of the disease persist among the nearby Indigenous communities, the Canadian government is weighing rules that may allow energy giants to rel…
The company said it will use the newly-raised funds to scale its international technology business, expand domestic market share and deepen its presence across…
Testing the waters: can pumping chemicals into the ocean help stop global heating?
The Guardian – World
· Europe
To some it was a reckless experiment but scientists hope the dispersal of 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine could ease the climate crisi…
Bombing of Iran’s oil infrastructure to have major environmental fallout, experts warn
The Guardian – World
· Europe
Monitors admit they are struggling to keep track of the environmental disasters arising from widening warIsrael’s bombing of Iran’s oil infrastructure will hav…
Bundaberg residents told to evacuate immediately as parts of Queensland brace for major flooding
The Guardian – World
· Europe
The BoM has forecast flooding of the Burnett River at Bundaberg could rise to 7.5 metres by midnightFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesSign …
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IMD issues fresh heatwave alert for Mumbai on Friday and Saturday
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Richa Pinto is a special correspondent at The Times of India, focusing on urban governance and climate change.
- She has over a decade of experience reporting on civic issues affecting Mumbaikars.
- Graduated in journalism from St Xavier's College and holds a Law degree from the University of Mumbai.
- Actively tweets about Mumbai-related topics on @richapintoi.
Kerosene, coal return as cooking options as energy supplies from West Asia remain disrupted
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with 27+ years in journalism, based in Delhi.
- Specializes in governance, public policy, politics with data-driven, impactful reporting.
- Recognized for investigative depth and human-interest narratives bringing clarity to complex issues.
- Currently tracks energy sector, covering power, renewables, coal, and mines.
Iran war: Experts warns bombing oil infrastructure in Iran to leave lasting environmental damage
Source: Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
·
- Attacks on oil and military sites in the Middle East risk long-term environmental contamination, including toxic pollutants and persistent chemicals like TNT.
- "Black rain" and air pollution from fires in Tehran caused respiratory issues, highlighting health risks from toxic emissions.
- Sunken ships and oil spills, such as the Iranian frigate leaking oil off Sri Lanka, threaten marine ecosystems and coastal areas.
- Warfare generates massive carbon emissions, with military activities contributing 5.5% of global emissions, yet excluded from climate reporting.
Jalaun’s handmade paper: Fabric waste, GI craft, and distant markets
Source: Your Story
·
- Kalpi’s handmade paper industry transforms fabric waste into products like diaries, bags, and packaging, supporting local livelihoods.
- Women and workers drive production, sorting waste, making pulp, and crafting sheets in small factories and workshops.
- The craft received a GI tag and ODOP recognition, providing subsidies, market access, and exhibitions to boost visibility.
- Domestic and international trade networks, including Delhi markets and exports to Australia, Canada, and Japan, expand its reach.
How much of the Gulf’s water comes from desalination plants?
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Gulf states produce 40% of global desalinated water via 400+ plants, critical for 62M people in arid regions with scarce natural freshwater.
- Recent strikes and drone attacks highlight vulnerability of desalination infrastructure, disrupting water supply to 30 villages and causing damage.
- Desalination meets 61% of Qatar’s water needs (99% for drinking) and 59% of Bahrain’s, reflecting heavy reliance in the region.
- Thermal distillation and reverse osmosis are primary methods, with Saudi Arabia producing 3B cubic meters annually, the most in the Gulf.
Germany to adjust heating law to allow fossil fuels
Source: Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
·
- Germany revises heating policy to allow oil/gas with climate fuels, sparking climate protests despite rising fossil fuel prices.
- New law (GMG) permits gas/oil heating with renewable blends, reversing previous 65% renewable mandate, with SPD pushing for tenant protections.
- Environmental groups criticize delayed renewable expansion, citing geopolitical risks and fossil fuel scarcity amid rising costs.
- Debate centers on state control vs. personal choice in heating, with critics warning new measures may increase emissions and delay climate action.
Welsh Water to pay £44.7m after ‘unacceptable’ sewage works failings
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Welsh Water fined £44.7m for "serious and unacceptable" breaches in sewage network maintenance and oversight, per Ofwat.
- Enforcement includes £40.6m to reduce spills and £4.1m for river quality, marking one of the largest water company fines.
- NRW found Welsh Water responsible for record sewage pollution incidents, with 42% rise in incidents over a decade.
- Ofwat’s sector-wide investigation totals over £300m in fines, while Wales plans a new water watchdog and stricter regulations.
Google is using old news reports and AI to predict flash floods
Source: TechCrunch
·
- Google uses news articles and Gemini to create "Groundsource," a dataset of 2.6M flood reports, improving flash flood prediction in 150 countries.
- LSTM models trained on Groundsource now assess flood risks via Flood Hub, aiding emergency responses globally.
- Model has low resolution and lacks local radar data, but targets regions without weather infrastructure.
- Project aims to apply LLMs to other weather phenomena like heatwaves, addressing data scarcity in geophysics.
Ant smuggling rises in Kenya as Chinese national caught with 2,238 insects at airport
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Man arrested for smuggling 2,200 live garden ants at Nairobi airport, part of a rising ant-smuggling trend.
- Organized network threatens Kenya’s biodiversity by trafficking ants for ecological and hobbyist value.
- Ants are prized for their social behaviors, kept in formicariums by enthusiasts.
- Shift in biopiracy from ivory to lesser-known species like ants, highlighted by recent legal cases.
At least 64 killed, dozens reported missing in Ethiopia landslides, floods
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Landslides and flooding in Ethiopia's Gamo Zone killed at least 64, with 128 missing, as bodies were found buried in mud.
- Rescue teams pulled one survivor from mud, while officials urged residents to evacuate flood-prone areas.
- Heavy rains linked to the rainy season caused widespread disasters, including a 2024 mudslide killing over 250.
- Climate change is increasing extreme weather risks, with East Africa experiencing more severe floods and droughts.
Death toll from Ethiopia floods and landslides rises to more than 60
Source: BBC News – World
·
- **Floods and landslides in Ethiopia’s Gamo Zone killed at least 102 people, with death toll rising from 30 to 64 in 24 hours; dozens remain missing.**
- **Heavy rains triggered disasters in East Africa, including Kenya, linked to intensifying storms due to climate change.**
- **Infrastructure damage, blocked roads, and flooded bridges worsen crisis; officials warn of ongoing risks.**
- **Climate change studies show rising extreme weather in East Africa, with a 2024 landslide killing 229 in neighboring Geze Gofa Zone.**
How the Iran war could trigger a fresh food crisis
Source: Deutsche Welle (DW) – World
·
- Iran's closure of Hormuz disrupts fertilizer supply, raising costs by up to 30% and threatening global food security.
- Fertilizer shortages risk lower harvests, with farmers shifting crops or reducing use due to higher input costs.
- Gulf nations supply 20% of global fertilizers; a 30-day Hormuz closure could trigger shortages for key crops.
- Soaring energy prices and oil costs exacerbate food inflation, disproportionately affecting import-dependent countries.
‘Beggars belief’: calls for federal intervention after extension to ‘carbon bomb’ open-cut coalmine approved by Queensland government
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Hail Creek coalmine, Australia’s top methane emitter (20% of coalmine methane), approved for expansion despite producing just 1% of the country’s coal.
- Expansion threatens 600 hectares of nationally significant koala habitat, with state officials downplaying ecological and climate risks.
- Environmental groups condemn the project as a “carbon bomb,” citing methane’s 80x potency and risks to climate goals and wildlife.
- Federal government now reviews the project under national laws, with Glencore pledging emission-reduction measures.
Why Indonesia’s waste-to-energy goal may not be ‘quick fix’ for landfill crisis
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Danantara selects Wangneng and Zhejiang Weiming to operate WtE plants in Bekasi and Denpasar.
- Critics question potential costs to cities and environment despite billions in investment.
- Over 200 foreign bidders competed, with 24 shortlisted, including firms from China, Japan, and France.
- Danantara emphasizes high standards for operational reliability, safety, and accountability.
Quit fossil fuels to stem deadly floods in Brazil’s coffee heartland, say scientists
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Global heating intensifies extreme rains in Brazil, causing deadly landslides and displacement, linked to fossil fuel use.
- Study shows rainfall severity could rise 7% with 2.6°C warming, worsening flood risks in vulnerable regions.
- Coffee prices surge globally due to reduced harvests and disease outbreaks from extreme weather in Brazil.
- Scientists urge rapid emission cuts, improved urban planning, and disaster preparedness to mitigate climate impacts.
The scale of northern Australia’s record-breaking floods revealed in data and maps
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- **Major flooding** in northern Australia after record rainfall, with river levels still rising in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
- **Over 90 monitoring stations** in NSW, NT, and Queensland show major or moderate flooding, with some rivers not yet peaking.
- **Katherine and Daly Rivers** face severe impacts, including evacuations, wastewater risks, and property damage; Burnett River caused widespread inundation.
- **2025-26 summer** was Australia’s wettest in nearly a decade, with record rainfall in NT and Queensland, exacerbating flood risks.
Why Namibia's green energy dream could be a red flag for penguins
Source: BBC News – World
·
- **Hydrogen facility proposed in Namibia's Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park** to boost green energy exports, but faces opposition over risks to rare flora, succulents, and endangered African penguins.
- **Conservationists label project "red hydrogen"** due to biodiversity threats, citing historical protection of the park and its unique ecosystems since German colonial times.
- **Economic benefits include 15,000 jobs** and $10bn investment, though activists question long-term impacts and lack of local engagement, including historical sites like Shark Island.
- **Hyphen claims minimal environmental impact** via assessments and renewable energy use, but critics accuse Germany of double standards in supporting the project abroad.
Arctic sea ice heading for one of lowest winter peaks on record: Report
Source: Times of India – World
·
- TOI World Desk's team provides global news with accuracy, depth, and timeliness.
- Focuses on diverse perspectives to inform readers about international affairs.
- Dedicated to delivering nuanced understanding of global events.
- Explores stories shaping interconnected world through continuous coverage.
Australian governments subsidising fossil fuel use by more than $30,000 a minute, analysis finds
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Australia's fossil fuel subsidies rose 10% to $16.3bn in 2025-26, outpacing NDIS funding growth (7.6%).
- Fuel tax credits, costing $10.8bn, refund businesses on diesel use, benefiting mining and transport sectors.
- Subsidies disproportionately favor large miners, with coal firms set to receive over $1bn annually.
- Critics urge phasing out subsidies to align with global climate goals and reduce fossil fuel reliance.
The ‘orphan pearl’: Inside Kharg, the beating heart of Iran’s oil empire
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Kharg Island, Iran’s "Forbidden Island," processes 90% of the country’s crude exports, vital for global oil trade and Strait of Hormuz security.
- U.S. bombed the island in 2025 amid tensions, with Trump warning of potential strikes if Iran disrupts shipping in the strait.
- Strategically located, the island hosts deep-water terminals, serving China as the top importer, and supports Iran’s energy infrastructure.
- Rich in ancient history, it features Elamite, Achaemenid ruins, shrines, and a diverse religious cemetery, hidden beneath modern industrial facilities.
Reaching net zero by 2050 ‘cheaper for UK than one fossil fuel crisis’
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- CCC finds net zero by 2050 cheaper than oil shocks, offering health, economic, and security benefits via renewables.
- Estimated cost: £4bn/year or £100bn by 2050, countering £9tn claims; includes NHS savings and £130bn climate impact savings.
- Transition reduces fossil fuel reliance, boosting energy security and protecting against future price shocks and climate impacts.
- Despite political opposition, CCC highlights renewable energy's economic and environmental benefits; government to respond to carbon budget.
Sale of rat poisons could be restricted to protect Australian wildlife
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Federal regulator recommends restricting rodenticides, limiting sales to licensed professionals to protect wildlife.
- SGARs pose risks to native animals like quolls and owls, leading to wildlife deaths from poisoned prey.
- New rules: no outdoor use, 35-day limits, secure storage, and mandatory user instructions.
- Conservationists welcome the move, while retailers assess impacts and explore alternatives.
15 years after Fukushima disaster, Japan struggles with rising maintenance costs
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- Total costs for public housing and sea walls in Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima exceed $923.7 million.
- Disasters caused 15,901 deaths, with 2,519 still missing as of late February.
- Most missing individuals are from Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate prefectures.
- National Police Agency provided the latest death and missing figures.
Hawaii braces for powerful kona storm bringing heavy rain and strong winds
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Governor declares emergency as Hawaii faces extreme weather, including heavy rain, flooding, and storm surges, with a "kona storm" expected to hit islands Tuesday.
- Kilauea erupts on Big Island, producing 1,000ft lava fountains and ash, prompting closures and warnings for tephra-related hazards.
- State issues flood watch, urging residents to prepare evacuation routes and shelters amid potential 20in+ rainfall and severe weather.
- Combined storm and volcanic activity force park closures, road restrictions, and shelter openings for impacted communities.
‘My lovely distraction’: live stream of kākāpō – world’s fattest parrot – and her chicks captivates New Zealand
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Over 100,000 global viewers watched Rakiura, a kākāpō, care for her chick via live cam, with fans actively discussing her progress in a dedicated forum.
- The kākāpō’s breeding season marks a recovery milestone, with 57 chicks hatched and hopes for a record year due to abundant rimu berry fruiting.
- Conservationists shifted from individual to population recovery, reducing direct intervention while monitoring nests to boost chick survival.
- Public fascination with the birds’ quirky traits and endangered status highlights their role as a symbol of conservation success and global engagement.
El Nino may hit India's monsoon, hotter months ahead, says WMO
Source: Times of India – World
·
- Vishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at *The Times of India*, specializing in environment, climate change, agriculture, and clean energy policy.
- He tracks India’s domestic and global climate diplomacy, focusing on policy shaping through Parliament since 2003.
- Previously covered internal security and investigative agencies for over a decade before shifting to sustainable development.
- His work bridges political analysis with sustainable development, highlighting India’s role in climate governance.
Musk’s xAI wins permit for data center’s makeshift power plant despite backlash
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- xAI approved to operate 41 methane gas turbines at Mississippi’s Colossus 2 datacenter, doubling its current capacity to power AI supercomputers.
- Public backlash highlights environmental and health risks, with critics accusing regulators of ignoring community concerns and rushing approvals.
- Pollutants from turbines, like formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide, are linked to asthma, heart issues, and cancer, worsening already poor air quality in the region.
- xAI’s expansion faces legal challenges and environmental scrutiny, with critics calling it a rushed industrial surge harming residential areas.
Hundreds of homes in Bundaberg at flood risk as river forecast to peak at 7.6 metres
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Bundaberg faces severe flooding after Burnett River breached banks, impacting hundreds of homes and businesses, with 2,000 without power and 197 evacuated.
- Mayor warns full damage assessment will take weeks, with bridges closed, isolating 10,000 residents and river levels near peak.
- Rescue operations saved two people; 1,200 cattle and 1,000km of fences lost, while Darwin faces water shortages and boil alerts.
- Widespread flooding across northern Australia linked to climate change, with record rainfall and prolonged flood risks in NT communities.
WHO warns of toxic ‘black rain’ in Iran after strikes on oil facilities
Source: South China Morning Post – World
·
- WHO warns oil-laden rain and toxic compounds in Iran’s air may cause respiratory issues, urging people to stay indoors.
- Strikes on Iran’s oil facilities triggered black smoke and acidic rain, worsening air quality.
- US-Israeli campaign targeting energy infrastructure intensified attacks on Iran’s domestic energy supplies.
- WHO spokesperson highlights black and acidic rain as significant health risks, particularly for respiratory health.
Villagers on Principe, the ‘African Galapagos’, to be paid for protecting the ecosystem
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Billionaire Mark Shuttleworth funds a sustainable project on Príncipe, offering quarterly dividends to villagers who protect the environment.
- The island, dubbed the "African Galapagos," faces deforestation threats, with unique biodiversity including newly discovered species.
- Project supports education, cacao revival, and financial literacy, with initial payments up to €816 to balance development and conservation.
- Local skepticism remains, with concerns about economic pressures and environmental compliance, though some see it as a transformative model.
Air strikes cause black rain and 'unprecedented' pollution in Tehran, scientists say
Source: BBC News – World
·
- Satellite images show smoke from oil facility strikes in Tehran, raising WHO health concerns due to toxic pollutants and potential long-term health risks.
- Unprecedented pollution mix from oil fires includes harmful chemicals, black rain, and soot, differing from typical urban smog.
- Health experts warn of severe respiratory and cancer risks, especially for vulnerable groups, with limited ground data complicating pollution assessments.
- Rain may disperse pollutants but risks persist via waterways or resuspension, while IDF denied strikes on identified sites.
Musk’s xAI wants to build power plant in Mississippi but why residents are not happy
Source: Times of India – World
·
- TOI Tech Desk delivers timely, relevant tech news to The Times of India readers, covering gadgets, trends, and digital impacts.
- Focus areas include AI, cybersecurity, social media platforms, and in-depth analysis of tech developments.
- Commitment to accuracy and authenticity in reporting breaking stories and exclusive insights.
- Expands coverage to how-tos, product launches, and industry-wide digital trends.
No snow, no ski season: Greenland’s warmest January shuts Nuuk resort
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Nuuk's record-breaking winter temperatures disrupted the ski season, with unprecedented snow shortages impacting local tourism.
- Greenland’s west coast experienced its warmest January on record, driven by climate change and jet stream shifts.
- Melting ice opens Arctic shipping routes, sparking geopolitical interest, including U.S. territorial claims over Greenland.
- Local ski operators face survival challenges without artificial snow, highlighting climate change’s impact on Arctic communities.
Death Valley bursts into superbloom for first time in a decade
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Superbloom in Death Valley, caused by record rainfall, covers desert in pink, purple, and yellow flowers.
- NPS defines superbloom as vibrant flower swaths at low elevations, typically sand/gravel/rock.
- Last superbloom in 2016; requires well-spaced rainfall and mild temps for perfect conditions.
- Low-elevation blooms until mid-March; higher elevations until June. Key flowers: desert gold, brown-eyed evening primrose, etc.
The Race to Stop Wildlife Trafficking in Africa
Source: The New York Times – World
·
- Nigeria's customs and conservationists combat a $20B illegal wildlife trade, rescuing gorillas like Bili from traffickers.
- The illicit market spans pangolins, elephants, and parrots, driven by demand for traditional medicines.
- Pangolin scales and rhino horn are falsely believed to have medicinal value, fueling their high prices.
- Nigerian authorities seized 38,000 pangolins' worth of scales, highlighting efforts to curb trafficking.
How to Responsibly Dispose of Your Electronics (2026)
Source: Wired
·
- **E-waste crisis**: Global e-waste hit 62 million metric tons in 2022, with only 22.3% recycled, leading to toxic landfills in developing countries.
- **Reuse/recycle options**: Donate, repurpose, or sell devices; buy refurbished gadgets; use platforms like Back Market or iFixit for repairs.
- **Data security**: Back up and erase sensitive data before disposal; use features like Samsung’s Maintenance Mode to block access.
- **Monetize old tech**: Sell via eBay, Swappa, or Gazelle; trade in for store credit; prioritize repair over recycling to maximize value.
Wildflowers blanket Death Valley in best display since 2016
Source: BBC News – World
·
- Death Valley's wildflower bloom is the best in a decade, officially classified as above-average on 22 February, surpassing 2016 levels.
- Unusually wet autumn (2.41in rain) and winter triggered seed germination, enabling root development for blooms.
- Key flowers include desert gold, brown-eyed primrose, and lupine, with low-elevation blooms lasting until March.
- NPS cautions against "superbloom" label, noting it’s more than average but fewer than past exceptional blooms (1998, 2005, 2016).
Climate tech startup Newtrace raises $6.3M in pre-Series A round
Source: Your Story
·
- Newtrace raised ₹56.93 crore in pre-Series A funding led by HDFC Bank and Mitsui Sumitomo, with support from Aavishkaar Capital and angel investors.
- The Bengaluru-based startup develops high-performance electrode tech for green hydrogen, aiming to scale manufacturing and reduce costs by 2027.
- Voltagen electrodes improve efficiency and durability, targeting the $1.4 trillion green hydrogen market by 2050, with initial deliveries expected in 12 months.
- Newtrace serves electrolyzer OEMs and industrial clients, focusing on scalable manufacturing to address global hydrogen cost barriers.
Millions in England to pay higher water bills after suppliers appeal
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Four UK water companies (Anglian, Southern, Wessex, South East) approved to raise bills by 1.7–3.7%, adding to existing 24% Ofwat-approved increase.
- £463m extra funding allowed for infrastructure, down from requested £2.7bn, balancing affordability and maintenance needs.
- Thames Water withdrew appeal due to debt; environment secretary faces political pressure over sewage scandal.
- Consumer complaints rise as bills climb, with Pennon facing penalties for storm-related operational failures.
Cancer Haunts Neighbors of Canada’s Oil Sands Wastelands
Source: The New York Times – World
·
- Canadian government considers allowing treated mining waste release into rivers, despite Indigenous communities' high disease rates.
- Oil sands operations upstream are linked to contamination, with toxic waste leaking into groundwater daily.
- Pollution risks extend beyond Fort Chipewyan, threatening Arctic ecosystems and global waterways.
- Scientists warn no safe exposure levels exist for certain carcinogens, and contaminants may persist in tailings.
AquaExchange raises $8M in Series B round
Source: Your Story
·
- AquaExchange raised $8M in Series B, led by Endiya Partners & Factor Analytics, with Accion Ventures and Ocean 14 Capital.
- Built full-stack tech ecosystem with IoT, AI/ML, real-time monitoring, embedded finance, and market linkages to digitize farming operations.
- Plans to scale international business, expand domestic market share, deepen aquaculture presence, and extend platform to agri-asset classes.
- Founded by Pavan Kosaraju et al., forecasts Rs 275 crore revenue in FY26 and EBITDA profitability. Funding aligns with rising global protein demand and declining wild fishing.
Gaza food prices soar as border closures deepen shortages amid Iran war
Source: Al Jazeera – News
·
- Families in Gaza rush to buy food as supplies dwindle and prices surge due to border closures and regional conflict.
- Border closures have drastically reduced aid shipments, causing shortages and soaring prices for staples like tomatoes and cucumbers.
- UN agencies warn that limited aid access risks reversing fragile food security gains and worsening humanitarian crises.
- Restricted crossings also strain healthcare and fuel supplies, with hospitals and waste collection services facing severe disruptions.
Testing the waters: can pumping chemicals into the ocean help stop global heating?
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Scientists released 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine to test ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), aiming to combat climate change and ocean acidification.
- The experiment showed carbon absorption and pH rise to preindustrial levels, with no harm to marine life, though results are preliminary and unpeer-reviewed.
- Critics warn of risks from large-scale OAE, while proponents argue it could help manage CO2 absorption if implemented responsibly and transparently.
- OAE startups seek carbon credits, but scaling requires stakeholder trust, rigorous research, and balancing environmental and economic interests.
Bombing of Iran’s oil infrastructure to have major environmental fallout, experts warn
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil facilities risk severe environmental and health impacts, including acid rain, toxic air, and long-term soil/water contamination.
- Black rain from explosions mixes soot, chemicals, and pollutants, causing respiratory issues and skin irritation, particularly in vulnerable groups.
- Monitoring environmental damage is challenging due to conflict, restricted access, and limited satellite data, risking underestimation of harm.
- Escalating regional attacks on oil infrastructure could trigger further retaliation, expanding environmental and public health risks.
Bundaberg residents told to evacuate immediately as parts of Queensland brace for major flooding
Source: The Guardian – World
·
- **Bundaberg flooding**: Burnett River could reach 7.5m by midnight, prompting immediate evacuations due to property inundation and isolation risks.
- **Tropical low impact**: Flooding in Northern Territory and Darwin, with Darwin River Dam shutdown and boil water alerts due to overflow.
- **Regional flood scale**: Over 15 Queensland rivers at major flood levels; record rainfall in northern Australia linked to a wettest summer in nearly a decade.
- **Government warnings**: PM urges flood avoidance, while emergency shelters and mental health support are prioritized for affected communities.
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