Experts grapple with scale of plastic pollution in oceans
10/08/2025
How can we adapt to the growing risk of wildfires?
Environment
10/08/2025
Southern Europe suffocates in deadly heat-fuelled wildfires
Environment
07/08/2025
'Wildfires in south of France becoming more widespread, challenging to manage over past 10-15 years'
Europe
07/08/2025
'Plastic pollution really begins when we're making plastics and extracting oil, gas from the ground'
Environment
06/08/2025
Failing to tackle climate change will mean more wildfires ahead
Environment
05/08/2025
Plastic pollution inextricably linked with numerous 'public health crises'
Environment
24/07/2025
Environment : Tracing Darwin's footsteps through modern ecological discovery
Environment
23/07/2025
Failing to protect the planet from climate change could violate international law
Environment
15/07/2025
'Whole range of factors: environmental, human and societal, contributing to worsening of disasters'
Environment
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France 24
2 days ago
- France 24
Keeping cool with colours -- Vienna museum paints asphalt to fight heat
Thanks to his collective's art work covering the black asphalt with a multitude of bright colours, the ground temperature has dropped from 31C to 20C. Initiated by the museum showing the private collection of late Austrian billionaire Heidi Horten, the project combines creativity, science and urban planning as Europe suffocates under the latest heatwave. "The childish tones reflect the lightness and inconsistency with which our society addresses this issue" of climate change, Griessler, 25, an artist with the Holla Hoop collective, told AFP. With more intense, longer and more frequent heatwaves a direct consequence of climate change according to scientists, European cities are trying to change their urban planning. Many have been opting for more greenery and also lighter paint that reflects solar rays, trying to avoid dark material, which retains heat. "We wanted to slightly improve the quality" of visitors' stays and "promote awareness," said curator Veronique Abpurg, happy that tourists are "attracted by this visually pleasing palette". While each coloured surface represents a year, they each contain small dots. Each dot represents a billion tons of CO2 emissions, and the number of dots on each surface are equivalent to the worldwide emissions of that year. This way one can visualise the increase in emissions due to human activity between 1960 and 2000. "The blocks gradually fill up," lamented the artist, whose background is in graffiti art. "It starts with nine dots, and at the end, there are three times more," he said. "It's a piece of the mosaic for adapting to urban heatwaves," said Hans-Peter Hutter, an environmental health specialist at the Medical University of Vienna, who supports the initiative. A lower temperature on the asphalt means that buildings surrounding the courtyard will need less cooling, reducing air conditioning usage, Hutter said.
France 24
2 days ago
- France 24
Experts grapple with scale of plastic pollution in oceans
01:52 10/08/2025 How can we adapt to the growing risk of wildfires? Environment 10/08/2025 Southern Europe suffocates in deadly heat-fuelled wildfires Environment 07/08/2025 'Wildfires in south of France becoming more widespread, challenging to manage over past 10-15 years' Europe 07/08/2025 'Plastic pollution really begins when we're making plastics and extracting oil, gas from the ground' Environment 06/08/2025 Failing to tackle climate change will mean more wildfires ahead Environment 05/08/2025 Plastic pollution inextricably linked with numerous 'public health crises' Environment 24/07/2025 Environment : Tracing Darwin's footsteps through modern ecological discovery Environment 23/07/2025 Failing to protect the planet from climate change could violate international law Environment 15/07/2025 'Whole range of factors: environmental, human and societal, contributing to worsening of disasters' Environment
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Sustainability Times
Whale Song Fades as "Echoes Die Under Blood-Red Skies" and Experts Fear Imminent Oceanic Ecological Breakdown
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Recent studies highlight a troubling decline in blue whale vocalizations , indicating potential starvation. , indicating potential starvation. 🔥 Heatwaves are disrupting marine ecosystems, causing toxic algae blooms and krill poisoning . . 🌍 Scientists warn of a potential 'tipping point' with diminishing ocean carbon storage capacity. capacity. 🔄 The urgent need for action is underscored by the interconnectedness of marine life and climate systems. For years, scientists have been using hydrophones—underwater microphones—to study marine life. These devices have allowed researchers to capture the diverse sounds of the ocean, including the songs of blue whales. However, recent studies indicate a worrying trend: blue whales are becoming increasingly silent. According to a study published in the journal PLOS One, the co-author John Ryan suggests that these majestic creatures may be starving. This alarming development has far-reaching implications not just for the whales themselves, but potentially for global ecosystems as well. Starving Whales and Disrupted Ecosystems Recent heatwaves have disrupted the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Warmer waters have led to the proliferation of toxic algae, which in turn have caused mass poisoning of krill, the primary food source for blue whales. This set off a chain reaction, impacting the whales directly. Whale songs, which are crucial for their communication and social interactions, have decreased by 40%. This decline is unlikely to reverse soon. Ocean temperatures, first recorded in the 1940s, show that heatwaves are now three times longer than they were back then. This persistence is drastically altering the marine ecosystem. Oregon State University ecologist Dawn Barlow notes that the shortage of food could have a dual impact. If whales spend all their time searching for food, they may not attempt to reproduce. Thus, the population could decline from starvation and decreased fertility rates. This potential double-edged sword underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of these changes. Treehoppers' Strange Bodies Could Sense Static Charges, Sparking Outrage: 'These Weird Insect Shapes Are Actually Electric Field Detectors' Scientists Claim Are Whales Key to Our Planet's Fate? Marine biologist Kelly Benoit-Bird, a co-author of the study from Monterey Bay Aquarium, warns that we may be approaching a 'tipping point.' The concern extends beyond the survival of whales to the health of the entire planet. As ocean temperatures rise, the oceans' ability to store carbon diminishes. Currently, oceans are the largest natural carbon sink, holding 39,000 gigatonnes of carbon (GtC) compared to the atmosphere's 750 GtC. Annually, oceans absorb approximately 2.4 GtC. This natural process relies on a fragile balance that climate change severely disrupts. Benoit-Bird emphasizes that the decline in whale populations could exacerbate the problem. Whales play a crucial role in ocean health, and their decline could lead to decreased carbon absorption capacity. This highlights the interconnectedness of marine life and climate systems, underscoring the need for concerted global action to mitigate climate change effects. 'These Sharks Are Masters of Disguise': Astonished Scientists Uncover Blue Shark's Unique Ability to Change Color in a Breathtaking Breakthrough The Delicate Carbon Balance in Oceans When absorbed by the oceans, carbon dioxide (CO2) undergoes transformation. It turns into carbonic acid and releases carbonate ions, which help lower ocean pH levels. Ordinarily, this process serves as a regulator, balancing the natural pH increase caused by marine life. However, climate change has led to an increase in carbonate ions while simultaneously impoverishing marine ecosystems. The result is ocean acidification, further threatening marine species. This vicious cycle seems unstoppable unless humanity dramatically reduces its pollution. The acidification of oceans not only endangers marine life but also threatens the ecological services that oceans provide, including carbon sequestration. The urgency of reducing pollution and mitigating climate change cannot be overstated if we hope to preserve these vital ecosystems. 'We Were Surrounded by Giant Eggs': Marine Scientists Panic After Underwater Volcano Unleashes Bizarre, Living Spheres From the Deep Urgency for Global Action The situation facing blue whales and the broader marine ecosystem is a clarion call for urgent global action. The interdependence of marine life and climate systems means that the decline in whale populations could have cascading effects on global carbon cycles. As we grapple with the realities of climate change, it is crucial to address the root causes and implement sustainable practices. This requires collective action from governments, industries, and individuals worldwide. Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and marine ecosystem disruption is not just an environmental imperative but a necessity for the future of the planet. As we confront these issues, we must ask ourselves: Are we prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure the survival of both marine life and our own species? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (28)
