Latest news with #MinistryOfEnvironment
CTV News
13 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Ottawa air quality at ‘high risk' due to wildfire smoke
Smoke hangs over Ottawa's Major's Hill Park and Gatineau on Friday morning. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement, warning smoke will cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. (Westin Camera) Smoke from wildfires will continue to hang over Ottawa today, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility. Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Ottawa, eastern Ontario and western Quebec, warning wildfire smoke is expected to linger into this afternoon. The forecast calls for 'local smoke' today, tonight and on Saturday. 'Smoke is causing or expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility,' the weather agency said in a statement. 'As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.' As of 7 a.m., Ottawa's air quality was rated '10-High Risk.' The Air Quality Health Index shows Ottawa's air quality will be '10-High Risk' through the day and '7-High Risk' tonight. According to smoke from wildfires continues to blanket all of Ontario, western New York State and most of Quebec. The smoke is will linger over Ottawa into Saturday. Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks says when the Air Quality Health Index is at 'High Risk,' people with heart or breathing problems should 'reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors.' Children and the elderly should also take it easy, according to officials. The general population is urged to 'consider reducing or rescheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.' Environment Canada says you should keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible due to the wildfire smoke. Health Canada says wildfire smoke is a mix of gases, particles and water vapour that contains ozone, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, fire particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The fine particles represent the main health risk from wildfire smoke. Common symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure include headaches, a mild cough, a production of mucus and nose, throat, eye and sinus irritation. Ottawa weather Environment Canada's forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud today. High 26 C with the humidex making it feel like 28. It will be mainly cloudy tonight. Low 14. Friday will have a mix of sun and cloud. High 25 C. Sunday will see a mix of sun and cloud. High 24 C. The outlook for Monday calls for cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers. High 21 C. A mix of sun and cloud with a 40 per cent chance of showers on Tuesday. High 22 C. The normal temperatures for this time of year are a high of 23 C and a low of 12 C.
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Marks World Environment Day, Urges Global Action on Plastic Pollution
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture reiterated on Thursday the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to environmental protection, the preservation and sustainability of natural resources, and the rehabilitation of ecosystems. It also stressed the critical need to mobilize national and international efforts to reduce environmental pollution worldwide, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. On the occasion of World Environment Day, annually observed on June 5, the ministry underscored the grave threat posed by plastic pollution, which has escalated into a widespread global crisis. United Nations statistics reveal that over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, yet the recycling rate for this immense volume does not exceed 10%. This alarming statistic highlights the severe harm inflicted upon marine life and the alarming entry of microplastic particles from plastic waste into the food chain within seas and oceans. The world celebrates World Environment Day with this year's theme being "Beat Plastic Pollution," which emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about tackling plastic pollution and fostering enhanced cooperation between the government sector and local communities. The goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable environmental practices that will lead to a healthy, pollution-free future. The ministry said that the Kingdom has made tangible progress in aligning its national environmental policies and plans with global developments. It has launched several pioneering environmental initiatives, both locally and internationally, including the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. Additionally, numerous national programs and initiatives are in place to enhance community awareness of the importance of environmental conservation through the adoption of sound practices. The Kingdom also annually organizes the "Environment Week" event across all its regions to contribute to raising the level of community participation in environmental programs and practices, reflecting the profound concern for environmental issues within Saudi society.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Hwy. 17 closed after crash involving fuel truck in Petawawa, driver airlifted
An Ontario Provincial Police crest is pictured on an officer's uniform. (Supplied) Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have closed part of Highway 17 following a serious crash in Petawawa Wednesday morning. Police say officers responded to the crash at approximately 9:30 a.m. involving a pickup and a transport truck with two tanker-trailers carrying fuel. The crash has resulted in the full closure of the highway between Paquette Road and Brindle Road. 'The OPP is advising the public to avoid the area if possible or please follow the detour from Highway 17 to Messer Trail, then Paquette Road back to Highway 17,' the OPP said in a news release. One of the tanker trailers is leaking because of the crash, police say, requiring a specialized environmental clean up team to respond. The driver of the pickup was airlifted to a regional trauma centre with serious injuries, police say. Officers remain on scene Wednesday afternoon as crews from the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Environment work to assist in the cleanup. 'There is currently no estimated time of reopening,' police say. An investigation is underway. Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident is asked to contact the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at
Zawya
3 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Qatar launches electronic platform for biodiversity database
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on Tuesday launched the National Biodiversity Database of the State of Qatar through an interactive electronic platform to document and classify terrestrial and marine organisms. The launch coincides with World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5. The platform aims to create accurate maps of natural habitats and the spatial and temporal distribution of species, providing a reliable scientific reference that supports decision-makers, researchers, and relevant authorities in preparing national reports and formulating environmental policies based on precise and sustainable scientific data. In this context, Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie affirmed that the launch of the database is a strategic milestone in Qatar's environmental path and reflects the country's commitment to environmental governance and sustainable development. The Minister pointed out that having a comprehensive and reliable national database is a strategic necessity and a key tool for monitoring environmental changes, policy formulation, and decision-making. It also plays a role in enhancing Qatar's standing in international environmental indices by providing accurate data to global organizations, he added. The Minister explained that the database aligns with the aspirations of Qatar National Vision 2030 and translates the directions of the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 toward green transformation and enhanced environmental security, particularly in addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. The launch ceremony witnessed the signing of a 'Principal User Document' with several governmental and academic entities, including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Environmental Science Center at Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Qatar National Library, and the Friends of the Environment Center. This step aims to promote effective institutional use of environmental data. For his part, Undersecretary of the Ministry HE Eng. Abdulaziz bin Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud said that the new platform is an advanced model in environmental knowledge management, enabling accurate assessment of biodiversity, with a focus on both threatened and non-threatened species and environmentally sensitive sites, through scientifically supported descriptions with maps and illustrative images. He also noted that, as a party to international biodiversity agreements, Qatar regularly conducts comprehensive environmental surveys, and the new platform will enhance the quality of these reports and facilitate environmental reporting. Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Natural Reserves Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Latif Al Muslimani emphasized that the database marks a qualitative leap in unifying environmental data and supporting the sustainable use of biological resources, while also encouraging community and expert engagement in environmental conservation efforts. Director of the Wildlife Development Department at the Ministry Youssef Ibrahim Al Hamar said that the database serves as a comprehensive reference that enables users to conduct seamless searches and access accurate data. He noted that the Ministry organized training courses for the technical team to ensure the platform's operational readiness. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
CTV News
30-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Special air quality statement issued for Lambton
A special air quality statement has been issued for Sarnia and Lambton, as Lambton Public Health encourages residents to protect their health by taking precautions. The statement is in response to wildfire smoke from forest fires in northern Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and was issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada. The smoke is expected to affect the area later this evening and is expected to clear by Saturday morning. Special air quality statements are issued when the air quality health index is predicted to reach the high-risk category. Those facing higher risk to negative health impacts are children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions and people who work outdoors. People at risk are recommended to reduce strenuous outdoor activities and are encouraged to monitor for irritated eyes, increased mucous and difficulty breathing. It's recommended for the general population to reduce strenuous outdoor activity if they experience coughing and throat irritation. To stay updated on the air quality health index, check Air Quality Ontario.
