Latest news with #vegetation
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
ALERT: FROST ADVISORY FOR THE TWIN TIERS
… FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM EDT MONDAY … * WHAT…Temperatures as low as 33 degrees combined with clear skies and light winds will result in patchy frost. * WHERE…In New York, Broome, Chemung, Steuben, Sullivan, and Tioga, PA Counties. * WHEN…From 2 AM to 8 AM EDT Monday. * IMPACTS…Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
BreakingNews.ie
26-05-2025
- Climate
- BreakingNews.ie
Satellite imagery reveals change in Irish landscape due to dry conditions
A series of new satellite images reveal the change in the Irish landscape during the recent dry spell. Images taken on May 19th and May 21st from the European Union's Copernicus satellite show a difference in vegetation near the town of Nenagh in Co Tipperary. Advertisement It is clear that some areas in the more recent image appear less vegetated as a result of the drier conditions. Although rain has returned to Ireland in recent days, the European Drought Observatory still classifies large areas of the country as being under drought warning conditions before summer even begins. It comes after Met Éireann confirmed that March was among the driest months ever recorded at several stations nationwide, while April was the third warmest on record since 1900. The European Drought Observatory's forecast up until June predicted "unusually dry" conditions over Ireland and much of northern Europe. The EU Copernicus Emergency Management Service's forecast for wet and dry conditions acorss Europe, April-June 2025 Water conservation orders, commonly known as hosepipe bans, remain in place for Mullingar in Co Westmeath, Milford in Co Donegal and Kells-Oldcastle, Co Meath. Uisce Éireann issued the bans at the beginning of this month after dry conditions led to a 'sharp drop' in supply levels, it said. The utility also noted that Lough Owel, which supplies the Mullingar Public Water Supply, was at its lowest point in 50 years. It is the earliest time of the year a water conservation order has been issued, with previous bans coming into effect in June 2020, July 2018 and September 2022.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Aussies urgently called to action as silent crisis sweeps neighbourhoods
Australians are being asked to come forward and report sightings of dead trees in parts of the country's south in a growing effort to combat widespread decline in native vegetation. South Australia has experienced unprecedentedly high temperatures and significantly reduced rainfall over the past six to 12 months, with the weather extremes severely impacting native vegetation and urban streetscapes. Scientists warn widespread tree dieback — where tree health progressively declines — has placed a "considerable strain" on the environment, and now they're seeking help from the public. Environmental Science and Hydrology Professor Huade Guan from Flinders University told Yahoo News researchers are working to identify which tree species are most vulnerable to drought, so authorities can prioritise care and protection efforts. When trees die on a large scale, the consequences can ripple through both the environment and communities in profound ways. Trees are essential for stabilising soil, filtering air and water, and regulating local temperatures. Without them, soil erosion accelerates, air and water quality deteriorate, and ecosystems become less resilient overall. "What we are trying to find out is which tree species, in what situations, are more vulnerable in droughts, and thus need more care," he told Yahoo. Guan said the team will assess factors such as ground conditions, solar exposure, nearby green infrastructure, soil quality and the health of surrounding trees. "We cannot identify these through the photos only. We hope to visit as many individual cases the public has reported, as possible," he said. The data collected from residents is expected to play an important role in shaping urban greening policies and tree management strategies. Researchers plan to share the validated information with local councils to help improve decision-making. "I think the information... would be useful to improve tree management," Guan said. One potential approach involves integrating urban tree care with stormwater management, a strategy already being adopted by many councils in Adelaide. "For known vulnerable trees and locations, stormwater harvesting devices can be installed to provide more water for the trees," he added. When it comes to the broader impact of tree health on urban cooling and liveability, the effects are significant. Guan pointed to findings from a recent project funded by the City of Mitcham and Green Adelaide, noting that on a hot summer day when the soil is 55 degrees, the tree canopy and the shade it provides can make the surface 30 degrees cooler. He explained that urban trees act like natural air conditioners in summer by using solar energy to cool the air, and that retaining more stormwater in urban soils can help make summers cooler. Incredible breakthrough in bid to protect 'near-mythical' species Sad discovery at river sparks concern amid 'disturbing' trend Workers spotted painting roadside tree in trend sweeping Australia "By retaining more stormwater using what we called water-sensitive-urban-design structures, our research has shown that the canopy temperature is 1.5 degrees cooler in summer afternoons," he said. Many native animals, birds, and insects rely on trees for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. When vast numbers of trees perish, these habitats collapse, leading to sharp declines in wildlife populations and disrupting the delicate balance of local ecosystems. In urban areas, the effects are even more noticeable. Trees naturally cool their surroundings through shade and evapotranspiration, so their absence causes cities to heat up. This not only raises energy demands for air conditioning but also increases health risks, especially during heatwaves, making the loss of trees a critical issue for both the environment and human wellbeing. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Arab News
09-05-2025
- Science
- Arab News
Teucrium Oliverianum plant helping mitigate desertification in Saudi Arabia's north
RIYADH: The perennial herbaceous plant Teucrium oliverianum has spread extensively throughout the Saudi Arabia's Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, indicating a balanced ecosystem, the Saudi Press Agency has reported recently. Citing experts, the report noted that the reserve has seen a remarkable expansion in its vegetation cover and "has now reached its best condition since its establishment in 2018." It also indicates a healthy, stable vegetation cover, and soil free from erosion or desertification. Variedly known to locals as al-aihlan or ahneh, the plant is characterized by long, thin stems and delicate leaves, coated with fine bristles that help minimize water loss, adding to its adaptability to harsh environments. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the plant is highly valued for grazing. It also provides shelter and sustenance for various small desert animals and insects, making it an essential part of the natural food chain. In an earlier report, SPA quoted wild plant expert Abdullah Al-Barrak as saying Teucrium oliverianum is also a valuable food source for honeybees. Renowned for its evergreen or semi-evergreen leaves and striking blue-violet flowers, the plant has become an iconic symbol of the flora of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. The 91,500-square-kilometer reserve, formerly known as Al-Taysiyah Natural Reserve, is the second-largest royal reserve in the Kingdom, spread across regions of Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf, Northern Borders and Eastern Province. The reserve's vegetation cover has surged from 1.5% in 2018 to an impressive 6.7%, and now boasts over 179 plant species, including 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties, officials have said.
