When Nicholas Herold was hunting for data on how much climate change was affecting the world's poorest nations, he was surprised when he couldn't find answers in the published research. "Everyone's spoken for years about how poor countries are going to suffer more – or are suffering more – and I couldn't find one figure actually showing this," the research fellow at the … [Read more...]
Keeping cool during those hot and sweaty nights
One of the worst aspects of summer heat is when there is no respite during the night. This is also when high temperatures can become dangerous to the young and elderly - as they battle to sleep and then succumb to exhaustion. Here are some cool eco-friendly tips in a story by Julie Ellis: We all know sleeping in an air-conditioned home on a sweltering night can feel … [Read more...]
Unfolding the gift of tomorrow: leaving a legacy
A daily diet of environmental news from across the planet might sound like quite a radical regime. Yet I firmly believe in the right to know how my species is changing the world into which I have delivered three children. It matters to me that they, and all vulnerable species, are comfortable and protected. Breaking down this home, our planet, is as good as a gang of people … [Read more...]
Paris climate talks: what difference will temperature rises really make?
Without action, climate scientists have warned that temperatures could rise by nearly 5C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. World leaders meeting in Paris hope to keep average global surface temperature rises below 2C – but their pledges to cut emissions could still see up to 3C according to analyses. While it is very hard to make firm predictions, here are some of the … [Read more...]
Extreme temperatures causing drop in human fertility
If you're not feeling like sex when it's too darn hot, you're not alone. Latest research into human fertility and temperature extremes reveals that birthrates suffer a fall nine months after extreme temperatures events. Although there is a partial recovery in subsequent months, this does not make up for the lost fertility. The research is based upon data of the effects of … [Read more...]
Spring heat wave hits South Africa
Southern hemisphere heat waves are back and the northeastern provinces are frying. The South African Weather Service has issued a heat wave warning for the northeastern provinces of Gauteng (which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria), Mpumalanga and Limpopo, which contains the Kruger National Park. Weather forecaster, Vanepia Phakula, said the warning continued through to … [Read more...]
Heat wave eases in India after killing nearly 2,000 people
Showers and thunderstorms in parts of southern India on Saturday helped eased a weekslong summer heat wave that has claimed nearly 2,000 lives. The intense heat, however, was expected to continue in some areas of worst-hit Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states for another 24 hours, said Y.K. Reddy, an Indian Meteorological Department director. Heat-related conditions, … [Read more...]
