Modern latest satellite meteorological monitoring systems
Space-based observing systems account for approximately 90% of the data used in global numerical weather prediction models. Everyone on Earth is affected by the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and rising sea levels. Natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, floods and tornadoes can dramatically change the Earth’s surface to the point where the changes are visible in space. Changes caused by human actions and interventions such as mining and deforestation are also visible in satellite images. Collecting climate data helps communities better plan for and become more resilient to these changes.
Microplastics have been found in the bodies of people, animals and in various parts of the world – from snow in the distant Arctic to the clouds of Mount Fuji
Researchers are already finding microplastics in all environments and organisms. There is still no clear opinion about the dangers of micro- (particles less than 5 mm) and nanoparticles (less than 100 nm) plastic to humans and to the terrestrial biota in general. Apparently, common plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene are harmless in themselves. However, additives added by manufacturers to plastics to improve their performance properties and which are secret know-how to society and regulatory authorities can cause serious harm to the environment. And most importantly, plastic particles are adsorbents and carriers of chemical and bacterial pollution.
New natural sources of greenhouse gases and associated climate control technologies
Layers of methane are locked under permafrost in Arctic regions, but if they were released it could cause problems for the rest of the world. Researchers also discovered intense methane emissions deep in the Baltic Sea. Methane can be a real problem for the environment. The greenhouse gas, made up of carbon and hydrogen and about 80 percent more potent than carbon dioxide, occurs naturally in sedimentary layers of the seafloor and is responsible for about 30 percent of global temperature rise.
Hydrogen rush: the world is in full swing with the introduction of new hydrogen fuel
More than 1 thousand projects in the field of hydrogen energy have been announced worldwide, totaling more than $320 billion, according to Reuters. The German government will also subsidize pure hydrogen power plants of up to 500 MW for energy research purposes. Hydrogen gas power plants are expected to help Germany move away from coal entirely by 2038. Hydrogen deposits could power the world for hundreds of years, according to the US Geological Survey.
More than 100 world leaders have pledged to end deforestation by 2030
More than 100 world leaders have pledged to end deforestation by 2030 in the first major deal at the Glasgow climate summit. Countries that supported the decision include Brazil, Russia, Canada, Colombia, the US, the UK and Indonesia. It is noted that in total these countries account for about 85% of the world’s forests. The agreement includes the allocation of $20 billion, part of which will be used to restore already damaged forest areas and fight forest fires. The governments of 28 countries also pledge to stop deforestation for agricultural production, in particular for the production of palm oil, cocoa and soybeans.
Cases of attacks by tigers and bears on livestock and people in the Primorsky Territory have become more frequent
Tiger attacks on livestock have become more frequent in the Primorsky Territory. Specialists from the Amur Tiger Center are confident that the problem is not related to a lack of food, but to the negligence and carelessness of local residents. In their opinion, people themselves create favorable conditions for attacks by predators. But in any case, the center provides compensation to the owners of animals that died from the paws of a tiger.
Groundwater reserves are catastrophically declining
Groundwater supplies are being depleted in aquifers around the world, a new study has found, with the rate of decline accelerating over the past four decades in nearly a third of the aquifers studied. Rapid declines in water levels are most common in aquifers beneath cropland in drier regions, the largest analysis of groundwater trends shows.
75% of the world’s industrial fishing vessels are not trackable
An innovative study by Sentinel-1 and AI (European Space Agency) combining satellite data and artificial intelligence has shed light on the number of ships, wind turbines and oil platforms at sea. Shockingly, the study shows that about 75% of the world’s industrial fishing vessels were previously hidden from publicly available tracking systems. The study, published recently in the journal Nature, was conducted by Global Fishing Watch, an organization that seeks to improve ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea.
Modern humanity lives in the era of the sixth species extinction
Humanity is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction event – a man-made extinction event. Global warming, which causes abnormal weather phenomena, is to blame for the mass death of animals. People make no less of a “contribution” to the global extinction of species. A team of EU scientists came to this latest sad conclusion, confirming the conclusion of their colleagues from America – man is to blame.
Reluctant treatment: water bodies around the world are polluted with drugs and related waste
Painkillers, antibiotics, steroid hormones and contraceptives – this is not the entire list of medicines that are found in the seas, lakes and rivers. The source of drugs is sewage, since more than half of “used” drugs leave the body in a biologically active form, that is, they practically do not lose their properties.
Scientists are searching for means to clean up water sources from oil spills
There have been proposals to use medical masks, cellulose products and devices with a magnetic core as sorbents.
Researchers discuss the environmental friendliness of electric vehicles and cars with a traditional internal combustion engine
Sales of electric cars are growing all over the world; according to the European Association of Automobile Manufacturers, sales of electric vehicles in the European Union at the end of 2021 increased by 130% and reached 356,469 units.
Noise pollution is one of the main environmental problems of modern cities
UN experts note that noise affects the mental and physical health of people of all age groups: it causes sleep disturbances, irritation and headaches, and can also contribute to the development of hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes and irreversible hearing impairment.
In Russia, starting March 1, it is prohibited to throw household appliances, computer system units, motherboards and hard drives into trash containers
Household appliances, computer system units, motherboards and hard drives will have to be recycled. It is noted that the innovation will affect not only companies, but also ordinary citizens, and violation of these rules will result in a fine.
Scientists have confirmed the dangers of reusable plastic tableware
Studies have shown that reusable plastic bottles contaminate water with hundreds of potentially dangerous toxic substances from the walls of the vessel. And if the bottle has been in the dishwasher, then the number of such elements increases to thousands.
Forest industry entrepreneurs believe that deforestation is good for the environment
Their opponents argue that trees need time to grow again and soil needs time to store carbon again. Forestry “reduces the total amount of carbon in terrestrial ecosystems”, leading to a decline in wild flora and fauna.
Bacteria evolve at a rate equal to the rate of environmental pollution
New microbial enzymes can recycle and metabolize plastic in soil and oceans.
UN presents climate dictionary and new Climate Declaration
What is COP26, UNFCCC, SDGs, NDCs, Net Zero, IPCC, climate finance and the COP26 signed declaration.
An island of garbage in the ocean visible from space
An island of garbage floating in the ocean, the size of California, can be seen from space. This was confirmed by Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko.
China passes law to reduce food waste
China is introducing fees for uneaten food in catering establishments. According to the World Food Programme, a third of all food on the planet ends up in the trash.
Environmentalists announce the fight against microplastics
The main sources of microplastics: plastic dishes, synthetic clothing, washing powders, cosmetics and household chemicals with polymers (Acrylates/C10-30, Acrylates Crosspolymer (ACS), Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Ethylen-Vinylacetat-Copolymere, Nylon-6, Nylon- 12, Polyacrylate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyquaternium, Polyquaternium-7, Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyothylenteraphthalat (PET), Polyurethan (PUR), Polyurethan-2, Polyurethan-14, Polyurethan-35, etc.)