Environmental Crisis

Delhi Chokes on Smog as India’s Pollution Crisis Deepens

Delhi is currently experiencing a severe air pollution crisis, with levels reaching 30-35 times the WHO safe limit. This annual winter phenomenon, caused by factors such as crop burning, vehicular emissions, and low wind speed, has reached alarming levels this year, with AQI readings hitting 500 in several areas, including Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon. The smog is so thick that it is visible from space, impacting flight operations and causing widespread health issues, with over 81% of families reporting at least one member suffering from pollution-related ailments. Despite the Delhi government’s efforts to combat pollution, including the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan, the situation remains critical, highlighting the urgent need for stricter environmental regulations and a comprehensive approach to tackling this growing public health concern.

Read More

Monday breaks the record for the hottest ever day on Earth.

Monday breaks the record for the hottest ever day on Earth. The old record stood for just one day before being shattered by scorching temperatures that sparked concerns and fears about the future of our planet. As I read the headlines and absorbed the news, a sense of foreboding crept over me. We are witnessing the consequences of climate change unfolding before our very eyes, yet it seems we are still hesitant to take the necessary steps to address this global crisis.

Every year, we see reports of record-breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation on a scale that is both alarming and disheartening.… Continue reading

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are surging “faster than ever” to beyond anything humans ever experienced, officials say

The staggering reality of our current situation is that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are skyrocketing at an alarming rate, surpassing anything that humans have ever faced before. It’s a grim reminder of the damage we are inflicting on our planet as a result of our relentless burning of fossil fuels, releasing CO2 pollution into the atmosphere at an unprecedented pace. The recent data from NOAA, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the University of California San Diego paints a grim picture of our current trajectory.

The most recent measurements at the Mauna Loa Observatory show that CO2 concentrations hit a record peak of 426.9 parts per million in May 2024, marking a significant increase from the previous year and making it one of the largest annual growth rates in the past half-century.… Continue reading

‘A great sadness’: Venezuela is first Andean country to lose of all its glaciers

Watching the death of the natural world in real-time is truly a frightening experience. The recent news that Venezuela has become the first Andean country to lose all of its glaciers is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change. It is disheartening to witness the disappearance of these natural wonders, once majestic and awe-inspiring, now reduced to mere ice fields.

As the world grapples with the harsh realities of climate change, it is crucial to understand the implications of such loss. Glaciers play a vital role in our ecosystems, providing freshwater to millions of people around the world.… Continue reading

Mexico is about to experience its ‘highest temperatures ever recorded’ as death toll climbs

I can confirm that the weather in Mexico has been unbearably hot lately, with temperatures soaring to record highs. As a Mexican, I have experienced some of the worst weather in my life over the past few months. The scorching heat has not only made daily life uncomfortable but has also led to wildfires raging across the country, signaling a dark omen of what is yet to come.

It is not just Mexico that is facing these extreme weather conditions; it seems like a global crisis is unfolding before our eyes. From abnormal weather patterns in Pennsylvania to unrelenting heatwaves in India, the impacts of climate change are being felt worldwide.… Continue reading

‘Boiling not warming’: Marine life suffers as Thai sea temperatures hit record

Living in tropical climates, I have always been accustomed to the high temperatures that come with it. However, the recent spikes in sea temperatures have been quite alarming. The usual moderating effect that the seas have on the temperature seems to be dwindling as sea temperatures hit record highs. The impact of this extends beyond mere discomfort while swimming; it has far-reaching ecological consequences for marine life.

The seas act as a natural regulator of temperature, keeping everything in balance. But with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels, marine life is suffering. Fish populations are dwindling, coral reefs are bleaching, and ecosystems are being thrown off balance.… Continue reading

Hawaii is “on the verge of catastrophe,” locals say, as water crisis continues

Living in Hawaii for the past few years has given me a front-row seat to the environmental crisis unfolding on the islands. The recent news that Hawaii is “on the verge of catastrophe” due to a water crisis is troubling, to say the least. The islands, known for their lush landscapes and pristine beaches, are facing a threat that could potentially devastate the local communities and ecosystems.

The issue of water scarcity on the islands is not a new one. With the opening of the world’s largest surfing wave pool, filled with freshwater just months ago, the demand for this already limited resource has only increased.… Continue reading

Antarctica sea ice reaches alarming low for third year in a row

Antarctica sea ice reaches alarming low for the third year in a row, and I can’t help but feel a sense of impending doom creeping up on us. As someone who has witnessed the changes in snowfall and ice coverage over the years, it’s disheartening to see the trend continue downwards. What used to be a given – snow on the ground from November to March – is now becoming a distant memory. The fact that the Antarctic sea ice has depleted to such an extent is a clear sign that something is severely wrong with our planet.

With the global water surface temperature consistently above average since 2012, it’s no wonder that the ice is melting at an alarming rate.… Continue reading