Tropical Storm Rafael forms and is forecast to bring heavy rains to Jamaica before likely hitting Cuba as a hurricane
MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Rafael forms and is forecast to bring heavy rains to Jamaica before likely hitting Cuba as a hurricane.
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EuronewsOnly seven countries in the world breathe safe air. Three of them are in Europe
Scientists say that air pollution is a ‘global health catastrophe’.View on euronews
- Associated Press
Huge and rare Mekong catfish spotted in Cambodia, raising conservation hopes
Six critically endangered Mekong giant catfish — one of the largest and rarest freshwater fish in the world — were caught and released recently in Cambodia, reviving hopes for the survival of the species. On Tuesday, fishermen caught four more giant catfish including two longer than 2 meters (6.5 feet) that weighed 120 kilograms and 131 kilograms (264 pounds and 288 pounds), respectively.
- AFP News
Six rare giant catfish surface in Cambodia
Conservationists in Cambodia on Friday celebrated the discovery of six highly endangered Mekong giant catfish in the critical Southeast Asian waterway plagued by illegal fishing, habitat loss and plastic waste.Besides overfishing and plastic pollution, the Mekong River Basin has been degraded by upstream dams and climate change, which have had a major impact on water levels in the critically endangered catfish's aquatic home.
- The Guardian
The Burmese python problem: how 20ft predators are wreaking havoc on the Everglades
There are between 100,000 and 300,000 of these snakes in the region – and they can swallow a small deer whole. What can Florida do about this threat to biodiversity?
- Associated Press
New Zealand scientists suspect specimen of world's rarest whale died from head injuries
Scientists suspect the first complete specimen ever recorded of the world’s rarest whale died from head injuries, an expert said Friday. The first dissection of a spade-toothed whale, a type of beaked whale, was completed last week after a painstaking examination at a research center near the New Zealand city of Dunedin, the local people who led the scientific team, Te Rūnanga Ōtākou, said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. There have only been seven known sightings and never of a living spade-toothed whale.
- LA Times
Northern California earthquake prompts an endangered Death Valley fish species to get busy
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that rattled a large swath of Northern California likely increased spawning activity in fish to protect their population.
- CNN
The air purifier you bought during the pandemic may still help you breathe better now
Risks from the Covid-19 pandemic and increasingly intense wildfire seasons sparked interest in air purifiers as a tool to keep indoor air healthy. But experts say they can be just as important to help manage indoor air pollution when there isn’t an acute air crisis.
- The Independent
Dolphins stranded after Hurricane Milton are dragged to safety from Florida lagoon in dramatic rescue
The dolphins were pulled over 300 yards of mud and muck before they were released to safety
- BBC
Huge solar farm approved despite objections
West Lothian Council approved controversial plans for 80,000 solar panels near Threemiletown.
- Sky News
Major shake-up of UK energy system could 'lower bills for good', government says
Plans to "green" the UK's power system will protect consumers from future energy crises and has the potential to "bring down bills for good", the government has said. Achieving clean electricity by 2030 was a key election promise for the Labour party, and reiterated by Keir Starmer last week as he outlined government 'milestones'. To reach the target, ministers are working on a radical shake-up of UK energy and clunky planning systems, including at least doubling clean power sources.
- Yahoo Finance Canada
Gas prices fall; Canadians pick black, gas-powered SUVs as top vehicle choice
Falling gas prices are good news for Canadian drivers, who prefer black, gas-powered SUVs, according to a new survey.
- The Independent
Lab-made ‘mirror bacteria’ could endanger all life on earth, scientists warn
Synthetic microbes can cause pervasive infections in humans, animals and plants
- Sky News
Attempts to create synthetic 'mirror' bacteria must be stopped as it could kill off humans, scientists warn
A leading group of scientists has said research aimed at developing synthetic bacteria should be halted because it could pose an existential threat to humanity. The coalition of 38 scientists across nine countries warned that the creation of so-called mirror bacteria – a form of life built with biological molecules in shapes that are the opposite of those found in nature – could end up being "catastrophic".
- Associated Press
Cyclone Chido rips through French territory of Mayotte as it barrels toward eastern Africa
The French territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean has suffered extensive damage from Cyclone Chido, officials said Saturday, as the storm roared toward the east coast of Africa. Chido brought winds in excess of 220 kph (136 mph), according to the French weather service, ripping metal roofs off houses in Mayotte, which has a population of just over 300,000 spread over two main islands.
- The Conversation
How a thumb-sized climate migrant with a giant crab claw is disrupting the Northeast’s Great Marsh ecosystem
South of Cape Cod, fiddler crabs and marsh grass have long had a mutually beneficial relationship. It’s a different story in the North, where the harms can ricochet through ecosystems.
- AFP News
At least two killed as Cyclone Chido batters France's Mayotte
At least two people were killed Saturday as fierce winds from Cyclone Chido lashed French Indian Ocean territory Mayotte, with authorities warning of severe damage and residents fearing the worst.But "the cyclone is not over," prefect Bieuville warned, urging Mayotte's roughly 320,000 people to remain "locked down".
- Reuters
Shale drilling techniques could lead to a geothermal surge, IEA says
The shale drilling techniques that led to a boom in oil and gas output have also spurred the development of geothermal, which in theory could provide a stable source of power equal to the demand of India and the United States combined, the IEA said on Friday. Speaking after publication of the Paris-based agency's first report on geothermal energy, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol said the source was suited to providing the massive amounts of stable energy data centres require.
- The Independent
Government unveils its ‘most ambitious’ plan to power homes without oil and gas
Experts say plan will help avoid repeats of recent energy price crises, by weaning Britain off its reliance on foreign imports
- Euronews
Poland's recovery from Storm Boris: Is the EU prepared for more and more floods?
Floods are the most common and most costly natural disasters in Europe. They are becoming more frequent due to climate change. What is Europe doing to anticipate and limit the damage?View on euronews
- CBC
Canadian monarch enthusiasts, experts welcome possible new protections for butterfly in U.S.
Monarch butterfly enthusiasts and experts in Canada say possible increased protections for the species in the United States are important.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed Tuesday that the monarch butterfly be added to the list of threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). "Threatened," according to the U.S. government, means that those species are likely to become endangered in the "foreseeable future." Heather Kharouba, associate professor at the University of Ottawa'