A dramatic video shows a train surrounded by towering wildfire flames as crews rushed to safety during Canada's ongoing wildfire emergency. Authorities said rail operations were disrupted as more than 100 active wildfires continued to burn across the country, forcing precautionary measures and raising safety concerns. The incident highlights the growing impact of Canada's wildfire season on transportation networks, communities, and air quality. Emergency crews remain on high alert as firefighters battle rapidly spreading blazes fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.

Canada wildfires surround train as massive fires disrupt rail operations across the country 

How will humanity tell the story of its self-manufactured destruction? The answer lies in a striking, angular steel monolith known as "Earth's Black Box." Hidden away on Tasmania's rugged, isolated West Coast, this silent witness is being constructed to stand as an apocalyptic archive. Amid climate change, rising temperatures and an increasingly divisive world, representatives of our species have decided to set up a box that will record and keep safe the story of humans for whatever civilisation comes next. The so-called Earth's Black Box was contructed in 2022, and would be up and running by the end of this year, if all goes to plan. But, why does humanity need such a sinister thing? All you need to know.&nbsp;<h2>'History is written by the victors' but humans will be the losers</h2>Named after the black box flight recorder, an almost indestructible device on airplanes that stores flight data, including pilots’ decisions, and helps investigators reconstruct accidents, this historical record would "provide an unbiased account of the events that lead to the demise of the planet".In this dark metaphorical rewrite, for the purpose of this project, think of Earth as the plane and humanity the pilot, flying it toward a catastrophic system failure.<h2>But, why does why does humanity need such a sinister record?</h2>"Unless we dramatically transform our way of life, climate change and other man-made perils will cause our civilization to crash. Earth’s Black Box will record every step we take towards this catastrophe," read's the project's website.According to CNN, the box is actually part art installation, part data repository, part time capsule and part a warning. The box's primary purpose, as per the people behind it, including ad agency Clemenger, environmental communications agency Rouser Lab and art collective Glue Society is to generate fear and snap people into action against the escalating climate crisis.<h2>Inside the monolith engineered to outlast us: Where will humanity's tenebrous history rest for the next civilisation?</h2>The <a href="https://www.instagram.com/earthsblackbox/">Black Box</a> will be housed on a disused airport in Tasmania. According to the project's website, it will roughly be the size of a city bus and will be made using 3-inch-steel. It will be surrounded by concrete panels and a roof of tough glass with solar panels, rendering it virtually indestructible, in case of a apocalyptic future.The box will record everything that could potentially lead to humanity's demise, including climate data points and pieces of contextual information, everything from temperatures and sea level rise to political speeches and climate reports.Rob Beamish, founder and creative director of Rouser Lab, called it "an almost indestructible, self-powered device for recording data."&nbsp;The records are not just for future civilisations, people would also be able to access the findings via their phones once the box is up and running. However, the core idea is to create a historical record for future civilisations.While the box aims to provoke fear, Beamish said there's still hope. "The plane’s still in the air … there is still hope to really avoid the very worst of climate change," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;

What if humanity disappeared tomorrow? A giant steel 'Black Box' being built in Tasmania aims to preserve the story of how civilisation changed the planet and possibly destroyed itself. Scroll down to find out why the project exists, what it will record, and who it's really meant for.

How will humanity tell the story of its self-manufactured destruction? The answer lies in a striking, angular steel monolith known as "Earth's Black Box." Hidden away on Tasmania's rugged, isolated West Coast, this silent witness is being constructed to stand as an apocalyptic archive. Amid climate change, rising temperatures and an increasingly divisive world, representatives of our species have decided to set up a box that will record and keep safe the story of humans for whatever civilisation comes next. The so-called Earth's Black Box was contructed in 2022, and would be up and running by the end of this year, if all goes to plan. But, why does humanity need such a sinister thing? All you need to know. 'History is written by the victors' but humans will be the losers Named after the black box flight recorder, an almost indestructible device on airplanes that stores flight data, including pilots’ decisions, and helps investigators reconstruct accidents, this historical record would "provide an unbiased account of the events that lead to the demise of the planet". In this dark metaphorical rewrite, for the purpose of this project, think of Earth as the plane and humanity the pilot, flying it toward a catastrophic system failure. But, why does why does humanity need such a sinister record? "Unless we dramatically transform our way of life, climate change and other man-made perils will cause our civilization to crash. Earth’s Black Box will record every step we take towards this catastrophe," read's the project's website. According to CNN, the box is actually part art installation, part data repository, part time capsule and part a warning. The box's primary purpose, as per the people behind it, including ad agency Clemenger, environmental communications agency Rouser Lab and art collective Glue Society is to generate fear and snap people into action against the escalating climate crisis. Inside the monolith engineered to outlast us: Where will humanity's tenebrous history rest for the next civilisation? The Black Box will be housed on a disused airport in Tasmania. According to the project's website, it will roughly be the size of a city bus and will be made using 3-inch-steel. It will be surrounded by concrete panels and a roof of tough glass with solar panels, rendering it virtually indestructible, in case of a apocalyptic future. The box will record everything that could potentially lead to humanity's demise, including climate data points and pieces of contextual information, everything from temperatures and sea level rise to political speeches and climate reports. Rob Beamish, founder and creative director of Rouser Lab, called it "an almost indestructible, self-powered device for recording data." The records are not just for future civilisations, people would also be able to access the findings via their phones once the box is up and running. However, the core idea is to create a historical record for future civilisations. While the box aims to provoke fear, Beamish said there's still hope. "The plane’s still in the air … there is still hope to really avoid the very worst of climate change," he said.

What if humanity disappeared tomorrow? A giant steel 'Black Box' being built in Tasmania aims to preserve the story of how civilisation changed the planet and possibly destroyed itself. Scroll down to find out why the project exists, what it will record, and who it's really meant for.

Built to outlive us all: Earth is getting an indestructible ‘black box’ to record the end of human civilisation

In a world where nuclear war and climate change have become constant threats, a company has designed individual pods that can protect the person inside from major disasters. French startup Momentum Technologies' LifePods promise to keep the inhabitant safe when power, shelter and emergency services stop working. They were showcased at VivaTech and Eurosatory 2026 as survival capsules. The demand for such capsules has risen among global uncertainty, wars, the changing weather and natural disasters.&nbsp;The general public and governments are looking for items that can keep them safe during the worst-case scenarios. The instinct is to keep going and fight situations that threaten the existence of humans. LifePods are portable bunkers that can be moved around based on the requirements. They can be shipped like regular cargo, stacked and even airlifted.&nbsp;<h2>Pods for land and water disasters</h2>Two versions of the pod have been made. One is the B-01, which can house two people and resist bullets, blasts, and fire. The second is the W-01, which can hold up to four adults plus four children. It has been specifically designed as a floating pod for floods, tsunamis, and marine immersion.&nbsp;The B-01 has multiple protective layers made of high-strength technical steel and specialised insulation. Ballistic panel tests found the pods to be resistant to a 5.56x45-mm round travelling at 950 m/s (3,117 ft/s) and a 7.62x51-mm round at 830 m/s (2,723 ft/s). The claims of bullet-stopping capability for now are limited to the material and not the pod itself.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the W-01 uses passive hydrodynamic stability, the buoyant design, over motors or moving parts. Momentum Technologies termed early flotation tests "very encouraging." The market already has such pods from other companies, such as the Survival Capsule, a patented spherical shelter aimed at tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes. They are two-person units with prices starting from US$21,700.&nbsp;The W-01 is expected to cost $37,800 to $43,200, while the B-01 could be priced at $31,300, excluding delivery and installation. Both pods need to clear full certification and prove they work as complete systems.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Survival pods meant to withstand bullets, blasts, and natural calamities like tsunamis and floods were showcased by Momentum Technologies. These portable bunkers are designed for specific disasters and can hold two to four people, plus children.

In a world where nuclear war and climate change have become constant threats, a company has designed individual pods that can protect the person inside from major disasters. French startup Momentum Technologies' LifePods promise to keep the inhabitant safe when power, shelter and emergency services stop working. They were showcased at VivaTech and Eurosatory 2026 as survival capsules. The demand for such capsules has risen among global uncertainty, wars, the changing weather and natural disasters. The general public and governments are looking for items that can keep them safe during the worst-case scenarios. The instinct is to keep going and fight situations that threaten the existence of humans. LifePods are portable bunkers that can be moved around based on the requirements. They can be shipped like regular cargo, stacked and even airlifted. Pods for land and water disasters Two versions of the pod have been made. One is the B-01, which can house two people and resist bullets, blasts, and fire. The second is the W-01, which can hold up to four adults plus four children. It has been specifically designed as a floating pod for floods, tsunamis, and marine immersion. The B-01 has multiple protective layers made of high-strength technical steel and specialised insulation. Ballistic panel tests found the pods to be resistant to a 5.56x45-mm round travelling at 950 m/s (3,117 ft/s) and a 7.62x51-mm round at 830 m/s (2,723 ft/s). The claims of bullet-stopping capability for now are limited to the material and not the pod itself. Meanwhile, the W-01 uses passive hydrodynamic stability, the buoyant design, over motors or moving parts. Momentum Technologies termed early flotation tests "very encouraging." The market already has such pods from other companies, such as the Survival Capsule, a patented spherical shelter aimed at tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes. They are two-person units with prices starting from US$21,700. The W-01 is expected to cost $37,800 to $43,200, while the B-01 could be priced at $31,300, excluding delivery and installation. Both pods need to clear full certification and prove they work as complete systems.

Survival pods meant to withstand bullets, blasts, and natural calamities like tsunamis and floods were showcased by Momentum Technologies. These portable bunkers are designed for specific disasters and can hold two to four people, plus children.

You can soon buy survival pods that withstand blasts, tsunamis and other disasters for $43,200

Super El Niño has driven ocean temperatures to record levels, with two agencies reporting that they touched new highs last month. Scientists have warned that this is just the beginning and the ocean surface could get even hotter. The data was confirmed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Copernicus Marine Service. “With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Niño on the horizon, we are likely to see more temperature records fall in the coming months,” said Copernicus Climate Change Service director Carlo Buontempo in a statement. He warned that the world is entering "uncharted territory."&nbsp;According to both Copernicus observation programs, global ocean temperatures in June 2026 surpassed those recorded in 2023 and 2024. Experts said that this "unprecedented level of warming" was due to climate change and El Niño. Scientists had earlier warned that El Niño would assume monstrous proportions in 2026, leading to extreme heat across the globe, along with floods and droughts. It is expected to be the worst one in over 150 years. The effects are already being felt in Europe, India and the United States.<h2>Ocean temperature surged to a record high</h2>Average ocean temperatures touched nearly 21 degrees Celsius last month. What we are seeing are the effects of climate change, and the world's oceans are facing the full brunt. Greenhouse gas emissions have surged and trap infrared radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere. But it retains only a tiny bit of it, with the excess heat being absorbed by the oceans. They are taking in more than 90 per cent of this excess heat generated by humans, according to reports.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-s-66-billion-trees-in-deserts-are-absorbing-more-co2-and-growing-faster-than-natural-ones-1782903613724">China's 66 billion trees in deserts are absorbing more CO2 and growing faster than natural ones</a><h2>Why this is killing oceans and consequently humans?</h2>The oceans protect us by soaking up the excess heat because of their incredibly high specific heat capacity. However, as they continue to warm, their ability to do this is adversely affected. They become incapable of absorbing CO2 over time. The ill health of the oceans means there is more CO2 left in the atmosphere, which accelerates global warming, creating a loop where oceans are further degraded. With more heat remaining in the atmosphere, conditions deteriorate, creating an unlivable environment.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-india-and-europe-can-learn-from-each-other-in-heat-preparedness-1782556349271">Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness?</a><h2>Heat dome</h2>Super El Niño and climate change have combined to create one of the worst summers in Europe. The roads have melted, and people are struggling to survive as a heat dome has formed over this part of the world. The United States is also witnessing a heat dome in the week of July 4, leaving parts of North Carolina and surrounding places searing hot.

Oceans are bearing the brunt of climate change and El Niño, with surface temperatures touching a record high in June 2026. If humans keep pumping more emissions into the atmosphere, the oceans will fall sick forever, causing chaos worldwide.

Super El Niño has driven ocean temperatures to record levels, with two agencies reporting that they touched new highs last month. Scientists have warned that this is just the beginning and the ocean surface could get even hotter. The data was confirmed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Copernicus Marine Service. “With ocean temperatures at these levels and El Niño on the horizon, we are likely to see more temperature records fall in the coming months,” said Copernicus Climate Change Service director Carlo Buontempo in a statement. He warned that the world is entering "uncharted territory." According to both Copernicus observation programs, global ocean temperatures in June 2026 surpassed those recorded in 2023 and 2024. Experts said that this "unprecedented level of warming" was due to climate change and El Niño. Scientists had earlier warned that El Niño would assume monstrous proportions in 2026, leading to extreme heat across the globe, along with floods and droughts. It is expected to be the worst one in over 150 years. The effects are already being felt in Europe, India and the United States. Ocean temperature surged to a record high Average ocean temperatures touched nearly 21 degrees Celsius last month. What we are seeing are the effects of climate change, and the world's oceans are facing the full brunt. Greenhouse gas emissions have surged and trap infrared radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere. But it retains only a tiny bit of it, with the excess heat being absorbed by the oceans. They are taking in more than 90 per cent of this excess heat generated by humans, according to reports. Also Read: China's 66 billion trees in deserts are absorbing more CO2 and growing faster than natural ones Why this is killing oceans and consequently humans? The oceans protect us by soaking up the excess heat because of their incredibly high specific heat capacity. However, as they continue to warm, their ability to do this is adversely affected. They become incapable of absorbing CO2 over time. The ill health of the oceans means there is more CO2 left in the atmosphere, which accelerates global warming, creating a loop where oceans are further degraded. With more heat remaining in the atmosphere, conditions deteriorate, creating an unlivable environment. Also Read: Analysis: What India and Europe can learn from each other in heat preparedness? Heat dome Super El Niño and climate change have combined to create one of the worst summers in Europe. The roads have melted, and people are struggling to survive as a heat dome has formed over this part of the world. The United States is also witnessing a heat dome in the week of July 4, leaving parts of North Carolina and surrounding places searing hot.

Oceans are bearing the brunt of climate change and El Niño, with surface temperatures touching a record high in June 2026. If humans keep pumping more emissions into the atmosphere, the oceans will fall sick forever, causing chaos worldwide.

Oceans were hottest in June 2026, pushing humanity towards a doomsday scenario

A study has found that trees planted by China in the past 48 years to contain the spread of two major deserts are growing faster than trees in natural forests. The country has planted 66 billion trees since 1978 as part of its "Great Green Wall" project. The work is aimed at slowing down the spread of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. It plans to plant 34 billion more trees by 2050. Scientists decided to study how these trees were different from the ones growing in forests. The ones planted were found to absorb large amounts of CO2, and their leaf area increased 66 per cent faster than natural ones.&nbsp;Researchers don't know exactly how these trees differ from the natural ones. Yuhang Luo, first author of the study, told Live Science that "most global ecosystem models do not distinguish between forest types", and so they wanted to understand whether species diversity, density and the age of a tree affect how it responds to CO2 and climate change.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/forgotten-fossil-reveals-largest-dinosaurs-to-ever-walk-earth-lived-in-antarctica-1782796088641">82-million-year-old fossil reveals Antarctica was home to the largest dinosaurs to ever walk Earth</a><h2>Planted trees grew 66% faster than natural trees</h2>Using satellite data, the team tracked leaf area index to determine how fast these trees grew. The index is a measure of canopy density and a key driver of carbon uptake. The results showed a stark contrast between them, with planted trees increasing their leaf area 66% faster than natural ones. The study states that this is likely because of the difference in their age. The planted trees are younger, and they typically grow faster. The researchers also compared forests of similar age to see if the same held true for them as well. Surprisingly, they still found that the planted ones grew 4.6 per cent.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/180-million-year-old-fossilised-microbes-discovered-morocco-1782642776192">Scientists discover 180-million-year-old fossilised microbes in Morocco's deep sea</a>&nbsp;Scientists said this is primarily because planted trees grow with human intervention, while trees in forests compete for water and sunlight. Planted trees often include fast-growing species like eucalyptus and poplar. Weeds and other competing vegetation are removed regularly, and they are fertilised as well. So these trees do not have to fight for water and nutrients.&nbsp;However, once they reach a certain age, that is when the planted trees start declining. They peak around 30 and 40, and then start dropping. Meanwhile, trees in the wild grow slowly but steadily and at an advantage in the long run. "Planted forests can be a powerful short-term tool for carbon uptake, but this advantage is temporary," Luo said, adding that "forests remain irreplaceable." &nbsp;

China's bid to cover deserts with forests is bearing fruit, and scientists have found that the billions of planted trees are growing much faster than the ones in forests. However, the latter still holds an edge. This is what is happening in China's "Great Green Wall" project.

A study has found that trees planted by China in the past 48 years to contain the spread of two major deserts are growing faster than trees in natural forests. The country has planted 66 billion trees since 1978 as part of its "Great Green Wall" project. The work is aimed at slowing down the spread of the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. It plans to plant 34 billion more trees by 2050. Scientists decided to study how these trees were different from the ones growing in forests. The ones planted were found to absorb large amounts of CO2, and their leaf area increased 66 per cent faster than natural ones. Researchers don't know exactly how these trees differ from the natural ones. Yuhang Luo, first author of the study, told Live Science that "most global ecosystem models do not distinguish between forest types", and so they wanted to understand whether species diversity, density and the age of a tree affect how it responds to CO2 and climate change. Also Read: 82-million-year-old fossil reveals Antarctica was home to the largest dinosaurs to ever walk Earth Planted trees grew 66% faster than natural trees Using satellite data, the team tracked leaf area index to determine how fast these trees grew. The index is a measure of canopy density and a key driver of carbon uptake. The results showed a stark contrast between them, with planted trees increasing their leaf area 66% faster than natural ones. The study states that this is likely because of the difference in their age. The planted trees are younger, and they typically grow faster. The researchers also compared forests of similar age to see if the same held true for them as well. Surprisingly, they still found that the planted ones grew 4.6 per cent. Also Read: Scientists discover 180-million-year-old fossilised microbes in Morocco's deep sea Scientists said this is primarily because planted trees grow with human intervention, while trees in forests compete for water and sunlight. Planted trees often include fast-growing species like eucalyptus and poplar. Weeds and other competing vegetation are removed regularly, and they are fertilised as well. So these trees do not have to fight for water and nutrients. However, once they reach a certain age, that is when the planted trees start declining. They peak around 30 and 40, and then start dropping. Meanwhile, trees in the wild grow slowly but steadily and at an advantage in the long run. "Planted forests can be a powerful short-term tool for carbon uptake, but this advantage is temporary," Luo said, adding that "forests remain irreplaceable."

China's bid to cover deserts with forests is bearing fruit, and scientists have found that the billions of planted trees are growing much faster than the ones in forests. However, the latter still holds an edge. This is what is happening in China's "Great Green Wall" project.

China's 66 billion trees in deserts are absorbing more CO2 and growing faster than natural ones

With a delayed southwest monsoon, 2026 is expected to deliver below-normal rains for India. India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier estimated rainfall at around 90–92 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). June has already signalled a weaker monsoon for the country, recording nearly 40 per cent below normal rains, making it one of the driest June in more than a decade and the fifth driest since India began keeping records in 1901. This suggests the monsoon, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall, is not just getting weak but also increasingly erratic in its behaviour.<h2>A delayed start and uneven distribution</h2>This year has seen a delayed onset and fragmented progression of weather systems that result in the monsoon. Arriving late over Kerala, the monsoon stalled in central and western India before showing intermittent revival, which resulted in long dry spells with short bursts of heavy rain. This pattern is becoming more common in recent years.Meteorologists note that this “start-stop” behaviour is as significant as total rainfall deficits, because it disrupts soil moisture buildup and agricultural planning.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-2026-why-india-watches-the-rain-so-closely-wion-decodes-1782040718564">Monsoon 2026: Why India watches the rain so closely | WION Decodes</a><h2>Why is monsoon important for India?</h2>The southwest monsoon accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall. This seasonal rainfall supports the agriculture sector of the nation. According to government data, nearly 64 per cent of Indians rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Yet only around 55 per cent of the country’s net sown area is covered by irrigation infrastructure, leaving a large portion of farmland dependent on rainfall. This makes the success or failure of the monsoon a major factor in crop production.<h2>Agriculture feels the early shock</h2>The weak and uneven rainfall impacts India’s kharif sowing season. As per early estimates, there is a significant drop in acreage for major crops like rice, soybean, cotton, and maize. In some regions, soybean sowing has drastically fallen compared to last year, while rice cultivation has also slowed due to delayed rainfall.Only a few crops such as sugarcane, which are supported by irrigation, have shown relative stability. The early disruption of farming activities highlights how sensitive India’s agriculture remains to monsoon timing rather than just total rainfall.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-decodes-what-is-godzilla-el-ni-o-and-how-can-it-impact-the-indian-monsoon-1780917581717">WION Decodes | What is 'Godzilla' El Niño and how can it impact the Indian monsoon?</a><h2>Climate drivers behind the shift</h2>According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), climate change is a driving factor leading to unpredictable or inconsistent monsoon rainfall. While some regions experience intense rainfall in short periods, others face prolonged dry spells. Climate change is also resulting in extreme weather events like heavy rainfall, floods, heatwaves and droughts.The changing weather patterns across the world have also resulted in El Nino, which occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become significantly warmer than normal, weakening trade winds and altering global atmospheric circulation. An intense El Niño may weaken monsoons in India and affect crop production, and in turn, food prices. In the past, El Nino conditions have resulted in major droughts in India, including in 1982, 1987, 2002, 2009 and 2015.<h2>A broader climate pattern emerging</h2>According to long-term trends, the monsoon in India appears to be changing structurally. The distribution of seasonal rainfall is becoming more unequal, with fewer wet days and more intense rainfall episodes, even though the overall amount may not always decrease significantly.Recent studies suggest a rise in variability of rainfall along with frequent alternations between dry spells and heavy downpours. This has also led to floods in urban areas in some regions as sudden heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems even during generally weak monsoon years.Monsoon 2026 brings to light a developing reality: India's monsoon is not only getting weaker or stronger, but it is also becoming less predictable, more erratic, and more influenced by the dynamics of climate change.

Monsoon 2026 shows below-normal rains, delayed onset and extreme variability, highlighting a more erratic and climate-change-influenced monsoon pattern in India.

With a delayed southwest monsoon, 2026 is expected to deliver below-normal rains for India. India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier estimated rainfall at around 90–92 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA). June has already signalled a weaker monsoon for the country, recording nearly 40 per cent below normal rains, making it one of the driest June in more than a decade and the fifth driest since India began keeping records in 1901. This suggests the monsoon, which accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall, is not just getting weak but also increasingly erratic in its behaviour. A delayed start and uneven distribution This year has seen a delayed onset and fragmented progression of weather systems that result in the monsoon. Arriving late over Kerala, the monsoon stalled in central and western India before showing intermittent revival, which resulted in long dry spells with short bursts of heavy rain. This pattern is becoming more common in recent years. Meteorologists note that this “start-stop” behaviour is as significant as total rainfall deficits, because it disrupts soil moisture buildup and agricultural planning. Also read | Monsoon 2026: Why India watches the rain so closely | WION Decodes Why is monsoon important for India? The southwest monsoon accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall. This seasonal rainfall supports the agriculture sector of the nation. According to government data, nearly 64 per cent of Indians rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Yet only around 55 per cent of the country’s net sown area is covered by irrigation infrastructure, leaving a large portion of farmland dependent on rainfall. This makes the success or failure of the monsoon a major factor in crop production. Agriculture feels the early shock The weak and uneven rainfall impacts India’s kharif sowing season. As per early estimates, there is a significant drop in acreage for major crops like rice, soybean, cotton, and maize. In some regions, soybean sowing has drastically fallen compared to last year, while rice cultivation has also slowed due to delayed rainfall. Only a few crops such as sugarcane, which are supported by irrigation, have shown relative stability. The early disruption of farming activities highlights how sensitive India’s agriculture remains to monsoon timing rather than just total rainfall. Also read | WION Decodes | What is 'Godzilla' El Niño and how can it impact the Indian monsoon? Climate drivers behind the shift According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), climate change is a driving factor leading to unpredictable or inconsistent monsoon rainfall. While some regions experience intense rainfall in short periods, others face prolonged dry spells. Climate change is also resulting in extreme weather events like heavy rainfall, floods, heatwaves and droughts. The changing weather patterns across the world have also resulted in El Nino, which occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become significantly warmer than normal, weakening trade winds and altering global atmospheric circulation. An intense El Niño may weaken monsoons in India and affect crop production, and in turn, food prices. In the past, El Nino conditions have resulted in major droughts in India, including in 1982, 1987, 2002, 2009 and 2015. A broader climate pattern emerging According to long-term trends, the monsoon in India appears to be changing structurally. The distribution of seasonal rainfall is becoming more unequal, with fewer wet days and more intense rainfall episodes, even though the overall amount may not always decrease significantly. Recent studies suggest a rise in variability of rainfall along with frequent alternations between dry spells and heavy downpours. This has also led to floods in urban areas in some regions as sudden heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems even during generally weak monsoon years. Monsoon 2026 brings to light a developing reality: India's monsoon is not only getting weaker or stronger, but it is also becoming less predictable, more erratic, and more influenced by the dynamics of climate change.

Monsoon 2026 shows below-normal rains, delayed onset and extreme variability, highlighting a more erratic and climate-change-influenced monsoon pattern in India.

Is India’s monsoon changing? What monsoon 2026 reveals about climate trends | WION Decodes

Scientists say that the worst year on Earth happened during the Dark Ages, when the Sun behaved like the Moon as something shrouded the planet. This was the year 536 AD. Experts say that this year witnessed one volcanic eruption, followed by three more in later years, either at the equator or Iceland. Dr Miles Pattenden told ABC RN’s Counterpoint that the ash reached high in the atmosphere and blocked out the sun. Written accounts from Byzantine historian Procopius and Roman statesman Cassiodorus back this claim. “The sun gave forth its light without brightness, like the moon, during the whole year,” the former wrote, describing the time around 536.&nbsp;A layer completely covered the Earth and blocked out sunlight. This led the summer temperatures to fall roughly 1.5 to 2.5 degrees Celsius below normal. This phenomenon did not change for several years. Tree rings offer additional evidence of volcanic eruptions in 536, 540 and 547. The tree rings become narrow in colder years and wider when it is warm and wet. They found signs that the tree rings grew a lot less during this time, indicating a major climate change or volcanic eruption.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-warn-major-sea-the-size-of-japan-is-vanishing-it-might-be-too-late-to-save-it-1782397231242">Scientists warn major sea the size of Japan is vanishing. It might be too late to save it</a><h2>Ice cores in three different places carried volcanic debris</h2>&nbsp;Another proof lay in the ice cores. Scientists found sulfate and volcanic traces in Greenland, Antarctica and the Swiss Alps. A team of researchers led by Paul Mayewski, a glaciologist at the University of Maine, studied a Swiss glacier core from the spring of 536. They found microscopic shards of volcanic glass, and their chemistry appeared similar to material associated with Icelandic volcanic rocks. This showed that Earth’s atmosphere was filled with volcanic debris at this time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-satellite-photo-shows-super-el-ni-o-has-elevated-sea-levels-in-pacific-1782134815575">NASA satellite photo shows Super El Niño has triggered a very specific change in the Pacific</a>&nbsp;Then blew the Ilopango volcano, which is located today in El Salvador, around 539 or 540. The Tierra Blanca Joven ash layer spread across Central America, adding to the veil and cooling already afflicting Earth. Much of Eurasia felt the effects, with records showing “a failure of bread” followed by the plague. The Mediterranean witnessed a huge bubonic crisis in 541. The Plague of Justinian started near the Roman port of Pelusium in Egypt and spread through the Byzantine world.&nbsp;It was not a mass extinction event, but it did trigger a major crisis where populations declined, and the economy crumbled. Things did not get better for decades, as a spike in airborne lead was seen in the Swiss Alps ice core samples from 640.&nbsp;

Nearly 1,500 years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions started, which shrouded Earth, leading to a darkness that didn't lift for decades. It set the stage for cooler summers, the plague and an agricultural crisis that swamped the world.

Scientists say that the worst year on Earth happened during the Dark Ages, when the Sun behaved like the Moon as something shrouded the planet. This was the year 536 AD. Experts say that this year witnessed one volcanic eruption, followed by three more in later years, either at the equator or Iceland. Dr Miles Pattenden told ABC RN’s Counterpoint that the ash reached high in the atmosphere and blocked out the sun. Written accounts from Byzantine historian Procopius and Roman statesman Cassiodorus back this claim. “The sun gave forth its light without brightness, like the moon, during the whole year,” the former wrote, describing the time around 536. A layer completely covered the Earth and blocked out sunlight. This led the summer temperatures to fall roughly 1.5 to 2.5 degrees Celsius below normal. This phenomenon did not change for several years. Tree rings offer additional evidence of volcanic eruptions in 536, 540 and 547. The tree rings become narrow in colder years and wider when it is warm and wet. They found signs that the tree rings grew a lot less during this time, indicating a major climate change or volcanic eruption. Also Read: Scientists warn major sea the size of Japan is vanishing. It might be too late to save it Ice cores in three different places carried volcanic debris Another proof lay in the ice cores. Scientists found sulfate and volcanic traces in Greenland, Antarctica and the Swiss Alps. A team of researchers led by Paul Mayewski, a glaciologist at the University of Maine, studied a Swiss glacier core from the spring of 536. They found microscopic shards of volcanic glass, and their chemistry appeared similar to material associated with Icelandic volcanic rocks. This showed that Earth’s atmosphere was filled with volcanic debris at this time. Also Read: NASA satellite photo shows Super El Niño has triggered a very specific change in the Pacific Then blew the Ilopango volcano, which is located today in El Salvador, around 539 or 540. The Tierra Blanca Joven ash layer spread across Central America, adding to the veil and cooling already afflicting Earth. Much of Eurasia felt the effects, with records showing “a failure of bread” followed by the plague. The Mediterranean witnessed a huge bubonic crisis in 541. The Plague of Justinian started near the Roman port of Pelusium in Egypt and spread through the Byzantine world. It was not a mass extinction event, but it did trigger a major crisis where populations declined, and the economy crumbled. Things did not get better for decades, as a spike in airborne lead was seen in the Swiss Alps ice core samples from 640.

Nearly 1,500 years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions started, which shrouded Earth, leading to a darkness that didn't lift for decades. It set the stage for cooler summers, the plague and an agricultural crisis that swamped the world.

Worst year to be alive: When skies darkened in the Dark Ages as volcanoes kept erupting

Europe is in the grips of a heatwave, with temperatures climbing to almost 41 degrees Celsius in some parts. France experienced its hottest day ever since records started in 1947, with more than half the country under a red heat alert. Spain reached its highest daily average since 1950, and UK is also witnessing record heat for June. The historic and deadly heatwave across Western and Central Europe is being driven by a powerful meteorological phenomenon known as an "Omega Block". It is a weather pattern which creates a massive, stationary heat dome with intensely hot air trapped over the continent.&nbsp;A new study has found that the economic effects of extreme heat combined with drought are huge and a major trigger for the rise of poverty. An analysis by Climate Analytics shows average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. The regions hit hardest witness an even bigger reduction. The study reveals that the rising global temperatures will lead to income inequality and increase the risk of poverty for millions of people. The researcher focuses specifically on Europe, although a similar impact is expected globally, especially in the most vulnerable countries. It was published in Global Environmental Change as part of the ACCREU project.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-records-its-hottest-june-day-beating-1957-and-1976-highs-who-warns-of-risk-to-lives-1782322982631">UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives</a>&nbsp;<h2>Global warming and climate change</h2>Global temperatures are rising, and an increase of 2.7°C by 2100 will cause the average European household income to fall by 27 per cent. If humans are able to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as per the Paris Agreement commitment, it would fall to 7 per cent. In the former scenario, 127 million in Europe will be at risk of poverty, with the figure dropping to 60 million in a 1.5 degrees Celsius world.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/killer-omega-heatwave-grips-europe-1782322956190/embed<h2>Combined effects of heatwave and droughts much larger</h2>Lead author of the study, Jessie Schleypen, says that the heatwave has affected “people’s health, livelihoods and ability to work.” The Senior Climate Change and Development Economist at Climate Analytics adds, “Where extreme heat coincides with drought, the damage can be much greater." The compound events "amplify economic losses experienced directly by European households, and they will become more frequent as global warming increases.”<h2>Reduction in household income due to heatwave and droughts</h2>The study analyses data from 2004 to 2022 and finds that heatwaves and droughts individually have a lesser impact than when they occur together. “On average, a heatwave in Europe will reduce household incomes by 0.7% and droughts by 1.8%. When they occur together – particularly in drought-stricken regions – the average income loss rises to nearly 3%,” the study states. The conditions worsen workers' health, reducing labour productivity and affecting crops, which causes a dip in food production. Critical services linked to water, such as transport and energy generation, also take a massive hit.&nbsp;The poorest will be at the greatest loss due to the economic inequalities caused by the events. “The poorest 20% will be affected the most, with incomes dropping 2% more than the rest of the population (4% vs 1.1-1.8%), further widening income inequality,” Schleypen says. In a 2.7 degrees Celsius world, Greece, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus will likely be among the most affected countries.

Climate change, marked by heatwaves and droughts, can lead to over 100 million Europeans being defined as poor by the year 2100. A study has shown the drastic economic effects of the increasing temperatures when Europe is battling a deadly heatwave.

Europe is in the grips of a heatwave, with temperatures climbing to almost 41 degrees Celsius in some parts. France experienced its hottest day ever since records started in 1947, with more than half the country under a red heat alert. Spain reached its highest daily average since 1950, and UK is also witnessing record heat for June. The historic and deadly heatwave across Western and Central Europe is being driven by a powerful meteorological phenomenon known as an "Omega Block". It is a weather pattern which creates a massive, stationary heat dome with intensely hot air trapped over the continent. A new study has found that the economic effects of extreme heat combined with drought are huge and a major trigger for the rise of poverty. An analysis by Climate Analytics shows average household incomes drop by almost 3 per cent across Europe due to heat-and-drought events. The regions hit hardest witness an even bigger reduction. The study reveals that the rising global temperatures will lead to income inequality and increase the risk of poverty for millions of people. The researcher focuses specifically on Europe, although a similar impact is expected globally, especially in the most vulnerable countries. It was published in Global Environmental Change as part of the ACCREU project. Also Read: UK records its hottest June day, beating 1957 and 1976 highs; WHO warns of risk to lives Global warming and climate change Global temperatures are rising, and an increase of 2.7°C by 2100 will cause the average European household income to fall by 27 per cent. If humans are able to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius as per the Paris Agreement commitment, it would fall to 7 per cent. In the former scenario, 127 million in Europe will be at risk of poverty, with the figure dropping to 60 million in a 1.5 degrees Celsius world. https://www.wionews.com/videos/killer-omega-heatwave-grips-europe-1782322956190/embed Combined effects of heatwave and droughts much larger Lead author of the study, Jessie Schleypen, says that the heatwave has affected “people’s health, livelihoods and ability to work.” The Senior Climate Change and Development Economist at Climate Analytics adds, “Where extreme heat coincides with drought, the damage can be much greater." The compound events "amplify economic losses experienced directly by European households, and they will become more frequent as global warming increases.” Reduction in household income due to heatwave and droughts The study analyses data from 2004 to 2022 and finds that heatwaves and droughts individually have a lesser impact than when they occur together. “On average, a heatwave in Europe will reduce household incomes by 0.7% and droughts by 1.8%. When they occur together – particularly in drought-stricken regions – the average income loss rises to nearly 3%,” the study states. The conditions worsen workers' health, reducing labour productivity and affecting crops, which causes a dip in food production. Critical services linked to water, such as transport and energy generation, also take a massive hit. The poorest will be at the greatest loss due to the economic inequalities caused by the events. “The poorest 20% will be affected the most, with incomes dropping 2% more than the rest of the population (4% vs 1.1-1.8%), further widening income inequality,” Schleypen says. In a 2.7 degrees Celsius world, Greece, Spain, Romania, Bulgaria and Cyprus will likely be among the most affected countries.

Climate change, marked by heatwaves and droughts, can lead to over 100 million Europeans being defined as poor by the year 2100. A study has shown the drastic economic effects of the increasing temperatures when Europe is battling a deadly heatwave.

Europe's heatwaves threaten to push 127 million into poverty by 2100, study finds

Climate change is reshaping agriculture in unexpected ways. In England, farmers have achieved a remarkable milestone by producing the country's first-ever extra virgin olive oil. As rising temperatures challenge traditional crops and Mediterranean olive growers face worsening droughts and heatwaves, some British farmers are betting that olives could become part of the UK's agricultural future.

Farmers Race to Adapt to Changing Climate

A study by an international team of scientists has found evidence that humans found a way to adapt to extreme climate changes instead of collapsing or relocating thousands of years ago. Ancient mud drilled from the Carmel Coast in northern Israel has thrown light on 4,000 years of environmental history in the ancient Mediterranean. The researchers said their findings prove that human societies survived through droughts. Senior author Tom Levy said, "People have always been problem solvers." Environmental stress did not stress them, and they developed new technologies and strategies to overcome it. The study was published last month in the Quaternary Science Reviews.&nbsp;Scientists state that they did not find a "direct correlation between environmental changes and settlement reorganisation from 8,000 to 4,000 years ago." The researchers say human societies did not always reside near favourable regions. Gilad Shtienberg, the paper’s first author, told Times of Israel that humans came up with creative ways to live through harsh conditions. "During the Neolithic period, many communities were concentrated near reliable freshwater sources...during the Chalcolithic period, populations expanded into the more semi-arid Beersheba valley," he said. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sea-ice-twice-the-size-of-rajasthan-goes-missing-from-antarctica-in-winter-1781702114417">Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter</a><h2>Humans came up with ways to live through droughts</h2>So the communities developed new strategies to survive. They came up with early floodwater farming systems, where seasonal floods were used to divert water into the agricultural fields, one of the early forms of irrigation. Instead of relying on rainfall, they planted crops like barley "under managed irrigation rather than relying solely on rainfall." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/world-environment-day-data-centres-are-coming-to-india-but-at-what-cost-1780567891256">World Environment Day in the age of AI - Are humans sacrificing the climate for data centres?</a>&nbsp;For the study, the researchers dug 52 feet into the Earth and retrieved layers of ancient mud. They were like a time capsule recording changes over centuries. Inside them, they found a clue to climate fluctuations in the form of objects like tiny shells, pollen grains, charred plant fragments and chemical traces. All these elements indicated the climate at the time. For eg. Freshwater snails and mussels indicated rain, while charcoal revealed erosion, and pollen and seeds showed the kind of plants. Also Read: Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter&nbsp;Piecing them together, the team created a climate timeline spanning 4,000 to 8,000 years. They found that annual rainfall had dropped by half by around 6,500 years ago along Israel’s coast. A severe drought gripped the region around 4,200 years ago. They compared this data with existing archaeological information to determine if the population declined at this time. They found that the societies found novel ways to deal with the dry conditions instead of moving away.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Droughts have typically been known to trigger migration and population decline in ancient societies. However, a study in Israel has found that humans devised methods to survive these conditions instead of retreating. 

A study by an international team of scientists has found evidence that humans found a way to adapt to extreme climate changes instead of collapsing or relocating thousands of years ago. Ancient mud drilled from the Carmel Coast in northern Israel has thrown light on 4,000 years of environmental history in the ancient Mediterranean. The researchers said their findings prove that human societies survived through droughts. Senior author Tom Levy said, "People have always been problem solvers." Environmental stress did not stress them, and they developed new technologies and strategies to overcome it. The study was published last month in the Quaternary Science Reviews. Scientists state that they did not find a "direct correlation between environmental changes and settlement reorganisation from 8,000 to 4,000 years ago." The researchers say human societies did not always reside near favourable regions. Gilad Shtienberg, the paper’s first author, told Times of Israel that humans came up with creative ways to live through harsh conditions. "During the Neolithic period, many communities were concentrated near reliable freshwater sources...during the Chalcolithic period, populations expanded into the more semi-arid Beersheba valley," he said. Also Read: Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter Humans came up with ways to live through droughts So the communities developed new strategies to survive. They came up with early floodwater farming systems, where seasonal floods were used to divert water into the agricultural fields, one of the early forms of irrigation. Instead of relying on rainfall, they planted crops like barley "under managed irrigation rather than relying solely on rainfall." Also Read: World Environment Day in the age of AI - Are humans sacrificing the climate for data centres? For the study, the researchers dug 52 feet into the Earth and retrieved layers of ancient mud. They were like a time capsule recording changes over centuries. Inside them, they found a clue to climate fluctuations in the form of objects like tiny shells, pollen grains, charred plant fragments and chemical traces. All these elements indicated the climate at the time. For eg. Freshwater snails and mussels indicated rain, while charcoal revealed erosion, and pollen and seeds showed the kind of plants. Also Read: Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter Piecing them together, the team created a climate timeline spanning 4,000 to 8,000 years. They found that annual rainfall had dropped by half by around 6,500 years ago along Israel’s coast. A severe drought gripped the region around 4,200 years ago. They compared this data with existing archaeological information to determine if the population declined at this time. They found that the societies found novel ways to deal with the dry conditions instead of moving away.

Droughts have typically been known to trigger migration and population decline in ancient societies. However, a study in Israel has found that humans devised methods to survive these conditions instead of retreating.&nbsp;

Study in Israel shows humans stood tall in front of climate change 6,500 years ago

We last reported that Antarctica is seeing temperatures that are 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year. Now, another report citing satellite imagery has found a notable ice gap on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Winter in the southernmost continent runs from March to October, when floating sea ice grows around it. However, satellite images show that nearly 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is yet to form as compared to the average amount of sea ice between 1991 and 2020. This ice gap is twice the size of the Indian state of Rajasthan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Will Hobbs, a sea ice-ocean interaction scientist at the University of Tasmania, has raised concern, stating that this is the third time in four years when the ice has been this low. He told The Guardian that it is highly unlikely that the ice will return. "I don't think we will see sea ice there any more. It's done."&nbsp;Three record lows have been recorded in the past decade, with the first one in 2016, then in 2022 and in 2023. However, Hobbs thinks that it is not clear if the ice loss is linked to global warming, and it is possible that changes in the ocean were a factor. But one fact remains that Antarctica has been losing a huge amount of ice. Experts say that it has become a pattern. "It's not good news. A warming world is going to have less sea ice," Edward Doddridge, a physical oceanographer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in Australia, told ABC News.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/antarctica-melts-as-temperature-soars-20-degrees-celsius-above-normal-in-june-1781518880876">Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal</a>&nbsp;The absence of sea ice triggers a dangerous domino effect. This vital ice is more than just a habitat for penguins and krill; it is a global climate regulator. It shields the ocean from sunlight, protects glacier-blocking ice shelves, and powers the critical ocean currents that are important to keep our planet's climate stable.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ice-shelf-size-of-indian-capital-city-delhi-will-detach-from-doomsday-glacier-in-2026-1779976277943">Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026</a><h2>Doomsday Glacier to lose its ice shelf in 2026</h2>A previous report in May warned that the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, will lose its ice shelf this year. Ice shelves float in the ocean while glaciers are attached to the ground. Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, confirmed that this event will most definitely happen, and 2026 is the year it could unfold. A study in March this year also stated that Thwaites will lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067.Also Read:&nbsp;<h2>Heatwave grips Antarctica</h2>&nbsp;On June 6, Antarctica felt the heat from the environment as temperatures soared as high as 15.4 degrees Celsius. This is about 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year, according to a climate professor at the University of Groningen, Raúl Cordero. The year 2026 has witnessed the onset of a Super El Niño, which could bring droughts and floods to different parts of the world. &nbsp;

Antarctica is feeling weather woes as a major chunk of ice that should have formed around it this winter season has not formed. A whopping 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is missing, which is about twice the size of Rajasthan.

We last reported that Antarctica is seeing temperatures that are 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of year. Now, another report citing satellite imagery has found a notable ice gap on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Winter in the southernmost continent runs from March to October, when floating sea ice grows around it. However, satellite images show that nearly 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is yet to form as compared to the average amount of sea ice between 1991 and 2020. This ice gap is twice the size of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Will Hobbs, a sea ice-ocean interaction scientist at the University of Tasmania, has raised concern, stating that this is the third time in four years when the ice has been this low. He told The Guardian that it is highly unlikely that the ice will return. "I don't think we will see sea ice there any more. It's done." Three record lows have been recorded in the past decade, with the first one in 2016, then in 2022 and in 2023. However, Hobbs thinks that it is not clear if the ice loss is linked to global warming, and it is possible that changes in the ocean were a factor. But one fact remains that Antarctica has been losing a huge amount of ice. Experts say that it has become a pattern. "It's not good news. A warming world is going to have less sea ice," Edward Doddridge, a physical oceanographer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies in Australia, told ABC News. Also Read: Antarctica feels the heat in June as temperature soars 20 degrees Celsius above normal The absence of sea ice triggers a dangerous domino effect. This vital ice is more than just a habitat for penguins and krill; it is a global climate regulator. It shields the ocean from sunlight, protects glacier-blocking ice shelves, and powers the critical ocean currents that are important to keep our planet's climate stable. Also Read: Ice shelf the size of Indian capital city Delhi will detach from 'Doomsday Glacier' in 2026 Doomsday Glacier to lose its ice shelf in 2026 A previous report in May warned that the Thwaites Glacier, also known as the Doomsday Glacier, will lose its ice shelf this year. Ice shelves float in the ocean while glaciers are attached to the ground. Robert Larter, a marine geophysicist at the British Antarctic Survey, confirmed that this event will most definitely happen, and 2026 is the year it could unfold. A study in March this year also stated that Thwaites will lose 180 billion to 200 billion tons of ice per year by 2067. Also Read: Heatwave grips Antarctica On June 6, Antarctica felt the heat from the environment as temperatures soared as high as 15.4 degrees Celsius. This is about 20 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year, according to a climate professor at the University of Groningen, Raúl Cordero. The year 2026 has witnessed the onset of a Super El Niño, which could bring droughts and floods to different parts of the world.

Antarctica is feeling weather woes as a major chunk of ice that should have formed around it this winter season has not formed. A whopping 650,000 square kilometres of sea ice is missing, which is about twice the size of Rajasthan.

Sea ice twice the size of Rajasthan goes missing from Antarctica in winter

A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres has pushed the upper limit for complex plant life to survive on Earth by hundreds of millions of years. Previous estimates suggested that Earth's biosphere would meet its demise in about 1.35 billion years. However, three-dimensional (3D) general circulation models show that the more adaptable plants would actually be able to live for another 1.84 billion years. Older models predicted that as the Sun continues to age and brighten, global temperatures will skyrocket quickly, creating a world where plants would not be able to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;As for the humans, we would be gone within the next few hundred million years. But scientists in the new study state that they vastly overestimated how fast the Earth will warm up for the plants. The clear timeline emerged as the new model took into consideration complex, realistic factors like atmospheric circulation and cloud behaviour.<h2>When Sun gets older and brighter, what happens to Earth?</h2>The study explored two extreme scenarios for Earth in the future as the Sun gets older. Our planet will need to endure weathering—the chemical process where atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with rainwater and rocks, locking carbon away. When this happens, the strong weathering could trigger a massive drawdown of CO2 to buffer the rising temperatures. While global temperatures will stay stable, the atmosphere will eventually run out of CO2. The plants would starve and die out in about 1.35 billion years when CO2 drops below 10 parts per million, as per older models. But the new model states that some plant life would be better at adapting to the new circumstances and could live even at 1 part per million of CO2.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/1-8mn-year-old-fiery-discovery-in-south-african-cave-could-change-timeline-of-human-history-1781530048766">1.8 million-year-old 'fiery' discovery in South African cave could change timeline of human history</a>&nbsp;However, the weathering could be weak as well. In this case, the gas levels will remain high, and CO2 won't be removed. The Sun will bake the planet, and in this case, the 3D model shows the climate remains tolerable for most land plants until 1.68 billion years. This thermal ceiling for all plant life could reach 1.87 billion years. The study shows that whether plants die from a lack of carbon dioxide or are roasted from extreme heat, in either case, it has a realistic window of 1.68 to 1.84 billion years before oceans evaporate.

Complex plant life on Earth will be able to survive the most extreme scenario created by the heating and ageing Sun. A study has found that the biosphere could live for another 1.84 billion years. However, humans would have already been long gone.

A study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres has pushed the upper limit for complex plant life to survive on Earth by hundreds of millions of years. Previous estimates suggested that Earth's biosphere would meet its demise in about 1.35 billion years. However, three-dimensional (3D) general circulation models show that the more adaptable plants would actually be able to live for another 1.84 billion years. Older models predicted that as the Sun continues to age and brighten, global temperatures will skyrocket quickly, creating a world where plants would not be able to live. As for the humans, we would be gone within the next few hundred million years. But scientists in the new study state that they vastly overestimated how fast the Earth will warm up for the plants. The clear timeline emerged as the new model took into consideration complex, realistic factors like atmospheric circulation and cloud behaviour. When Sun gets older and brighter, what happens to Earth? The study explored two extreme scenarios for Earth in the future as the Sun gets older. Our planet will need to endure weathering—the chemical process where atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with rainwater and rocks, locking carbon away. When this happens, the strong weathering could trigger a massive drawdown of CO2 to buffer the rising temperatures. While global temperatures will stay stable, the atmosphere will eventually run out of CO2. The plants would starve and die out in about 1.35 billion years when CO2 drops below 10 parts per million, as per older models. But the new model states that some plant life would be better at adapting to the new circumstances and could live even at 1 part per million of CO2. Also Read: 1.8 million-year-old 'fiery' discovery in South African cave could change timeline of human history However, the weathering could be weak as well. In this case, the gas levels will remain high, and CO2 won't be removed. The Sun will bake the planet, and in this case, the 3D model shows the climate remains tolerable for most land plants until 1.68 billion years. This thermal ceiling for all plant life could reach 1.87 billion years. The study shows that whether plants die from a lack of carbon dioxide or are roasted from extreme heat, in either case, it has a realistic window of 1.68 to 1.84 billion years before oceans evaporate.

Complex plant life on Earth will be able to survive the most extreme scenario created by the heating and ageing Sun. A study has found that the biosphere could live for another 1.84 billion years. However, humans would have already been long gone.

Lease for life on Earth extended as study finds end of times are at least 1.84 billion years away

A new environmental warning highlights the rapid decline of rare Tapanuli orangutans, one of the world’s most endangered great ape species found in Indonesia. Researchers say climate change and extreme weather events, including flooding linked to Cyclone Senyar, have severely damaged their fragile habitat, leading to significant loss of life among the population. Scientists are raising urgent concerns that continued environmental pressure could push this species closer to extinction without immediate conservation action.


Climate Change Threatens Great Apes in Indonesia 

The coming months could bring South Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region a dangerous mix of climate shocks, economic strain, and geopolitical instability. At the centre of this looming challenge is the anticipated El Niño event, which is likely to disrupt monsoon patterns, intensify weather extremes, and place additional pressure on already fragile food, water, and energy systems.But El Niño will not arrive in isolation. It will intersect with continuing global disruptions—from the war in Ukraine to instability in the Middle East—each of which continues to reverberate through energy markets, food supply chains, and shipping routes. The combined effect is likely to be cumulative, not linear.This is, therefore, a moment that calls for anticipatory regional coordination rather than fragmented national responses.<h2>A record of regional first response</h2>There is already a clear precedent for such coordination in the region.During the COVID-19 pandemic, India emerged as a key first responder, supplying vaccines, medicines, and logistical support across the neighbourhood under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. This helped establish a practical framework for regional cooperation in times of systemic stress.More recently, India played a similar role during the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, providing critical financial assistance, fuel, and essential supplies at a moment of acute vulnerability. India has also been among the first responders during major climate-related disasters, including cyclone events such as Cyclone Ditwa, delivering rapid humanitarian assistance.These are not isolated gestures. They reflect an emerging pattern in which India increasingly functions as a stabilising force in the wider region.This trajectory is reflected in India’s evolving regional frameworks—from Neighbourhood First, to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), and now the broader MAHASAGAR vision, which signals an expanded maritime and regional engagement architecture.<h2>Why El Niño is different this time</h2>El Niño events have historically been associated with weaker monsoons in South Asia, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased risks of droughts and floods. In a region where agriculture remains highly climate-sensitive, even modest deviations can translate into inflation, rural distress, and fiscal pressure.This year, however, the risks are compounded by global fragilities:* Persistent food and fertilizer price volatility* Elevated energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions* Supply chain disruptions in key commodities* High debt burdens in several neighbouring economiesTogether, these factors reduce the resilience of national systems and increase the risk of cascading shocks across borders.It is also important to recognise that social instability in some fragile countries in the region should be kept in mind, as climate shocks and economic pressures can quickly reinforce each other and create wider humanitarian and political consequences.<h2>The case for a Delhi-based regional initiative</h2>Against this backdrop, there is a strong case for India to convene a regional El Niño preparedness dialogue in Delhi, bringing together neighbouring countries, key development partners, and multilateral institutions.This should not be limited to South Asia alone. The impacts of El Niño extend across the wider Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region. Participation could include:* Neighbouring states in South and Southeast Asia* The United Nations system* The World Bank and Asian Development Bank* Key bilateral partners such as Japan and others active in regional resilienceGiven its geographic position, institutional capacity, and experience as a first responder, it is both natural and appropriate for India to chair such an initiative.<h2>What the initiative should focus on</h2>The objective should be practical coordination rather than declaratory statements. Three areas stand out:1. Shared forecasting and early warning systemsStrengthening real-time exchange of climate data, monsoon projections, and sectoral risk mapping, particularly for agriculture, water, and fisheries.2. Contingency planning for essential suppliesCoordinating regional approaches to food reserves, fertilizer availability, and energy supply buffers during climatic disruptions.3. Disaster response and financing coordinationImproving interoperability among disaster management systems, and exploring rapid-response financing through multilateral development banks for climate-related shocks.<h2>From Neighbourhood First to MAHASAGAR</h2>India’s regional doctrine has steadily evolved—from Neighbourhood First to SAGAR, and now MAHASAGAR—reflecting a broader conception of responsibility in the Indian Ocean region.Each stage has expanded the scope of engagement: from immediate neighbourhood assistance, to maritime cooperation and growth, to a wider vision of regional interconnectedness. A structured El Niño preparedness initiative would be a natural continuation of this trajectory, embedding climate resilience into the region’s evolving strategic architecture.<h2>Climate as regional security</h2>The distinction between climate events and security outcomes is increasingly blurred. A failed monsoon in one country can trigger food inflation in another; a cyclone can disrupt trade routes; droughts can accelerate migration pressures and fiscal instability.El Niño should therefore be seen not only as a meteorological phenomenon but as a systemic stress test for regional resilience.<h2>Conclusion</h2>India is already widely seen in the region as a first responder in times of crisis. The experiences of COVID-19, the Sri Lankan economic emergency, and climate-related disasters have reinforced this role in practical terms.The next step is to move from reactive response to anticipatory coordination.A Delhi-based regional El Niño preparedness meeting—anchored by India and supported by multilateral institutions and key bilateral partners—would be a timely and pragmatic initiative. In an era of compounding global risks, regional cooperation is no longer optional; it is essential. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

El Niño events have historically been associated with weaker monsoons in South Asia, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased risks of droughts and floods. 

The coming months could bring South Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region a dangerous mix of climate shocks, economic strain, and geopolitical instability. At the centre of this looming challenge is the anticipated El Niño event, which is likely to disrupt monsoon patterns, intensify weather extremes, and place additional pressure on already fragile food, water, and energy systems. But El Niño will not arrive in isolation. It will intersect with continuing global disruptions—from the war in Ukraine to instability in the Middle East—each of which continues to reverberate through energy markets, food supply chains, and shipping routes. The combined effect is likely to be cumulative, not linear. This is, therefore, a moment that calls for anticipatory regional coordination rather than fragmented national responses. A record of regional first response There is already a clear precedent for such coordination in the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India emerged as a key first responder, supplying vaccines, medicines, and logistical support across the neighbourhood under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. This helped establish a practical framework for regional cooperation in times of systemic stress. More recently, India played a similar role during the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, providing critical financial assistance, fuel, and essential supplies at a moment of acute vulnerability. India has also been among the first responders during major climate-related disasters, including cyclone events such as Cyclone Ditwa, delivering rapid humanitarian assistance. These are not isolated gestures. They reflect an emerging pattern in which India increasingly functions as a stabilising force in the wider region. This trajectory is reflected in India’s evolving regional frameworks—from Neighbourhood First, to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), and now the broader MAHASAGAR vision, which signals an expanded maritime and regional engagement architecture. Why El Niño is different this time El Niño events have historically been associated with weaker monsoons in South Asia, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased risks of droughts and floods. In a region where agriculture remains highly climate-sensitive, even modest deviations can translate into inflation, rural distress, and fiscal pressure. This year, however, the risks are compounded by global fragilities: * Persistent food and fertilizer price volatility * Elevated energy costs linked to geopolitical tensions * Supply chain disruptions in key commodities * High debt burdens in several neighbouring economies Together, these factors reduce the resilience of national systems and increase the risk of cascading shocks across borders. It is also important to recognise that social instability in some fragile countries in the region should be kept in mind, as climate shocks and economic pressures can quickly reinforce each other and create wider humanitarian and political consequences. The case for a Delhi-based regional initiative Against this backdrop, there is a strong case for India to convene a regional El Niño preparedness dialogue in Delhi, bringing together neighbouring countries, key development partners, and multilateral institutions. This should not be limited to South Asia alone. The impacts of El Niño extend across the wider Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region. Participation could include: * Neighbouring states in South and Southeast Asia * The United Nations system * The World Bank and Asian Development Bank * Key bilateral partners such as Japan and others active in regional resilience Given its geographic position, institutional capacity, and experience as a first responder, it is both natural and appropriate for India to chair such an initiative. What the initiative should focus on The objective should be practical coordination rather than declaratory statements. Three areas stand out: 1. Shared forecasting and early warning systems Strengthening real-time exchange of climate data, monsoon projections, and sectoral risk mapping, particularly for agriculture, water, and fisheries. 2. Contingency planning for essential supplies Coordinating regional approaches to food reserves, fertilizer availability, and energy supply buffers during climatic disruptions. 3. Disaster response and financing coordination Improving interoperability among disaster management systems, and exploring rapid-response financing through multilateral development banks for climate-related shocks. From Neighbourhood First to MAHASAGAR India’s regional doctrine has steadily evolved—from Neighbourhood First to SAGAR, and now MAHASAGAR—reflecting a broader conception of responsibility in the Indian Ocean region. Each stage has expanded the scope of engagement: from immediate neighbourhood assistance, to maritime cooperation and growth, to a wider vision of regional interconnectedness. A structured El Niño preparedness initiative would be a natural continuation of this trajectory, embedding climate resilience into the region’s evolving strategic architecture. Climate as regional security The distinction between climate events and security outcomes is increasingly blurred. A failed monsoon in one country can trigger food inflation in another; a cyclone can disrupt trade routes; droughts can accelerate migration pressures and fiscal instability. El Niño should therefore be seen not only as a meteorological phenomenon but as a systemic stress test for regional resilience. Conclusion India is already widely seen in the region as a first responder in times of crisis. The experiences of COVID-19, the Sri Lankan economic emergency, and climate-related disasters have reinforced this role in practical terms. The next step is to move from reactive response to anticipatory coordination. A Delhi-based regional El Niño preparedness meeting—anchored by India and supported by multilateral institutions and key bilateral partners—would be a timely and pragmatic initiative. In an era of compounding global risks, regional cooperation is no longer optional; it is essential. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

El Niño events have historically been associated with weaker monsoons in South Asia, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased risks of droughts and floods.&nbsp;

India should convene a regional El Niño preparedness dialogue in Delhi

US President Donald Trump has announced $700 million in support for coal-related projects, marking a renewed push to expand reliance on one of the most polluting fossil fuels. The move has triggered renewed debate over why the US is turning further towards coal despite global climate concerns.<h2>Trump doubles down on coal push</h2>The funding will be deployed to keep more than a dozen coal plants running across ten US states and support 42 coal mines. The plan also includes building two new coal plants and developing a coal export terminal.&nbsp;The initiative will be executed using the Defence Production Act, a Cold War-era law passed in 1950 that allows the US president emergency authority over domestic industries.&nbsp;"Today, we're taking historic action to bring down the price of energy and the cost of living for all Americans, with the power of clean, beautiful coal," Trump said.&nbsp;The announcement comes as Trump continues to roll back environmental regulations and dismisses human-induced climate change as "a hoax". Coal remains the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-rejects-truce-israeli-strikes-in-lebanon-kill-eight-a-day-after-ceasefire-announcement-1780616954076">Lebanon ceasefire unravels as Hezbollah rejects truce; Israeli strikes kill eight a day after announcement</a><h2>Why the US is pushing coal again</h2>The administration has justified the move by pointing to rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centre expansion and electric vehicles. Officials argue that renewable energy sources such as wind and solar cannot provide consistent, round-the-clock baseload power required for growing digital infrastructure.&nbsp;Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have said that maintaining coal plants is necessary to prevent future power shortages and ensure grid reliability. The Department of Energy has already issued emergency orders to keep ageing coal units operational despite planned retirements.&nbsp;The White House has also warned that electricity demand is rising faster than grid expansion, raising the risk of blackouts by 2030 if dependable power sources are reduced.<h2>National security angle</h2>The administration has further framed coal expansion as a national security issue. By invoking the Defence Production Act, officials argue that the United States must reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly those linked to China in the renewable energy sector.&nbsp;The policy is being positioned as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic energy independence and secure critical infrastructure for emerging technologies.&nbsp;Trump has previously withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement twice. The first exit was announced in 2017, while the second followed an executive order after his return to office in 2025.

Trump, who has dismissed human-induced climate change as “a hoax,” has also withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement twice, once during his first term and again during his second term.

US President Donald Trump has announced $700 million in support for coal-related projects, marking a renewed push to expand reliance on one of the most polluting fossil fuels. The move has triggered renewed debate over why the US is turning further towards coal despite global climate concerns. Trump doubles down on coal push The funding will be deployed to keep more than a dozen coal plants running across ten US states and support 42 coal mines. The plan also includes building two new coal plants and developing a coal export terminal. The initiative will be executed using the Defence Production Act, a Cold War-era law passed in 1950 that allows the US president emergency authority over domestic industries. "Today, we're taking historic action to bring down the price of energy and the cost of living for all Americans, with the power of clean, beautiful coal," Trump said. The announcement comes as Trump continues to roll back environmental regulations and dismisses human-induced climate change as "a hoax". Coal remains the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Also Read: Lebanon ceasefire unravels as Hezbollah rejects truce; Israeli strikes kill eight a day after announcement Why the US is pushing coal again The administration has justified the move by pointing to rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centre expansion and electric vehicles. Officials argue that renewable energy sources such as wind and solar cannot provide consistent, round-the-clock baseload power required for growing digital infrastructure. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have said that maintaining coal plants is necessary to prevent future power shortages and ensure grid reliability. The Department of Energy has already issued emergency orders to keep ageing coal units operational despite planned retirements. The White House has also warned that electricity demand is rising faster than grid expansion, raising the risk of blackouts by 2030 if dependable power sources are reduced. National security angle The administration has further framed coal expansion as a national security issue. By invoking the Defence Production Act, officials argue that the United States must reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, particularly those linked to China in the renewable energy sector. The policy is being positioned as part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic energy independence and secure critical infrastructure for emerging technologies. Trump has previously withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement twice. The first exit was announced in 2017, while the second followed an executive order after his return to office in 2025.

Trump, who has dismissed human-induced climate change as “a hoax,” has also withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement twice, once during his first term and again during his second term.

Wion Decodes: Trump announces $700 mn support for coal projects; why the US president is pushing the most polluting fossil fuel

Global temperatures are projected to remain at historic highs over the next five years, with scientists warning that the internationally recognised 1.5°C climate threshold could be breached before the end of the decade. A new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UK Met Office forecasts that annual average temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will range from 1.3°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels recorded between 1850 and 1900. The report states there is a 75 per cent chance that the average global temperature during the five-year period will exceed 1.5°C. The WMO further estimates a 91 per cent likelihood that at least one individual year before 2030 will cross the mark.<h2>Arctic Heating Accelerates Faster Than Rest of Planet</h2>The report highlights the Arctic as one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth. Winter temperatures across the Arctic are expected to rise by around 2.8°C above the 1991–2020 average over the next five years, more than three-and-a-half times faster than the global average.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fake-cockroach-janta-party-android-app-flagged-as-critical-malware-threat-report-warns-1779954616682">Fake 'Cockroach Janta Party' Android app flagged as critical malware threat, report warns</a>&nbsp;Scientists further warned that rapid Arctic warming is likely to intensify the melting of sea ice in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk during March, a key period for seasonal ice coverage. Melissa Seabrook, a climate scientist at the UK Met Office, told Reuters there was ‘very clear evidence’ that the climate was continuing to warm.<h2>Extreme Weather Risks Continue to Grow</h2>The report also projects wetter conditions across northern Europe, Alaska, Siberia and the Sahel, while the Amazon region is expected to experience drier weather conditions linked to drought and wildfire risks. According to AP, scientists said rising temperatures caused by the continued use of coal, oil and gas are increasing the frequency and severity of floods, droughts and heatwaves worldwide. A strong El Niño event is also forecast later this year and could persist into 2027. The warming of Pacific Ocean surface temperatures associated with El Niño typically raises global temperatures further and can contribute to record-breaking heat.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-canada-s-online-safety-bill-why-tech-giants-like-apple-google-oppose-it-what-it-means-for-user-privacy-wion-decodes-1779886628323">What is Canada’s online safety bill? Why tech giants like Apple &amp; Google oppose it, what it means for user privacy | WION Decodes</a><h2>Temporary Breach Does Not Mean Paris Goals Have Failed</h2>Scientists stressed that temporarily exceeding 1.5°C does not mean the Paris Agreement has formally failed, since the target is measured as a long-term average over two decades rather than a single year. However, researchers warned that every fraction of additional warming carries consequences for ecosystems, human health and infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;The report also indicates an 86 per cent chance that one year before 2030 will surpass 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded. Coral reefs, glaciers and Arctic ecosystems are considered particularly vulnerable even to small increases in global temperature.

The report also indicates an 86 per cent chance that one year before 2030 will surpass 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded. Coral reefs, glaciers and Arctic ecosystems are considered particularly vulnerable even to small increases in global temperature.

Global temperatures are projected to remain at historic highs over the next five years, with scientists warning that the internationally recognised 1.5°C climate threshold could be breached before the end of the decade. A new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UK Met Office forecasts that annual average temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will range from 1.3°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels recorded between 1850 and 1900. The report states there is a 75 per cent chance that the average global temperature during the five-year period will exceed 1.5°C. The WMO further estimates a 91 per cent likelihood that at least one individual year before 2030 will cross the mark. Arctic Heating Accelerates Faster Than Rest of Planet The report highlights the Arctic as one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth. Winter temperatures across the Arctic are expected to rise by around 2.8°C above the 1991–2020 average over the next five years, more than three-and-a-half times faster than the global average. ALSO READ: Fake 'Cockroach Janta Party' Android app flagged as critical malware threat, report warns Scientists further warned that rapid Arctic warming is likely to intensify the melting of sea ice in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk during March, a key period for seasonal ice coverage. Melissa Seabrook, a climate scientist at the UK Met Office, told Reuters there was ‘very clear evidence’ that the climate was continuing to warm. Extreme Weather Risks Continue to Grow The report also projects wetter conditions across northern Europe, Alaska, Siberia and the Sahel, while the Amazon region is expected to experience drier weather conditions linked to drought and wildfire risks. According to AP, scientists said rising temperatures caused by the continued use of coal, oil and gas are increasing the frequency and severity of floods, droughts and heatwaves worldwide. A strong El Niño event is also forecast later this year and could persist into 2027. The warming of Pacific Ocean surface temperatures associated with El Niño typically raises global temperatures further and can contribute to record-breaking heat. ALSO READ: What is Canada’s online safety bill? Why tech giants like Apple & Google oppose it, what it means for user privacy | WION Decodes Temporary Breach Does Not Mean Paris Goals Have Failed Scientists stressed that temporarily exceeding 1.5°C does not mean the Paris Agreement has formally failed, since the target is measured as a long-term average over two decades rather than a single year. However, researchers warned that every fraction of additional warming carries consequences for ecosystems, human health and infrastructure. The report also indicates an 86 per cent chance that one year before 2030 will surpass 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded. Coral reefs, glaciers and Arctic ecosystems are considered particularly vulnerable even to small increases in global temperature.

The report also indicates an 86 per cent chance that one year before 2030 will surpass 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded. Coral reefs, glaciers and Arctic ecosystems are considered particularly vulnerable even to small increases in global temperature.

Think this is the hottest it gets? UN report warns Earth could smash temperature records by 2030

A tank with 9,000 litres of winter diesel is believed to have sunk into the sea in Antarctica. The German-operated Neumayer Station III lost several tankers containing supplies, special gear, gas cylinders and batteries after the huge slab of ice they were sitting on drifted away following a violent storm in January. Seven containers resting on the ice sheet were waiting to be loaded onto a ship, with one other container serving as accommodation for crew members exploring the Antarctic region. But a blizzard slammed the station earlier this year. When it ended, the German team noticed that the containers were missing. The research icebreaker Polarstern found that the ice sheet had drifted 140 kilometres from its original location. A recovery operation was launched to recover the fuel and batteries using a helicopter.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a>&nbsp;However, the ice sheet was unstable and stalled the operation. That was the end of it, as it failed to show up in satellite images a month later, leading the German researchers to conclude that it had likely broken apart. All the containers are sitting on the seabed, including the one with 9,000 litres of diesel. This has triggered fears of an environmental disaster in the region. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting said earlier this month that the container is "assumed to have been either damaged by falling into the sea or exploded on its way to the seabed." It added, "In either case, the fuel is likely to have leaked out." The incident has led to new measures being put in place to ensure containers are not lost in this manner in the future. They are required to be kept at least 5 kilometres from the edge, with the ice sheet closely monitored.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-mountain-range-ran-through-india-and-antarctica-150-million-years-ago-1779099301643">Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago</a><h2>Antarctica ice sheet is at risk of rapid melting, which could raise sea levels by 190ft</h2>The ice shelves in Antarctica are rapidly melting, scientists have warned, leading to fears that global sea levels could rise by several feet. These ice shelves are floating extensions of the continental ice sheet and not attached to the bedrock. They play a critical role in stabilising the global climate by slowing down the flow of inland glaciers into the ocean. Deep channel–like grooves are trapping warm ocean water under the ice, melting it 10 times faster than normal. This has threatened the structural integrity of the shelves, and their collapse could cause gigatonnes of ice to release into the ocean. Scientists have estimated that if this happens, sea levels could rise by a staggering 190ft.&nbsp;

Several containers carrying supplies went down into the sea in Antarctica after an ice sheet broke apart following a storm. One of them was filled with 9,000 litres of diesel. The operation to save the containers failed, and later the ice sheet did not show up in satellite images.

A tank with 9,000 litres of winter diesel is believed to have sunk into the sea in Antarctica. The German-operated Neumayer Station III lost several tankers containing supplies, special gear, gas cylinders and batteries after the huge slab of ice they were sitting on drifted away following a violent storm in January. Seven containers resting on the ice sheet were waiting to be loaded onto a ship, with one other container serving as accommodation for crew members exploring the Antarctic region. But a blizzard slammed the station earlier this year. When it ended, the German team noticed that the containers were missing. The research icebreaker Polarstern found that the ice sheet had drifted 140 kilometres from its original location. A recovery operation was launched to recover the fuel and batteries using a helicopter. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier However, the ice sheet was unstable and stalled the operation. That was the end of it, as it failed to show up in satellite images a month later, leading the German researchers to conclude that it had likely broken apart. All the containers are sitting on the seabed, including the one with 9,000 litres of diesel. This has triggered fears of an environmental disaster in the region. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting said earlier this month that the container is "assumed to have been either damaged by falling into the sea or exploded on its way to the seabed." It added, "In either case, the fuel is likely to have leaked out." The incident has led to new measures being put in place to ensure containers are not lost in this manner in the future. They are required to be kept at least 5 kilometres from the edge, with the ice sheet closely monitored. Also Read: Ancient mountain range ran through India and Antarctica 150 million years ago Antarctica ice sheet is at risk of rapid melting, which could raise sea levels by 190ft The ice shelves in Antarctica are rapidly melting, scientists have warned, leading to fears that global sea levels could rise by several feet. These ice shelves are floating extensions of the continental ice sheet and not attached to the bedrock. They play a critical role in stabilising the global climate by slowing down the flow of inland glaciers into the ocean. Deep channel–like grooves are trapping warm ocean water under the ice, melting it 10 times faster than normal. This has threatened the structural integrity of the shelves, and their collapse could cause gigatonnes of ice to release into the ocean. Scientists have estimated that if this happens, sea levels could rise by a staggering 190ft.

Several containers carrying supplies went down into the sea in Antarctica after an ice sheet broke apart following a storm. One of them was filled with 9,000 litres of diesel. The operation to save the containers failed, and later the ice sheet did not show up in satellite images.

9,000 litres of diesel sinks in Antarctica after ice sheet with 7 containers drifts and breaks apart

North and central India are in the grips of an intense heatwave with daytime temperatures pushing past the 44°C mark. This extreme heat is not even sparing urban air-conditioned bedrooms at night. Thousands of people are complaining of waking up exhausted, battling morning headaches, fatigue, and brain fog. Heatwaves are interfering with the body's natural sleep mechanisms, causing people to wake up several times at night, which prevents them from entering REM sleep. The body needs to cool down for a good night's sleep. However, experts say that prolonged exposure to extreme daytime heat, combined with unusually warm nights, is affecting this considerably. An extreme cool setting on the AC is making things worse. The effects are being seen most in people suffering from asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, allergic airway diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and dehydration.<h2>What is happening inside homes at night?</h2> Reports suggest that India’s nights are warming nearly five times faster than its days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, overnight minimum temperatures are significantly above normal. A study by Climate Trends in May 2026 revealed that indoor nighttime temperatures in dense urban homes frequently hover between 31°C and 34°C, and do not go down even in the wee hours of the morning. This creates a "Warm Night" crisis, where our bedrooms act like structural heat traps. Sleeping in such conditions has a major effect on people's health.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-early-monsoon-forecast-india-heatwave-alert-1779357122018">IMD predicts early monsoon arrival as severe heatwave scorches North and Central India</a><h2>Why does heat persist outside even at night?</h2> Earth follows a natural cooling cycle where it absorbs solar energy during the day and then throws the heat back at night. But this is no longer happening effectively. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is to blame for this. Reinforced cement concrete (RCC), asphalt, and glass have filled the Indian cities. Due to their high thermal mass, these materials absorb immense heat all day and slowly radiate it outward for hours after dark. This is known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Your air-conditioner creates a vicious cycle by adding more heat to the environment. It pumps it outdoors, but with millions of more ACs running at the same time, the hot exhaust being released by the compressors increases evening temperatures by an additional 4°C to 6°C. The humidity makes things worse as the moisture in the air disrupts the body's primary cooling mechanism, sweat evaporation.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-heatwave-capital-reports-first-severe-heatstroke-case-this-summer-1779369053875">Delhi Heatwave: Capital reports first severe heatstroke case this summer, youth hospitalised in RML Hospital</a><h2>How is your body suffering from extreme heat at night</h2> Studies have shown that your core body temperature must drop by about 1°C for deep sleep. But with indoor temperatures remaining above 30 degrees Celsius at night, your body struggles to make this happen. Your heart goes into overdrive and starts pumping faster to push blood to your skin to shed heat. This causes the person to wake up several times at night. In the absence of REM sleep, the body does not get the opportunity to recuperate from daytime heat. You wake up tired, complaining of morning headaches, and this can cause long-term cardiovascular strain.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-under-yellow-alert-as-india-dominates-world-s-hottest-cities-list-1779196599869">Delhi sizzles at 45.1°C amid yellow alert; intense heatwave grips north and central India</a><h2>How to cool your room and body without drying the air</h2> Here are some things you can try to make indoor conditions better at night1. Do not open your doors and windows at 6 pm. Do this instead at 9 pm when the outside air temperature has dropped. Open windows on opposite sides of the room to create a functional cross-breeze.2. Fans are simply moving hot air around. Placing a bowl of ice or a damp, cold sheet directly under the fan will lead to evaporative cooling, instantly bringing down the temperature by a few degrees. In air-conditioned rooms, place a bucket of water to add moisture to the air to prevent dehydration.3. While a cold shower might sound like a good idea, it is not. It causes your blood vessels to constrict rapidly, trapping heat inside your core. Take a lukewarm shower before sleeping. It opens your pores and blood vessels, allowing your body to efficiently dump internal heat.4. Consume electrolytes in the evening instead of plain water. ORS, salted buttermilk and coconut water are good options to maintain blood volume and lower your resting heart rate while you sleep.5. Painting the ceiling with reflective cool-roof paint or white lime wash can drop indoor ceiling temperatures by a massive 2 degrees C to 4 degrees C. &nbsp;

An intense heatwave has taken over several Indian cities, and the tools we use to battle it are in turn making things worse. The Warm Night crisis and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect are together affectig sleep and causing health issues. Here are some ways to withstand the conditions. 

North and central India are in the grips of an intense heatwave with daytime temperatures pushing past the 44°C mark. This extreme heat is not even sparing urban air-conditioned bedrooms at night. Thousands of people are complaining of waking up exhausted, battling morning headaches, fatigue, and brain fog. Heatwaves are interfering with the body's natural sleep mechanisms, causing people to wake up several times at night, which prevents them from entering REM sleep. The body needs to cool down for a good night's sleep. However, experts say that prolonged exposure to extreme daytime heat, combined with unusually warm nights, is affecting this considerably. An extreme cool setting on the AC is making things worse. The effects are being seen most in people suffering from asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, allergic airway diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and dehydration. What is happening inside homes at night? Reports suggest that India’s nights are warming nearly five times faster than its days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, overnight minimum temperatures are significantly above normal. A study by Climate Trends in May 2026 revealed that indoor nighttime temperatures in dense urban homes frequently hover between 31°C and 34°C, and do not go down even in the wee hours of the morning. This creates a "Warm Night" crisis, where our bedrooms act like structural heat traps. Sleeping in such conditions has a major effect on people's health. Also Read: IMD predicts early monsoon arrival as severe heatwave scorches North and Central India Why does heat persist outside even at night? Earth follows a natural cooling cycle where it absorbs solar energy during the day and then throws the heat back at night. But this is no longer happening effectively. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is to blame for this. Reinforced cement concrete (RCC), asphalt, and glass have filled the Indian cities. Due to their high thermal mass, these materials absorb immense heat all day and slowly radiate it outward for hours after dark. This is known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Your air-conditioner creates a vicious cycle by adding more heat to the environment. It pumps it outdoors, but with millions of more ACs running at the same time, the hot exhaust being released by the compressors increases evening temperatures by an additional 4°C to 6°C. The humidity makes things worse as the moisture in the air disrupts the body's primary cooling mechanism, sweat evaporation. Also Read: Delhi Heatwave: Capital reports first severe heatstroke case this summer, youth hospitalised in RML Hospital How is your body suffering from extreme heat at night Studies have shown that your core body temperature must drop by about 1°C for deep sleep. But with indoor temperatures remaining above 30 degrees Celsius at night, your body struggles to make this happen. Your heart goes into overdrive and starts pumping faster to push blood to your skin to shed heat. This causes the person to wake up several times at night. In the absence of REM sleep, the body does not get the opportunity to recuperate from daytime heat. You wake up tired, complaining of morning headaches, and this can cause long-term cardiovascular strain. Also Read: Delhi sizzles at 45.1°C amid yellow alert; intense heatwave grips north and central India How to cool your room and body without drying the air Here are some things you can try to make indoor conditions better at night 1. Do not open your doors and windows at 6 pm. Do this instead at 9 pm when the outside air temperature has dropped. Open windows on opposite sides of the room to create a functional cross-breeze. 2. Fans are simply moving hot air around. Placing a bowl of ice or a damp, cold sheet directly under the fan will lead to evaporative cooling, instantly bringing down the temperature by a few degrees. In air-conditioned rooms, place a bucket of water to add moisture to the air to prevent dehydration. 3. While a cold shower might sound like a good idea, it is not. It causes your blood vessels to constrict rapidly, trapping heat inside your core. Take a lukewarm shower before sleeping. It opens your pores and blood vessels, allowing your body to efficiently dump internal heat. 4. Consume electrolytes in the evening instead of plain water. ORS, salted buttermilk and coconut water are good options to maintain blood volume and lower your resting heart rate while you sleep. 5. Painting the ceiling with reflective cool-roof paint or white lime wash can drop indoor ceiling temperatures by a massive 2 degrees C to 4 degrees C.

An intense heatwave has taken over several Indian cities, and the tools we use to battle it are in turn making things worse. The Warm Night crisis and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect are together affectig sleep and causing health issues. Here are some ways to withstand the conditions.&nbsp;

Urban Heat Island effect is making your nights hotter and you sick. Here is how you can mitigate its effects

India refused to vote on a UN General Assembly resolution calling on nations to comply with their obligations on climate change, raising concern over the draft, which "undermines" the "sacrosanct architecture" of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The resolution was passed in the 193-member UN General Assembly on Wednesday with 141 countries voting in favour, eight against it and 28 abstaining, including India. New Delhi stated that it had engaged constructively during negotiations on the resolution and consistently articulated its concerns and positions during the process.&nbsp;"We are therefore disappointed that our concerns were not addressed, despite our best efforts to find common ground," it said. Explanation India's vote, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, said adoption of the resolution by the General Assembly does not impose any legally binding obligations on India. b"Our obligations arise only from outcomes adopted under the UNFCCC process. Hence, in line with our stated position on climate change-related issues, India was not in a position to vote in favour of this resolution," she said.&nbsp;The resolution, titled ‘Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States in respect of climate change’, welcomed the unanimous advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July 2025 on countries’ responsibilities regarding climate change. It also recognised the opinion as an authoritative interpretation of existing international law.<h3>Why does India abstains to vote?</h3>India has consistently raised concerns in the past that climate obligations must be negotiated through the UN climate framework, as it recognises the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". Under this principle, developed countries, which are the largest historical emitters, are supposed to take the lead on emissions cuts initiatives and provide finance and technology support to developing nations.&nbsp;Introduced by Vanuatu, the resolution urged all nations to fulfil their obligations under international law to safeguard the climate system and environment from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. It also called on countries to take steps, consistent with the Paris Agreement and their respective national circumstances, to limit the increase in global average temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. India, however, maintained that the draft resolution does not adequately emphasise the advisory and non-binding character of the ICJ opinion.&nbsp;"We are therefore seriously concerned that the resolution undermines the sacrosanct architecture of the UNFCCC process, by elevating an Advisory Opinion to a binding or quasi-binding status, attempting to impose obligations on developing countries that have not been multilaterally agreed upon. This is a dangerous precedent that we must all be wary of," Gahlot said.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-issues-health-advisory-amid-ebola-outbreak-passengers-from-these-countries-warned-1779344734077"> 'Those with direct contact...': India's DGHS issues health advisory amid Ebola outbreak; Passengers from THESE countries warned</a>&nbsp;India found that the resolution directs a specific mitigation roadmap, imposes external benchmarks for ambition, and setup environment that may invite judicial or quasi-judicial scrutiny of nationally determined contributions. "This seriously undermines national policy space and disrupts the bottom-up architecture of the Paris Agreement," Gahlot said.&nbsp;India, along with several developing nations, has previously voiced concerns that efforts to assign greater legal significance to the International Court of Justice opinion could subject national climate commitments and domestic policy decisions to international legal scrutiny beyond the framework of the negotiated UN climate process.India also raised objections over the omission of the term “climate finance” from the resolution. Calling it a “serious omission”, Petal Gahlot said the climate finance target agreed upon in 2024 is widely acknowledged to be insufficient for the requirements of developing nations and therefore warranted greater emphasis in a resolution dealing with states’ obligations on climate change.&nbsp;She further said India considers the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to be balanced and internationally agreed frameworks for addressing climate challenges. Gahlot also underlined that sustainable development and poverty alleviation continue to be the foremost priorities for developing countries.&nbsp;"Any transition in energy systems must therefore be just, orderly, and equitable, taking into account the need for energy access, economic growth, and social development. The resolution does not adequately recognise these imperatives and constrains policy space for developing countries.&nbsp;"It is further a case of insult to injury that there is absolutely no reference to the necessity of developed countries continuing to take the lead in mitigation and providing adequate and predictable financing, technology transfer and capacity building to developing countries in order for them to undertake such transitions," Gahlot said.

The resolution urged all nations to take steps, consistent with the Paris Agreement and their respective national circumstances, to limit the increase in global average temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. 

India refused to vote on a UN General Assembly resolution calling on nations to comply with their obligations on climate change, raising concern over the draft, which "undermines" the "sacrosanct architecture" of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The resolution was passed in the 193-member UN General Assembly on Wednesday with 141 countries voting in favour, eight against it and 28 abstaining, including India. New Delhi stated that it had engaged constructively during negotiations on the resolution and consistently articulated its concerns and positions during the process. "We are therefore disappointed that our concerns were not addressed, despite our best efforts to find common ground," it said. Explanation India's vote, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the UN, Petal Gahlot, said adoption of the resolution by the General Assembly does not impose any legally binding obligations on India. b"Our obligations arise only from outcomes adopted under the UNFCCC process. Hence, in line with our stated position on climate change-related issues, India was not in a position to vote in favour of this resolution," she said. The resolution, titled ‘Advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States in respect of climate change’, welcomed the unanimous advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in July 2025 on countries’ responsibilities regarding climate change. It also recognised the opinion as an authoritative interpretation of existing international law. Why does India abstains to vote? India has consistently raised concerns in the past that climate obligations must be negotiated through the UN climate framework, as it recognises the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". Under this principle, developed countries, which are the largest historical emitters, are supposed to take the lead on emissions cuts initiatives and provide finance and technology support to developing nations. Introduced by Vanuatu, the resolution urged all nations to fulfil their obligations under international law to safeguard the climate system and environment from human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. It also called on countries to take steps, consistent with the Paris Agreement and their respective national circumstances, to limit the increase in global average temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. India, however, maintained that the draft resolution does not adequately emphasise the advisory and non-binding character of the ICJ opinion. "We are therefore seriously concerned that the resolution undermines the sacrosanct architecture of the UNFCCC process, by elevating an Advisory Opinion to a binding or quasi-binding status, attempting to impose obligations on developing countries that have not been multilaterally agreed upon. This is a dangerous precedent that we must all be wary of," Gahlot said. Also read: 'Those with direct contact...': India's DGHS issues health advisory amid Ebola outbreak; Passengers from THESE countries warned India found that the resolution directs a specific mitigation roadmap, imposes external benchmarks for ambition, and setup environment that may invite judicial or quasi-judicial scrutiny of nationally determined contributions. "This seriously undermines national policy space and disrupts the bottom-up architecture of the Paris Agreement," Gahlot said. India, along with several developing nations, has previously voiced concerns that efforts to assign greater legal significance to the International Court of Justice opinion could subject national climate commitments and domestic policy decisions to international legal scrutiny beyond the framework of the negotiated UN climate process. India also raised objections over the omission of the term “climate finance” from the resolution. Calling it a “serious omission”, Petal Gahlot said the climate finance target agreed upon in 2024 is widely acknowledged to be insufficient for the requirements of developing nations and therefore warranted greater emphasis in a resolution dealing with states’ obligations on climate change. She further said India considers the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement to be balanced and internationally agreed frameworks for addressing climate challenges. Gahlot also underlined that sustainable development and poverty alleviation continue to be the foremost priorities for developing countries. "Any transition in energy systems must therefore be just, orderly, and equitable, taking into account the need for energy access, economic growth, and social development. The resolution does not adequately recognise these imperatives and constrains policy space for developing countries. "It is further a case of insult to injury that there is absolutely no reference to the necessity of developed countries continuing to take the lead in mitigation and providing adequate and predictable financing, technology transfer and capacity building to developing countries in order for them to undertake such transitions," Gahlot said.

The resolution urged all nations to take steps, consistent with the Paris Agreement and their respective national circumstances, to limit the increase in global average temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;

Why did India abstain from voting on the UN climate change resolution?

Restoration work began in May 2026 on Iraq's 4,000-year-old Ziggurat of Ur to combat severe erosion caused by climate change, including strong winds, sandstorms, and fluctuating humidity, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera. The iconic mud-brick structure faces increased exposure as environmental barriers disappear, with experts aiming to complete repairs using traditional techniques by early July 2026.


Iraq's Ziggurat Of Ur Shows Signs of Damage as Loss of Storm Barriers Leaves Site Exposed

Super El Niño is predicted to slam Earth in 2026 and is expected to set in by June. Experts have warned that this year's weather events would be a window to the world that would be 10 years later. It is expected to break records set 150 years ago. 

Super El Niño is predicted to slam Earth in 2026 and is expected to set in by June. Experts have warned that this year's weather events would be a window to the world that would be 10 years later. It is expected to break records set 150 years ago.&nbsp;

Monster El Nino in 2026 will be the most devastating the world has witnessed in 150 years

Legendary broadcaster and natural historian David Attenborough turns 100 today, marking a remarkable century dedicated to bringing the wonders of nature into homes across the world. Through groundbreaking documentaries and unforgettable storytelling, Attenborough transformed how generations understand wildlife, climate change, and the fragile beauty of Earth. His voice became synonymous with nature itself, inspiring millions to care more deeply about the planet and its future.


David Attenborough Turns 100 | The Voice of Planet Earth 

David Attenborough, the man synonymous with wildlife documentaries, turns 100. His films that explore the globe, from oceans to mountains, now tell us about the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for change. 

David Attenborough, the man synonymous with wildlife documentaries, turns 100. His films that explore the globe, from oceans to mountains, now tell us about the impacts of climate change and the urgent need for change.&nbsp;

As David Attenborough turns 100, his films deliver a warning to the world

Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds continue the pre-monsoon weather pattern across multiple regions of India, disrupting daily life in some parts while still offering temporary relief from the summer heat.


India Rains: Hill States See Temperature Drop After Days of Rainfall

A new study has highlighted the ecological disaster unfolding in the Western Ghats of India, as one-third of the country's dragonfly and damselfly species have likely gone extinct. Researchers surveyed the region for two years and came across the worrying trend linked to a global decline in insect populations. Such species depend on freshwater ecosystems for reproduction, and so the local extinction of these insects has caused concerns about the environmental changes in the Western Ghats. The research has set alarm bells ringing as this could mean that many more animals could also be at risk in the region. Scientists say that their vanishing throws light on the ecological health of the water bodies in the Western Ghats. Dragonflies and damselflies are widely considered "indicator taxa" because of their short life cycles and rapid response to environmental changes.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/california-lake-vanished-reappeared-130-years-later-and-is-on-the-verge-of-dying-out-again-1777890054920">A California lake vanished in the 19th century and reappeared 130 years later</a><h2>Over 30 per cent of previously known species missing</h2>Scientists from the Maharashtra Institute of Technology-World Peace University carried out extensive field work in the Western Ghats between February 2021 and March 2023, where they studied several types of dragonflies and damselflies, also known as odonates, and their freshwater habitats. Their survey revealed the presence of 143 distinct odonate species, 40 of which were endemic to the Western Ghats. But this number was only around 65 per cent of the species historically known from the region. This means that 35 per cent of them are potentially missing, which indicates not only a species decline, but also loss of habitat and ecological stress. Ecologist Pankaj Koparde, one of the authors of the study, said, "Our survey could recover only 65 per cent of known Odonata fauna of the Ghats, indicating a plausible loss of species and habitats."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/china-is-building-an-even-bigger-dam-than-the-one-that-slowed-earth-s-rotation-1776092251258">China is building an even bigger dam than the one that slowed Earth's rotation</a>&nbsp;The study further points to the factors that are affecting the ecology in the Western Ghats, all of which are linked to humans. The spurt in infrastructure development, hydropower projects, and severe pollution has been highlighted as some of the things that have created an unsuitable environment for the dragonflies. Tourism and forest fires have also led to a degradation of the region, affecting odonate numbers.&nbsp;

Nearly 35 per cent of dragonfly and damselfly species have likely gone extinct in the Western Ghats in India. A survey did not find most of the previously known insect species in the region, hinting that the ecological hotspot is under threat.  

A new study has highlighted the ecological disaster unfolding in the Western Ghats of India, as one-third of the country's dragonfly and damselfly species have likely gone extinct. Researchers surveyed the region for two years and came across the worrying trend linked to a global decline in insect populations. Such species depend on freshwater ecosystems for reproduction, and so the local extinction of these insects has caused concerns about the environmental changes in the Western Ghats. The research has set alarm bells ringing as this could mean that many more animals could also be at risk in the region. Scientists say that their vanishing throws light on the ecological health of the water bodies in the Western Ghats. Dragonflies and damselflies are widely considered "indicator taxa" because of their short life cycles and rapid response to environmental changes. Also Read: A California lake vanished in the 19th century and reappeared 130 years later Over 30 per cent of previously known species missing Scientists from the Maharashtra Institute of Technology-World Peace University carried out extensive field work in the Western Ghats between February 2021 and March 2023, where they studied several types of dragonflies and damselflies, also known as odonates, and their freshwater habitats. Their survey revealed the presence of 143 distinct odonate species, 40 of which were endemic to the Western Ghats. But this number was only around 65 per cent of the species historically known from the region. This means that 35 per cent of them are potentially missing, which indicates not only a species decline, but also loss of habitat and ecological stress. Ecologist Pankaj Koparde, one of the authors of the study, said, "Our survey could recover only 65 per cent of known Odonata fauna of the Ghats, indicating a plausible loss of species and habitats." Also Read: China is building an even bigger dam than the one that slowed Earth's rotation The study further points to the factors that are affecting the ecology in the Western Ghats, all of which are linked to humans. The spurt in infrastructure development, hydropower projects, and severe pollution has been highlighted as some of the things that have created an unsuitable environment for the dragonflies. Tourism and forest fires have also led to a degradation of the region, affecting odonate numbers.

Nearly 35 per cent of dragonfly and damselfly species have likely gone extinct in the Western Ghats in India. A survey did not find most of the previously known insect species in the region, hinting that the ecological hotspot is under threat. &nbsp;

Ecological disaster unfolding in Western Ghats as one insect goes 'missing' in India

India continues to experience a split weather pattern, with pounding rain and thunderstorms in some regions, punishing heat in others, and sharp swings between the two.


India Faces Split Weather Patterns

In Wales, scientists are studying a herd of Peruvian alpacas to understand how animals graze. They say the findings could help protect biodiversity around the world and even help prevent climate change.

Scientists Look to Alpacas for Climate Answers 

Climate change is moving faster than nature can keep up, and scientists now warn some of the world’s most vital ecosystems are reaching a breaking point.
From towering forests to fragile ocean habitats, new research shows how extreme weather is outpacing evolution and pushing species toward extinction.


Climate Crisis Forces Evolutionary Race

Thousands of Indigenous people from over 200 tribes marched in Brazil’s capital, Brasília, demanding faster land demarcation and stronger protection of their territories.

Protesters also linked their demands to climate concerns, warning that deforestation and land conflicts threaten the Amazon.

 Brasilia: Protest Links Land Rights & Amazon Climate

A new study warns that extreme heatwaves are already reaching levels that push beyond safe human survival limits in several parts of the world. Researchers say rising temperatures linked to Climate Change are increasing the risk of dangerous heat stress, especially in densely populated and tropical regions.


New Study Finds Heatwaves Already Crossing Human Survival Limits

The United States is experiencing record-breaking temperatures as extreme heat spikes intensify across multiple states. Recent data shows that several regions are shattering previous climate records, affecting public health, agriculture, and energy consumption. Officials are urging residents to take precautions amid heatwaves, while scientists warn that rising global temperatures are driving more frequent and severe heat events.


US Climate Records Toppled Again; Extreme Heat Spike Intensifies in Several States

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Urban Heat Island effect is making your nights hotter. Here is what to do