People in Nigeria's flood-hit northeastern Borno state are struggling to get medical care, as overwhelmed aid agencies warn of an outbreak of waterborne disease. Watch to know more.

Floods killed more than 30 people in Nigeria

Typhoon bebinca lashed the city with strong winds and torrential rains. Watch to know more.

Typhoon Bebinca: Category 1 storm makes landfall in Shanghai

Flooding sparked by Storm Boris in central Europe has burst dams, Knocking out power and killing at least 18 people as more people were evacuated...

Storm Boris: Romania floods batter central Europe, 18 dead

Central Europe is paralyzed with heavy torrential rain that has caused widespread flooding in many regions. Watch to know more.

Central Europe: Flood furry kills seven in Central Europe

Part of a forest on the tourist hill of El Panecillo, In the historic center of Quito, was engulfed in flames, due to a forest fire which has caused alarm among residents.

Raging forest fires spread in Ecuador

Scientists recently stumbled upon dinosaur tracks along the southern coast of Australia.

These footprints appeared to date back to the Early Cretaceous when the continent was attached to Antarctica and hinted that the large and carnivorous theropod&nbsp;dinosaurs lived in the polar region.&nbsp;

These carnivorous dinosaurs were found to be living near river floodplains in the summer.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bird-genes-store-memories-of-dinosaur-extiction-here-is-how-749319">Bird genes 'store' memories of dinosaur extinction: Here is how</a>

The analysis of the dinosaur tracks which were discovered in the Wonthaggi Formation, south of Melbourne, was recently published by the experts.&nbsp;

The tracks, which appeared to date back to 120 and 128 million years ago, included 18 such footprints which were of theropods.&nbsp;

The study's lead author and professor at&nbsp;Emory University’s Department of Environmental Sciences Anthony Martin said, “These numerous tracks are the best evidence yet that these former polar environments supported large carnivores. The large theropods would likely have fed on prey such as smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles.”

<h2>What are theropod dinosaurs?</h2>

Theropod dinosaurs are a type of bipedal dinosaur which have three clawed toes. They are part of the same evolutionary group which has species like Allosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Velociraptor.

In this discovery, the scientists found the largest theropod track 18.5 inches in length.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/26000-year-old-human-animal-footprints-unearthed-in-spain-it-once-was-a-settlement-of-757071">26,000-year-old human, animal footprints unearthed in Spain. It once was a settlement of...</a>

“The hip height of that theropod would have been about the same as the full height of a tall, modern-day human – or a bit more than six feet tall,” said Martin.

“Our find of so many theropod tracks, however, confirms that a variety of dinosaurs actually lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found,” emphasised Martin. “Dinosaur tracks are actually much more common at the site than we previously realised," he added.&nbsp;

According to the scientists, the newly-found tracks were likely formed when the dinosaurs roamed on mud or wet sand in the floodplain.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists recently stumbled upon dinosaur tracks along the southern coast of Australia. These footprints appeared to date back to the Early Cretaceous when the continent was attached to Antarctica and hinted that the large and carnivorous theropod dinosaurs lived in the polar region.

Scientists recently stumbled upon dinosaur tracks along the southern coast of Australia. These footprints appeared to date back to the Early Cretaceous when the continent was attached to Antarctica and hinted that the large and carnivorous theropod dinosaurs lived in the polar region. These carnivorous dinosaurs were found to be living near river floodplains in the summer. Also Read: Bird genes 'store' memories of dinosaur extinction: Here is how The analysis of the dinosaur tracks which were discovered in the Wonthaggi Formation, south of Melbourne, was recently published by the experts. The tracks, which appeared to date back to 120 and 128 million years ago, included 18 such footprints which were of theropods. The study's lead author and professor at Emory University’s Department of Environmental Sciences Anthony Martin said, “These numerous tracks are the best evidence yet that these former polar environments supported large carnivores. The large theropods would likely have fed on prey such as smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles.” What are theropod dinosaurs? Theropod dinosaurs are a type of bipedal dinosaur which have three clawed toes. They are part of the same evolutionary group which has species like Allosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, and Velociraptor. In this discovery, the scientists found the largest theropod track 18.5 inches in length. Also Read: 26,000-year-old human, animal footprints unearthed in Spain. It once was a settlement of... “The hip height of that theropod would have been about the same as the full height of a tall, modern-day human – or a bit more than six feet tall,” said Martin. “Our find of so many theropod tracks, however, confirms that a variety of dinosaurs actually lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found,” emphasised Martin. “Dinosaur tracks are actually much more common at the site than we previously realised," he added. According to the scientists, the newly-found tracks were likely formed when the dinosaurs roamed on mud or wet sand in the floodplain. (With inputs from agencies)

A huge, carnivorous dinosaurs roamed on Earth's polar regions. Here's how the wild beast thrived

A new report exposes hypocrisy on part of wealthy, democratic countries in the global north – using harsh means to clamp down on climate protests while criticising similar harsh tactics being used by authorities in the global south. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

New report exposes hypocrisy of rich countries

Village in Southern France has been badly hit by the flooding after torrential rain fell on the region. It has caused roads to collapse and has cut off the road for more than fifty miles.

Storms in Southern France cause damage to villages

September 10th will mark the first anniversary of floods in Libya that killed thousands and displaced many more. According to a report issued in November by the UN, there were 4,352 confirmed deaths with 8,000 people still missing. Watch to know more.

Libya's deadly floods: Swathes of Derna was obliterated

Scotland's 'sphinx' is an ancient and persistent snow patch in the UK region's third highest mountain. It renowned for never melting apart from three rare occasions in the 20th century but this year, It is about to do just that for the fourth consecutive year.

Scotland's 'sphinx' snow patch is vanishing

Balkan countries are reporting that the summer of 2024, was the hottest since the measurements started more than 130 years ago. This years summer has broken previous records with repeated heat waves and almost a totally dry July and August.

Balkans report 2024 summer as the hottest

Farmers are at the heart of global sustainability debates, battling both the elements and Powerful Agri business lobbies. while consumers demand Greener more eco-friendly food the agriculture sector wields its influence to shape policies in its favor but what does it mean for environmental goals ?

Agriculture a carbon culprit ?

The world is facing a climate crisis, and developing nations are bearing the brunt of its consequences. To help these countries adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change, a global commitment was made in 2009: developed nations would provide $100 billion in climate finance annually by 2020. However, this promise has largely gone unfulfilled.

India's climate funding tops major developed countries

A thick slick of oil covers part of an estuary in the ecuadoran amazon, Where the indigenous waorani people are imploring authorities to stop drilling for the black gold that keeps spilling into their environment.

Outcry over oil drilling in Ecuadorian amazon

Severe heatwave and pollution have impacted several countries and now Serbia's Sava river has turned green and well heatwave is the culprit.

Pollution, heatwave impact Serbian river

At least six people were dead as Typhoon Shanshan crept eastward through Japan on Saturday, drenching large areas with torrential rain, triggering landslide and flood warnings hundreds of kilometres from the storm's centre.

Japan on high alert: Typhoon Shanshan reaches Tokyo, 6 dead

South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that much of the country's climate goals were unconstitutional, handing a landmark victory to young environmental activists, who wept for joy on the court steps.

The first such case in Asia, brought by children and teenagers who named an embryo as a lead plaintiff, claimed that South Korea's legally binding climate commitments were insufficient and unmet, violating their constitutionally guaranteed human rights.

"Just now, the Constitutional Court ruled that it is unconstitutional that there is no government goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2031 to 2050," Yoon Hyeon-jeong, one of the young activists involved, said.&nbsp;

"It was ruled that our right to live a safe life from the climate crisis should be guaranteed," she added, barely managing to finish her sentence as she choked up with tears.

The court ruled that the government's limited climate targets violate the constitution as they do "not sufficiently protect the basic rights of the people," the legal representatives of the plaintiffs said after the hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-create-first-remote-device-which-can-control-human-minds-in-south-korea-743308">Also read :&nbsp;Scientists in South Korea create first remote device which can control human minds</a>

The case, known as "Woodpecker et al. v. South Korea" after the in-utero nickname of an embryo, now a toddler, involved -- included four petitions by children.

In 2021, South Korea made a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 290 million tonnes by 2030,&nbsp;and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To meet this goal, the country needs to reduce emissions by 5.4 per cent every year from 2023,&nbsp;a target they have so far failed to meet.

As a result of the ruling, Seoul will now have to revise its climate goals, said Youn Se-jong, a lawyer for the plaintiffs

"The National Assembly and the government of the Republic of Korea will have to revise regulations related to the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and present greenhouse gas reduction goals considering the rights of future generations," Youn said.

"With today's ruling, we have confirmed that climate change is a matter of our fundamental rights and that everyone has the right to be safe from it," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea faces new border threat 'Malaria Mosquitoes' as temperature peaks

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"Ordinary people like us have come this far. We have led the constitutional petition to protect our rights without relying on authority and power. It took us five years," said youth climate activist Kim Seo-gyeong, 21.&nbsp;

Kim was part of the group that filed the first of the cases in 2020, and said the ruling was a validation for young people who found themselves "living in the climate crisis."

<h2>'Wish came true'</h2>

Seoul's Ministry of Environment said in a statement that it respected the court's decision.

The ministry said it plans "to faithfully implement follow-up measures".&nbsp;

The plaintiffs had argued that unless Seoul moved more quickly on climate goals, future generations would not only have to live in a degraded environment, but also have to bear the burden of undertaking massive greenhouse gas reductions.&nbsp;

This, the case claims, would mean that the state has violated its duty to protect their fundamental rights.

Similar climate cases globally have found success.&nbsp;

A youth-led effort recently succeeded in the US state of Montana, while another is being heard at the European Higher Court.

In Germany, in 2021 climate targets were ruled insufficient and unconstitutional, and lawyer Lee Chi-sun said the two cases were very similar.

"Just as Germany has further strengthened its reduction targets for 2040 and revised the goal for 2045 after their ruling, we expect Seoul's 2030 reduction targets will be strengthened" and expanded, he said.&nbsp;

Other cases have not fared so well globally,&nbsp;a child-led suit in California over alleged government failures to curb pollution was thrown out in May.

The Thursday ruling is the first in Asia to question a country's national greenhouse gas reduction targets, "and the court's ruling can set an important precedent for other courts in Asia to rule on similar cases," said Lin Yan-Ting, a climate activist who is a plaintiff for a similar case in Taiwan, filed in January.&nbsp;

Outside the Seoul court, 12-year-old plaintiff Han Jeah, who started the case aged 10 -- said the verdict was "like a wish came true."

"We have the right to live safely and happily even in the climate crisis. This right should be protected under any circumstances and cannot be infringed upon by anyone," Han Jeah said.

"So I wanted to show people through this lawsuit how much we (young people) know and how deeply we worry about climate change."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that much of the country's climate goals were unconstitutional, handing a landmark victory to young environmental activists, who wept for joy on the court steps.

South Korea's Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that much of the country's climate goals were unconstitutional, handing a landmark victory to young environmental activists, who wept for joy on the court steps. The first such case in Asia, brought by children and teenagers who named an embryo as a lead plaintiff, claimed that South Korea's legally binding climate commitments were insufficient and unmet, violating their constitutionally guaranteed human rights. "Just now, the Constitutional Court ruled that it is unconstitutional that there is no government goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2031 to 2050," Yoon Hyeon-jeong, one of the young activists involved, said. "It was ruled that our right to live a safe life from the climate crisis should be guaranteed," she added, barely managing to finish her sentence as she choked up with tears. The court ruled that the government's limited climate targets violate the constitution as they do "not sufficiently protect the basic rights of the people," the legal representatives of the plaintiffs said after the hearing. Also read : Scientists in South Korea create first remote device which can control human minds The case, known as "Woodpecker et al. v. South Korea" after the in-utero nickname of an embryo, now a toddler, involved -- included four petitions by children. In 2021, South Korea made a legally binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 290 million tonnes by 2030, and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this goal, the country needs to reduce emissions by 5.4 per cent every year from 2023, a target they have so far failed to meet. As a result of the ruling, Seoul will now have to revise its climate goals, said Youn Se-jong, a lawyer for the plaintiffs "The National Assembly and the government of the Republic of Korea will have to revise regulations related to the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and present greenhouse gas reduction goals considering the rights of future generations," Youn said. "With today's ruling, we have confirmed that climate change is a matter of our fundamental rights and that everyone has the right to be safe from it," he said. Watch | South Korea faces new border threat 'Malaria Mosquitoes' as temperature peaks × "Ordinary people like us have come this far. We have led the constitutional petition to protect our rights without relying on authority and power. It took us five years," said youth climate activist Kim Seo-gyeong, 21. Kim was part of the group that filed the first of the cases in 2020, and said the ruling was a validation for young people who found themselves "living in the climate crisis." 'Wish came true' Seoul's Ministry of Environment said in a statement that it respected the court's decision. The ministry said it plans "to faithfully implement follow-up measures". The plaintiffs had argued that unless Seoul moved more quickly on climate goals, future generations would not only have to live in a degraded environment, but also have to bear the burden of undertaking massive greenhouse gas reductions. This, the case claims, would mean that the state has violated its duty to protect their fundamental rights. Similar climate cases globally have found success. A youth-led effort recently succeeded in the US state of Montana, while another is being heard at the European Higher Court. In Germany, in 2021 climate targets were ruled insufficient and unconstitutional, and lawyer Lee Chi-sun said the two cases were very similar. "Just as Germany has further strengthened its reduction targets for 2040 and revised the goal for 2045 after their ruling, we expect Seoul's 2030 reduction targets will be strengthened" and expanded, he said. Other cases have not fared so well globally, a child-led suit in California over alleged government failures to curb pollution was thrown out in May. The Thursday ruling is the first in Asia to question a country's national greenhouse gas reduction targets, "and the court's ruling can set an important precedent for other courts in Asia to rule on similar cases," said Lin Yan-Ting, a climate activist who is a plaintiff for a similar case in Taiwan, filed in January. Outside the Seoul court, 12-year-old plaintiff Han Jeah, who started the case aged 10 -- said the verdict was "like a wish came true." "We have the right to live safely and happily even in the climate crisis. This right should be protected under any circumstances and cannot be infringed upon by anyone," Han Jeah said. "So I wanted to show people through this lawsuit how much we (young people) know and how deeply we worry about climate change." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Korea court rules much of climate goals 'unçonstitutional'

More than half the world does not trust its drinking water, and expects to be harmed by it in the next two years, a new global survey has found.

The study was done using nationally representative data from 148,585 adults in 141 countries from the 2019 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, according to a release.&nbsp;

 
Watch: Water security threat amidst low snow on Himalayas, says report

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&nbsp;

 
The fear over drinking water was highest in Zambia, and lowest in Singapore while the overall mean was 52.3%, according to the study published in the journal Nature Communications on Monday (Aug 26).

In the US, 39%&nbsp;anticipated serious harm from drinking water in the short term, said the study by Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-threatened-maldives-receives-tibetan-glacier-water-from-china-705369">Also read: Climate change-threatened Maldives receives Tibetan glacier water from China</a> 
 
Those who are worried about their drinking water are mainly women, city dwellers, individuals with more education, and those struggling with their current income were more likely to anticipate being harmed by their drinking water, said the release on the study.

Interestingly, it found a correlation between higher corruption perception index scores and expected harm from drinking water

And even in countries like the US, where water access is consistent, doubts about safety were widespread, found the study.&nbsp;

<h2>What happens when people don't trust their drinking water?</h2>

Sera Young, professor of anthropology and global health at Northwestern and senior author of the new study said,&nbsp;“When we mistrust our tap water, we buy packaged water, which is wildly expensive and hard on the environment; drink soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages, which is hard on the teeth and the waistline; and consume highly processed prepared foods or go to restaurants to avoid cooking at home, which is less healthy and more expensive."

"Individuals exposed to unsafe water also experience greater psychological stress and are at greater risk of depression.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-groundwater-to-turn-undrinkable-for-half-a-billion-people-by-2100-study-740031">Also read:&nbsp;Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study</a> 
 
It is difficult for consumers to judge the hazards and safety of their water supply because many contaminants are invisible, odourless and tasteless, noted the authors of the study.

Without adequate information, many are left to evaluate the safety of their water based on prior experiences, media reports, and personal values and beliefs, they said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

More than half the world does not trust its drinking water, and expects to be harmed by it in the next two years, a new global survey has found. The study was done using nationally representative data from 148,585 adults in 141 countries from the 2019 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, according to a release.

More than half the world does not trust its drinking water, and expects to be harmed by it in the next two years, a new global survey has found. The study was done using nationally representative data from 148,585 adults in 141 countries from the 2019 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, according to a release. Watch: Water security threat amidst low snow on Himalayas, says report × The fear over drinking water was highest in Zambia, and lowest in Singapore while the overall mean was 52.3%, according to the study published in the journal Nature Communications on Monday (Aug 26). In the US, 39% anticipated serious harm from drinking water in the short term, said the study by Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Also read: Climate change-threatened Maldives receives Tibetan glacier water from China Those who are worried about their drinking water are mainly women, city dwellers, individuals with more education, and those struggling with their current income were more likely to anticipate being harmed by their drinking water, said the release on the study. Interestingly, it found a correlation between higher corruption perception index scores and expected harm from drinking water And even in countries like the US, where water access is consistent, doubts about safety were widespread, found the study. What happens when people don't trust their drinking water? Sera Young, professor of anthropology and global health at Northwestern and senior author of the new study said, “When we mistrust our tap water, we buy packaged water, which is wildly expensive and hard on the environment; drink soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages, which is hard on the teeth and the waistline; and consume highly processed prepared foods or go to restaurants to avoid cooking at home, which is less healthy and more expensive." "Individuals exposed to unsafe water also experience greater psychological stress and are at greater risk of depression.” Also read: Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study It is difficult for consumers to judge the hazards and safety of their water supply because many contaminants are invisible, odourless and tasteless, noted the authors of the study. Without adequate information, many are left to evaluate the safety of their water based on prior experiences, media reports, and personal values and beliefs, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

More than half of the world does not trust its drinking water and expects to be harmed by it: Study

A former poacher is spreading awareness about conservation among his community in Zimbabwe. Once jailed for poaching, he now describes it as selfish and works to change local attitudes towards wildlife...

Conservation Awareness in Zimbabwe: Former poacher is spreading awareness on conservation

Authorities in Japan have issued warnings and urged residents to evacuate as Typhoon Ampil, rated as "very strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency, approaches the shore near the capital city.

Japan, Tokyo braces for Typhoon Ampil

Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies are rapidly reshaping our world, but their environmental impact is raising serious concerns. New IMF data shows these industries are massive energy consumers, contributing significantly to global carbon emissions. Take a look at this next report for more

IMF: AI & crypto threaten climate goals

Finally, a breath of fresh air for India's capital Delhi recorded it's cleanest air in nearly a year yesterday. According to the central pollution control board or CPCB.

Delhi breathes cleanest air of 2024 ; air quality improves to 'satisfactory'

As climate change continues its unforgiving trek forward, Vintners will have to deal with not just more potential flooding,. But also even more severe droughts when they circle back around as restrictions are inevitable in vineyards.

Impact of Climate Change on Vineyard: High temp force grapes to mature early

More than 100 homes in Alaska's capital Juneau have been damaged by a glacial dam that burst north of the city. It is an increasingly frequent phenomenon exacerbated by climate change. A timelapse video captured the rising level of water and ice behind the glacial dam.

Glacial Dam outburst: About 100 homes & businesses damaged

Typhoon Gaemi has unleashed chaos in the Philippines displacing over 600,000 people in the country. A state of calamity was declared after landslides and intense rainfall lashed the nation.

Philippines: Typhoon Gaemi causes heavy floods on streets of Manila

Days are becoming longer because of the climate crisis, a new analysis has suggested. This has happened due to the mass melting of polar ice, which is reshaping the planet. Scientists have said that the phenomenon is a striking demonstration of how humanity's actions are transforming the Earth and even affecting its rotation speed and axis.&nbsp;

The Moon's gravitational pull and internal processes in the core and mantle were the main forces governing these motions. However, the melting of ice sheets is currently interfering with these natural processes.&nbsp;

The latest paper, published on Monday (Jul 15) in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), shows that water flowing from Greenland and Antarctica is resulting in more mass around the equator.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-warns-against-apollos-180-ft-asteroid-hurtling-towards-earth-at-scary-speed-741412">NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed</a>&nbsp;

According to the study, which was also published in Nature Geoscience on July 12, the underlying mechanics of the planet and climate change are causing Earth's spin axis to "shift".&nbsp;

The movement of the Earth's rotating axis with respect to the crust is known as polar motion. In the latest study, researchers at ETH Zurich have improved their basic understanding of the same by using state-of-the-art AI models.&nbsp;

They found that if greenhouse gas emissions keep rising, they will eventually become more powerful than the Moon's tidal force. The Moon has been regulating the constant lengthening of days for billions of years.&nbsp;

"We humans have a greater impact on our planet than we realize. And this naturally places great responsibility on us for the future of our planet," said Benedikt Soja, Professor of Space Geodesy at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sunspot-ar3738-releases-x-class-solar-flare-triggering-radio-blackouts-in-australia-and-japan-741344">Sunspot AR3738 releases X-class solar flare triggering radio blackouts in Australia and Japan</a>&nbsp;

Notably, the difference in the day's duration is only a few milliseconds, but it has the potential to interfere with GPS navigation, financial transactions and internet traffic—all of which depend on accurate timekeeping, Surendra Adhikari, who is the co-author of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory told news agency AFP.&nbsp;

"It's like when a figure skater does a pirouette, first holding her arms close to her body and then stretching them out," added Soja.&nbsp;

"The initially fast rotation becomes slower because the masses move away from the axis of rotation, increasing physical inertia," Soja said, further adding that Earth is commonly thought of as a sphere, but it's more accurate to call it an "oblate spheroid" that bulges somewhat around the equator, a bit like a satsuma.&nbsp;

"Ongoing climate change could therefore even be affecting processes deep inside the Earth and have a greater reach than previously assumed," added Kiani Shahvandi, lead author of the study and doctoral student, in the press release.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Days are becoming longer because of the climate crisis, a new analysis has suggested. This has happened due to the mass melting of polar ice, which is reshaping the planet.

Days are becoming longer because of the climate crisis, a new analysis has suggested. This has happened due to the mass melting of polar ice, which is reshaping the planet. Scientists have said that the phenomenon is a striking demonstration of how humanity's actions are transforming the Earth and even affecting its rotation speed and axis. The Moon's gravitational pull and internal processes in the core and mantle were the main forces governing these motions. However, the melting of ice sheets is currently interfering with these natural processes. The latest paper, published on Monday (Jul 15) in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), shows that water flowing from Greenland and Antarctica is resulting in more mass around the equator. Also read: NASA warns against 180-ft asteroid hurtling towards Earth at scary speed According to the study, which was also published in Nature Geoscience on July 12, the underlying mechanics of the planet and climate change are causing Earth's spin axis to "shift". The movement of the Earth's rotating axis with respect to the crust is known as polar motion. In the latest study, researchers at ETH Zurich have improved their basic understanding of the same by using state-of-the-art AI models. They found that if greenhouse gas emissions keep rising, they will eventually become more powerful than the Moon's tidal force. The Moon has been regulating the constant lengthening of days for billions of years. "We humans have a greater impact on our planet than we realize. And this naturally places great responsibility on us for the future of our planet," said Benedikt Soja, Professor of Space Geodesy at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at ETH Zurich. Also read: Sunspot AR3738 releases X-class solar flare triggering radio blackouts in Australia and Japan Notably, the difference in the day's duration is only a few milliseconds, but it has the potential to interfere with GPS navigation, financial transactions and internet traffic—all of which depend on accurate timekeeping, Surendra Adhikari, who is the co-author of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory told news agency AFP. "It's like when a figure skater does a pirouette, first holding her arms close to her body and then stretching them out," added Soja. "The initially fast rotation becomes slower because the masses move away from the axis of rotation, increasing physical inertia," Soja said, further adding that Earth is commonly thought of as a sphere, but it's more accurate to call it an "oblate spheroid" that bulges somewhat around the equator, a bit like a satsuma. "Ongoing climate change could therefore even be affecting processes deep inside the Earth and have a greater reach than previously assumed," added Kiani Shahvandi, lead author of the study and doctoral student, in the press release. (With inputs from agencies)

Days are becoming longer as climate change is altering Earth's axis of rotation

A report has revealed, western Balkans countries have enough prospective solar and wind capacity to skip gas-fired power plants in their clean energy transitions...

Can western Balkan countries go clean on energy transition?

Ever wondered that days our getting longer? Well, a new study find that, the climate crisis is causing the length of each day to get longer..

Earth slows down by 1.33 milliseconds

About 130 million people in the US face a scorching heatwave in the coming week that weathermen say could break all records. Watch in for more details!

US Heatwave: National Weather Service puts out heat advisories; Red Alert issued for California

In a new study, scientists have found that the crashing of an atmospheric comet in the atmosphere of Earth set the planet on fire nearly 12,000 years ago.&nbsp;

The geological history of our planet is hidden in the layers of dirt and stone where lies the evidence of celestial impacts, ancient cultures and climatic shifts.&nbsp;

Approximately 12,800 years ago, the Earth witnessed extreme environmental change during the Younger Dryas period and the planet even caught fire due to the crashing of a comet.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroids-thrashing-mars-more-than-ever-thought-leaving-craters-on-red-planet-736281">&nbsp;Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet</a>

During this period, the planet witnessed a significant climatic shift which abruptly ended a warming trend and started a near-glacial&nbsp;period.&nbsp;

According to the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, a cosmic airburst triggered this cooling event when a fragmented&nbsp;comet&nbsp;crashed into the atmosphere of the Earth nearly 12,800 years ago.

<h2>Scientists find evidence of Younger Dryas airburst</h2>

In a new study, the scientists have found more evidence which supports this hypothesis.&nbsp;

They have discovered the traces of cosmic airbursts which were scattered across various sites in the eastern United States - which covers Maryland, New Jersey and South Carolina.&nbsp;

In the new evidence, they have found materials indicative of the force and temperature which were part of such an event - like platinum, microspherules, melt glass, and shock-fractured quartz.

“What we’ve found is that the pressures and temperatures were not characteristic of major crater-forming impacts but were consistent with so-called ‘touchdown’ airbursts that don’t form much in the way of craters,” said&nbsp;UC Santa Barbara&nbsp;Professor James Kennett, who headed the study.

<h2>What was the Younger Dryas period?</h2>

To the climate researchers, the Younger Dryas has great importance. It provides them with valuable insights into the rapid changes which are possible to occur in the climate system of Earth.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/asteroid-2024-mk-passes-earth-at-300000-km-736813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The period also illustrates the interconnectedness of our terrestrial, atmospheric and oceanic systems.

The Younger Dryas also shows the sudden return of icy atmosphere on Earth's surface which disrupts the gentle warming of the climate on Earth after the last Ice Age. It is said that this icy condition remained from 12,900 to 11,700 years ago.

This abrupt climatic change also affected the global vegetation layouts and led to the extinction of various large animal species.&nbsp;

The end of the Younger Dryas period also came as suddenly as it started as the temperatures in Greenland went up by 10°C in just ten years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, scientists have found that the crashing of an atmospheric comet in the atmosphere of Earth set the planet on fire nearly 12,000 years ago. The geological history of our planet is hidden in the layers of dirt and stone where lies the evidence of celestial impacts, ancient cultures and climatic shifts.

In a new study, scientists have found that the crashing of an atmospheric comet in the atmosphere of Earth set the planet on fire nearly 12,000 years ago. The geological history of our planet is hidden in the layers of dirt and stone where lies the evidence of celestial impacts, ancient cultures and climatic shifts. Approximately 12,800 years ago, the Earth witnessed extreme environmental change during the Younger Dryas period and the planet even caught fire due to the crashing of a comet. Also Read: Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet During this period, the planet witnessed a significant climatic shift which abruptly ended a warming trend and started a near-glacial period. According to the Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis, a cosmic airburst triggered this cooling event when a fragmented comet crashed into the atmosphere of the Earth nearly 12,800 years ago. Scientists find evidence of Younger Dryas airburst In a new study, the scientists have found more evidence which supports this hypothesis. They have discovered the traces of cosmic airbursts which were scattered across various sites in the eastern United States - which covers Maryland, New Jersey and South Carolina. In the new evidence, they have found materials indicative of the force and temperature which were part of such an event - like platinum, microspherules, melt glass, and shock-fractured quartz. “What we’ve found is that the pressures and temperatures were not characteristic of major crater-forming impacts but were consistent with so-called ‘touchdown’ airbursts that don’t form much in the way of craters,” said UC Santa Barbara Professor James Kennett, who headed the study. What was the Younger Dryas period? To the climate researchers, the Younger Dryas has great importance. It provides them with valuable insights into the rapid changes which are possible to occur in the climate system of Earth. Watch: Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km The period also illustrates the interconnectedness of our terrestrial, atmospheric and oceanic systems. The Younger Dryas also shows the sudden return of icy atmosphere on Earth's surface which disrupts the gentle warming of the climate on Earth after the last Ice Age. It is said that this icy condition remained from 12,900 to 11,700 years ago. This abrupt climatic change also affected the global vegetation layouts and led to the extinction of various large animal species. The end of the Younger Dryas period also came as suddenly as it started as the temperatures in Greenland went up by 10°C in just ten years. (With inputs from agencies)

Comet crashed on Earth, set the planet ablaze thousands of years ago: Study

The entire southern Indian Ocean was battered by Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which created havoc and wrecked devastation in southeastern Africa, and now has been classified by the United Nations as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record which lasted for 36 days.&nbsp;

The data regarding the storm, which made a remarkable journey in February and March last year, was studied by a panel of experts.

The United Nations' weather and climate agency finally stated that the cyclone had indeed broken the previous record.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-remal-airlines-suspend-ops-in-kolkata-thousands-evacuated-6-indian-states-on-alert-725417">Cyclone Remal: Airlines suspend ops in Kolkata, thousands evacuated; 6 Indian states on alert</a>

The extreme weather evaluation committee "recognised Tropical Cyclone Freddy's duration of 36.0 days at tropical storm status or higher as the new world record for the longest tropical cyclone duration", said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in a statement.

Therefore, Cyclone Freddy overtook Tropical Cyclone John - which had barrelled through the north Pacific Ocean in 1994 and was considered as the longest tropical storm which had a combined duration of 714 hours, or 29.75 days.

<h2>Cyclone Freddy fails to dethrone Cyclone John as longest-travelling storm</h2>

However, Cyclone Freddy failed to take away the title of the longest-travelling storm from Cyclone John, which covered a distance of 13,159 kilometres (8,176.6 miles), while Freddy only travelled 12,785 kilometres.

"Freddy was a remarkable tropical cyclone, not only for its longevity but also for its ability to survive multiple land interactions, which unfortunately had significant consequences for southeast African populations,"&nbsp;stated panel member Chris Velden, who is a tropical cyclone and satellite expert from the University of Wisconsin in the United States.

Watch:&nbsp;Hurricane Beryl intensifies tor category 4 hurricane as it makes its way towards the Caribbean

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-beryl-intensifies-tor-category-4-hurricane-as-it-makes-its-way-towards-the-caribbean-736695/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

No direct link was made between&nbsp;Freddy's exceptional longevity and the human activity-led climate change by the WMO.

However, on its page which is dedicated to tropical cyclones, the WMO stated that climate change is linked "not only to an increased likelihood of major hurricanes but also to direct increases in their destructive power".

"Freddy caused major human and economic losses in the worst-affected countries due to its prolonged passage near and over land," stated the WMO.

Freddy developed across north Australia and turned into the "Cyclone Freddy" on February 6.

On February 21, the cyclone made landfall in Madagascar after crossing the island before it reached Mozambique on February 24 and led to the loss of lives and properties in both countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

The entire southern Indian Ocean was battered by Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which created havoc and wrecked devastation in southeastern Africa, and now has been classified by the United Nations as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record which lasted for 36 days.

The entire southern Indian Ocean was battered by Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which created havoc and wrecked devastation in southeastern Africa, and now has been classified by the United Nations as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record which lasted for 36 days. The data regarding the storm, which made a remarkable journey in February and March last year, was studied by a panel of experts. The United Nations' weather and climate agency finally stated that the cyclone had indeed broken the previous record. Also Read: Cyclone Remal: Airlines suspend ops in Kolkata, thousands evacuated; 6 Indian states on alert The extreme weather evaluation committee "recognised Tropical Cyclone Freddy's duration of 36.0 days at tropical storm status or higher as the new world record for the longest tropical cyclone duration", said the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in a statement. Therefore, Cyclone Freddy overtook Tropical Cyclone John - which had barrelled through the north Pacific Ocean in 1994 and was considered as the longest tropical storm which had a combined duration of 714 hours, or 29.75 days. Cyclone Freddy fails to dethrone Cyclone John as longest-travelling storm However, Cyclone Freddy failed to take away the title of the longest-travelling storm from Cyclone John, which covered a distance of 13,159 kilometres (8,176.6 miles), while Freddy only travelled 12,785 kilometres. "Freddy was a remarkable tropical cyclone, not only for its longevity but also for its ability to survive multiple land interactions, which unfortunately had significant consequences for southeast African populations," stated panel member Chris Velden, who is a tropical cyclone and satellite expert from the University of Wisconsin in the United States. Watch: Hurricane Beryl intensifies tor category 4 hurricane as it makes its way towards the Caribbean No direct link was made between Freddy's exceptional longevity and the human activity-led climate change by the WMO. However, on its page which is dedicated to tropical cyclones, the WMO stated that climate change is linked "not only to an increased likelihood of major hurricanes but also to direct increases in their destructive power". "Freddy caused major human and economic losses in the worst-affected countries due to its prolonged passage near and over land," stated the WMO. Freddy developed across north Australia and turned into the "Cyclone Freddy" on February 6. On February 21, the cyclone made landfall in Madagascar after crossing the island before it reached Mozambique on February 24 and led to the loss of lives and properties in both countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ocean was battered by world's longest cyclone in 2023

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