Siberia has been hosting a massive hole called the “Gateway to Hell" which has grown triple in size in just 30 years, according to scientists.

The 200-acre wide and 300-foot deep hole is present in the Yana highlands of Siberia and is called the 'Batagaika Crater'.&nbsp;

It has now been observed that the hole has been expanding faster than expected because of climate change.&nbsp;

The hole, which is officially known as Batagay, is the second-oldest permafrost on Earth.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-mantle-is-hosting-strange-black-holes-with-mysterious-waves-heres-what-they-are-753231">Earth's mantle is hosting strange 'black holes' with mysterious waves. Here's what they are</a>

It is so big that it is visible from space and now the experts are flocking to the deep pit to learn everything about it.&nbsp;

Roger Michaelides, a&nbsp;geophysicist at Washington University, said, “You're talking mostly about frozen dirt underground, which by definition you often can't see unless it's been exposed somehow, like in this mega slump."

"I think there is a lot we can learn from Batagaika, not only in terms of understanding how Batagaika will evolve with time, but also how similar features might develop and evolve over the Arctic," he added while speaking to Business Insider.&nbsp;

"Even if they're a tenth or a hundredth the size of Batagaika, the physics is fundamentally the same," Michaelides further said.&nbsp;

<h2>All about expanding 'Gateway to Hell' in Siberia</h2>

During the Quaternary Ice Age, about 2.58 million years ago, the land at the site had permanently frozen.&nbsp;

The locals first spotted Batagay in Yakutia,&nbsp;Russia and claimed that they heard horrific noises like loud booms or “screams” coming from it.

In the 1960S, the forest area was cleared and sunlight started reaching the ground of the hole and began warming it.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;How Earth's spin may have killed 90% of life

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-earths-spin-may-have-killed-90-of-life-754747/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is still melting and some scientists have warned that this gateway can engulf most of the land and prove dangerous for nearby villages once more areas start to melt.&nbsp;

Nikita Tananaev, a researcher at Melnikov Permafrost Institute in Yakutsk, who was not part of the study, said that the nearby ecosystems are altering permanently because of leakage from the crater.

"This will lead to significant alterations to the riverine habitat, and the effect of sediment escaping the slump [the Batagaika crater] is even seen in the Yana River, the major river in the vicinity," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Siberia has been hosting a massive hole called the “Gateway to Hell" which has grown triple in size in just 30 years, according to scientists. The 200-acre wide and 300-foot deep hole is present in the Yana highlands of Siberia and is called the 'Batagaika Crater'.

Siberia has been hosting a massive hole called the “Gateway to Hell" which has grown triple in size in just 30 years, according to scientists. The 200-acre wide and 300-foot deep hole is present in the Yana highlands of Siberia and is called the 'Batagaika Crater'. It has now been observed that the hole has been expanding faster than expected because of climate change. The hole, which is officially known as Batagay, is the second-oldest permafrost on Earth. Also Read: Earth's mantle is hosting strange 'black holes' with mysterious waves. Here's what they are It is so big that it is visible from space and now the experts are flocking to the deep pit to learn everything about it. Roger Michaelides, a geophysicist at Washington University, said, “You're talking mostly about frozen dirt underground, which by definition you often can't see unless it's been exposed somehow, like in this mega slump." "I think there is a lot we can learn from Batagaika, not only in terms of understanding how Batagaika will evolve with time, but also how similar features might develop and evolve over the Arctic," he added while speaking to Business Insider. "Even if they're a tenth or a hundredth the size of Batagaika, the physics is fundamentally the same," Michaelides further said. All about expanding 'Gateway to Hell' in Siberia During the Quaternary Ice Age, about 2.58 million years ago, the land at the site had permanently frozen. The locals first spotted Batagay in Yakutia, Russia and claimed that they heard horrific noises like loud booms or “screams” coming from it. In the 1960S, the forest area was cleared and sunlight started reaching the ground of the hole and began warming it. Watch: How Earth's spin may have killed 90% of life It is still melting and some scientists have warned that this gateway can engulf most of the land and prove dangerous for nearby villages once more areas start to melt. Nikita Tananaev, a researcher at Melnikov Permafrost Institute in Yakutsk, who was not part of the study, said that the nearby ecosystems are altering permanently because of leakage from the crater. "This will lead to significant alterations to the riverine habitat, and the effect of sediment escaping the slump [the Batagaika crater] is even seen in the Yana River, the major river in the vicinity," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Scary! Earth's massive 'Gateway to Hell' triples in size in 30 years. Scientists warn...

A UK scientist who helped shape the lockdown strategy has claimed that Britain is past the worst phase of the pandemic but it should be prepared for some “possible bumps on the road.

A UK scientist who helped shape the lockdown strategy has claimed that Britain is past the worst phase of the pandemic but it should be prepared for some “possible bumps on the road.” Professor Neil Ferguson is an epidemiologist at Imperial College London. In a report by The Guardian, he said, "I am optimistic that the bulk of the pandemic, in terms of deaths and hospitalisations, is behind us. Though we should still be prepared for some possible bumps on the road." He further added that if any new variants arise, which is highly likely, they may have a lesser impact than Omicron. “The very high level of immunity in the UK population – acquired via both vaccination and infection – means that the risk of a new variant causing unmanageable levels of healthcare demand is much reduced,” he said. Also read | As UK battles Omicron wave, 1 in 15 infected with COVID-19 in England Omicron variant of coronavirus had badly hit the nation. In early January, Britain's Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that one in 15 people were estimated to have been infected with Covid until December 31 in England. "COVID-19 infection rates continued to increase across all age groups in England with the highest rates still seen in school-age children and young adults," ONS said. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had recently announced that Plan B measures in the UK would be lifted as cases were dipping. Speaking about the same Ferguson said, “Restrictions are always a trade-off between infection control and economic cost. However, given that case numbers are in decline in all regions and that hospitalisations are starting to drop, I don’t think lifting restrictions poses a large risk of causing a major resurgence. Though obviously trends will need to continue to be monitored closely.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK is done with the worst of Covid but 'possible bumps on road,' expert warns

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world. As per the scientists, every variant gives the virus a chance to mutate, and Omicron has an edge over all the previous variants because it spreads way faster.

Leonardo Martinez, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Boston University, while speaking to the Associated Press said, "The faster omicron spreads, the more opportunities there are for mutation, potentially leading to more variants."

Omicron is more likely than Delta to reinfect individuals who have already been infected with Covid. Also, it is more likely to cause “breakthrough infections” in vaccinated people while also attacking the unvaccinated.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-a-natural-disaster-most-americans-will-get-covid-19-us-health-officials-444528">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials</a>

Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University said, "It’s the longer, persistent infections that seem to be the most likely breeding grounds for new variants. It’s only when you have very widespread infection that you’re going to provide the opportunity for that to occur.”

According to federal health officials in the US, the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster."

Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases.&nbsp;

The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US. Also, it has now replaced Delta in less than a month.

(With inputs from agencies)

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world.

While the world is already struggling with the Omicron variant, scientists have warned that this will not be the last variant of the deadly coronavirus to worry the world. As per the scientists, every variant gives the virus a chance to mutate, and Omicron has an edge over all the previous variants because it spreads way faster. Leonardo Martinez, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Boston University, while speaking to the Associated Press said, "The faster omicron spreads, the more opportunities there are for mutation, potentially leading to more variants." Omicron is more likely than Delta to reinfect individuals who have already been infected with Covid. Also, it is more likely to cause “breakthrough infections” in vaccinated people while also attacking the unvaccinated. Also read | Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University said, "It’s the longer, persistent infections that seem to be the most likely breeding grounds for new variants. It’s only when you have very widespread infection that you’re going to provide the opportunity for that to occur.” According to federal health officials in the US, the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster." Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases. The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US. Also, it has now replaced Delta in less than a month. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn

In what could be a message aimed at Afghanistan's neighbours, Taliban defence minister Mullah Yaqoob&nbsp;looked to assure its cadre&nbsp;that it is in the process of forming a strong army that would defend its land and sovereignty.

In the audio message,&nbsp;the defence minister added that the government will not allow anyone to interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs and will maintain security at the borders with neighbours. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It may be seen as a response to reports that the US and Pakistan may be coming up with an understanding for facilitating the former’s drone attacks in the war-torn country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-causing-kabul-power-outage-423341" hreflang="en">Islamic State claims responsibility for causing Kabul power outage</a>

The Taliban government seems to be making efforts to provide its army with advanced and modern weapons, as per the message. &nbsp;

The minister, however, did not provide details on how it will be done, at a time when the government has not been able to pay for even electricity recently. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Even after being marred by several issues lately, the minister looked to warn the world and neighbouring countries that even with little help from outside, it is surging ahead and can work its way out. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-of-people-forced-from-their-homes-by-taliban-officials-423303" hreflang="en">Thousands of people forced from their homes by Taliban officials</a>

Yaqoob also tried to assure the Afghan people that the national army will be the guarantor of preserving the interests of Afghanistan. &nbsp;

These remarks came as the government is fighting Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) as the latter has stepped up attacks in different parts of the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The leader also looked to reassure the apprehensive Afghan people and the international community that its territory and airspace will not be used against others. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what could be a message aimed at Afghanistan's neighbours, Taliban defence minister Mullah Yaqoob looked to assure its cadre that it is in the process of forming a strong army that would defend its land and sovereignty.

In what could be a message aimed at Afghanistan's neighbours, Taliban defence minister Mullah Yaqoob looked to assure its cadre that it is in the process of forming a strong army that would defend its land and sovereignty. In the audio message, the defence minister added that the government will not allow anyone to interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs and will maintain security at the borders with neighbours. It may be seen as a response to reports that the US and Pakistan may be coming up with an understanding for facilitating the former’s drone attacks in the war-torn country. Also Read: Islamic State claims responsibility for causing Kabul power outage The Taliban government seems to be making efforts to provide its army with advanced and modern weapons, as per the message. The minister, however, did not provide details on how it will be done, at a time when the government has not been able to pay for even electricity recently. Even after being marred by several issues lately, the minister looked to warn the world and neighbouring countries that even with little help from outside, it is surging ahead and can work its way out. Also Read: Thousands of people forced from their homes by Taliban officials Yaqoob also tried to assure the Afghan people that the national army will be the guarantor of preserving the interests of Afghanistan. These remarks came as the government is fighting Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) as the latter has stepped up attacks in different parts of the country. The leader also looked to reassure the apprehensive Afghan people and the international community that its territory and airspace will not be used against others. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban defence minister’s message over regime’s army looks to warn neighbours

Microsoft executives warned Bill Gates in 2008 about inappropriate emails he had sent to a female employee, a Microsoft spokesman said Monday.

The warning involved messages in which Gates, who at the time was a full-time employee and the company’s chair, asked an employee out on a date. Senior Microsoft executives learned of the emails in 2008, according to Frank Shaw, a Microsoft spokesperson.

“These emails proposed meeting outside of work and off campus,” Shaw said. “While flirtatious, they were not overtly sexual but were deemed to be inappropriate.”

After they discovered the messages, executives warned Gates that his behaviour was inappropriate and notified a small group of board members about the incident, Shaw said. Gates told the board members that he agreed that what he had done was inappropriate, and the board took no further action.

Gates left the company shortly thereafter in a long-planned departure, though he remained a member of its board until last year. The executives’ warnings to Gates were reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-plans-on-hiring-10000-people-in-eu-to-work-on-metaverse-421830">Also read |&nbsp;Facebook plans on hiring 10,000 people in EU to work on metaverse</a>

Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Journal quoted her as saying, “These claims are false, recycled rumours from sources who have no direct knowledge, and in some cases have significant conflicts of interest.”

In 2019, after The New York Times reported on Gates’s long-running relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Microsoft’s board began looking into a report that Gates had, years earlier, had a sexual relationship with a subordinate at Microsoft.

Gates and his wife, Melinda French Gates, announced earlier this year that they were ending their 27-year marriage.

The Times reported in May that Gates had developed a reputation for questionable conduct in work-related settings. The article described Gates making an overture to a female Microsoft employee after having attended a presentation by her while he was the company’s chair. Gates left the meeting and immediately emailed the woman to ask her out to dinner, the Times reported.

“If this makes you uncomfortable, pretend it never happened,” Gates wrote in an email, according to a person who read it to the Times.

Shaw said Monday that it was Gates’ emails to that female employee that triggered executives’ warnings to Gates in 2008.

Microsoft executives warned Bill Gates in 2008 about inappropriate emails he had sent to a female employee, a Microsoft spokesman said Monday. The warning involved messages in which Gates, who at the time was a full-time employee and the company’s chair, asked an employee out on a date.

Microsoft executives warned Bill Gates in 2008 about inappropriate emails he had sent to a female employee, a Microsoft spokesman said Monday. The warning involved messages in which Gates, who at the time was a full-time employee and the company’s chair, asked an employee out on a date. Senior Microsoft executives learned of the emails in 2008, according to Frank Shaw, a Microsoft spokesperson. “These emails proposed meeting outside of work and off campus,” Shaw said. “While flirtatious, they were not overtly sexual but were deemed to be inappropriate.” After they discovered the messages, executives warned Gates that his behaviour was inappropriate and notified a small group of board members about the incident, Shaw said. Gates told the board members that he agreed that what he had done was inappropriate, and the board took no further action. Gates left the company shortly thereafter in a long-planned departure, though he remained a member of its board until last year. The executives’ warnings to Gates were reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal. Also read | Facebook plans on hiring 10,000 people in EU to work on metaverse Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Journal quoted her as saying, “These claims are false, recycled rumours from sources who have no direct knowledge, and in some cases have significant conflicts of interest.” In 2019, after The New York Times reported on Gates’s long-running relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Microsoft’s board began looking into a report that Gates had, years earlier, had a sexual relationship with a subordinate at Microsoft. Gates and his wife, Melinda French Gates, announced earlier this year that they were ending their 27-year marriage. The Times reported in May that Gates had developed a reputation for questionable conduct in work-related settings. The article described Gates making an overture to a female Microsoft employee after having attended a presentation by her while he was the company’s chair. Gates left the meeting and immediately emailed the woman to ask her out to dinner, the Times reported. “If this makes you uncomfortable, pretend it never happened,” Gates wrote in an email, according to a person who read it to the Times. Shaw said Monday that it was Gates’ emails to that female employee that triggered executives’ warnings to Gates in 2008.

Microsoft leaders warned Bill Gates over ‘inappropriate’ emails

Pope Francis warned on Monday warned that the world leaders meeting later this month for a UN climate summit must offer solutions to an "unprecedented ecological crisis."

"COP26 in Glasgow represents an urgent summons to provide effective responses to the unprecedented ecological crisis and the crisis of values that we are presently experiencing, and in this way to offer concrete hope to future generations," Francis said.

Pope is hoping to attend the UN talks and has issued the plea in writing to members of a Vatican-hosted conference called Faith and Science: Towards COP26.

It brought together scientists and religious leaders.

The Vatican participants were due to sign an appeal denouncing the "seeds of conflict -- greed, indifference, ignorance, fear, injustice, insecurity and violence", which in turn "cause the serious wounds we are inflicting on the environment, such as climate change, desertification, pollution and loss of biodiversity", the pope said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-must-play-a-greater-role-at-the-cop26-summit-say-rights-groups-415781">Also read |&nbsp;Women must play a greater role at the Cop26 summit, say rights groups</a>

Anglican leader Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, one of the religious leaders attending the Vatican conference, said the world needed "a pilgrimage to a clean economy, which decreases carbon emissions and increases renewable energy development and use".

"We have in the last 100 years declared war on the creation," he said, calling for a "dramatic and rapid change in taxation and trade rules" in favour of a more sustainable economic model.&nbsp;

"The world has just enough time to get this right," he insisted.

Meanwhile, a coalition of feminist groups recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit.

This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-offers-prayers-for-the-victims-of-ecuadors-worst-ever-prison-riot-417925">Also read |&nbsp;Pope Francis offers prayers for the victims of Ecuador's worst-ever prison riot</a>

The Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice urged for action at the UN general assembly, including demands that world leaders meeting at Cop26, in Glasgow must end fossil fuel expansion and move to 100 per cent renewable energy.

Also, more than 120 groups have signed the call. This also includes demands to promote women’s leadership and equity, protect the rights of indigenous peoples, improve food security, recognise a human right to water, and to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems.

Pope Francis warned on Monday warned that the world leaders meeting later this month for a UN climate summit must offer solutions to an "unprecedented ecological crisis.

Pope Francis warned on Monday warned that the world leaders meeting later this month for a UN climate summit must offer solutions to an "unprecedented ecological crisis." "COP26 in Glasgow represents an urgent summons to provide effective responses to the unprecedented ecological crisis and the crisis of values that we are presently experiencing, and in this way to offer concrete hope to future generations," Francis said. Pope is hoping to attend the UN talks and has issued the plea in writing to members of a Vatican-hosted conference called Faith and Science: Towards COP26. It brought together scientists and religious leaders. The Vatican participants were due to sign an appeal denouncing the "seeds of conflict -- greed, indifference, ignorance, fear, injustice, insecurity and violence", which in turn "cause the serious wounds we are inflicting on the environment, such as climate change, desertification, pollution and loss of biodiversity", the pope said. Also read | Women must play a greater role at the Cop26 summit, say rights groups Anglican leader Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, one of the religious leaders attending the Vatican conference, said the world needed "a pilgrimage to a clean economy, which decreases carbon emissions and increases renewable energy development and use". "We have in the last 100 years declared war on the creation," he said, calling for a "dramatic and rapid change in taxation and trade rules" in favour of a more sustainable economic model. "The world has just enough time to get this right," he insisted. Meanwhile, a coalition of feminist groups recently said that women must be enabled to play a greater role at the Cop26 summit. This is because the needs of women and girls are being overlooked amid the global climate crisis. Also read | Pope Francis offers prayers for the victims of Ecuador's worst-ever prison riot The Global Women's Assembly for Climate Justice urged for action at the UN general assembly, including demands that world leaders meeting at Cop26, in Glasgow must end fossil fuel expansion and move to 100 per cent renewable energy. Also, more than 120 groups have signed the call. This also includes demands to promote women’s leadership and equity, protect the rights of indigenous peoples, improve food security, recognise a human right to water, and to protect forests, oceans and other ecosystems.

COP26 must address 'unprecedented' climate crisis, Pope Francis warns

Several leading US&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;on Thursday cut their forecasts for the third quarter, citing lower bookings and increased cancelations due to the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;wave&nbsp;of&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;infections.

After a better than expected July, American&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;"experienced softness in August" in bookings and an increase in cancellations, attributed "to the rise in&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;cases associated with the delta variant," the company said in a securities filing.

American now expects third-quarter revenues to be 24 to 28 percent lower than the comparable period of 2019, worse than the July estimater for a drop of about 20 percent.

United&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;also lowered projections, saying it "has seen in the last few weeks a deceleration in customer bookings for travel compared to previous estimations due to the recent spike in&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;cases associated with the Delta variant."&nbsp;

Despite the&nbsp;drag&nbsp;from&nbsp;the recent rise in infections, "the current spike in cases has been significantly less impactful to date than prior spikes and is expected to be temporary in nature," United said&nbsp;in a securities filing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-covid-curbs-in-tokyo-till-september-end-411864">Also read |&nbsp;Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end</a>

"Based on demand patterns following prior waves of&nbsp;Covid-19, the Company expects bookings to begin to recover once cases peak."

After suffering through a devastating 2020 due to&nbsp;Covid-19, US&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;have partially recovered thanks to the progress on vaccinations and an uptick in domestic travel.

However, business travel and international travel remain well below their pre-pandemic levels and are not expected to fully recover before 2022 or later.

Delta Air Lines, Southwest&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;and JetBlue&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;also lowered some forecasts in securities filings, citing similar dynamics.&nbsp;

Executives&nbsp;from&nbsp;leading carriers are scheduled to present at an investor conference later Thursday.

Several leading US airlines on Thursday cut their forecasts for the third quarter, citing lower bookings and increased cancelations due to the latest wave of Covid-19 infections.

Several leading US airlines on Thursday cut their forecasts for the third quarter, citing lower bookings and increased cancelations due to the latest wave of Covid-19 infections. After a better than expected July, American Airlines "experienced softness in August" in bookings and an increase in cancellations, attributed "to the rise in Covid-19 cases associated with the delta variant," the company said in a securities filing. American now expects third-quarter revenues to be 24 to 28 percent lower than the comparable period of 2019, worse than the July estimater for a drop of about 20 percent. United Airlines also lowered projections, saying it "has seen in the last few weeks a deceleration in customer bookings for travel compared to previous estimations due to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases associated with the Delta variant." Despite the drag from the recent rise in infections, "the current spike in cases has been significantly less impactful to date than prior spikes and is expected to be temporary in nature," United said in a securities filing. Also read | Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end "Based on demand patterns following prior waves of Covid-19, the Company expects bookings to begin to recover once cases peak." After suffering through a devastating 2020 due to Covid-19, US airlines have partially recovered thanks to the progress on vaccinations and an uptick in domestic travel. However, business travel and international travel remain well below their pre-pandemic levels and are not expected to fully recover before 2022 or later. Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airlines also lowered some forecasts in securities filings, citing similar dynamics. Executives from leading carriers are scheduled to present at an investor conference later Thursday.

US airlines warn of drag from latest Covid-19 wave

As they struggle to deal with more extreme weather, a range of food crops are generating more of chemical compounds that can cause&nbsp;healthproblems for people and livestock who eat them, scientists have warned.

A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that crops such as wheat and maize are generating more potential toxins as a reaction to protect themselves from extreme weather.

But these chemical compounds are harmful to people and animals if consumed for a prolonged period of time, according to a report released during a United Nations Environment Assembly meeting in Nairobi.

&quot;Crops are responding to drought conditions and increases in temperature just like humans do when faced with a stressful situation,&rdquo; explained Jacqueline McGlade, chief scientist and director of the Division of Early Warning and Assessment at UNEP.

Under normal conditions, for instance, plants convert nitrates they absorb into nutritious amino acids and proteins. But prolonged drought slows or prevents this conversion, leading to more potentially problematic nitrate accumulating in the plant, the report said.

If people eat too much nitrate in their diets, it can interfere with the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen in the body, the report said.

Crops susceptible to accumulating too much nitrate in times of stress include maize, wheat, barley, soybeans, millet and sorghum, it said.

&nbsp;

DROUGHT, THEN RAIN

Some drought-stressed crops, when then exposed to sudden large amounts of rain that lead to rapid growth, in turn accumulate hydrogen cyanide, more commonly known as prussic acid, the report said.

Prussic acid &ndash; one of the ingredients used in some types of chemical warfare - interferes with oxygen flow in humans. Even short-term exposure can be debilitating for people, McGlade said.

Plants such as cassava, flax, maize and sorghum are most vulnerable to dangerous prussic acid accumulation, the report said.

Cases of nitrate or hydrogen cyanide poisoning in humans were reported in Kenya in 2013 and in the Philippines in 2005, McGlade said. In Kenya, two children died in coastal Kilifi after eating cassava that had raised levels of prussic acid in it following extreme rainfall, according to local media reports.

Aflatoxins, molds that can affect plant crops and raise the risk of liver damage, cancer and blindness, as well as stunting foetuses and infants, also are spreading to more areas as a result of shifting weather patterns as a result of climate change, scientists said.

McGlade said about 4.5 billion people in developing countries are exposed to aflatoxins each year, though the amounts are largely unmonitored, and the numbers are rising.

&quot;We are just beginning to recognise the magnitude of toxin- related issues confronting farmers in developing countries of the tropics and sub-tropics,&quot; the report noted.

&quot;As warmer climate zones expand towards the poles, countries in more temperate regions are facing new threats,&quot; it added.

In 2004, Kenya suffered severe outbreaks of aflatoxin poisoning, which affected more than 300 people and killed more than 100 following a prolonged drought, according to the International Livestock Research Institute.

&nbsp;

EUROPE AT RISK

The UNEP report said Europe will be at growing risk from aflatoxins in locally grown crops if global temperatures rise by at least 2 degrees Celsius. The world is currently on a path to a more than 3 degree Celsius temperature rise, scientists believe.

An increase in toxic compounds in crops is likely to impact heavily on the world&rsquo;s&nbsp;health&nbsp;system, which are already struggling with the effects of food insecurity, Dorota Jarosinska of the WorldHealth&nbsp;Organization&rsquo;s European Center for Environment and&nbsp;Health&nbsp;said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Alex Ezeh, executive director of the African Population&nbsp;Health&nbsp;and Research Center, said the increase in toxins in crops was a big concern.

&quot;Toxic crops can lead to neurological diseases among humans but the greatest challenge is the incidence of cancer,&rdquo; he said in an interview.

The report proposes a list of eight ideas farmers and agricultural experts can adopt to try to limit damage from more crop toxins, such as mapping contamination hotspots and building better evidence about what is happening now with the toxins in their area.

Scientists also suggest that developing crop varieties designed to cope with extreme weather could help reduce the levels of toxic chemicals in food.

&quot;Research centers with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research are developing seeds that are suitable in various regions that have been hit by climate change,&rdquo; McGlade said.

As they struggle to deal with more extreme weather, a range of food crops are generating more of chemical compounds that can cause?healthproblems for people and livestock who eat them, scientists have warned

As they struggle to deal with more extreme weather, a range of food crops are generating more of chemical compounds that can cause healthproblems for people and livestock who eat them, scientists have warned. A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that crops such as wheat and maize are generating more potential toxins as a reaction to protect themselves from extreme weather. But these chemical compounds are harmful to people and animals if consumed for a prolonged period of time, according to a report released during a United Nations Environment Assembly meeting in Nairobi. "Crops are responding to drought conditions and increases in temperature just like humans do when faced with a stressful situation,” explained Jacqueline McGlade, chief scientist and director of the Division of Early Warning and Assessment at UNEP. Under normal conditions, for instance, plants convert nitrates they absorb into nutritious amino acids and proteins. But prolonged drought slows or prevents this conversion, leading to more potentially problematic nitrate accumulating in the plant, the report said. If people eat too much nitrate in their diets, it can interfere with the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen in the body, the report said. Crops susceptible to accumulating too much nitrate in times of stress include maize, wheat, barley, soybeans, millet and sorghum, it said. DROUGHT, THEN RAIN Some drought-stressed crops, when then exposed to sudden large amounts of rain that lead to rapid growth, in turn accumulate hydrogen cyanide, more commonly known as prussic acid, the report said. Prussic acid – one of the ingredients used in some types of chemical warfare - interferes with oxygen flow in humans. Even short-term exposure can be debilitating for people, McGlade said. Plants such as cassava, flax, maize and sorghum are most vulnerable to dangerous prussic acid accumulation, the report said. Cases of nitrate or hydrogen cyanide poisoning in humans were reported in Kenya in 2013 and in the Philippines in 2005, McGlade said. In Kenya, two children died in coastal Kilifi after eating cassava that had raised levels of prussic acid in it following extreme rainfall, according to local media reports. Aflatoxins, molds that can affect plant crops and raise the risk of liver damage, cancer and blindness, as well as stunting foetuses and infants, also are spreading to more areas as a result of shifting weather patterns as a result of climate change, scientists said. McGlade said about 4.5 billion people in developing countries are exposed to aflatoxins each year, though the amounts are largely unmonitored, and the numbers are rising. "We are just beginning to recognise the magnitude of toxin- related issues confronting farmers in developing countries of the tropics and sub-tropics," the report noted. "As warmer climate zones expand towards the poles, countries in more temperate regions are facing new threats," it added. In 2004, Kenya suffered severe outbreaks of aflatoxin poisoning, which affected more than 300 people and killed more than 100 following a prolonged drought, according to the International Livestock Research Institute. EUROPE AT RISK The UNEP report said Europe will be at growing risk from aflatoxins in locally grown crops if global temperatures rise by at least 2 degrees Celsius. The world is currently on a path to a more than 3 degree Celsius temperature rise, scientists believe. An increase in toxic compounds in crops is likely to impact heavily on the world’s health system, which are already struggling with the effects of food insecurity, Dorota Jarosinska of the WorldHealth Organization’s European Center for Environment and Health said in an interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Alex Ezeh, executive director of the African Population Health and Research Center, said the increase in toxins in crops was a big concern. "Toxic crops can lead to neurological diseases among humans but the greatest challenge is the incidence of cancer,” he said in an interview. The report proposes a list of eight ideas farmers and agricultural experts can adopt to try to limit damage from more crop toxins, such as mapping contamination hotspots and building better evidence about what is happening now with the toxins in their area. Scientists also suggest that developing crop varieties designed to cope with extreme weather could help reduce the levels of toxic chemicals in food. "Research centers with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research are developing seeds that are suitable in various regions that have been hit by climate change,” McGlade said.

Extreme weather increasing level of toxins in food, scientists warn

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