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Peru glaciers decimated by climate change: Report
Peru has lost 56% of its tropical glaciers in the last 60 years due to climate change, according to a government inventory. The melting has led to the creation of new mountain lagoons that risk overflowing and flooding. The report also revealed that 164 lagoons have been formed or are in the process of forming in the last four years. Nearly 20 million Peruvians benefit from the water that comes down from the glaciers, making the loss a significant concern for the country. The government is calling for measures to reduce pollution and protect the mountain ecosystem.

Eruption of Papua New Guinea volcano subsides though thick ash is billowing 3 miles into the sky
The eruption of Mount Ulawun, the tallest volcano in Papua New Guinea, has subsided but thick ash continues to spread. While there were fears of a regional tsunami, experts believe the risk is minimal due to the volcano's distance from the ocean. The eruption is ongoing, and the ash plume has reached heights of 5,000 meters. The ash particles can pose a threat to aviation and have been coating roofs and palm trees in nearby areas.

By 2030, world needs to cut emission by 43%: UN report
According to a new UN synthesis report, the world needs to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030 to limit global temperature rise, but current mitigation efforts are projected to only achieve a 2% reduction. The report also states that while emissions will not increase after 2030, they are not decreasing rapidly enough to meet the necessary targets. The rise in global temperature has already reached 1.1 degrees Celsius, higher than pre-industrial levels, and 2023 is on track to be the warmest year on record.

Conflict pollution, washed-up landmines and military emissions - here's how war trashes the environment
Armed conflicts not only result in human suffering but also cause significant environmental damage. Artillery strikes, rockets, and landmines release pollutants, destroy forests, and render farmland unusable. Chemical weapons and pollution from weapons leave a toxic legacy in the environment. Explosives and troop movement can destroy landscapes, leading to long-lasting damage. Conflict also causes habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.

'Need strictness with our control measures': Centre for Science and Environment on increasing pollution in Delhi Post-Diwali
The bursting of firecrackers during Diwali has led to an escalation in pollution levels in Delhi, according to Vivek Chattopadhyaya, Principal Programme Manager of the Air Pollution Control Cell at the Centre for Science and Environment. The air quality in the city has significantly deteriorated and fallen into the 'Poor' category, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. Despite a ban on firecrackers, visuals from various parts of Delhi showed fireworks being lit up.

Hundreds of activists demand plastic action in Kenya
Hundreds of environmental campaigners marched in the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Saturday demanding drastic curbs on plastic production, ahead of a meeting to negotiate a global plastics treaty. Representatives from more than 170 nations will meet in Nairobi from Monday to negotiate what concrete measures should be included in a binding worldwide treaty to end plastic pollution. Marchers called for the talks to focus on cutting the amount of plastic produced and waved placards reading "Plastic crisis = climate crisis" and "End multigenerational toxic exposure".

Thousands fall ill in eastern Pakistan due to heavy smog, forcing closure of schools, markets, parks
Toxic gray smog has sickened tens of thousands of people in Pakistan's cultural capital of Lahore, forcing authorities to shut schools, markets and parks for four days, officials said Thursday. The decision came after the country's second-largest city was repeatedly ranked the world's most polluted city. Doctors advised people to wear face masks and stay at home. Residents said many people were coughing and having breathing problems. Experts say the burning of crop residue at the start of the winter wheat-planting season is a key cause of the pollution.

Research discovers link between air pollution, Parkinson's disease


GRAP temporary emergency measure, need enforcement of rules & penal action to tackle air pollution: Experts
Experts have highlighted the inadequate implementation and enforcement of existing rules as the weakest link in the fight against air pollution in Delhi-NCR. They suggest that real action should be taken to address vehicular pollution, industrial emissions, waste burning, and construction/demolition dust, rather than focusing solely on episodic events like stubble burning. The experts also emphasize the need for a regional approach to pollution control, as air pollutants do not have boundaries.

Air pollution affects brain, leads to anxiety, decrement of cognitive ability: Doctors
Doctors in Delhi have warned that air pollution not only affects the lungs but also other major organs such as the heart and brain. There has been an increase in cases of headache, anxiety, confusion, and cognitive decline, especially among vulnerable groups. A study in North Carolina showed that air quality has a direct impact on children's mathematical abilities. Doctors advise vulnerable populations and those with pre-existing conditions to stay indoors and take preventive measures.

Air pollution linked to Parkinson's disease, finds study
Living in areas with higher levels of air pollution increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the medical journal Neurology. The study found that those living in areas with median levels of air pollution are 56% more likely to develop the disease compared to those in areas with the lowest levels. The research also identified regional differences in the strength of the association, with the Mississippi-Ohio River Valley and parts of Texas, Kansas, eastern Michigan, and Florida being identified as hotspots.

Air pollution may have adverse effects on foetus, warns top expert
Experts warn that the severe air pollution in Delhi NCR is causing harmful effects on the foetus and could lead to a health emergency situation. Air pollution affects all age groups, including unborn children who are affected through their mother's exposure. Air purifiers are not a solution as they only provide personal protection and cannot reduce the overall air pollution levels. The ill effects of pollution range from respiratory problems to obesity and chronic diseases. The air quality in Delhi remains in the 'Severe' category.

Northern China chokes under severe pollution
Millions of people in northern China are under severe pollution warnings as a greyish smog blankets the region. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, home to over 100 million people, is experiencing some of the worst pollution in months. Authorities have issued orange and red alerts, urging residents to reduce outdoor activities and limit the number of vehicles on the roads. Despite efforts to improve air quality, China remains the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

Carbon budget for 1.5°C will run out in six years at current emissions levels - new research
According to a new study published in Nature Climate Change, the world has only six years to reach net-zero emissions in order to have a 50-50 chance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The study revised the carbon budget down to 250 gigatonnes of CO₂, taking into account non-CO₂ pollutants and other factors. While the chances of limiting warming to 1.5°C are decreasing, it is still possible to limit peak warming to 1.6°C or 1.7°C with effective action on emissions.

China's smog-covered north on highest pollution alert as visibility drops
Authorities issued their highest warnings for fog and haze on Tuesday as smog enveloped major cities in northern China, warning the public that visibility could drop to less than 50 metres (164 feet). Northern province Hebei launched an anti-pollution emergency response, listing traffic safety controls for when necessary including suspending flight takeoffs and landings, temporarily closing highways and suspending ferries, China's meteorological bureau said in a notice. Authorities also warned road users to stop in safe parking areas when conditions required and asked people to stay indoors.


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